Cameroon is located in Central Africa and offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many other countries. However, expenses can vary depending on the city, lifestyle, and personal preferences.
Overview of The Cost of Living in Cameroon
The cost of living in Cameroon depends on your location, lifestyle and access to services. Bigger cities like Douala and Yaoundé usually have higer prices, especially for housing, imported goods, and dining out. Smaller towns and rural areas are much more affordable.
Cameroon mixes modern infra with traditional local markets, so residents have options to manage their expenses and still enjoy convenience.
Here is a look at the main everyday costs you can expect in Cameroon:
NOTE: conversion rate used: 1 USD = 600 XAF
Housing 🏠
Housing costs in Cameroon vary depending on the location, with city centers being more expensive than suburban or rural areas. While major cities like Douala and Yaoundé have higher rental prices, smaller towns offer more affordable housing. Utilities and internet costs are generally moderate, but power outages may affect electricity reliability in some regions.
Type of Apartment
Size
Rent (USD)
Rent (XAF)
1-Bedroom in City Center
40 m² / 430 ft²
$389
233,400 XAF
1-Bedroom Outside City (Budget Option)
40 m² / 430 ft²
$242
145,200 XAF
3-Bedroom in City Center
80 m² / 860 ft²
$1,029
617,400 XAF
3-Bedroom Outside City (Budget Option)
80 m² / 860 ft²
$521
312,600 XAF
Property and Mortgage Purchase
Category
Cost (USD)
Cost (XAF)
Mortgage Interest Rate (20 Years)
12.96% annually
–
Apartment Purchase (City Center)
$1,525/m²
915,000 XAF/m²
House Purchase (Suburbs)
$746/m²
447,600 XAF/m²
Utilities: Monthly utility bills, including electricity, water, and gas, typically cost $50–$100 (30,000–60,000 XAF).
Food 🍽️
Cameroon's food expenses depend on dietary choices and shopping habits. Locally sourced groceries, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and staple foods, are affordable, whereas imported goods tend to be more expensive.
Eating outside at local restaurants tends to be budget friendly, while mid range dining is pricy in city areas.
🛒 Grocery & Household Prices (Average Costs)
Item
Quantity
Price (USD)
Price (XAF)
🥛 Milk
1 L / 1 qt
$2.64
1,584 XAF
🍞 Bread
0.5 kg / 1.1 lb
$0.71
426 XAF
🍚 Rice
1 kg / 2.2 lb
$1.94
1,164 XAF
🥚 Eggs
12 pieces
$2.22
1,332 XAF
🧀 Cheese
1 kg / 2.2 lb
$14.70
8,820 XAF
🐔 Chicken Breast
1 kg / 2.2 lb
$6.38
3,828 XAF
🥩 Round Steak
1 kg / 2.2 lb
$5.60
3,360 XAF
🍏 Apples
1 kg / 2.2 lb
$3.93
2,358 XAF
🍌 Bananas
1 kg / 2.2 lb
$1.71
1,026 XAF
🍊 Oranges
1 kg / 2.2 lb
$1.72
1,032 XAF
🍅 Tomatoes
1 kg / 2.2 lb
$1.19
714 XAF
🥔 Potatoes
1 kg / 2.2 lb
$2.29
1,374 XAF
🧅 Onions
1 kg / 2.2 lb
$1.76
1,056 XAF
🌊 Bottled Water
1 L / 1 qt
$0.56
336 XAF
🍹 Coca-Cola / Pepsi
2 L / 67.6 fl oz
$2.23
1,338 XAF
🍾 Wine (mid-priced)
750 mL bottle
$7.28
4,368 XAF
🍺 Local Beer
0.5 L / 16 fl oz
$1.24
744 XAF
🚬 Cigarettes
1 pack
$2.61
1,566 XAF
💊 Cold Medicine
1-week dose
$6.86
4,116 XAF
🧴 Hair Shampoo
1 bottle
$3.31
1,986 XAF
🧻 Toilet Paper
4 rolls
$1.93
1,158 XAF
👄 Toothpaste
1 tube
$1.98
1,188 XAF
Dining Out Costs
Item
Price Range (USD)
Price Range (XAF)
Inexpensive Restaurant Meal
$5 – $10
3,000 – 6,000 XAF
Mid-Range Restaurant (3-Course for Two)
$30 – $50
18,000 – 30,000 XAF
Mid-Range Restaurant Meal for Two
$13 – $32
8,000 – 20,000 XAF
Fast Food Combo Meal
$5 – $10
3,000 – 6,000 XAF
Coffee (Cappuccino)
$2 – $5
1,200 – 3,000 XAF
Transportation 🚕
Public transportation in Cameroon is pretty cheap, with shared taxis and minibuses as common options. Private taxies are available but cost more, especially for longer trips. Fuel prices in Cameroon stay steady but owning a car is often pricey because of import taxes.
