Skyline of Dakar
Cost of Living: 100 3,000,000

Dakar, Senegal

Dakar is a major city in Senegal with a population of 3,000,000.

Updated August 11, 2026
Cost of Living 100

Below Average vs Senegal Avg (100)

Housing Index 120

Above Average

Median Income CFA 2,400,000

Household income

Unemployment 5.0%

Job market health

Dakar vs Senegal Average

Cost of Living
Dakar: 100
Senegal Avg: 100
Housing Index
Dakar: 120
Senegal Avg: 100

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: None
  • Sales Tax: 18.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: CFA 2,400,000
  • Unemployment: 5.0%
  • Population: 3,000,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 270/year
  • Summer High: 86°F
  • Winter Low: 65°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7b

Housing

  • Median Home: CFA60,000,000
  • 1BR Rent: CFA250000/mo

Cost of Living

Dakar's cost of living index is 100 (Senegal average = 100).

CategoryDakarNational AverageDifference
Overall1001000.0%
Housing120100+20.0%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home PriceCFA60,000,000
Median Rent (1BR)CFA250000/mo
Median Rent (2BR)CFA312,500/mo
Price per Sq FtCFA40,000

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

CFA
%
$90,000 down
%
%
CFA

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Dakar:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
ElectricityCFA30000
Heating & CoolingN/AEstimated based on local climate.
Cooling (AC)CFA6Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
WaterCFA10000Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)CFA20000Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total UtilitiesCFA60006Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Remote Work Score

Dakar scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
100
Rent
CFA250000
Sunny Days
270
Tax
None
Unemployment
5.0%
Climate
86°F / 65°F
Safety
2.5 homicides/100k
Population
3,000,000
Internet Speed
15 Mbps

Climate

Dakar has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January85°F65°F2.5"
April71°F80°F2.8"
July86°F61°F1.5"
October66°F83°F2.2"
USDA Zone 7b

Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees

Natural Hazards

Dakar faces the following natural hazards:

Heat Wave High Risk

Extreme summer heat.

Earthquake Moderate Risk

Moderate seismic activity with occasional earthquakes.

Flood Moderate Risk

River and coastal flooding.

Drought Moderate Risk

Sahel region with periodic droughts.

Sandstorm Moderate Risk

Dust storms.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 0% (None)
  • Sales Tax: 18%
  • Property Tax: ~0.1% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.0%.

Schools & Education

Total Schools

Academic Schedule

School Hours 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Academic Year October to July
Term System Trimester — 1st (Oct-Dec), 2nd (Jan-Apr), 3rd (May-Jul)
Summer Break July to October (12 weeks)
Winter Break December to January (2 weeks)
Spring Break Eid al-Fitr break (1-2 weeks)

School year starts in October. French-influenced system.

Universities & Higher Education

1
Universities
#1938
Top University Rank

Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Dakar, Senegal?

The cost of living index in Dakar is 100, which is Lower the Senegal national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Dakar?

The median home price in Dakar is CFA60,000,000. The housing index is 120.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Dakar is approximately CFA250000/mo.

Does Dakar, Dakar have income tax?

Dakar is in Dakar, which has no income tax.

What is the climate like in Dakar?

Dakar enjoys approximately 270 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 86°F, while winter lows can drop to around 65°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
  • Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.