Which place is cheaper, Dakar or Dubai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dubai 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 Dubai and Dakar can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dubai or Dakar?
Dubai
Ever wonder what it would be like to see the lifestyles of the rich and famous up close. There's no more upscale destination than Dubai. It's by far and away the spot for shopping, partying, sunbathing, fine dining and the most luxurious of luxury. As the most modern and progressive of the seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates, this area has experienced an unbelievable economic boom and tourism spike. It's a desert city with an amazing infrastructure.
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 3-Day Tours from Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, The Best Adventure Tours to Senegal, and The Best Luxury Tours to Senegal.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDubai $248Dakar $61
The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $248, 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 Dubai and Dakar in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDubai $170Dakar $32
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDubai $340Dakar $64
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Dakar
Looking for a hotel in Dubai 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: Dubai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dubai $13Dakar $5.37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubai
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubai:
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Taxi Ride$12
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Airport Taxi$12
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Sea Taxi$0.54
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubai
Also for Dubai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Banana Boat Ride Dubai With Transfer: $190
- Burj Al Arab Tour - Gold Cappuccino With Private Transfers: $147
- Dubai Frame & La Perle Dragon Dubai (Bronze) With Transfer: $210
- Dubai Maktoum DWC to Al Ain Private Limo-Van Transfer: $67
- Dubai Private Transfer to The Outlet Village: $92
- Jet Ski Adventure in Dubai with Optional Transfers: $109
- 1 Day 1 Park (Motiongate or Legoland) with Private Transfer: $185
- 1-Hour Quad Biking Tour with Transfer from Dubai: $61
- 12 Minute Helicopter Ride in Dubai with Optional Transfer: $255
- 2 Dives for Certified Divers in Fujairah with lunch & transfer: $167
- 2 Hour View at The Palm Ticket and One Way Monorail with Transfer: $65
- 20 Minute Jet Car Ride Near Burj Al Arab with Optional Transfers: $230
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dakar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dakar:
- Blaise Diagne Int Airport (DSS): Transfer to Dakar hotels: $211
- Transfer - Dakar <-> Saint-Louis (One way): $197
- DSS Airport Transfer <-> Dakar (Return): $120
- Private Transfer DSS AIBD Airport - Dakar (two directions): $82
- Transfer - DSS Airport <-> Dakar (One way): $66
- AIBD-DAKAR transfer: $49
Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or Dakar?
Prices for flights to both Dakar and Dubai 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 dayDubai $56Dakar $20
Typical Food Prices in Dubai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubai:
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French bread$0.95
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Sumo salad in Dubai Mall + Juice$10
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Lemon Mint Tea$4.36
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Coffee & Cake$6.53
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Smoothie$5.45
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Shawarma$1.91
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubai
For Dubai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Premium Dinner Cruise Al-Seef: $12
- Dhow Cruise Dinner Dubai Creek with Buffet Dinner: $14
- Dhow Dinner Cruise with International Buffet in Dubai: $14
- Dubai:Desert Safari BBQ dinner, Dune bashing,Camel&Sandboarding: $14
- Scenic Dhow Cruise with Buffet Dinner and Live Shows: $14
- Romantic Sightseeing Dhow Cruise Dinner: $15
- 2-Hour Evening Dhow Cruise and Dinner: $15
- Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner in Dubai Creek: $17
- Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise Dinner: $18
- Desert Safari with Dinner and Live Show: $18
- Dhow Dinner Cruise with International Buffet: $18
- Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner: $19
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$4.11
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: $115
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dubai $19Dakar $14
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubai
For Dubai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Visit to the Dubai Museum$0.82
Tours and Activities in Dubai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubai.
- Tourist eSIM/SIM Card with Data and Minutes: $2.50
- Dubai Guided Old Town Tour, Abra Boat, Gold & Spice Souk: $4.63
- Ticket to Muséum of the futuré: $5.30
- Global Village Entry Ticket: $6.13
- Burj Khalifa, Dubai Hidden Gems - Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.34
- 4G Data Roaming eSIM Card for Tourists: $6.46
- Old Town Walking Tour with Souks, Abra Ride & Snacks: $8.00
- Old Walking Tour with Boat Ride, Souks and Museums: $8.17
- Old Dubai, Walking Tour, Souk Shopping, and Abra Ride: $8.85
- Pearl Merchants and Palm Trees: A Self-Guided Tour of Sharjah: $8.99
- Dubai Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Guided Old Town Tour with Souks, Tastings & Boat Tour: $9.53
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: $290
- 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: $109
- Private custom tour with a local guide: $30
- Day trip Goree island and Dakar city tour : $159
- From Dakar or Saly: Half-Day Tour to Pink Lake: $138
- From Dakar/Saly: Half-Day Bandia Wildlife Reserve Tour: $247
- Full Day Goree Island And Dakar City Tour(Minimum 2 Participants): $142
- Full Day Private Tour in move, eat, act like a local: $109
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDubai $23Dakar $9.00
Typical Alcohol Prices in Dubai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Dubai:
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A Couple Drinks$25
Sample the Local Flavors in Dubai
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubai:
- Pub Crawl Nightlife Tours: $66
- Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour: $67
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Dakar, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Dakar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Dakar is in Africa, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai 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 Dubai Expensive? and Is Dakar Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dubai or Dakar?
Dakar has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Dubai. When comparing the sizes of Dubai 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 Dubai 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 Dubai or Dakar in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Dakar. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dakar throughout the year.
Also, June to August in Dubai is the dry season. Dubai usually gets less rain in July than Dakar. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Dakar receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
The heat can be very extreme in Dubai. In the summer, Dubai is a little warmer than Dakar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dubai in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Dakar averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDubai 35°C (95°F)Dakar 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Dakar in the Autumn?
Both Dakar and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Dakar because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Dubai usually receives less rain than Dakar. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Dakar receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In October, Dubai is generally around the same temperature as Dakar. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 29°C (84°F), and Dakar fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDubai 29°C (84°F)Dakar 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Dakar in the Winter?
Both Dakar and Dubai during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dakar year-round.
January to March is the rainy season in Dubai. Dubai usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Dakar. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Dakar receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
Dubai is cooler than Dakar in the winter. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 19°C (66°F) in January, and Dakar fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDubai 19°C (66°F)Dakar 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Dakar in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Dakar. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Dakar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
June to August in Dubai is the dry season. In April, Dubai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dakar. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Dakar receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In the spring, Dubai is a little warmer than Dakar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dubai in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Dakar averages at about 21°C (70°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDubai 26°C (79°F)Dakar 21°C (70°F)
Typical Weather for Dakar and Dubai
| Dubai | Dakar | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 20 mm (0.8 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.