Which place is cheaper, Dakar or Dar es Salaam?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Adventure Tours to Senegal, and The Best Luxury Tours to Senegal.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDar es Salaam $460Dakar $61
The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $460, while the average daily cost in Dakar is $61. 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 $434Dakar $32
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDar es Salaam $868Dakar $64
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 $13Dakar $5.32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dar es Salaam
Also for Dar es Salaam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer from JNIA Airport to Hotels in Dar essalaam: $55
- Dar Es Salaam City Tour.(private Guide And Transfer) 10 Hrs: $200
- Dar es Salaam Airport Transfer: $75
- Dar es salaam-Morogoro-Dar es salaam transfer by luxury car.: $200
- Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with Transfers.: $120
- Luxury Coach - Dar Es Salaam Airport Transfer to the City Centre/Out ( 22 max): $113
- Private Transfer from Dar El Salaam to Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR): $73
- Private Transfer from Dar es Salaam Airport DAR to Dar es Salaam by Luxury Car: $167
- Sunset Cruise - Magic of Zanzibar Sunset With Transfer - Zanzibar: $100
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dakar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dakar:
- Transfer - DSS Airport <-> Saint-Louis (One way): $260
- Blaise Diagne Int Airport (DSS): Transfer to Dakar hotels: $209
- Transfer - Dakar <-> Saint-Louis (One way): $195
- DSS Airport Transfer <-> Dakar (Return): $119
- Private Transfer DSS AIBD Airport - Dakar (two directions): $81
- Blaise Diagne Intl Airport (DSS) to Dakar hotels - Round-Trp Private Transfer: $72
- Transfer - DSS Airport <-> Dakar (One way): $65
- AIBD-DAKAR transfer: $49
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 $18Dakar $19
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:
- Private Swahili Cooking Class: $115
- Swahili food Cooking Experience: $150
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$4.07
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dakar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dakar.
- Senegalese Street Food Tour in Dakar: $105
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dar es Salaam -Dakar $13
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: $25
- City Historical Walking Tour And Street Food.: $40
- City Walking Tour And Street Food Tasting.: $40
- Dar Es Salaam:Shore Excursion Tour And Street Food Tasting.: $46
- Dar es salaam City Tour & Storytelling: $72
- Spice tour & Stone Town Zanzibar secrets with Lunch - Zanzibar: $75
- City Tour: $77
- Dar es salaam full City tour , unforgettable memory: $77
- Tanzania Private Swahili culture experience: $80
- The Best/Top Rated Cultural City Tour in Dar es Salaam : $85
- Dar es Salaam City Tour Tanzania : $89
- 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
- 2-day tour Lac rose- desert of Lompoul: $287
- Accro Baobab Adventure Ticket Entry: $38
- Dakar City Tour and Goree Island: $162
- Pink Lake and Turtle Village Half-Day Tour: $200
- Private City Tour: $108
- Private custom tour with a local guide: $30
- Day trip Goree island and Dakar city tour : $157
- From Dakar or Saly: Half-Day Tour to Pink Lake: $136
- From Dakar/Saly: Half-Day Bandia Wildlife Reserve Tour: $244
- Full Day Goree Island And Dakar City Tour(Minimum 2 Participants): $142
- Full Day Private Tour in move, eat, act like a local: $108
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDar es Salaam $7.66Dakar $8.92
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.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dar es Salaam Expensive? and Is Dakar Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Dakar?
Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Dakar. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and 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 along with the activities and attractions 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) |
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.