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Dakar cityscape

Dakar🇸🇳

Senegal · Cost of living & nomad guide 2026

Photo by Sweder Breet on Unsplash

Who this suits

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

What it's actually like here

Dakar offers a surprisingly affordable lifestyle, especially when compared to European or North American cities. You’ll find rent for a one-bedroom in the city center to be quite reasonable, leaving more in your budget for exploration. This vibrant West African hub is perfect for adventurous nomads seeking an immersive cultural experience rather than a large, established expat bubble. The internet is generally reliable and fast enough for most remote work, though occasional minor hiccups are part of the charm. While generally safe, exercising caution, particularly after dark, is always wise, just like in any major city. The biggest caveat? Be prepared for a bustling, sometimes chaotic environment – it’s a city that’s always alive, which can be both exhilarating and a little overwhelming until you adapt.

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Dakar
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City metrics

Financial

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

Infrastructure

Internet speed20 Mbps
Connectivity score36/100
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: World Bank ICP (cost of living, US=100), Ookla (internet), OpenAQ (air quality) · Updated Quarterly

📍 Dakar on the map

A quick look at where in the world this city sits.

Find accommodation in Dakar

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Featured neighbourhoods

Neighbourhood guides coming soon for Dakar.

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 (US=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.

Community data for this city
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