Despite being a nation grappling with economic constraints, Dakar presents a cost of living that ranks among Africa’s highest. This striking reality is brought to the forefront by a viral video, which meticulously contrasts the prices of common consumer goods between the Senegalese capital and Paris. The footage has recently resurfaced, gaining renewed traction as Senegalese households confront a fresh wave of price increases.
Stark price differences emerge
In his widely circulated comparison, French TikToker Simon Labas scrutinizes the prices of various daily necessities. A whole chicken, for instance, commands 2,610 F CFA per kilogram in Senegal, a figure notably higher than its equivalent of 2,300 F CFA in France. The popular “Elle & Vire” butter exhibits a similar disparity, costing 2,990 F CFA in Dakar compared to approximately 1,990 F CFA in Paris. Even cooking oil, a fundamental staple in Senegalese households, is priced at 6,990 F CFA in Senegal, while it averages around 6,000 F CFA in France.
The price gap becomes even more pronounced for non-essential items. A packet of Chocapic cereal, for example, retails for about 1,990 F CFA in France but skyrockets to 5,250 F CFA in Senegal—more than double the cost. Similarly, a bottle of Soupline fabric softener is listed at 9,990 F CFA in Dakar, starkly contrasting with its Paris equivalent of 5,600 F CFA. These significant price discrepancies have left numerous Senegalese internet users astonished upon viewing the video.
Beyond groceries, the elevated cost of living in Dakar also extends to housing and fuel, with recent government adjustments leading to further price hikes. This phenomenon is not an isolated incident; a 2024 ranking by Countryeconomy positioned Senegal as the second most expensive country on the African continent, trailing only Côte d’Ivoire. This data underscores the persistent economic pressures on residents in this West African nation.
