Cost of living in Freetown
Freetown, the capital city of Sierra Leone, is a vibrant hub with a unique blend of culture and history. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocating or planning an extended stay.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, offering a comprehensive view of what to expect financially in Freetown.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $3 on average, with a range between $2 and $8.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $32.5, with prices ranging from $21 to $98.41.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10, with a range between $7.9 and $10.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $0.8 to $3.28, imported beer $2.5 to $5.25, cappuccino $1 to $3.28, and Coke/Pepsi $0.92 to $2.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced at $2 per liter.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs $0.5.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.5 to $2.4, averaging $1.95.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Bananas) - Apples cost $4 per kg, while bananas are priced at $2 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced at $2 per kg, and lettuce costs $1 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $0.5.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.85 and $1.43 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.75, with a cost of $1.25 per km.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $600 to $2500, averaging $1361.67.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $50 to $2000, averaging $978.33.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $750.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $100.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $1076.39.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $1076.39.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $60 and $228.73, averaging $144.37.
- Internet - Internet services average $100.
Cost of Living Data
The following pricing data has been gathered from 14 user contributions, as of the most recent update in October, 2024.
Restaurants
Restaurants
Avg
Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$3.00
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$32.50
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$10.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.50
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.73
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.03
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.89
Cappuccino (regular)
$1.74
Markets
Markets
Avg
Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$2.00
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$0.50
Eggs (regular) (12)
$1.95
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.75
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$6.50
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.00
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.00
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$3.00
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$7.50
Apples (1kg)
$4.00
Potato (1kg)
$2.00
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.00
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.00
Tomato (1kg)
$5.00
Banana (1kg)
$2.00
Onion (1kg)
$1.63
Transportation
Transportation
Avg
Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.50
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$0.00
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.28
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$12,000.00
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.75
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$1.25
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$5.00
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$25,000.00
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Avg
Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$1,361.67
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$978.33
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$750.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$100.00
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg
Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$144.37
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$100.00
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Avg
Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$50.00
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$0.00
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Avg
Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$10.00
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$8.00
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$20.00
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$50.00
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Avg
Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$1,076.39
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$1,076.39
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Avg
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,675.00
Freetown Cost of Living
"Key Takeaways"
Freetown offers a relatively affordable cost of living, especially in terms of dining and local transportation.
Housing costs can vary significantly, with city centre apartments being more expensive than those outside the centre.
Utilities and internet services are moderately priced, contributing to the overall affordability of living in Freetown.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Freetown presents a cost-effective living environment with affordable dining and transportation options.
While housing costs can be high in the city centre, there are more affordable options available outside the centre.
Overall, Freetown is a viable option for those seeking a balance between cost and quality of life in Sierra Leone.
Freetown