Cost of living in Goma

Goma, located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is a city known for its vibrant culture and strategic location near the Rwandan border. Understanding the cost of living in Goma is crucial for both residents and potential newcomers, as it encompasses various aspects such as housing, transportation, and daily expenses.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the cost of living in Goma for 2024, offering insights into what you can expect to pay for essentials like dining, groceries, and utilities.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $12.5 on average, with a range between $10 and $15.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $45.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.2 to $2, imported beer $5, cappuccino $3 to $4, and Coke/Pepsi $1.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $1 and $2 per liter, averaging $1.5.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs around $2.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.56 to $1.8, averaging $1.68.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost around $2 per kg, while oranges range from $1.5 to $2 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Tomatoes) - Potatoes are priced at $0.5 per kg, and tomatoes cost $3 per kg.

Transportation

  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced at $1 per liter.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares cost $2 per km.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $500.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $300.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $800.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $500.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost around $400.
  • Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $60, with an average cost of $55.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 5 user contributions, as of the most recent update in April, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$12.50
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$45.00
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$10.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.60
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.00
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.00
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.00
Cappuccino (regular)
$3.50
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.50
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$2.00
Eggs (regular) (12)
$1.68
Local Cheese (1kg)
$6.00
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.70
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$15.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.00
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.25
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.25
Apples (1kg)
$2.00
Oranges (1kg)
$1.75
Potato (1kg)
$0.50
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.60
Tomato (1kg)
$3.00
Banana (1kg)
$2.00
Onion (1kg)
$2.00
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$5.00
Transportation
Avg / Range
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.00
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$2.00
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$500.00
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$300.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$800.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$500.00
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$400.00
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$55.00
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$15.00
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$30.00
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$20.00
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$100.00
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$500.00
OverviewJob Market
Goma Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Goma offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many global cities, with reasonable prices for dining and groceries.

Housing costs vary significantly between the city centre and outside areas, offering options for different budgets.

Transportation costs are moderate, with gasoline priced at $1 per liter and taxi fares at $2 per km.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Goma presents a balanced cost of living with affordable dining and grocery options, making it a viable choice for those looking to manage their expenses effectively.

While housing costs can vary, the city offers a range of options to suit different financial situations. Overall, Goma provides a manageable cost of living for residents and newcomers alike.

Goma

Nearby Cities

Kigali61 miles
Bujumbura118 miles
All cities in Democratic Republic of the Congo