Cost of Living in Cameroon (2026) – Prices, Rent, Salary & Expenses

Cameroon, located in Central Africa, is known for its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and growing urban centers like Yaoundé and Douala. Its affordable lifestyle attracts students, expats, NGO workers, and professionals seeking a balanced environment with relatively low living costs. Understanding the cost of living in Cameroon helps newcomers budget effectively and adjust to day-to-day life with confidence.

Learn more about the country here: Cameroon.

Cost of Living in Cameroon: Summary Table

Category	Estimated Cost (USD)	Estimated Cost (XAF)
Average Monthly Cost (Single Person)	$500 – $900	XAF (varies)
Average Monthly Cost (Family of Four)	$1,200 – $2,000	XAF
Rent Range	$150 – $600	XAF
Food Cost (Monthly)	$150 – $250	XAF
Transport Cost	$20 – $50	XAF
Utilities	$30 – $70	XAF
Healthcare	$10 – $30 per visit	XAF
Education	$300 – $2,000 annually	XAF
Miscellaneous Expenses	$20 – $60	XAF

Housing & Rent Prices in Cameroon

3.1 Apartment Rent (Monthly)

1-bedroom in city center: $250 – $400
1-bedroom outside center: $150 – $250
3-bedroom in city center: $450 – $600
3-bedroom outside center: $250 – $400

3.2 Buying Property

Real estate prices vary between urban and rural regions. The cities of Douala and Yaoundé have higher property costs compared to smaller towns.

Food & Grocery Costs

Local food is very affordable, especially produce, fish, and staple items. Imported goods are more expensive due to transportation and taxes.

Milk (1 liter): $1.20 – $2.00
Bread (loaf): $0.60 – $1.20
Rice (1 kg): $1.00 – $1.80
Eggs (12): $1.50 – $2.50
Chicken (1 kg): $3.00 – $5.00
Beef (1 kg): $4.00 – $7.00
Bananas (1 kg): $0.70 – $1.20
Tomatoes (1 kg): $1.00 – $1.70
Bottled water (1.5 L): $0.70 – $1.20
Soft drinks: $0.60 – $1.20

Monthly grocery estimate:

Single person: $150 – $200
Family of four: $250 – $350

Restaurant & Dining Costs

Inexpensive meal: $2 – $4
Mid-range restaurant (two people): $10 – $25
Fast food combo: $3 – $5
Coffee: $1.00 – $2.00
Fresh juice: $1.00 – $2.00

Transportation Costs

Cameroon has affordable transport options, including taxis, buses, and moto-taxis (boda-boda).

One-way local transport ticket: $0.30 – $0.70
Monthly transport pass: $20 – $30
Taxi (per km): $0.40 – $0.70
Fuel (per liter): $1.10 – $1.50

Optional vehicle-related expenses:

Moto-taxi maintenance: $5 – $15
Car parking: often free or low-cost

Utility Costs

Electricity: $15 – $35
Water: $5 – $10
Gas: $5 – $10
Internet: $20 – $40
Mobile plans: $4 – $10

Healthcare Costs

Healthcare is relatively affordable, with both public hospitals and private clinics available. Expats often prefer private clinics for better service quality.

Doctor visit: $10 – $20
Specialist visit: $20 – $30
Medicines: $1 – $6

Education Costs

Public schools: low-cost
Private schools: $300 – $2,000 annually
International schools: higher ranges depending on curriculum

Entertainment & Lifestyle Expenses

Gym membership: $15 – $35
Movie ticket: $3 – $6
Sports activities: $5 – $15 per session
Nightlife: $5 – $15 per outing

Cost of Living for Different Groups

11.1 Cost of Living for Singles

Singles typically spend $500 – $900 monthly depending on rent and lifestyle choices.

11.2 Cost of Living for Couples

Couples generally spend $900 – $1,600 per month.

11.3 Cost of Living for Families

A family of four usually spends $1,200 – $2,000, including schooling.

11.4 Cost of Living for Students

Students can live comfortably on $250 – $450 with shared accommodation.

11.5 Cost of Living for Expats

Expats typically spend $900 – $1,600 depending on preferred city and lifestyle.

Comparison With Other Countries

Cameroon vs Nigeria: Cameroon is generally cheaper and quieter.
Cameroon vs Ghana: Ghana has higher food and transport costs.
Cameroon vs Kenya: Kenya is more expensive for rent and schooling.

Pros & Cons of Living in Cameroon

Pros

Affordable day-to-day living
Rich cultural diversity
Warm and welcoming communities
Plenty of fresh local produce

Cons

Infrastructure varies by region
Limited high-end healthcare options
Imported goods can be expensive

Final Summary

Cameroon offers a balanced and affordable lifestyle with low housing, food, and transportation costs. It is ideal for expats, students, NGO workers, and families seeking a culturally rich and budget-friendly environment. While certain areas may lack strong infrastructure, the overall cost of living remains significantly lower than many other African nations.

Explore more Cameroon resources:

FAQs

Is Cameroon expensive to live in?

No, Cameroon is relatively affordable compared to many African countries.

How much salary is enough to live comfortably in Cameroon?

A monthly income of $800 – $1,200 is enough for comfortable living.

What is the average rent in Cameroon?

Rent ranges from $150 to $600 depending on location and apartment size.

Is Cameroon good for expats?

Yes, Cameroon is suitable for expats seeking a low-cost and culturally rich lifestyle.

Is Cameroon cheaper than Nigeria?

Yes, Cameroon is generally cheaper in housing, food, and daily expenses compared to Nigeria.