Item
Quantity
Price (USD)
Price (XAF)
🚌 Local Transport Ticket
One-way
$0.84
504 XAF
🎟️ Monthly Transport Pass
Per month
$19.00
11,400 XAF
🚕 Taxi Ride
8 km / 5 mi
$5.28
3,168 XAF
⛽ Gas / Petrol
1 L / 0.26 gal
$1.36
816 XAF
Healthcare 🏥
The healthcare system in Cameroon consists of both public and private facilities. Public healthcare is more affordable but may lack advanced medical equipment, while private clinics offer better services at higher costs. Health insurance options are available, though coverage varies by provider.
Public Healthcare: Affordable but may lack advanced facilities.
Private Healthcare: Costs vary, with consultations ranging from $20–$50 (12,000–30,000 XAF).
Health Insurance: Monthly premiums depend on the provider and coverage but are generally affordable.
Education 📚
Educational expenses in Cameroon depend on the type of school. Public school education is free or low cost, while private ones charge tuition. International schools are even more expensive, serving mainly expatriates and high income families. Additional costs for uniforms and school supplies apply across all education levels.
Public Schools: Free or low-cost for residents, but additional expenses for uniforms and supplies apply.
Private Schools: Tuition fees range from $500–$2,000 annually (300,000–1,200,000 XAF).
International Schools: More expensive, with annual fees ranging from $5,000–$10,000 (3,000,000–6,000,000 XAF).
Entertainment and Leisure 🎉
Entertainment options in Cameroon range from cinemas and bars to sports and fitness activities. Nightlife is relatively affordable, with drinks at local bars costing much less than in high-end venues. Gym memberships and recreational activities are also available at reasonable prices, especially in major cities.
Cinemas: A movie ticket costs around $5–$10 (3,000–6,000 XAF).
Nightlife: Drinks at bars range from $2–$5 (1,200–3,000 XAF).
Sports and Fitness: Gym memberships cost approximately $30–$50 (18,000–30,000 XAF) per month.
Miscellaneous Expenses 💰
Additional living costs in Cameroon include mobile phone and internet bills, clothing, and personal care items. While local markets offer affordable shopping options, branded and imported goods are more expensive. Internet costs vary depending on speed and service provider, with urban areas having better connectivity.
Mobile Phones: Monthly plans range from $10–$30 (6,000–18,000 XAF).
Internet: High-speed internet costs around $30–$50 (18,000–30,000 XAF) per month.
Clothing: Prices for clothing and shoes vary, with local markets offering affordable options.
