Cost of Living in Dakar, Senegal
Senegal · Africa
$800
Monthly Cost
avg/person
30
Cost Index
NYC=100
25
Rent Index
NYC=100
50
Quality of Life
Moderate
52
Safety Index
Moderate
3.7M
Population
XOF
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $3.5 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $14 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $5 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $2 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $3 |
| Cappuccino | $2 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $0.7 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.4 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $0.9 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.5 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.7 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.5 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $3.5 |
| Beef (1kg) | $5.5 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2.5 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.7 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.4 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.4 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.25 |
| Monthly Pass | $12 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.35 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.2 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $28000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $22000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $65 |
| Mobile Plan | $8 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $30 |
| Fitness Club/month | $28 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $380/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $220/mo |
| 3BR Center | $880/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $500/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $1,400/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $780/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $400 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 8% |
View Cost of Living in Senegal
Cost of Living in Dakar — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Dakar, Senegal is approximately $800 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Dakar has a cost index of 30, making it around 70% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Dakar costs around $220/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $380/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $880/month. The rent index is 25 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Dakar scores 50/100 on the quality of life index and 52/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 45/100. The climate index is 70/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Dakar is approximately $400/month. With a purchasing power index of 36/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is XOF, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Dakar
The average monthly salary in Dakar is approximately $400. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $800, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 36/100.
Healthcare Costs in Dakar
Healthcare quality in Dakar is rated 45/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Dakar
Dakar has a quality of life score of 50/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Dakar
Students living in Dakar should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Dakar
Expats moving to Dakar often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Dakar, Senegal is approximately $800 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 30 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Dakar
Living in Dakar offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 30 and a quality of life score of 50/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $400 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Dakar provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Senegal and around the world.
Key Facts About Dakar
- Average Monthly Cost: $800
- Cost Index: 30
- Rent Index: 25
- Average Salary: $400
- Quality of Life: 50/100
- Safety Score: 52/100
- Country: Senegal
- Currency: XOF
Is Dakar Expensive?
Dakar has a cost index of 30 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Dakar compare to other cities?
Dakar is located in Africa with a population of approximately 3.7M. At a cost index of 30 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Dakar stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Dakar?
The average cost of living in Dakar, Senegal is approximately $800 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 30 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Dakar?
Rent in Dakar varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 25 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Dakar alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Dakar expensive to live in?
Dakar has a cost index of 30 compared to New York City (100). At 30, Dakar is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $800.
What is the quality of life in Dakar?
Dakar has a quality of life index of 50/100 and a safety index of 52/100. The city is located in Africa and offers a moderate quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Dakar compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Dakar with any city worldwide. Dakar's cost index is 30 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Dakar?
Many residents live comfortably in Dakar with a monthly budget of around $800 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Dakar good for expats?
Dakar is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Dakar?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $800 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Dakar.
Is Dakar cheaper than New York?
Yes, Dakar has a cost index of 30 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Dakar?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Dakar.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Dakar
Cheapest Ways to Live in Dakar
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Dakar typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $220/month compared to $380/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Dakar, Senegal.
Is Dakar Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 36/100 and a quality of life score of 50/100, Dakar is a reasonable option for relocation, balancing affordability with adequate quality of life. Combined with a cost index of 30 relative to New York City, Dakar remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Senegal has to offer against other destinations in Africa.
Dakar Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Dakar", "Dakar monthly expenses 2026", and "is Dakar affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $800, a safety score of 52/100, and healthcare rated 45/100, Dakar offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Senegal.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026