Bouake, the second-largest city in Ivory Coast, offers a unique blend of cultural richness and economic activity. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocation or planning an extended stay.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Bouake, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities. Whether you're a local resident or a newcomer, these insights will help you manage your budget effectively.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $3.23 on average, with a range between $2.42 and $8.07.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $48.4, with prices ranging from $24.2 to $137.15.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10.08, with a range between $8.07 and $11.29.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $0.81 to $1.61, imported beer $1.29 to $4.84, cappuccino $1.61 to $4.03, and Coke/Pepsi $0.48 to $0.81.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $1.61 and $3.23 per liter, averaging $2.52.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.24 and $0.81, with an average price of $0.61.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.55 to $2.61, averaging $2.13.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.45 to $4.84 per kg, while oranges range from $0.4 to $2.9 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.97 and $2.42 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.48 to $1.23 per head.

Transportation

  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.27 and $1.41 per liter.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.81, with a cost of $1.61 to $2.42 per km and $7.26 to $24.2 per hour of waiting.
  • Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs $29,042.55, while a Toyota Corolla is priced between $24,202.13 and $31,462.77.

Housing Costs

  • Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child - The cost for private preschool is between $145.21 and $242.02 monthly, averaging $196.31.
  • International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child - Yearly fees for international primary school range from $1,613.48 to $4,033.69, averaging $2,931.15.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $80.67 and $242.02, averaging $175.18.
  • Internet - Internet services range from $24.2 to $80.67, with an average cost of $47.67.
  • Mobile Phone Plan - A mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data costs between $16.13 and $44, averaging $37.93.

Cost of Living Data

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Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$3.23
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$48.40
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$10.08
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$0.97
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.18
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.74
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.77
Cappuccino (regular)
$2.35
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$2.52
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$0.61
Eggs (regular) (12)
$2.13
Local Cheese (1kg)
$14.84
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.81
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$8.07
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.91
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.31
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$1.21
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.45
Apples (1kg)
$3.45
Oranges (1kg)
$1.24
Potato (1kg)
$1.52
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.82
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.20
Tomato (1kg)
$1.53
Banana (1kg)
$0.99
Onion (1kg)
$1.92
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$7.43
Transportation
Avg / Range
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.39
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$29,042.55
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.45
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$1.61
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$24.20
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$27,563.54
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$175.18
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$47.67
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$37.93
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$8.07
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$72.61
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$51.09
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$72.55
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$110.25
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
11.47%
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$196.31
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$2,931.15
Bouake Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Bouake offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many other cities. Dining out is inexpensive, and grocery prices are generally low.

Transportation costs are moderate, with affordable taxi fares and gasoline prices. However, purchasing a new car can be quite expensive.

Utilities and internet services are reasonably priced, making it easier to manage monthly expenses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bouake presents a cost-effective living environment with affordable dining and grocery options. While transportation and utilities are reasonably priced, potential residents should be prepared for higher costs if purchasing a new vehicle.

Overall, Bouake is an attractive option for those seeking a balance between cost and quality of life in Ivory Coast.