Cost of living in Cotonou
Cotonou, the vibrant economic hub of Benin, offers a unique blend of cultural richness and modern amenities. Understanding the cost of living in Cotonou is crucial for anyone considering relocating or planning an extended stay in this dynamic city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you make informed financial decisions.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $3.23 on average, with a range between $2.42 and $5.65.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $26.62, with prices ranging from $24.2 to $39.53.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $4.84, with a range between $4.03 and $5.65.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer averages $0.97, imported beer $3.23, cappuccino $4.03, and Coke/Pepsi $0.68.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.61 and $2.1 per liter, averaging $1.86.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.24 and $1.61, with an average price of $1.24.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $0.97 to $2.58, averaging $1.91.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.61 to $3.23 per kg, while oranges range from $0.48 to $1.61 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.97 and $1.61 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.24 to $0.81 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $1.61.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.81 and $1.13 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $1.29, with a cost of $0.24 to $4.03 per km.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $56.47 to $484.04, averaging $175.87.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $40.34 to $242.02, averaging $129.08.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $484.04 to $726.06, averaging $564.72.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $121.01 to $403.37, averaging $227.5.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost $242.02 on average.
- Internet - Internet services range from $40.34 to $68.57, with an average cost of $51.43.
Cost of Living Data
The following pricing data has been gathered from 19 user contributions, as of the most recent update in December, 2023.
Restaurants
Restaurants
Avg
Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$3.23
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$26.62
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$4.84
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$0.97
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.23
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.68
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.50
Cappuccino (regular)
$4.03
Markets
Markets
Avg
Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.86
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$1.24
Eggs (regular) (12)
$1.91
Local Cheese (1kg)
$8.61
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.08
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$6.05
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.94
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.61
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$2.10
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$5.28
Apples (1kg)
$2.55
Oranges (1kg)
$1.08
Potato (1kg)
$1.34
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.46
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.77
Tomato (1kg)
$1.51
Banana (1kg)
$1.29
Onion (1kg)
$1.51
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$4.96
Transportation
Transportation
Avg
Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$1.61
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.98
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.29
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$1.29
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$1.61
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$22,588.65
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Avg
Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$175.87
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$129.08
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$564.72
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$227.50
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg
Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$242.02
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$51.43
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$40.34
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Avg
Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$54.45
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$9.68
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$6.86
Clothing And Shoes
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)
$8.07
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$44.37
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Avg
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$104.88
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
5%
Childcare
Childcare
Avg
Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$201.68
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$5,916.08
Cotonou Cost of Living
"Key Takeaways"
Cotonou offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many global cities, with low rental prices and inexpensive dining options.
Transportation and utilities are also reasonably priced, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals.
To save money, consider living outside the city centre where rental prices are significantly lower.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cotonou presents a cost-effective living environment with affordable housing, dining, and transportation options.
Whether you're planning to move or just visiting, understanding these costs can help you budget effectively and enjoy your time in this vibrant city.
Cotonou