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Quartiers, budgets de location, documents nécessaires et comment sélectionner des agences fiables avant d'arriver.
Updated July 2026
Trouver un logement à Dakar
Notre conciergerie gère la recherche, les visites et la négociation à votre place.
Average search
2-6 weeks
Common rentals
Furnished apartments
Budget
€300+ / month
Difficulty
Moderate
Popular areas
Almadies / Ngor
Coastal and international resident friendly
Lease terms
Monthly or yearly
Often negotiated directly
Deposit
1-3 months
Common landlord request
Documents
ID + proof
Requirements vary by agency
Understanding Dakar's Quartiers for International residents
Dakar is a compact city but its neighborhoods feel very different from each other. Choosing the right area will define your daily life — proximity to the sea, to coworking spaces, to schools, to the airport. Here is an honest overview of the main areas where International residents live.
700–1,200 EUR
Premium International residents Area
Almadies
Almadies is the most popular area for International residents,
diplomats, and affluent Dakarois. It sits on the western tip of
the Cap-Vert peninsula, with ocean views and beach access. The
neighborhood is clean, safe, and well-maintained
Good restaurants, supermarkets (Casino, Auchan), and easy access
to the Corniche. Downside: higher rent (600-1,500 EUR for a
2-bed), and relatively far from downtown. Ideal for: families,
remote workers, long-term International residents. Average rent:
2-bed 700-1,200 EUR.
300–600 EUR
Downtown
Plateau
Le Plateau is the historic downtown — Dakar’s business heart.
Close to government buildings, the port, and public transport
hubs. Older building stock, more urban noise, and heavier
traffic. Rent is moderate.
Best for: entrepreneurs, solo International residents who need
to be central, those without a car. Average rent: 1-bed 300-600
EUR.
600–1,100 EUR
Residential Favorite
Mermoz / Sacre-Coeur
Mermoz and Sacre-Coeur are residential neighborhoods popular
with middle-class Senegalese families and International
residents who want a local feel without the tourist-area markup.
Quieter than Almadies, good schools nearby, decent supermarkets.
Average rent: 2-bed 600-1,100 EUR.
350–700 EUR
Beach Lifestyle
N'Gor / Yoff
N’Gor and Yoff are beach communities north of Almadies, with a
more relaxed fishing village atmosphere. Very popular with
digital nomads and long-term International residents who value
proximity to the sea and a slower pace.
Some roads are unpaved. Good options for furnished apartments at
better prices. Average rent: 1-bed 350-700 EUR.
Average Rent
Growing International residents Area
Les Mamelles
Les Mamelles (near the African Renaissance Monument) is an
elevated neighborhood with panoramic views. Growing in
popularity with International residents. Good value compared
to Almadies. Average rent: 2-bed 600-1,000 EUR.
2-bedroom apartment
Neighborhood map
Explore Dakar neighborhoods
Compare the areas most relevant to international residents, families, students, and professionals moving to Dakar.
Explore Dakar neighborhoods
Compare the areas most relevant to international residents, families, students, and professionals moving to Dakar.
Loading Dakar map…
How to Rent an Apartment in Dakar
Step 01
Search & Shortlist
Use our verified agencies directory, International
residents Facebook groups, and Dakar property sites. Consider
hiring a concierge to search on your behalf if you are not yet
in the country
Step 02
Visit Apartments
Apartments are rarely rented sight-unseen by serious landlords.
Plan a 1-2 week exploratory trip, or use a trusted local
intermediary.
Step 03
Negotiate Price
Prices are often negotiable, especially for longer leases. Do
not accept the first price offered. Paying 6-12 months upfront
can unlock a 10-20% discount
Step 04
Check the Lease
Ask for a written lease (contrat de bail). It should specify:
rent amount, payment schedule, deposit, duration, and
maintenance responsibilities. Have it reviewed if you are not
comfortable in French.
Step 05
Pay Deposit
Standard is 2-3 months rent as a security deposit (caution). Get
a receipt for every payment.
Step 06
Document Condition
Take photos or video on arrival to protect your deposit on
departure.
Verified Agencies & Budget Guide
Basic
300-600 EUR/month total housing cost
Studio or 1-bed in Plateau, Yoff, or Ouakam. Minimal amenities.
Shared building. Far from beaches.
Comfortable
600-1,100 EUR/month
2-bed in Mermoz, Sacre-Coeur, or N’Gor. Good condition, secure
building, often with generator backup. This is the sweet spot
for most International residents.
Premium
1,100-2,500 EUR/month
3-4 bed villa or modern apartment in Almadies or Les Mamelles.
Sea view, pool, garden, security. Standard for families and
senior executives.
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Related Guides
Complete guide to visas, CIE residence permits, required documents and real processing timelines for living in Senegal.
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