Dakar’s surprising cost of living: more expensive than Paris

Despite being a nation with significant economic challenges, Senegal’s capital, Dakar, consistently ranks among Africa’s most expensive cities. This striking paradox has been brought to the forefront by a viral video comparing the prices of common goods between Dakar and Paris, gaining renewed attention as Senegalese residents grapple with a fresh wave of price increases.

The video, which originally appeared on social media, has recently resurfaced across platforms like TikTok and X. Its renewed virality coincides with a period of general price hikes impacting Senegalese households, notably including a significant increase in fuel costs across the country. The footage meticulously details the stark contrast in prices for various consumer products between the Senegalese capital and the French metropolis.

Striking price disparities revealed

The viral comparison highlights several everyday items. A kilogram of whole chicken, for instance, sells for 2,610 F CFA in Senegal, while the equivalent cost in France is approximately 2,300 F CFA. Similarly, a block of “Elle & Vire” butter is priced at 2,990 F CFA in Dakar, compared to around 1,990 F CFA in Paris. Even cooking oil, a fundamental staple in Senegalese cuisine, commands a price of 6,990 F CFA in Senegal, whereas it can be found for roughly 6,000 F CFA in France.

The price gap becomes even more pronounced for less essential, yet still popular, items. A packet of Chocapic cereal, for example, is available for about 1,990 F CFA in France, but costs a staggering 5,250 F CFA in Senegal—more than double the price. A bottle of Soupline fabric softener follows a similar trend, retailing for 9,990 F CFA in Dakar, compared to approximately 5,600 F CFA in Paris. These considerable differences have undoubtedly sparked surprise and concern among Senegalese social media users who viewed the comparison.

Beyond basic consumer goods, the high cost of living in Dakar also extends to crucial sectors like housing and fuel, with the Government having recently implemented further price adjustments. This phenomenon is far from trivial; Senegal consistently ranks among the most expensive countries on the African continent, often trailing only Côte d’Ivoire in terms of living expenses.