Cost of living in Buea
Buea, a vibrant city in Cameroon, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern living. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone planning to move or visit.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Buea, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $1.6 on average, with a range between $1.6 and $7.98.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $111.67, with prices ranging from $55.84 to $119.65.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $3.59, with a range between $2.39 and $6.38.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $0.8 to $1.6, imported beer $1.12 to $2.95, cappuccino $0.8 to $2.39, and Coke/Pepsi $0.8 to $1.6.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $2.15 and $3.19 per liter, averaging $2.59.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.24 and $0.96, with an average price of $0.39.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.44 to $2.87, averaging $1.88.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.6 to $5.58 per kg, while oranges range from $0.8 to $2.39 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.8 and $3.52 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.16 to $1.12 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $0.32.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.01 and $1.28 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.24, with a cost of $0.48 to $0.8 per km and $4.79 to $7.98 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $63.81.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $39.88 to $55.84, averaging $47.86.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $143.58.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $111.67 to $191.44, averaging $151.56.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $55.84 and $159.53, averaging $55.84.
- Internet - Internet services range from $23.93 to $191.44, with an average cost of $74.45.
Cost of Living Data
The following pricing data has been gathered from 9 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2024.
Restaurants
Restaurants
Avg
Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$1.60
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$111.67
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$3.59
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$0.96
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.44
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.12
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.46
Cappuccino (regular)
$1.56
Markets
Markets
Avg
Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$2.59
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$0.39
Eggs (regular) (12)
$1.88
Local Cheese (1kg)
$22.33
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.64
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$7.18
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.12
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.58
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$0.80
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$7.19
Apples (1kg)
$2.39
Oranges (1kg)
$1.20
Potato (1kg)
$1.28
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.69
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.46
Tomato (1kg)
$1.26
Banana (1kg)
$1.44
Onion (1kg)
$1.04
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$3.78
Transportation
Transportation
Avg
Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.32
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.11
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$17,548.63
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.24
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$0.48
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$4.79
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$13,328.98
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Avg
Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$63.81
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$47.86
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$143.58
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$151.56
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg
Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$55.84
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$74.45
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$15.95
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Avg
Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$18.61
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$13.96
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$7.98
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Avg
Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$23.93
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$62.48
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$129.66
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$139.91
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Avg
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$119.65
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
19.21%
Childcare
Childcare
Avg
Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$299.12
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$3,142.00
Buea Cost of Living
"Key Takeaways"
Buea offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many global cities, with affordable dining and housing options.
Transportation costs are minimal, making it easy to navigate the city without a significant financial burden.
While utilities and internet can vary, they remain manageable within the overall budget.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Buea presents an affordable living environment with a mix of modern amenities and cultural experiences.
Potential residents can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without the high expenses associated with larger metropolitan areas.