Which place is cheaper, Dakar or Hanoi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Hanoi or Dakar?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hanoi and Dakar can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Hanoi or Dakar?
Hanoi
Hanoi is the chaotic capital of Vietnam, and it serves as a great introduction to the country for many travelers. It's the second largest city in the country after Saigon and is an interesting combination of East meets West. There's traditional Vietnamese culture with subtle influences brought by the French. The city continues to grow and change rapidly and it's easy to get lost amidst the chaos.
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 Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam, The Best Adventure Tours to Senegal, and The Best Luxury Tours to Senegal.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHanoi $48Dakar $61
The average daily cost (per person) in Hanoi is $48, 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 Hanoi and Dakar in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHanoi $25Dakar $32
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHanoi $50Dakar $64
Compare Hotels in Hanoi and Dakar
Looking for a hotel in Hanoi 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: Hanoi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hanoi $6.79Dakar $5.37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hanoi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hanoi:
-
Taxi to Bus Station$1.18
-
Shuttle Bus From Airport (for Two)$3.15
-
Local Bus Ride (for Two)$0.39
-
Short Taxi Ride$1.34
-
Short Motorbike Ride (10 Minutes)$0.79
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hanoi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hanoi:
- ( Deluxe & Small Group ) Bai Dinh Trang An Mua Cave Tour with Limousine Transfer: $54
- 1 Day Halong Cruise Tour with Transfer and early return to Hanoi: $24
- 1-Way Transfer between Hanoi and Ha Long via Limousine Bus: $22
- 2 Days 1 night Ba Be Lake BEST ADVENTURE: transfer,homestay,boat,kayak,swim,cave: $153
- 2 Days Halong Bay With Budget Cruise - Including Transfer From Hanoi: $148
- 2-Day Adenture Pu Luong Motorbike Tour with Transfer from HANOI : $125
- 2-Day Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Ha Long Bay With Transfer: $190
- 2-Day In Halong Bay Cruise With Transfer From Hanoi: $180
- 2-Day Ninh Binh & Halong Bay With Transfer: $210
- 2-day Ha Long Bay Cruise included Transfer, Kayking and Swimming: $180
- 25 Minutes Scenic Halong Seaplane from Hanoi Transfer Expressway: $280
- 3-Day Halong Bay Cruise with Round-trip Transfer From Hanoi: $285
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dakar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dakar:
- AIBD-DAKAR transfer: $49
- Blaise Diagne Int Airport (DSS): Transfer to Dakar hotels: $211
- DSS Airport Transfer <-> Dakar (Return): $120
- Private Transfer DSS AIBD Airport - Dakar (two directions): $82
- Transfer - DSS Airport <-> Dakar (One way): $66
- Transfer - Dakar <-> Saint-Louis (One way): $197
Is it cheaper to fly into Hanoi or Dakar?
Prices for flights to both Dakar and Hanoi 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
-
Food Meals for one dayHanoi $13Dakar $20
Typical Food Prices in Hanoi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hanoi:
-
High End Dinner (for Two)$11
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.33
-
Bowl of Pho$0.79
-
Italian Dinner (for Food)$6.10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hanoi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hanoi.