Cost of Living in the Top 6 Cities of Cameroon
The cost of living in Cameroon depends on the city you reside in. Douala and Yaoundé are expensive. While Buea and Garoua are cheaper. Here is a breakdown of expenses in the top cities:
1. Douala – The Economic Capital
As Cameroon’s largest city and economic hub, Douala offers a vibrant lifestyle with a relatively high cost of living. Here’s a breakdown of common expenses:
🏠 Accommodation Costs (Monthly Rent)
Single-bedroom apartments
In the city center: 150,000 - 400,000 XAF
Outside city center: 100,000 - 250,000 XAF
Three-bedroom apartments
City center: 300,000 - 800,000 XAF
Suburban areas: 200,000 - 500,000 XAF
Villa rentals
Starting from 600,000 XAF, depending on size and location
🍽️ Dining Out
Budget meal at a local restaurant:2,000 - 5,000 XAF
Dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant:10,000 - 25,000 XAF
Preschool (private, full-day):100,000 - 300,000 XAF per month
International primary school:1,500,000 - 5,000,000 XAF per year
👗 Clothing & Shopping
Jeans (Levi’s 501 or similar):10,000 - 30,000 XAF
Summer dress (Zara, H&M, etc.):8,000 - 25,000 XAF
Nike running shoes:25,000 - 50,000 XAF
Men’s leather business shoes:30,000 - 60,000 XAF
🏡 Buying an Apartment
Price per square meter in city center:500,000 - 1,200,000 XAF
Outside city center:300,000 - 900,000 XAF
💰 Salaries & Financial Overview
Average net monthly salary:250,000 - 700,000 XAF
Mortgage interest rate (fixed for 20 years):7% - 12%
Accommodation (Monthly Rent)
Apartments (1 Bedroom):
City Centre: 150,000 - 400,000 XAF
Outside City Centre: 100,000 - 250,000 XAF
Apartments (3 Bedrooms):
City Centre: 300,000 - 800,000 XAF
Outside City Centre: 200,000 - 500,000 XAF
Villas: 600,000 XAF and above (varies based on location and size)
2. Yaoundé – The Political Capital
Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon, serves as the country’s political and administrative center. It has both a modern infrastructure and traditional markets, with options for living conditions, from upscale neighborhoods to more affordable suburban areas. Cost of living depends on lifestyle, and international amenities add extra costs.
🏠 Accommodation (Monthly Rent)
Apartments (1 Bedroom, City Centre):100,000 - 300,000 XAF
Apartments (1 Bedroom, Outside City Centre):75,000 - 200,000 XAF
Apartments (3 Bedrooms, City Centre):250,000 - 700,000 XAF
Apartments (3 Bedrooms, Outside City Centre):150,000 - 400,000 XAF
Villas:500,000 XAF and above
🍽️ Food & Dining
Eating out in Yaoundé ranges from affordable street food to fine dining experiences. While local dishes are inexpensive, international cuisine and fast food tend to cost more.
Grocery prices in Yaoundé depend on whether you shop in local markets or supermarkets. Imported goods are significantly more expensive than locally sourced items.
Milk (1 liter):900 - 2,000 XAF
Rice (1 kg):500 - 1,200 XAF
Chicken (1 kg):2,000 - 4,500 XAF
Apples (1 kg):1,500 - 3,500 XAF
🚕 Transportation
Public transport and taxis are the main modes of transport in Yaoundé. Prices vary depending on the distance and negotiation skills, as taxis often operate on a shared basis.
One-way Bus Ticket:250 - 500 XAF
Taxi Ride (short city trip):800 - 2,500 XAF
Gasoline (1 liter):750 - 900 XAF
📡 Utilities & Internet (Monthly)
Utility costs in Yaoundé can fluctuate based on electricity consumption and water availability. Internet services range from budget-friendly mobile data to high-speed fiber connections.
Basic Utilities (Electricity, Water, Trash) for an 85m² Apartment:40,000 - 120,000 XAF
Internet (Unlimited, 60 Mbps):15,000 - 40,000 XAF
Mobile Phone Plan:5,000 - 12,000 XAF
🎉 Entertainment & Leisure
Yaoundé offers various entertainment options, from cinemas and bars to gyms and cultural activities. Nightlife can be affordable or high-end, depending on the venue.
Gym Membership:15,000 - 40,000 XAF
Cinema Ticket:2,000 - 4,500 XAF
💰 Summary of Cost of Living in Yaoundé
Yaoundé is a relatively affordable city compared to other African capitals, especially for housing and local food. However, imported goods and high-end services can be costly. The city offers a mix of modern and traditional, making it a lively place to live.
