Bissau, the capital city of Guinea-Bissau, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern living. Understanding the cost of living in Bissau is crucial for anyone considering relocating or planning an extended stay.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, including housing, transportation, dining, and more, to help you budget effectively.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $4.84 on average.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $28.24, with prices ranging from $24.2 to $32.27.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $9.46.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer averages $1.53, imported beer $3.23, cappuccino $2.02, and Coke/Pepsi $1.29.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced at $1.61 per liter.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs $0.89.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs average $4.84.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples and oranges both cost $4.03 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced at $1.29 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.81 per head.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $0.48.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.08 and $1.37 per liter.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.4, with a cost of $0.81 per km and $6.45 per hour of waiting.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $317.51 to $484.04, averaging $428.53.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $161.35 to $264.59, averaging $222.65.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $529.19 to $806.74, averaging $667.96.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $403.37 to $726.06, averaging $535.23.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $1613.48.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $1371.45.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment average $97.96.
  • Internet - Internet services average $45.4.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 8 user contributions, as of the most recent update in October, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$4.84
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$28.24
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$9.46
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.53
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.23
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.29
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.61
Cappuccino (regular)
$2.02
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.61
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$0.89
Eggs (regular) (12)
$4.84
Local Cheese (1kg)
$14.59
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.21
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$6.05
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.22
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.93
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$1.61
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$12.91
Apples (1kg)
$4.03
Oranges (1kg)
$4.03
Potato (1kg)
$1.29
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.81
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.94
Tomato (1kg)
$0.16
Banana (1kg)
$0.97
Onion (1kg)
$1.29
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$12.91
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.48
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$25.64
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.18
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$32,118.97
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.40
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$0.81
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$6.45
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$29,107.82
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$428.53
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$222.65
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$667.96
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$535.23
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$97.96
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$45.40
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$34.88
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$56.47
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$4.03
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$1.61
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$88.74
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$56.47
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$80.67
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$104.88
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$1,613.48
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$1,371.45
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,046.88
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$767.84
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$2,314.12
Bissau Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Bissau offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many global cities, with low dining and transportation costs.

Housing is reasonably priced, especially outside the city centre, making it an attractive option for those seeking budget-friendly accommodation.

Grocery prices are moderate, with some imported goods being more expensive.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bissau provides a cost-effective living environment with affordable housing and dining options.

While some imported goods and services may be priced higher, the overall cost of living remains manageable for most residents.

Potential residents should consider the balance between local and imported goods to optimize their budget.