- Private Traditional Vietnamese Food Cooking Class in Hanoi : $5.00
- Hanoi free food tour - Old Quarter food walking tour: $5.00
- Street Food Tour (Group/Individual): $5.11
- (Group/Individual) HANOI STREET FOOD TOUR : $5.13
- Hanoi Street Food Tour Visit Train Street Add Old Quarter: $19
- Hanoi Walking Street Food Tour: $20
- Street Food Tour By Walking: $21
- Walking Street Food Tour Small Group with Local Guide: $22
- Hanoi Street Food Tour: $22
- Hanoi street food tour small group tour: $22
- Hanoi Street Food Tour: $23
- Mad Monkey Hoi An Cooking Class & Bamboo Boats: $23
Typical Food Prices in Dakar
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Dakar:
-
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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hanoi $8.38Dakar $14
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hanoi
Here are a few typical costs in Hanoi for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Puppet Theater$1.57
-
The Hanoi Hilton Entrance$1.57
-
National History Museum$1.57
-
Puppet Theater Ticket$2.75
Tours and Activities in Hanoi
Here are a few actual costs in Hanoi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bus Ticket Cat Ba - Hanoi ( Bus+ Ferry ) - Best Selling: $0.02
- Hanoi Old Quarter Half-day Private Walking Tour : $5.00
- Hanoi Old Quarter Free walking tour: $5.00
- Private Walking Tour of Hanoi City: $5.00
- Half Day Hanoi Old Quarter Private Walking Tour: $5.00
- Skip the line: Thang Long Water Puppet Theater Entrance Tickets: $5.00
- Street Food Walking Tour in Hanoi: $5.00
- Sightseeing Walking Tour in Hanoi: $5.00
- Half-day Private Walking Tour of Hanoi's Old Quarter: $5.00
- Hanoi Street Food Experience: $5.00
- Half Day Hanoi Old Quarter Private Walking Tour : $5.00
- Private Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour: $5.00
Tours and Activities in Dakar
Here are a few actual costs in Dakar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Private custom tour with a local guide: $30
- Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide in Dakar: $31
- Accro Baobab Adventure Ticket Entry: $38
- Half Day Dakar City Tour: $105
- Private City Tour: $109
- Full Day Private Tour in move, eat, act like a local: $109
- Half-Day GOREE Island Tour:The Heritage Tour: $130
- Mamelles Lighthouse and Ngor Island (Walking Tour): $130
- From Dakar or Saly: Half-Day Tour to Pink Lake: $138
- Full Day Goree Island And Dakar City Tour(Minimum 2 Participants): $142
- Full-Day Private Dakar City Tour : $142
- Day trip Goree island and Dakar city tour : $159
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayHanoi $7.58Dakar $9.00
Sample the Local Flavors in Hanoi
Also in Hanoi, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Hanoi Beer and Brewery Tour: $48
- Half-Day Guided Tour Australian Beef with Wine Tasting & Rickshaw in Hanoi: $106
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hanoi and Dakar, we can see that Dakar is more expensive. And not only is Hanoi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hanoi is in Asia 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 Hanoi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hanoi 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 Dakar would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dakar than you might in Hanoi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hanoi Expensive? and Is Dakar Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Dakar?
Dakar has a larger population, and is about 73% larger than the population of Hanoi. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi 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 Hanoi or Dakar?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Hanoi or Dakar in the Summer?
Both Dakar and Hanoi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Dakar because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The rainy season in Hanoi is May to September. It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In July, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Dakar. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Dakar receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Hanoi is generally around the same temperature as Dakar. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 29°C (84°F), and Dakar fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyHanoi 29°C (84°F)Dakar 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Hanoi or Dakar in the Autumn?
Both Dakar and Hanoi during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hanoi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dakar year-round.
November to April is the dry season in Hanoi. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. Hanoi usually gets more rain in October than Dakar. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Dakar receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
Hanoi is cooler than Dakar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Dakar fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHanoi 25°C (77°F)Dakar 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Hanoi or Dakar in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Dakar. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Dakar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Hanoi usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dakar. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Dakar receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Hanoi is cooler than Dakar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hanoi in January average around 17°C (63°F), and Dakar averages at about 22°C (72°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHanoi 17°C (63°F)Dakar 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Hanoi or Dakar in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Dakar. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dakar throughout the year.
Also, November to April in Hanoi is the dry season. May to September in Hanoi is the rainy season. Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hanoi usually gets more rain in April than Dakar. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Dakar receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Hanoi is generally a little warmer than Dakar. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 24°C (75°F), and Dakar fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilHanoi 24°C (75°F)Dakar 21°C (70°F)
Typical Weather for Dakar and Hanoi
| Hanoi | Dakar | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (63°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Nov | 22°C (72°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.