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Dakar🇸🇳

Senegal · Cost of living & nomad guide 2026

Population
1,100,000
Timezone
Africa/Dakar
Nomad community
Small

City metrics

Financial

Rent 1BR (centre)$500/mo
Rent 1BR (outside)$350/mo
Rent 3BR (centre)$1,000/mo
Cost of living (national avg)38 (USA=100, World Bank ICP)
Cheap meal$4.00
Mid-range meal for 2$10.00
Monthly groceries~$200

Infrastructure

Internet speed20 Mbps
Internet reliability60/100
Healthcare index50/100
Coworking spaces~3

Lifestyle

Safety index55/100
Air quality50 AQI — Good
Walkability55/100
Climate score75/100
English proficiencyModerate
Source: OpenAQ · Global Peace Index · regional statistical agencies · Updated Live + annual

Nomad

Nomad communitySmall
Visa easeEasy
Budget score80/100
Lifestyle score68/100
Overall nomad score
58/100
Source: NoodlePants composite (World Bank ICP, Ookla, OpenAQ) · Updated Quarterly

What it's actually like here

Looking for a genuinely affordable nomad hub? This West African gem might be your next move. With a one-bedroom in the city center for just $500, Dakar won't break the bank. Groceries at $200 monthly and cheap meals for $4 mean your budget stretches far. It suits adventurous nomads who appreciate a vibrant cultural experience over a sprawling expat scene – the nomad community here is small, and English proficiency is moderate. While you might miss lightning-fast fiber, 20 Mbps internet is enough for most work, though reliability scores 60/100, so be prepared for occasional hiccups. The lifestyle score is decent at 68, driven by good climate and easy visas. However, with a safety index of 55, street smarts are essential. This isn't a digital nomad utopia, but for the right person – someone seeking authenticity and affordability – Dakar offers a truly unique and enriching experience.

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Who this suits

Budget nomad

Featured neighbourhoods

Neighbourhood guides coming soon for Dakar.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to live in Dakar as a digital nomad?+

As of 2026, a 1-bedroom apartment in the centre of Dakar averages around $500 per month. The national cost-of-living index for Senegal sits at 38 (USA=100) — sourced from World Bank ICP. City-level detail is coming as we gather it; for now this is a national figure. Nomads typically budget extra for coworking, eating out, and travel.

Is Dakar safe for digital nomads?+

Dakar scores 55/100 on our composite safety index, which blends the Global Peace Index, crime stats and traveller-advisory data. Most central neighbourhoods are fine with normal big-city awareness.

How fast is the internet in Dakar?+

Headline average internet speed in Dakar is around 20 Mbps based on Ookla Speedtest data. That's enough for video calls, large file uploads and most remote-work needs in central neighbourhoods — coworking spaces and serviced apartments usually run faster than that.

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