Saint-Louis, Senegal
Capital City

Follows Senegal Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$740
Retiree Score
92.0
Safety Index
48.2
Healthcare
44 facilities

Forget the romantic colonial charm - Saint-Louis has a population of 237,563 and faces severe environmental threats. The city is vulnerable to flooding, with up to 80% of it at risk by 2080 due to climate change and failed infrastructure projects. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and overfishing is damaging the local economy. This faded former capital is best suited for the intrepid traveler seeking an authentic, if gritty, West African experience.

Can I afford Saint-Louis?

$

Saint-Louis

You could save

2,260/mo

Savings Rate75%

Monthly Costs

Rent $320
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$420

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
75/100
Retiree Score
(i)
92/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
50/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Senegal Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
48
Safety
44
Healthcare
100
Walkability
5
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $1
Bread (loaf) *$1
Eggs (12) $3
Rice (1kg) *$1
Chicken (1kg) *$4

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$19
Meal (Mid-range) $89
Cappuccino $5
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $229
Mobile Plan (mo) $67
Gym (mo) *$33
Cinema Ticket $13

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $256
1BR Outside (mo) *$356
3BR Center (mo) $496
3BR Outside (mo) *$707

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Limited
Expat Community
Small
Top Neighborhoods
Isle of Saint-Louis
Best For
artists, historians

Expat Life Notes

A historic colonial city with a laid-back vibe; foreign presence is mostly in tourism or academia.

Pros

  • Rich colonial architecture
  • Unique music scene
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Limited English spoken (French essential)
  • Inconsistent infrastructure
  • Basic healthcare

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
Temperature
Annual Rainfall
173 mm
Coworking Spaces
Best Months to Visit
May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Also Consider

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Saint-Louis

Click any question to expand the answer.

Saint-Louis has a population of approximately 237,563 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $800 per month in Saint-Louis, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $320/month.

The nearest airport to Saint-Louis is DSS, approximately 163km away.

Saint-Louis is considered moderate in terms of safety, with a safety index of 48.2. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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