Which place is cheaper, Dakar or Dar es Salaam?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dar es Salaam vs. Dakar for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Dar es Salaam or Dakar?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dar es Salaam and Dakar can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Dakar?
Dar es Salaam
Having grown from a fishing village, Dar es Salaam is now a major city and commercial port on Tanzania's Indian Ocean coast. While it is mainly used as a stopping point on the way to Zanzibar, it has a few unique treasures of its own such as the Kariakoo Market, National Museum, and the open-air Village Museum.
Dakar
Located in West Africa, Dakar is the capital city of Senegal and an Atlantic port on the Cap-Vert peninsula. Main attractions include the city's markets, the Dakar Grand Mosque, Goree Island, the IFAN Museum, the African Renaissance Monument, beaches, and the Senegal Zoo.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDar es Salaam $475Dakar $62
The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $475, while the average daily cost in Dakar is $62. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Dar es Salaam and Dakar in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDar es Salaam $448Dakar $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDar es Salaam $896Dakar $66
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Dakar
Looking for a hotel in Dar es Salaam or Dakar? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Dar es Salaam Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dar es Salaam $14Dakar $5.44
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dar es Salaam
Also for Dar es Salaam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 3 Days 2 Nights Safari to Mikumi National Parks by bus transfer: $350
- 3 Days, Mikumi National park safari, by private transfer: $695
- 7 Day Safari To Selous, Mikumi and Ruaha National Parks + transfers: $2,974
- Airport Transfers: $100
- Airport Transfers To/from Dar Es Salaam City Center Or To/from Your Hotel: $85
- Dar Es Salaam City Tour. All Must See Things (private Guide And Transfer) 9 Hrs : $190
- Dar Es Salaam City Tour.(private Guide And Transfer) 10 Hrs: $200
- Airport to Hotel Transfer: $59
- Airport to Hotel Transfer.: $62
- Dar es salaam Airport Transfer (Private & Group): $50
- Dar es salaam-Morogoro-Dar es salaam transfer by luxury car.: $200
- Dar es salaam-Morogoro-Dar es salaam transfer with comfortable car: $192
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dakar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dakar:
- Transfer - Dakar - Saint-Louis - Round trip: $361
- Transfer DSS Airport - Saint-Louis - Round trip: $355
- Private Transfer DSS AIBD Airport - Palmarin/Ndangane (two directions): $222
- Blaise Diagne Int Airport (DSS): Transfer to Dakar hotels: $213
- Private Transfer from Dakar to Blaise Diagne Airport (DSS): $207
- Private Transfer from Blaise Diagne Airport (DSS) to Dakar: $207
- Transfer - DSS Airport - Saint-Louis - In both directions - One way: $199
- Transfer - Dakar - Saint-Louis - In both directions - One way: $199
- Transfer Dakar - Saly - Round trip: $161
- DSS Airport Transfer - Dakar - Round Trip: $139
- Transfer DSS Airport - Saly - Round trip: $133
- Transfer - Dakar - Saly - In both directions - One way: $94
Is it cheaper to fly into Dar es Salaam or Dakar?
Prices for flights to both Dakar and Dar es Salaam change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayDar es Salaam $19Dakar $20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dar es Salaam
For Dar es Salaam, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Experience Tanzania Culture and Local Food Cooking: $75
- Market Tour & Cooking Class in Morogoro including Hotel Transfers: $98
- Private Swahili Cooking Class: $115
Typical Food prices in Dakar
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Dakar:
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Breakfast$4.16
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dar es Salaam -Dakar $14
Tours and Activities in Dar es Salaam
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dar es Salaam.
- Private Insightful City Tour of Dar es Salaam: $30
- Dar es salaam City Tour : $38
- City Walking Tour With Street Food Tasting.: $39
- Dar es Salaam City Historical Walking Tour.: $41
- Private Tour to Jozani Forest Reserve Half-Day Guided Tour from Zanzibar: $46
- Private Tour to Prison Island - Changuu Private Island: $46
- Dar es salaam Reality Tour: $51
- Shore Excursion - Dar Es Salaam City Tour: $74
- City Tour: $77
- Private Full Day Pugu Hills Eco Cultural Tour in Tanzania: $80
- The Best/Top Rated Cultural City Tour in Dar es Salaam : $85
- Stone Town & Spice Tour: $90
Tours and Activities in Dakar
Here are a few actual costs in Dakar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Mamelles Lighthouse and Ngor Island (Walking Tour): $130
- 12 Day Private Tour Package in Senegal and the Gambia: $4,044
- 12 Days Tour :Birdwatching in Senegal: $4,200
- 14 Days 13 Nights Senegal Safari Tour: $4,106
- 15 Days Tour :Birding around Senegal: $7,000
- 2 Day-Tour of Dakar, Goree Island, Pink Lake and Bandia Park Safari on halfboard: $575
- 2 days Joal Fadiouth and Saloum Delta Private Tour package : $460
- 2-day tour Lac rose- desert of Lompoul: $294
- 3-day saint-Louis / Lompoul desert experience ( 2 nights): $926
- 3Days 2Nights Dakar, Pink Lake, St louis, Lompoul Desert Experience: $1,057
- 6 Days 5Nights Dakar, Pink Lake, Touba,Niokolo Koba, dindefello Falls Adventure: $1,747
- 6-Days Private Tour Dakar, Wassadou, Niokolo Koba Park, Dindefello Falls Safari: $1,596
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDar es Salaam $7.91Dakar $9.12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dar es Salaam and Dakar, we can see that Dar es Salaam is more expensive. And not only is Dakar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dakar would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dakar and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Dar es Salaam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dar es Salaam than you might in Dakar.
Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Dakar?
Dar es Salaam is bigger, and its population is about 9% larger than the population of Dakar. When comparing the population of Dar es Salaam vs. Dakar, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit and the activities that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Dar es Salaam or Dakar?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Dakar in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Dakar. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dakar throughout the year.
Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in July than Dakar. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Dakar receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dakar. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dar es Salaam this time of the year. In the summer, Dar es Salaam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dakar. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dakar receives 218 hours of full sun.
Dar es Salaam is cooler than Dakar in the summer. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Dakar fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDar es Salaam 25°C (77°F)Dakar 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Dakar in the Autumn?
Both Dakar and Dar es Salaam are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dar es Salaam throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Dakar because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Dakar. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dakar receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
It's quite sunny in Dakar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dakar during autumn. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Dakar receives 260 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Dakar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dar es Salaam in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Dakar averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDar es Salaam 25°C (78°F)Dakar 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Dakar in the Winter?
Both Dakar and Dar es Salaam during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dar es Salaam because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dakar year-round.
Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in January than Dakar. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dakar receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Dakar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Dar es Salaam. In the winter, Dar es Salaam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dakar. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dakar receives 232 hours of full sun.
In January, Dar es Salaam is generally a little warmer than Dakar. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 28°C (82°F), and Dakar fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDar es Salaam 28°C (82°F)Dakar 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Dakar in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Dakar. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Dakar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Dar es Salaam gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Dakar. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Dakar receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dakar this time of the year. Dar es Salaam usually receives less sunshine than Dakar during spring. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Dakar receives 275 hours of full sun in the spring.
Dar es Salaam is a little warmer than Dakar in the spring. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Dakar fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDar es Salaam 27°C (81°F)Dakar 21°C (70°F)
Typical Weather for Dakar and Dar es Salaam
| Dar es Salaam | Dakar | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
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Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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