Skyline of Dakhla
Cost of Living: 52 100,000

Dakhla, Western Sahara

Dakhla is a city in Western Sahara with a population of 100,000.

Updated August 30, 2026

Overview

Dakhla is a city in Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab with a population of 100,000. Dakhla is a city in Western Sahara with a population of 100,000. Housing is more affordable than the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 7a growing zone supports Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees. A relatively small share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with about 310 sunny days a year. The population skews young, with a median age of 22.0.

Last updated: August 30, 2026

Cost of Living 52

Below Average vs Western Sahara Avg (100)

Housing Index 48

Affordable

Median Income MAD 55,000

Household income

Unemployment 18.0%

Job market health

Dakhla vs Western Sahara Average

Cost of Living
Dakhla: 52
Western Sahara Avg: 100
Housing Index
Dakhla: 48
Western Sahara Avg: 100

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: None
  • Sales Tax: 0.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: MAD 55,000
  • Unemployment: 18.0%
  • Population: 100,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 310/year
  • Summer High: 82°F
  • Winter Low: 58°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7a

Housing

  • Median Home: MAD50,000
  • 1BR Rent: MAD250/mo

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Cost of Living

Dakhla's cost of living index is 52 (Western Sahara average = 100).

CategoryDakhlaNational AverageDifference
Overall52100-48.0%
Housing48100-52.0%

Data source: Numbeo, 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home PriceMAD50,000
Median Rent (1BR)MAD250/mo
Median Rent (2BR)MAD313/mo
Price per Sq FtMAD33

Data source: Numbeo, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

MAD
%
$90,000 down
%
%
MAD

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Dakhla:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
ElectricityMAD200
Heating & CoolingN/AEstimated based on local climate.
Cooling (AC)N/AEstimated based on local climate and electricity rates
WaterMAD80Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)MAD250Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total UtilitiesMAD530Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: National Utility Regulator, 2025

Remote Work Score

Dakhla scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
— 52
Rent
— MAD250
Sunny Days
— 310
Tax
— None
Unemployment
— 18.0%
Climate
— 82°F / 58°F
Safety
— 2.0 homicides/100k
Population
— 100,000
Internet Speed
— 10 Mbps

Climate

Dakhla has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January78°F58°F2.5"
April67°F73°F2.8"
July82°F57°F1.5"
October62°F76°F2.2"
USDA Zone 7a

Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees

Natural Hazards

Dakhla faces the following natural hazards:

Drought Extreme Risk

Arid desert environment with extreme drought conditions.

Heat Wave Extreme Risk

Extreme summer heat in the Sahara.

Sandstorm High Risk

Frequent sandstorms in the Sahara.

Earthquake Moderate Risk

Moderate seismic activity with occasional earthquakes.

Tsunami Moderate Risk

Atlantic coast with tsunami risk.

Flood Low Risk

Arid environment with rare flash floods.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

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

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 18.0%.

Crime & Safety

Crime rates in Dakhla per 100,000 residents:

40.0
Violent Crime
40.0
Property Crime
2.0
Homicide

City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.

Data source: UN Office on Drugs and Crime

Schools & Education

Total Schools

Academic Schedule

School Hours 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Academic Year September to June
Term System Semester — Fall (Sep-Jan), Spring (Feb-Jun)
Summer Break June to September (12 weeks)
Winter Break December to January (2 weeks)
Spring Break March/April (1-2 weeks)

Standard academic calendar.

Demographics

The population of Dakhla is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.

Ethnicity

Other
10.0%
Sahrawi (Arab-Berber)
90.0%

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
15.0%
High school graduate
25.0%
Less than high school
50.0%
Some college
10.0%

Religion

Muslim
100.0%

City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.

Data source: MINURSO / UN (2014)

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 Dakhla, Western Sahara?

The cost of living index in Dakhla is 52, which is Lower the Western Sahara national average of 100.

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

The median home price in Dakhla is MAD50,000. The housing index is 48.

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

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Dakhla is approximately MAD250/mo.

Does Dakhla, Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab have income tax?

Dakhla is in Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab, which has no income tax.

What is the climate like in Dakhla?

Dakhla enjoys approximately 310 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 82°F, while winter lows can drop to around 58°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Numbeo, 2026
  • Housing Data: Numbeo, 2026
  • Income & Employment: National Statistics, 2024
  • Utilities National Utility Regulator, 2025

Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.