Cost of living in Malabo

Malabo, the capital city of Equatorial Guinea, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern living. Understanding the cost of living in Malabo is crucial for both expatriates and locals planning their finances.This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Malabo, 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 $12.71 on average.
Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two)For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $51.62, with prices ranging from $39.71 to $63.53.
Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's)A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $11.91, with a range between $7.94 and $15.88.
Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Coke/Pepsi)Domestic beer averages $1.59, imported beer $4.76, and Coke/Pepsi $1.19.

Grocery Prices

MilkMilk is priced between $1.91 and $3.18 per liter, averaging $2.49.
Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread)A loaf of fresh white bread costs $3.15 on average.
Eggs (Dozen)A dozen eggs range from $1.91 to $3.81, averaging $2.86.
Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges)Apples and oranges both average $4.76 per kg.
Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce)Potatoes average $3.97 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.9 per head.

Transportation

Public Transport (One-Way Ticket)A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.79 and $1.59, with a monthly pass priced at $26.42.
Fuel (Gasoline)Gasoline is priced at $0.79 per liter.
Taxi FaresTaxi fares start at $0.79, with a cost of $0.79 per km and $7.94 per hour of waiting.

Housing Costs

1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $158.83 to $238.24, averaging $198.53.
1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent is consistent at $111.18.
3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $555.89 to $873.54, averaging $714.72.
3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $238.24 to $476.48, averaging $357.36.
Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre)The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $848.07.
Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $644.29.

Utilities

Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.)Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $27 and $79.41, averaging $53.21.
InternetInternet services average $15.88.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 12 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2024.

Restaurants

Avg / Range

Restaurants

Avg

Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

$12.71

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

$51.62

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

$11.91

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.59

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.76

Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.19

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.19

Cappuccino (regular)

$5.56

Markets

Avg / Range

Markets

Avg

Range

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

$2.49

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

$3.15

Eggs (regular) (12)

$2.86

Local Cheese (1kg)

$6.74

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.95

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

$4.76

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.43

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.56

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

$4.53

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$6.84

Apples (1kg)

$4.76

Oranges (1kg)

$4.76

Potato (1kg)

$3.97

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.90

Rice (white), (1kg)

$1.59

Tomato (1kg)

$3.18

Banana (1kg)

$3.18

Onion (1kg)

$4.76

Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

$7.32

Transportation

Avg / Range

Transportation

Avg

Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

$1.19

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$26.42

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.79

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

$33,086.71

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.79

Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)

$0.79

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$7.94

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

$29,411.74

Rent Per Month

Avg / Range

Rent Per Month

Avg

Range

Avg

Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$317.65

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

6.8%

Childcare

Avg / Range

Childcare

Avg

Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

$63.53

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

$317.65

Overview Job Market

Malabo Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Malabo offers relatively affordable housing options, especially outside the city centre.
Dining out can vary significantly in cost, with mid-range restaurants being notably more expensive.
Transportation costs are low, with affordable public transport and fuel prices.
Grocery prices are moderate, with some variation in staple items like milk and eggs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Malabo presents a cost of living that balances affordability with the unique offerings of a capital city.

While dining and some grocery items can be on the higher side, housing and transportation remain budget-friendly.

Prospective residents should consider these factors when planning their move to Malabo.

Malabo

Nearby Cities

All cities in Equatorial Guinea