Last update: Oct 2026 Cameroon 1.7M

Cost of Living in Bamenda

For one person, living costs in Bamenda are estimated at $667 a month, including rent and utilities – 33% below the national average. Rent and utilities take about a third of the total.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Bamenda

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Bamenda actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

A single person spends around $667 per month with rent, or $465 for everyday expenses alone.

$667 /mo

A couple spends around $894 per month with rent, or $708 for everyday expenses alone.

$894 /mo

A family of three spends around $1,120 per month with rent, or $952 without housing.

$1,120 /mo

Overall, Bamenda is 51–60% below the global median across household types. Within Africa, costs are 26% below average – relatively affordable for the region.

Currency
Do you live in Bamenda? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$5.16 FCFA 3,011
$1.72 FCFA 1,004
$8.61 FCFA 5,019
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$6.25 FCFA 3,642
$5.82 FCFA 3,396
$6.66 FCFA 3,881
Cappuccino
$1.14 FCFA 666
$0.86 FCFA 501
$1.72 FCFA 1,002
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.66 FCFA 966
$1.66 FCFA 966
$1.66 FCFA 966
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.64 FCFA 371
$0.35 FCFA 204
$0.87 FCFA 509
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.55 FCFA 905
$1.38 FCFA 804
$1.72 FCFA 1,005
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.74 FCFA 1,012
$1.39 FCFA 810
$4.34 FCFA 2,530
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$2.90 FCFA 1,691
$1.74 FCFA 1,016
$4.35 FCFA 2,539
White Bread (500g)
$0.77 FCFA 448
$0.33 FCFA 193
$1.65 FCFA 965
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.02 FCFA 1,176
$1.21 FCFA 707
$3.46 FCFA 2,019
Eggs
$3.00 FCFA 1,747
$1.73 FCFA 1,007
$5.18 FCFA 3,021
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$3.60 FCFA 2,099
$3.32 FCFA 1,934
$4.15 FCFA 2,417
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$4.83 FCFA 2,818
$3.41 FCFA 1,988
$5.97 FCFA 3,479
Apples (1kg)
$2.48 FCFA 1,446
$1.65 FCFA 964
$3.31 FCFA 1,928
Banana (1kg)
$0.82 FCFA 476
$0.82 FCFA 476
$0.82 FCFA 476
Oranges (1kg)
$1.22 FCFA 709
$0.69 FCFA 405
$1.74 FCFA 1,013
Tomato (1kg)
$1.31 FCFA 764
$0.86 FCFA 500
$1.71 FCFA 999
Potato (1kg)
$3.04 FCFA 1,774
$1.37 FCFA 802
$5.16 FCFA 3,006
Onion (1kg)
$1.51 FCFA 881
$0.87 FCFA 509
$2.62 FCFA 1,528
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.81 FCFA 474
$0.70 FCFA 408
$0.87 FCFA 510
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.76 FCFA 441
$0.70 FCFA 405
$0.87 FCFA 507
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$1.75 FCFA 1,018
$1.40 FCFA 815
$3.49 FCFA 2,036
Wine (Bottle)
$9.99 FCFA 5,827
$8.69 FCFA 5,065
$11.30 FCFA 6,590
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.38 FCFA 803
$1.15 FCFA 672
$1.66 FCFA 968
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.69 FCFA 984
$0.84 FCFA 492
$2.53 FCFA 1,476
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.26 FCFA 737
$0.84 FCFA 490
$1.68 FCFA 979
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$8.75 FCFA 5,101
$0.83 FCFA 486
$16.66 FCFA 9,716
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.63 FCFA 365
$0.45 FCFA 262
$0.63 FCFA 365
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.57 FCFA 334
$0.32 FCFA 189
$0.57 FCFA 334
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$5.40 FCFA 3,152
$4.98 FCFA 2,907
$5.82 FCFA 3,391
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.37 FCFA 798
$1.20 FCFA 702
$1.41 FCFA 821
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$169 FCFA 98.4K
-
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$30.30 FCFA 17.7K
$17.31 FCFA 10.1K
$43.28 FCFA 25.2K
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$42.17 FCFA 24.6K
$42.17 FCFA 24.6K
$42.17 FCFA 24.6K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$17.35 FCFA 10.1K
$8.67 FCFA 5,054
$26.01 FCFA 15.2K
Cinema Ticket
$8.26 FCFA 4,814
-
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$172 FCFA 100.2K
-
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$25.90 FCFA 15.1K
$25.90 FCFA 15.1K
$25.90 FCFA 15.1K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$42.28 FCFA 24.7K
-
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$46.18 FCFA 26.9K
$41.97 FCFA 24.5K
$50.4 FCFA 29.4K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$51.4 FCFA 29.9K
$42.79 FCFA 25.0K
$59.9 FCFA 34.9K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$66.9 FCFA 39.0K
-
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$33.60 FCFA 19.6K
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$95.3 FCFA 55.6K
-

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: October 10, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Bamenda $667
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$241
Groceries & Markets
$173 *
Eating Out
$94
Clothing & Footwear
$75
Sport & Entertainment
$34
Accommodation & Living
$34
Getting Around
$17

Categories marked with * are only partly priced – their share counts the items that do have prices.

