Abomey-Calavi, a vibrant city in Benin, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern living. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both residents and newcomers.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Abomey-Calavi, covering essential categories such as housing, groceries, transportation, and more.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) - A domestic beer costs approximately $0.97 per 0.5 liter bottle.
  • Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) - Imported beer is priced at about $1.29 per 0.33 liter bottle.
  • Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) - A mid-range bottle of wine costs around $16.13.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced at $1.61 per liter.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs $0.24.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs are priced at $1.74.
  • Local Cheese (1kg) - Local cheese costs $3.23 per kilogram.
  • Chicken Fillets (1kg) - Chicken fillets are priced at $3.23 per kilogram.
  • Beef Round (1kg) - Beef round costs $5.65 per kilogram.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.42 per kg, while oranges are priced at $0.81 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced at $1.13 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.48 per head.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (Monthly Pass) - A monthly pass for public transport costs $7.02.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced at $0.81 per liter.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $1.61, with a cost of $1.61 per km.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $129.08.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $96.81.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $242.02.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $403.37.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment are not specified, but generally affordable.
  • Internet - Internet costs are not specified, but generally affordable.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 1 user contributions, as of the most recent update in May, 2023.
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.61
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$0.24
Eggs (regular) (12)
$1.74
Local Cheese (1kg)
$3.23
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.81
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$16.13
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.97
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.29
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$0.40
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$3.23
Apples (1kg)
$2.42
Oranges (1kg)
$0.81
Potato (1kg)
$1.13
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.48
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.29
Tomato (1kg)
$3.23
Banana (1kg)
$0.81
Onion (1kg)
$0.81
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$5.65
Transportation
Avg / Range
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$7.02
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.81
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.61
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$1.61
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$129.08
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$96.81
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$242.02
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$403.37
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$32.27
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$16.13
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$8.07
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$24.20
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$24.20
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$64.54
Abomey-Calavi Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Abomey-Calavi offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many global cities, with affordable housing and transportation options.

Grocery prices are quite reasonable, making it easier for residents to manage their monthly expenses.

While utilities and internet costs are not specified, they are generally considered affordable in the region.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Abomey-Calavi presents an attractive option for those seeking a cost-effective lifestyle in Benin.

With affordable housing, reasonable grocery prices, and manageable transportation costs, it is a city that balances modern amenities with traditional charm.

Potential residents can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without the high expenses associated with larger urban centers.