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Cost of living in Kinshasa

Kinshasa, the bustling capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is a vibrant city with a unique blend of cultures and economic activities. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both residents and newcomers.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Kinshasa, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants
  • Inexpensive Restaurant MealA meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $15 on average, with a range between $3 and $20.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two)For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $50, with prices ranging from $42.63 to $150.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's)A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10, with a range between $8 and $10.15.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi)Domestic beer ranges from $1 to $4, imported beer $2.5 to $8, cappuccino $3 to $9, and Coke/Pepsi $1 to $4.
Grocery Prices
  • MilkMilk is priced between $1.5 and $2.97 per liter, averaging $2.24.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread)A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.8 and $3.78, with an average price of $1.94.
  • Eggs (Dozen)A dozen eggs range from $2.64 to $6, averaging $4.64.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges)Apples cost $2 to $6.37 per kg, while oranges range from $1.8 to $5 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce)Potatoes are priced between $2 and $6.37 per kg, and lettuce costs $1 to $2.12 per head.
Transportation
  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket)A one-way local transport ticket costs $0.5.
  • Fuel (Gasoline)Gasoline is priced between $1.01 and $2 per liter.
  • Taxi FaresTaxi fares start at $5.5, with a cost of $1.28 per km.
Housing Costs
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1000 to $2000, averaging $1550.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $350 to $650, averaging $462.5.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2000 to $4500, averaging $2666.67.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $500 to $1250, averaging $820.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre)The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $5000 to $5331.31, averaging $5110.44.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $800 to $1500, averaging $1100.
Utilities
  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.)Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $40 and $607.98, averaging $382.66.
  • InternetInternet services range from $50 to $300, with an average cost of $109.75.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 29 user contributions, as of the most recent update in July, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$15.00
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$50.00
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$10.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.98
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.00
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.47
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.50
Cappuccino (regular)
$4.26
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$2.24
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$1.94
Eggs (regular) (12)
$4.64
Local Cheese (1kg)
$8.45
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.84
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$20.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.67
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.25
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$4.00
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$4.77
Apples (1kg)
$3.35
Oranges (1kg)
$4.41
Potato (1kg)
$2.85
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.37
Rice (white), (1kg)
$3.32
Tomato (1kg)
$3.43
Banana (1kg)
$2.37
Onion (1kg)
$3.70
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$20.00
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.50
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$21.74
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.38
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$44,341.60
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$5.50
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$1.28
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$5.00
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$25,000.00
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$1,550.00
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$462.50
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$2,666.67
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$820.00
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$382.66
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$109.75
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$30.00
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$70.00
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$25.00
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$10.00
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$35.00
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$38.75
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$96.67
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$100.00
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$5,110.44
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$1,100.00
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$350.00
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
17%
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$493.33
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$1,500.00
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