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $66.9, dropping to $33.60 outside central areas. At just 70% of the average salary ($95.3), housing is genuinely affordable – well below the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $95.3 – below monthly costs of $667. Most locals rely on shared housing or dual incomes. Remote workers earning abroad will find stronger purchasing power.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $8.75 – among the cheapest in Africa (average $30.00).

Cost Highlights

Bamenda has the 4th cheapest 1-bedroom apartment, outside city center in Africa

Bamenda has the 10th cheapest 1-bedroom apartment, city center in Africa

Average monthly net salary is lower than 95% of cities in Africa

Good to know
🕒 Local time
14:57 2:57 PM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
1,735,000
💱 Currency
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to XAF – Central African CFA Franc Converter

Central African CFA Franc exchange rates as of October 17, 2026: 1 USD = 583 XAF (1,000 XAF = 1.71 USD). 1 EUR = 656 XAF (1,000 XAF = 1.53 EUR).

On the map
From you
  • Bamenda

Distances are measured in a straight line. Your location is detected approximately.

Bamenda Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
City tags:
Cost of Living in Bamenda - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bamenda affordable for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and how does it compare with other cities in Cameroon?
Compared with larger hubs, Cost of Living in Bamenda, Cameroon often feels more approachable for a given budget. You can rent modest accommodations in walkable neighborhoods, eat well at local joints, and rely on inexpensive public transport or walking. Utilities and internet are manageable if you choose a mid-range plan. The city’s pace supports focused work, with cafes and coworking spaces popping up in pockets around town. Price variation hinges on neighborhood and season, not the citywide average. Tip: Start with a short stay in a central, safe area to gauge daily costs and pace before committing long-term.
What does a typical day look like for housing, food, transport, and errands, and how should you approach the housing search?
A day in Bamenda blends market visits, quick coffee stops, and errands around walkable cores. For housing, look at compounds, guesthouses, or small apartments near central Bamenda or safe outskirts; verify water and power reliability before signing. Food options range from market produce and street meals to modest restaurant fare, all offering good value when you shop with a list. Transport uses taxis, shared vans, or short hops by foot; plan extra time in the rainy season when roads can slow. As you budget, consider the Bamenda, Cameroon living cost baseline and compare neighborhoods by pace, safety, and access to groceries. Tip: Start with a short-term rental to test daily routines before committing.
What budgeting approaches help maintain quality of life and savings, including seasonality and neighborhood fit?
To maximize value, use a simple budgeting framework focused on three buckets: housing, essentials, and discretionary goods, then track weekly. In Bamenda, seasonal changes affect outdoor plans and transport; plan indoor work days during heavy rains and save excursions for dry spells. Neighborhood fit matters: central areas offer easier access to markets and coworking, while calmer outskirts can reduce rent with longer commutes. Build a routine that favors local markets for food, and consider shared spaces to cut costs on wifi and power. Tip: Build a flexible schedule that shifts work to mornings and errands to afternoons to suit light and traffic.
Is Bamenda one of the cheaper cities to live in?
Bamenda is affordable because both rent and daily expenses are genuinely low. Total monthly costs with housing come to just $667, making it firmly budget-friendly for residents and long-term visitors alike.
Is Bamenda a cheap city to live in for foreigners?
By most standards, Bamenda is a budget-friendly place to live. Total monthly costs with rent usually land around $667, and both housing and daily expenses fall below global averages. It's a solid pick for remote workers, long-term travelers, or anyone watching their spending.
How does the average salary in Bamenda compare to the cost of living?
The average net salary in Bamenda is about $95.3, while comfortable living starts around $1,001. With total costs hitting $667 monthly, saving is possible if you earn above average – but it takes intentional budgeting.
How much does a one-bedroom apartment cost to rent in Bamenda?
A central one-bedroom apartment in Bamenda runs about $66.9 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $33.60. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.
How expensive is preschool in Bamenda per month?
Private kindergarten in Bamenda costs about $172 per month – a big number for families. Prices vary by curriculum and whether you go local or international. Public options are cheaper where they exist, but waitlists can be long.
How much is a monthly gym pass in Bamenda?
A gym membership in Bamenda runs about $17.35 per month – affordable by regional standards. Most gyms include basic equipment, group classes, and locker rooms. Boutique studios and personal training cost more, but the baseline is budget-friendly.
Does $1,200 cover living expenses in Bamenda?
$1,200 a month in Bamenda? Very doable. Average costs with rent come to just $667, which leaves real room to save, eat out, and enjoy the city without watching every dollar.
What is life like for foreigners living in Bamenda?
Bamenda works well for expats – there's a solid range of international services, diverse housing, and established communities of foreigners. English-language options for healthcare, banking, and real estate are increasingly available, making the transition fairly smooth.
Is Bamenda budget-friendly for long-term stays?
Bamenda is affordable by most measures, which is why it appeals to long-term travelers, remote workers, and budget-conscious residents. At $667 per month with rent, it sits well below the global average for cities of similar size.
How much does a backpacker need per day in Bamenda?
Bamenda is great for backpackers. All-in costs average just $667 monthly, and even short-term visitors on tight budgets can stretch their money. Cheap hostels, affordable street food, budget transport, and free attractions make it easy to explore without overspending.

Bamenda vs other spots: cost of living compared

Nearby cities

Similar cities

Show times on the 12-hour clock, temperatures in °F and distances in miles?