3. Bafoussam – The Commercial and Agricultural Hub
Bafoussam, the capital of the West Region of Cameroon, is a growing urban center with a cost of living that is generally more affordable compared to larger cities like Douala and Yaoundé. Below is a breakdown of common expenses:
🍽️ Food & Groceries
Business district lunch (including a drink):3,717 XAF
Fast food combo meal (Big Mac or similar):3,540 XAF
Bafoussam offers a moderate cost of living, with lower food and utility prices compared to Cameroon’s other big cities. However, imported electronics and brand-name products are still costly. Public transport is cheap, and housing varies by area.
4. Bamenda – The Cultural and Political Hub of Anglophone Cameroon
Bamenda, the capital of the Northwest Region of Cameroon, offers a lower cost of living compared to larger cities like Douala and Yaoundé. Below is a breakdown of daily expenses in the city.
🍽️ Food & Groceries
Business district lunch (including a drink):3,500 XAF
Fast food combo meal (Big Mac or similar):3,200 XAF
Bamenda is a more affordable city compared to Douala and Yaoundé, especially for housing, transportation, and food. However, imported goods and electronics are still expensive. The city offers a decent quality of life for those seeking a lower-cost alternative in Cameroon.
5. Buea – The University and Tech Hub
Buea, the capital of the Southwest Region of Cameroon, is a vibrant city known for its university culture, tech startups, and moderate cost of living. Below is a breakdown of living expenses in the city.
🏠 Accommodation (Monthly Rent)
Apartments (1 Bedroom, City Centre):50,000 - 120,000 XAF
Apartments (1 Bedroom, Outside City Centre):40,000 - 100,000 XAF
Apartments (3 Bedrooms, City Centre): 150,000 - 300,000 XAF
Apartments (3 Bedrooms, Outside City Centre):100,000 - 250,000 XAF
Villas:350,000 XAF and above (varies based on size and location)
Casual Dinner for Two in a Neighborhood Pub: 7,000 - 15,000 XAF
Cinema Ticket (1 Person): 2,500 - 5,000 XAF
Cocktail in Downtown Bar/Club: 4,000 - 8,000 XAF
Beer in a Local Pub (500ml): 700 - 1,500 XAF
Gym Membership (Monthly, Business District): 15,000 - 35,000 XAF
iPad Wi-Fi 128GB: 700,000 XAF and above
Prepaid Mobile Tariff (1 min, no discounts): 80 - 150 XAF
Pack of Marlboro Cigarettes: 800 - 2,000 XAF
💰 Summary of Cost of Living in Buea
Buea is one of the most affordable cities in Cameroon, especially for students and young professionals. Rent is significantly lower than in Douala or Yaoundé, and food and transport are relatively inexpensive. However, imported goods and luxury items can be costly. The city’s tech scene and university environment make it an attractive place for digital nomads and entrepreneurs.
6. Garoua – The Northern Commercial Center
Garoua, the capital of the North Region of Cameroon, is an important commercial and agricultural hub. It is known for its warm climate, bustling markets, and growing business sector. Below is a breakdown of the cost of living in Garoua.
🏠 Accommodation (Monthly Rent)
Apartments (1 Bedroom, City Centre):40,000 - 100,000 XAF
Apartments (1 Bedroom, Outside City Centre):30,000 - 80,000 XAF
Apartments (3 Bedrooms, City Centre):120,000 - 250,000 XAF
Apartments (3 Bedrooms, Outside City Centre):80,000 - 180,000 XAF
Villas:250,000 XAF and above (varies based on location and size)
🍽️ Food & Dining
Basic Lunch Menu (including a drink, business district): 2,500 - 5,000 XAF
Fast Food Combo Meal (Big Mac or similar): 2,000 - 4,500 XAF
Casual Dinner for Two in a Neighborhood Pub: 6,000 - 12,000 XAF
Cinema Ticket (1 Person): 2,000 - 4,000 XAF
Cocktail in Downtown Bar/Club: 3,500 - 7,000 XAF
Beer in a Local Pub (500ml): 600 - 1,500 XAF
Gym Membership (Monthly, Business District): 12,000 - 30,000 XAF
iPad Wi-Fi 128GB: 600,000 XAF and above
Prepaid Mobile Tariff (1 min, no discounts): 70 - 150 XAF
Pack of Marlboro Cigarettes: 700 - 1,500 XAF
💰 Summary of Cost of Living in Garoua
Garoua is one of Cameroon’s most affordable cities, especially for housing and local food. However, imported goods can be expensive due to transportation costs from Douala and Yaoundé. The city offers a balance between affordability and access to key services, making it a great place for traders, entrepreneurs, and those working in agriculture or commerce.
