Cost of living in Monrovia

Monrovia, the capital city of Liberia, is a vibrant hub with a unique blend of cultural and economic activities. Understanding the cost of living in Monrovia is crucial for both residents and newcomers to plan their finances effectively.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of various expenses, including housing, dining, transportation, and more, to help you navigate the financial landscape of Monrovia in 2024.

An image showcasing the beauty of Monrovia

People enjoying the surroundings of Monrovia

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

Inexpensive Restaurant MealA meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $8.25 on average, with a range between $5 and $30.
Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two)For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $150.
Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's)A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $11, with a range between $10 and $12.
Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi)Domestic beer ranges from $2 to $6, imported beer $3 to $5, cappuccino $2 to $5, and Coke/Pepsi $1.5 to $2.

Grocery Prices

MilkMilk is priced between $1.06 and $2.5 per liter, averaging $1.61.
Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread)A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.76 and $2.76, with an average price of $1.65.
Eggs (Dozen)A dozen eggs range from $1.2 to $6, averaging $3.63.
Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges)Apples cost $0.71 to $2.2 per kg, while oranges range from $2.2 to $13.23 per kg.
Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce)Potatoes are priced between $1.3 and $3.31 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.75 to $5 per head.

Transportation

Public Transport (One-Way Ticket)A one-way local transport ticket costs $3.
Fuel (Gasoline)Gasoline is priced between $0.9 and $1.52 per liter.
Taxi FaresTaxi fares start at $2.75, with a cost of $1.24 per km and $17.5 per hour of waiting.

Housing Costs

1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $200 to $1500, averaging $666.67.
1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $75 to $300, averaging $90.
3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $400 to $3000, averaging $1825.
3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $150 to $1000, averaging $245.5.
Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre)The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre is $5000.
Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, the price per square meter is $2500.

Utilities

Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.)Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $102 and $515.79, averaging $272.6.
InternetInternet services range from $9.75 to $180, with an average cost of $93.25.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 24 user contributions, as of the most recent update in July, 2024.

Restaurants

Avg / Range

Restaurants

Avg

Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

$8.25

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

$150.00

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

$11.00

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.50

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.00

Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.88

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.50

Cappuccino (regular)

$3.13

Markets

Avg / Range

Markets

Avg

Range

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

$1.61

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

$1.65

Eggs (regular) (12)

$3.63

Local Cheese (1kg)

$11.81

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.38

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

$7.00

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.68

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.90

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

$5.00

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$9.87

Apples (1kg)

$1.64

Oranges (1kg)

$8.72

Potato (1kg)

$2.27

Lettuce (1 head)

$4.00

Rice (white), (1kg)

$4.38

Tomato (1kg)

$7.01

Banana (1kg)

$5.68

Onion (1kg)

$8.54

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

$35.64

Transportation

Avg / Range

Transportation

Avg

Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

$3.00

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$20.00

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.06

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

$5,069.87

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.75

Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)

$1.24

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$17.50

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

$15,000.00

Rent Per Month

Avg / Range

Rent Per Month

Avg

Range

Avg

Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$733.33

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

Childcare

Avg / Range

Childcare

Avg

Range

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

$74.33

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

$1,500.00

Overview Job Market

Monrovia Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Monrovia offers a diverse range of living costs, with affordable options for dining and groceries, but higher prices for utilities and internet services.
Housing costs vary significantly depending on location, with city centre apartments being more expensive than those outside the centre.
Transportation is relatively affordable, with reasonable costs for public transport and fuel.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Monrovia presents a mixed cost of living landscape, where some expenses like dining and transportation are manageable, while others, such as housing and utilities, can be more costly.

Prospective residents should consider these factors when planning their budget, especially if they are looking to live in the city centre or require high-speed internet services.