Quick answer: As of 2026, living in Dakar costs approximately $1,351 per month for one person including rent. That is 17% below the $1,620 global median across the 340 cities in the Voyica Cost of Living Index 2026. Against its own region, where the median is $861, Dakar is on the more expensive side for Africa. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1,003 per month, or $453 outside the centre. Housing therefore accounts for about 34% of a single person's total monthly cost here. A family of four should budget around $3,160 per month excluding rent. Day to day, an inexpensive restaurant meal runs about $5.39 and a monthly transit pass $81. For anyone weighing a longer stay, median internet speed is 22 Mbps and Dakar scores 55/100 on safety (moderately safe). Actual costs vary with lifestyle, neighbourhood, and exchange rates; figures come from crowd-sourced price data last refreshed June 2026. See the full Cost of Living Index →
Dakar is a city in Senegal, where a single person can expect to spend about $1,351 per month including rent, food, and local transport. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1,003 per month, or $453 outside the centre. Internet is slow at around 22 Mbps median download speed. On safety, Dakar scores 55/100 — moderately safe for residents and visitors. Expect summer highs near 90°F and winter highs around 82°F, with roughly 290 sunny days a year.
A single person should budget around $1,351 per month in Dakar, covering rent, groceries, transport, and basic lifestyle costs. A family of four typically needs about $3,160 per month excluding rent.
How much is rent in Dakar?
A one-bedroom apartment in central Dakar averages $1,003 per month, dropping to about $453 outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $2,216.
Is Dakar safe?
Dakar scores 55/100 on safety, which is moderately safe. Tourist safety is rated 55/100.
How fast is the internet in Dakar?
Median download speeds in Dakar are around 22 Mbps — slow for remote work and video calls. There are roughly 15 coworking spaces in the city.
Does Senegal offer a digital nomad visa?
Senegal does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. US passport holders can usually stay 90 days visa-free.
What is the weather like in Dakar?
Dakar sees summer highs around 90°F and winter highs near 82°F, with about 290 sunny days and 50 rainy days per year.
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