Cost of Living in Douala vs. Other Major Cities in Cameroon
Douala, Cameroon's economic capital and largest city, has the highest cost of living compared to other major cities. Factors such as high demand for housing, transportation costs, and a greater reliance on imported goods contribute to its relatively expensive lifestyle. Below is a comparison of Douala’s living costs with those of Yaoundé, Bafoussam, Garoua, and Bamenda.
Category
Douala (Economic Hub)
Yaoundé (Political Capital)
Bafoussam (Western Trade Hub)
Garoua (Northern Commercial Center)
Bamenda (Northwest Regional Capital)
Housing (1BR City Center)
200,000–500,000 XAF
100,000–300,000 XAF
50,000–150,000 XAF
40,000–100,000 XAF
50,000–120,000 XAF
Housing (1BR Outside Center)
120,000–250,000 XAF
75,000–200,000 XAF
30,000–80,000 XAF
30,000–80,000 XAF
40,000–100,000 XAF
Utilities (Monthly)
50,000–150,000 XAF
40,000–120,000 XAF
30,000–70,000 XAF
25,000–70,000 XAF
30,000–80,000 XAF
Groceries (Monthly, Per Person)
100,000–250,000 XAF
80,000–200,000 XAF
60,000–150,000 XAF
50,000–120,000 XAF
60,000–140,000 XAF
Dining (Inexpensive Meal)
2,500–6,000 XAF
1,500–4,000 XAF
1,000–3,500 XAF
1,000–3,000 XAF
1,200–3,500 XAF
Dining (Mid-Range for Two)
15,000–40,000 XAF
8,000–20,000 XAF
6,000–15,000 XAF
7,000–15,000 XAF
8,000–18,000 XAF
Transportation (One-Way Ticket)
300–600 XAF
250–500 XAF
200–500 XAF
200–500 XAF
250–600 XAF
Taxi Ride (Short Trip)
1,000–3,000 XAF
800–2,500 XAF
500–1,500 XAF
500–1,500 XAF
600–1,800 XAF
Gasoline (1 Liter)
750–900 XAF
750–900 XAF
750–900 XAF
750–900 XAF
750–900 XAF
Internet (Monthly, 60 Mbps)
20,000–50,000 XAF
15,000–40,000 XAF
10,000–30,000 XAF
10,000–30,000 XAF
12,000–35,000 XAF
Cinema Ticket
3,000–6,000 XAF
2,000–4,500 XAF
1,500–3,500 XAF
2,000–4,000 XAF
2,000–4,000 XAF
Gym Membership
20,000–50,000 XAF
15,000–40,000 XAF
10,000–25,000 XAF
12,000–30,000 XAF
12,000–30,000 XAF
Key Observations
Douala is the most expensive city in Cameroon, particularly for housing, utilities, and dining out. As the country’s commercial hub, demand for housing and services is high, driving up prices.
Yaoundé is slightly cheaper than Douala, with housing and utilities being more affordable, though still higher than other cities.
Bafoussam, Garoua, and Bamenda offer a much lower cost of living, making them attractive for those seeking affordability. Housing, food, and entertainment are significantly cheaper compared to Douala and Yaoundé.
Internet and fuel prices remain fairly uniform across all cities, with only slight variations.
Transportation in smaller cities is more affordable, with lower taxi fares and public transport costs compared to Douala and Yaoundé.
