Which place is cheaper, Dakar or Nairobi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Nairobi 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 Nairobi 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: Nairobi or Dakar?
Nairobi
Nairobi is Kenya's capital as well as the country's largest city. With a population of about 3 million, it is also one of the largest cities in Africa. It is a prominent city both politically and financially within the region. There are many international companies that are located in Nairobi and the Nairobi Securities and Exchange is one of the largest in Africa.
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 Kenya, The Best Budget Safaris in Kenya, The Best Adventure Tours to Senegal, and The Best Luxury Tours to Senegal.
-
Nairobi Prices
Kenya PricesDakar Prices
Senegal Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNairobi $68Dakar $81
The average daily cost (per person) in Nairobi is $68, while the average daily cost in Dakar is $81. 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 Nairobi and Dakar in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNairobi $12Dakar $35
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNairobi $24Dakar $70
Compare Hotels in Nairobi and Dakar
Looking for a hotel in Nairobi 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: Nairobi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nairobi $11Dakar $5.71
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nairobi
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Nairobi:
-
Taxi from Airport$9.27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nairobi
Also for Nairobi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer (one Way): $80
- Airport Transfers: $40
- Airport Transfers In Nairobi: $50
- Airport Transfers In Nairobi City: $67
- Airport Transfers in Nairobi: $47
- Airport Transfers in Nairobi: $28
- Airport Transfers in Nairobi City: $70
- Airport transfer; NBO to nairobi hotels: $27
- Airport transfers: $180
- Beyond Boundaries Tours and Transfers: $30
- From JKIA Airport: Nairobi private transfer in a car (3 pax max): $35
- From Wilson Airport: Nairobi private transfer in a car (3 pax): $30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dakar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dakar:
- Transfer - DSS Airport Saint-Louis (One way): $280
- Transfer - DSS Airport Dakar (One way): $70
- Private Transfer, Airport, Hotels, Dakar, Saly and Surrounding Areas: $72
- Private Transfer from Dakar to Dakar Airport DSS by Sedan or Van: $47
- Private Transfer from Dakar to Blaise Diagne Airport (DSS): $206
- Private Transfer from Blaise Diagne Airport (DSS) to Dakar: $210
- Private Transfer DSS AIBD Airport - Riu Baobab Hotel (two ways): $99
- Private Transfer DSS AIBD Airport - Dakar (two directions): $99
- Dakar hotels to Blaise Diagne Intl Airport (DSS) - Departure Private Transfer: $72
- DSS Airport to Saly Private Transfer: $64
- DSS Airport Transfer Dakar (Return): $128
- DSS Airport Riu Baobab Hotel Premium Private Transfer: $75
Is it cheaper to fly into Nairobi or Dakar?
Prices for flights to both Dakar and Nairobi 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 dayNairobi $13Dakar $36
Typical Food Prices in Nairobi
For Nairobi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Dinner for Two$5.02
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nairobi
For Nairobi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Carnivore Restaurant: Lunch or Dinner Experience in Nairobi: $21
- Kenyan Cooking Class & Authentic Dining Experience with a Local: $40
- Traditional Kenyan Cooking Class & Local Market Tour: $55
- Private Interactive Cooking Class and Market Tour in Kinoo: $65
- Dinner/Lunch Eating Experience Carnivore Restaurant & Transport: $75
- Nairobi Nightlife and Safari Park Hotel Dinner Experience: $90
- Private Market Tour and Traditional Kenyan Cooking Class in Nairobi with a Local: $98
- Safari Cat Dancers Show And Dinner: $100
- Barbecue Lunch/ Dinner At The Carnivore Restaurant - Nairobi: $100
- Authentic home dinner with a local Family in Nairobi: $108
- Flavors of Brazilian Churrascaria Dinner Eating Experience: $125
- BBQ Dinner & Cat Dancers Experience at Safari Park Hotel: $125
Typical Food Prices in Dakar
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Dakar:
-
Breakfast$4.37
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dakar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dakar.
- Authentic Jollof Cooking Class: $99
- Senegalese Street Food Tour in Dakar: $115
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nairobi $46Dakar $14
Typical Entertainment Prices in Nairobi
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Nairobi's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Village Visit$15
Tours and Activities in Nairobi
For Nairobi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Private Tour in Kibera the Largest Slum: $15
- Kibera Slum Cultural and Community Walking Tour: $15
- Ankara Fabric Shopping and Same Day Tailoring Experience: $17
- Nairobi City Walking Guided Tour: $18
- Nairobi Matatu Culture Experience: $18
- Nairobi’s ultimate Walking City Tour with Hotel pickup: $20
- Half Day Nairobi National Park Game Drive tour.: $22
- Nairobi Artistic and Literary Walking Tour Experience: $22
- Nairobi City Walk Tour +pickup: $22
- Kibera Chocolate City Tour: $22
- Historical City Walk Tour in Nairobi: $23
- Nairobi City Tour: $25
Tours and Activities in Dakar
Here are a few actual costs in Dakar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 days tour Pink lake- desert of Lompoul 2 people minimum: $257
- Dakar City Tour – Markets, Highlights & Local Guide: $140
- Dakar City Tour and Goree Island: $162
- Dakar Senegalese Culture and History 4 Hour Tour: $120
- Dakar in 3h: Full tour by traditional fast coach: $30
- Pink Lake and Turtle Village Half-Day Tour: $200
- Private City Tour: $117
- Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $33
- Private custom tour with a local guide: $33
- prepare the thieboudienne for the ultimate local experience: $55
- private tour "move, eat, act like a local": $82
- Day tour Somone lagoon and Bandia park Safari: $244
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayNairobi $16Dakar $9.58
Sample the Local Flavors in Nairobi
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Nairobi:
- Food and Wine Tasting Experience at Five Senses Restaurant: $155
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nairobi and Dakar, we can see that Dakar is more expensive. And not only is Nairobi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nairobi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nairobi 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 Nairobi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nairobi Expensive? and Is Dakar Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nairobi or Dakar?
Nairobi has a larger population, and is about 11% larger than the population of Dakar. When comparing the sizes of Nairobi 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.
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.