Benin City vs Cotonou
Which city is right for your trip in 2026?
Updated March 2026
Quick Comparison
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Daily Budget
Benin City: NGN 20000/day
Cotonou: XOF 25000/day
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Safety
Benin City: exercise caution
Cotonou: moderate
Benin City
Nigeria
Cotonou
Benin
Country
Nigeria
Benin
Population
1.8M
679K
Timezone
Africa/Lagos
Africa/Porto-Novo
Avg Temperature
31°C
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Best Months
Jan, Nov, Dec
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Benin City or Cotonou cheaper?
Budget travellers spend around NGN 20000/day in Benin City compared to XOF 25000/day in Cotonou.
Is Benin City or Cotonou safer?
Benin City is rated "exercise caution" while Cotonou is rated "moderate" for tourists. Both are popular destinations with millions of visitors each year.
Should I visit Benin City or Cotonou?
It depends on your priorities. Benin City is cheaper for budget travellers. Check the full comparison above for weather, ratings, and more details.
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