HomeDemocratic Republic of the CongoLubumbashi

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 MealA 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.
  • CappuccinoA regular cappuccino is priced between $2 and $6, averaging $4.
Grocery Prices
  • MilkMilk 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 FaresTaxi 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 PlanA 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
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