CostLens
HomeSenegal › Dakar

Cost of Living in Dakar

Dakar, Dakar, Senegal · Population 1,438,725 · National capital

▲ +25% vs Senegal average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)CFA343,447 ($568)
Couple, monthlyCFA613,717 ($1,014)
Family of four, monthlyCFA797,693 ($1,319)

Estimated Prices in Dakar

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantCFA3,539 ($5.85)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeCFA14,157 ($23.40)per meal
CappuccinoCFA1,062 ($1.76)each
Monthly groceries (single person)CFA80,223 ($133)per month
Monthly public transport passCFA12,977 ($21.45)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentCFA34,213 ($56.55)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)CFA9,910 ($16.38)per month
Fitness club membershipCFA9,910 ($16.38)per month
Cinema ticketCFA2,595 ($4.29)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreCFA154,526 ($255)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreCFA107,497 ($178)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreCFA322,490 ($533)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Dakar is CFA275,275 ($455) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of CFA343,447 ($568) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly CFA446,481 ($738) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (CFA107,497 ($178)) represents about 31% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Dakar

Dakar vs PikineDakar vs ToubaDakar vs ThièsDakar vs GuédiawayeDakar vs RufisqueDakar vs Mbour

Nearby Cities

Pikine

9 km away · Dakar

Guédiawaye

12 km away · Dakar

Rufisque

18 km away · Dakar

Bargny

22 km away · Dakar

Diamniadio

27 km away · Dakar

Sébikhotane

32 km away · Dakar

Pout

41 km away · Thiès

Kayar

42 km away · Thiès

Other Major Cities in Senegal

Pikine

Dakar · pop. 1,170,791

CFA298,131 ($493) / mo

Touba

Diourbel · pop. 529,176

CFA275,681 ($456) / mo

Thiès

Thiès · pop. 391,253

CFA275,681 ($456) / mo

Guédiawaye

Dakar · pop. 329,659

CFA275,681 ($456) / mo

Rufisque

Dakar · pop. 295,459

CFA275,681 ($456) / mo

Mbour

Thiès · pop. 284,189

CFA275,681 ($456) / mo

Saint-Louis

Saint-Louis · pop. 258,592

CFA275,681 ($456) / mo

Ziguinchor

Ziguinchor · pop. 205,294

CFA258,940 ($428) / mo

Living in Dakar

Dakar is the capital and one of the key cities in Senegal. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is CFA343,447 ($568), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around CFA107,497 ($178) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to CFA797,693 ($1,319) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately CFA613,717 ($1,014) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Dakar is CFA275,275 ($455). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least CFA446,481 ($738) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dakar expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated CFA343,447 ($568) per month in Dakar including rent outside the city centre. That is 25% more than the national average for Senegal.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Dakar?
A net salary of around CFA446,481 ($738) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Dakar with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Dakar is CFA275,275 ($455).
How much is rent in Dakar?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated CFA154,526 ($255) per month in the city centre and CFA107,497 ($178) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about CFA322,490 ($533).
Is Dakar cheaper than Senegal on average?
No — Dakar is estimated to be about 25% more expensive than the Senegal average, mainly due to housing demand as the national capital.
What is the cost of groceries in Dakar?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at CFA80,223 ($133) in Dakar. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about CFA3,539 ($6) and a cappuccino runs around CFA1,062 ($2).
How do transport costs in Dakar compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Dakar is estimated at CFA12,977 ($21). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Dakar are estimates based on Senegal national averages adjusted for city size (population 1,438,725) and capital-city premium. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.