How Much Does Rent Cost in Dakar? A Neighborhood-by-Neighborhood Guide
8 October 2026 · 7 min read · by TOUBA PALLENE IMMO
"How much does rent cost in Dakar?" is the first question almost every renter asks — and the honest answer is: it depends on the neighborhood. A studio in Yoff and a villa in Almadies can differ by more than a million CFA francs a month. This guide breaks rent prices in Dakar down by area for apartments, studios and villas, explains what a yearly contract paid monthly actually means, and shows where to look if you want to spend less. You can also browse verified listings as you read to see live prices.
Average rent prices in Dakar by neighborhood
Prices below are typical monthly rents in CFA francs (FCFA), for a standard furnished or semi-furnished home. Actual figures move with size, condition and how close you are to the coast.
Indicative monthly rents in FCFA. Confirm the exact price on each listing.
Studios, apartments and villas: what to expect
Studios
Studios are the most affordable way into central Dakar. In quieter areas like Yoff and Sacre-Coeur you can find one in the 90 000 – 180 000 range, rising to 250 000 and up in Almadies.
Apartments
Two and three-bedroom apartments dominate the middle of the market. Plateau and Mermoz sit around 300 000 – 600 000, while prime coastal spots in Almadies and Ngor push past 900 000 for larger units with sea views.
Villas
Villas are the premium end. Even a modest villa in Ouakam starts near 600 000, and full seaside villas in Almadies or Ngor commonly reach 1 000 000 to 1 500 000 a month.
What a yearly contract paid monthly means in Senegal
Nearly every home in Senegal is rented through a yearly lease — a contrat de bail — but you do not pay the whole year upfront. The contract fixes the yearly commitment and the monthly rent, then you pay month by month on an agreed date. There are no nightly rates and no service fees. Because the commitment is long, landlords take the visit and the contract seriously, which is exactly why how visits and contracts work is worth reading before you start.
Deposits and what to budget
In Dakar, the deposit (caution) is usually one to three months' rent. One month is common for smaller homes; two to three months is typical for larger apartments and villas. The deposit is refundable at the end of the lease if the property is handed back in good condition. As a rule of thumb, budget about two months' rent upfront — one for the first month and one for the deposit — then only your monthly rent going forward.
Cheaper coastal alternatives to central Dakar
If you can trade a shorter commute for lower rent and more space, the coast is worth a look. Saly is the most relaxed option, known for its beaches and popular for villas. Mbour mixes coastal life with a busy local market and often offers better value than Dakar. Further south, Cap Skirring in the Casamance is the quietest, greenest choice — ideal for a slower pace by the ocean.
How TOUBA PALLENE IMMO helps you compare
Rather than guessing, browse verified listings filtered by city, neighborhood, type and budget — every card shows the monthly rent and deposit up front. When you want the bigger picture on renting in Senegal, the blog and Help page cover contracts, visits and payments step by step.
Frequently asked questions
Do you pay rent monthly or yearly in Senegal?
In Senegal almost every home is rented on a yearly contract (contrat de bail), but the rent itself is paid monthly on the date set out in your lease — not the whole year upfront.
How much deposit do landlords ask for in Dakar?
Most landlords in Dakar ask for a deposit of one to three months' rent. One month is common for cheaper homes; two to three months is typical for larger apartments and villas. It is refundable at the end of the lease if the property is returned in good condition.
Is rent cheaper outside central Dakar?
Yes. Moving out from the Plateau and Almadies toward Ouakam, Yoff or the coastal towns of Saly and Mbour can cut your rent significantly, often for a larger home.
What extra costs should I budget for?
Beyond the first month's rent and the deposit, some landlords or agencies add a small fee. Budget roughly two months' rent upfront to be safe, then only the monthly rent afterwards.
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