In a nation grappling with persistent inflationary pressures, a striking observation has reignited the vital discussion surrounding the high cost of living in Senegal. A compelling video, originally filmed by French content creator Simon Labas and uploaded in December 2025, has recently resurfaced across social media platforms. It meticulously details a series of prices for common goods gathered from various retailers in Dakar, juxtaposing them with the equivalent costs found in Parisian shops.
The comparison begins with whole chicken, which commands a price of 2,610 F CFA per kilogram in the Senegalese capital, notably surpassing the Parisian equivalent of 2,300 F CFA. Butter from the popular Elle & Vire brand follows a similar trend, retailing for 2,990 F CFA in Dakar compared to approximately 1,990 F CFA in France. Cooking oil, a fundamental staple in most household budgets, sees its price soar to 6,990 F CFA in Senegal, while it costs around 6,000 F CFA on the other side of the Mediterranean.
The financial chasm widens considerably for other everyday items. A packet of Chocapic cereal is priced at 5,250 F CFA on Dakar’s shelves, a figure more than double the Parisian equivalent, estimated at 1,990 F CFA. Fabric softener, specifically a bottle of Soupline, completes this picture of disparity with a price tag of 9,990 F CFA in Dakar, versus 5,600 F CFA in Paris—nearly twice as expensive.
Adding to these existing price differences is an impending logistical constraint set to further impact import costs. Maritime shipping giant Maersk is scheduled to implement a new handling surcharge starting May 1, 2026. This fee, fixed at 250 dollars per container (approximately 151,250 F CFA), could potentially escalate to 211,750 F CFA in certain scenarios. Such an increase is expected to mechanically drive up the cost of imported goods, ultimately transferring these elevated prices to Senegalese consumers.
The renewed circulation of this price comparison has triggered a wave of reactions from Senegalese internet users, many expressing surprise at the significant disparities brought to light. Beyond basic foodstuffs, comments frequently highlight housing and fuel as particularly burdensome expenditures for households, especially in the wake of recent fuel price increases mandated by government authorities.
This assessment, widely shared, situates Senegal within a regional context where it is consistently identified among African nations with the highest cost of living. A ranking compiled by Countryeconomy and featured in a 2024 edition of a prominent magazine, positioned Senegal as the second most expensive country on the continent, trailing only Côte d’Ivoire.
