Which place is cheaper, Dakar or Tokyo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Tokyo or Dakar?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tokyo or Dakar? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Tokyo or Dakar?
Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.
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 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Senegal, and The Best Luxury Tours to Senegal.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTokyo $157Dakar $61
The average daily cost (per person) in Tokyo is $157, 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 Tokyo and Dakar in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTokyo $77Dakar $32
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTokyo $154Dakar $64
Compare Hotels in Tokyo and Dakar
Looking for a hotel in Tokyo 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: Tokyo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tokyo $17Dakar $5.37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo
Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Tokyo to Narita Airport: $224
- Airport Transfer between Narita and Tokyo or Disney or Yokohama: $222
- Airport transfer between Haneda and Tokyo or Disney or Yokohama: $124
- Arrival Private Transfer: Haneda Airport HND to Tokyo in Sedan: $279
- Departure Private Transfer: Tokyo to Haneda Airport HND in Sedan: $279
- Departure Transfer from Tokyo City to Haneda Airport HND by van: $75
- From Haneda Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Tokyo City: $92
- From Tokyo:Private tour to Kamakura with Round-way transfer: $599
- Fuji-Q Highland 1-Day Pass with Private Transfer: $239
- Hakuba: Private transfer from/to Tokyo/HND by minibus max 9: $843
- Haneda Airport (HND) Private Transfer to Central Tokyo: $109
- Haneda Airport (HND) to/from Tokyo 23 Ward Private Transfer: $110
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 Tokyo or Dakar?
Prices for flights to both Dakar and Tokyo 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 dayTokyo $37Dakar $20
Typical Food Prices in Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:
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Late Night Noodles$5.23
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Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack$5.23
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Meal at Airport$6.81
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo
For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Takoyaki cooking experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $23
- Easy Ramen Cooking Experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $26
- 2 Hours Japanese Style Pub and Food Tour in Ueno: $33
- Private Sushi Roll Cooking Class in Japan: $38
- Food Tour in Tsukiji : $48
- Sushi Making Experience in Tsukiji 90-Minute cooking class: $54
- Japanese Traditional Cooking Class: $59
- Wagyu and 7 Japanese Dishes Cooking Class: $61
- 【Contemporary Culture】Food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $65
- Tokyo Wagyu Culinary Tour Cooking Culture and Tasting: $66
- Small-Group Wagyu Beef and 7 Japanese Dishes Tokyo Cooking Class: $68
- Private Food Tour in Downtown Yanesen and Nezu Shrine: $73
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.Tokyo $69Dakar $14
Tours and Activities in Tokyo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.
- Japan: Zen and Tea Ceremony Audio Guided Tour: $3.27
- Ancient Orient Museum Admission Ticket: $3.92
- Samurai and Bushido Audio Guided Tour: $4.71
- 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour Subway Ticket: $5.23
- Asakusa（Tokyo）: Smartphone Audio Guide Tour: $6.54
- Audio Guide Tour: Deeper Experience of Shinjuku Sightseeing: $6.54
- Tokyo Shibuya Bar Hopping Tour: $6.54
- Ueno: Self-Guided Tour of Ameyoko and Hidden Gems: $6.54
- Shibuya Sightseeing with an Audio Guide: $6.54
- Akihabara (Tokyo): English Audio Guide Tour: $6.54
- Ueno Park Self-Guided Tour with Audio Guide: $6.54
- Harajuku: Audio Guide Tour of Takeshita Street: $6.54
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 dayTokyo $33Dakar $9.00
Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:
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Sake$3.92
Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tokyo:
- Tokyo Pub Crawl: $25
- 3-Hour Tokyo Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $52
- Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour with Sake Tasting: $92
- barhopping tour&bar crawl in Retro Town Shimokitazawa: $98
- Tokyo | 3 Hours Brewery Tour with Sake Sommelier: $105
- Private Sake Tasting at 300 Years Old Sake Brewery in Tokyo : $105
- 【Harajuku】Night Pub Crawl with Local Japanese: $125
- Private Local Craft Brewery Tour in Tokyo: $150
- Wooden Barrel Sake Brewery Tour and Unlimited Tasting Near Tokyo: $167
- Private Walking Tour with Sake Brewery Visit in Chichibu: $190
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tokyo and Dakar, we can see that Tokyo is more expensive. And not only is Dakar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tokyo 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 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo 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 Tokyo Expensive? and Is Dakar Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tokyo or Dakar?
Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Dakar. When comparing the sizes of Tokyo 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 Tokyo or Dakar?
Tokyo has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Dakar experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Tokyo or Dakar in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as Dakar. Many travelers come to Tokyo for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dakar throughout the year.
In the summer, Tokyo is around the same temperature as Dakar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tokyo in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Dakar averages at about 28°C (82°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dakar. In the summer, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Dakar. Tokyo gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dakar receives 218 hours of full sun.
Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tokyo usually gets more rain in July than Dakar. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Dakar receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyTokyo 26°C (78°F)Dakar 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Dakar in the Autumn?
Both Dakar and Tokyo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tokyo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Dakar because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Tokyo is generally much colder than Dakar. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 18°C (64°F), and Dakar fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It's quite sunny in Dakar. Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than Dakar during autumn. Tokyo gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Dakar receives 260 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Tokyo. In October, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Dakar. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Dakar receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTokyo 18°C (64°F)Dakar 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Dakar in the Winter?
Both Dakar and Tokyo during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tokyo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dakar year-round.
Tokyo is much colder than Dakar in the winter. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and Dakar fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
In Dakar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Dakar. Tokyo gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dakar receives 232 hours of full sun.
Tokyo usually gets more rain in January than Dakar. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dakar receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTokyo 5°C (42°F)Dakar 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Dakar in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Dakar. The spring months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Dakar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Tokyo is cooler than Dakar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tokyo in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Dakar averages at about 21°C (70°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dakar this time of the year. Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than Dakar during spring. Tokyo gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Dakar receives 275 hours of full sun in the spring.
Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Dakar. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Dakar receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilTokyo 14°C (58°F)Dakar 21°C (70°F)
Typical Weather for Dakar and Tokyo
| Tokyo | Dakar | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (47°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (71°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (78°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (46°F) | 46 mm (1.8 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.