Cost of living in Lubumbashi

Lubumbashi, the second-largest city in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is a bustling hub of economic activity. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocation or planning a visit.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Lubumbashi, covering everything from dining and groceries to housing and transportation.

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 $50, with prices ranging from $40 to $60.
  • Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) - A domestic beer costs about $1.46, with prices ranging from $1.42 to $1.5.
  • Cappuccino - A regular cappuccino is priced between $2 and $6, averaging $4.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $1.55 and $2 per liter, averaging $1.85.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1 and $1.25, with an average price of $1.13.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.8 to $4, averaging $2.6.
  • Local Cheese (1kg) - Local cheese is available at an average price of $10 per kg.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost around $2 per kg, while oranges are priced at $5 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced at $3 per kg, and lettuce costs $1 per head.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs approximately $1.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.18 and $2 per liter, averaging $1.59.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $4, with an hourly waiting charge of $10.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $350 to $1200, averaging $775.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $250.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $2800.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $350 to $2500, averaging $1425.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $1000 to $12916.69, averaging $6958.35.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $500.

Utilities

  • Mobile Phone Monthly Plan - A mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data costs around $20 per month.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 10 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$12.50
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$50.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.46
Cappuccino (regular)
$4.00
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.85
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$1.13
Eggs (regular) (12)
$2.60
Local Cheese (1kg)
$10.00
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.50
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$10.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.25
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.25
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$4.00
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$5.00
Apples (1kg)
$2.00
Oranges (1kg)
$5.00
Potato (1kg)
$3.00
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.00
Rice (white), (1kg)
$2.00
Tomato (1kg)
$2.00
Banana (1kg)
$2.00
Onion (1kg)
$2.00
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$13.67
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$1.00
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.59
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$25,000.00
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$4.00
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$10.00
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$30,000.00
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$775.00
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$250.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$2,800.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$1,425.00
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$20.00
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$72.50
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$15.00
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$15.00
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$80.00
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$120.00
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$6,958.35
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$500.00
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,100.00
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$100.00
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$5,000.00
OverviewJob Market
Lubumbashi Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

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

Housing costs can vary significantly depending on location, with city centre apartments being more expensive.

Transportation is reasonably priced, with affordable public transport and fuel costs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Lubumbashi presents a balanced cost of living with affordable dining and transportation options.

While housing in the city centre can be costly, options outside the centre offer more budget-friendly alternatives.

Overall, Lubumbashi is a viable option for those seeking a vibrant city life without the high costs associated with larger metropolitan areas.

Lubumbashi

Nearby Cities

We don't have any relevant "Quality of life" data on cities with a 200 mile radius of Lubumbashi
All cities in Democratic Republic of the Congo