In a nation grappling with persistent inflation, a striking observation has reignited discussions about the elevated cost of living across Senegal. A video, originally filmed by French content creator Simon Labas and uploaded in December 2025, has recently resurfaced across social media platforms. It vividly illustrates a series of product prices recorded at various retail outlets in Dakar, juxtaposed against the costs for similar items in Paris.
Essential food items: Dakar vs. Paris
The comparison begins with whole chicken, priced at 2,610 F CFA per kilogram in the Senegalese capital, notably higher than the Parisian equivalent of 2,300 F CFA. Butter from the well-known brand Elle & Vire follows a similar pattern, retailing for 2,990 F CFA in Dakar compared to 1,990 F CFA in France. Cooking oil, a staple in household budgets, reaches 6,990 F CFA in Senegal, while across the Mediterranean, it costs 6,000 F CFA.
Widening price gaps for everyday goods
The disparity becomes even more pronounced for other common household items. A packet of Chocapic cereal is listed at 5,250 F CFA on Dakar shelves, a price more than double its Parisian counterpart, which is valued at 1,990 F CFA. Completing this picture, a bottle of Soupline fabric softener commands 9,990 F CFA in Dakar, versus 5,600 F CFA in Paris—nearly twice as much.
Impending import surcharges to impact consumer prices
Adding to these existing price differences is a significant logistical constraint set to further burden imports. Maritime carrier Maersk announced plans to implement a handling surcharge of 250 dollars per container, effective May 1, 2026. This charge, approximately 151,250 F CFA, could potentially climb to 211,750 F CFA in certain scenarios. Such an increase is expected to mechanically elevate the cost of imported goods, ultimately passing these higher expenses onto Senegalese consumers.
Public outcry and broader cost concerns
The widespread sharing of this price comparison has triggered numerous reactions from Senegalese internet users, many expressing surprise at the significant discrepancies highlighted. Beyond food products, housing and fuel are frequently cited in public comments as particularly burdensome expenditures for households, especially in light of recent fuel price increases mandated by authorities.
Senegal’s high cost of living in regional context
This observation aligns with a broader regional trend where Senegal is recognized among African nations with the highest cost of living. A ranking compiled by Countryeconomy and featured in 2024 by Jeune Afrique magazine positioned Senegal as the continent’s second most expensive country to live in, trailing only Côte d’Ivoire.