Cost of Living in Central African Republic - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: Central African Republic
Address: CF

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $573 (excluding rent), and $657 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,480 (excluding rent), and $1,441 including rent.

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.74 FCFA 986

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$3.43 FCFA 1,938

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.42 FCFA 3,062

Milk (1 liter)

$5.35 FCFA 3,022

White Bread (500g)

$4.39 FCFA 2,479

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.30 FCFA 2,428

Eggs

$5.20 FCFA 2,940

Local Cheese (1kg)

$8.73 FCFA 4,934

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$8.64 FCFA 4,883

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$3.50 FCFA 1,980

Oranges (1kg)

$6.85 FCFA 3,872

Tomato (1kg)

$5.17 FCFA 2,922

Potato (1kg)

$4.52 FCFA 2,552

Onion (1kg)

$6.25 FCFA 3,532

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.71 FCFA 1,532

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.71 FCFA 1,530

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$4.46 FCFA 2,519

Wine (Bottle)

$12.29 FCFA 6,946

$6.37 FCFA 3,600

$18.20 FCFA 10.3K

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$6.10 FCFA 3,449

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.28 FCFA 2,419

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$80.1 FCFA 45.2K

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.82 FCFA 1,593

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$14.77 FCFA 8,349

Gasoline (1 liter)

$2.58 FCFA 1,458

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$13.5K FCFA 7.6M

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$59.7 FCFA 33.7K

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$90.3 FCFA 51.0K

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$41.69 FCFA 23.6K

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$78.3 FCFA 44.3K

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,300 FCFA 734.8K

$1,214 FCFA 685.8K

$1,387 FCFA 783.8K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,450 FCFA 819.5K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,722 FCFA 973.0K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$844 FCFA 476.8K

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

Last update: January 17, 2026

By City in Central African Republic

Lowest

Highest

Rank	City	Population	Living Index	Solo costs (no rent) / month	Solo costs (with rent) / month	Family of 3 costs (no rent) / month	Family of 3 costs (with rent) / month	Mobile download speed (Mbps)	Internet download speed (Mbps)
1	Bangui	734350		$416	$445	$1,038	$957	109.75	70.12

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

Cost of Living in Central African Republic - Frequently Asked Questions

Cost of Living in Central African Republic is typically lower than many Western cities and some peers in the region, making it appealing for longer stays. For travelers, expats, and digital nomads, value often comes from flexible housing options, short-term leases, and local markets for staples. In core urban areas you may find cheaper rents with basic amenities, while in rural areas costs can drop further but accessibility drops. The balance is a steady pace, slower services, and the need to plan for occasional power or internet interruptions. Tip: Map out a few neighborhoods in advance, and budget for contingencies like transport to essential services.

Daily life hinges on where you set up base. In the capital and larger towns, you’ll find apartment listings with modest furnishings and transparent lease terms if you connect with local agents and trusted landlords; outside cities, options are sparser and longer searches are common. Food comes from vibrant local markets offering cassava, fresh greens, fish, and seasonal produce; eating out is possible but simplest meals are often inexpensive. Transport relies on car hires, shuttle services, or motorcycle taxis, and co-working spaces are growing but limited. Central African Republic living cost varies by neighborhood, so choose a base that minimizes daily commutes. Tip: start with a short stay near essential services to gauge your routine.

Quality of life hinges on how you balance rent, food, transport, and personal time. Start with a simple budgeting framework: divide your monthly needs into fixed housing, flexible groceries, and discretionary spends, then add a small cushion for emergencies. Seasonality affects markets and travel – dry and rainy periods shift road conditions and delivery times – so plan your routine around the months when you’ll move most comfortably. For neighborhood fit, prioritize areas with reliable access to markets, healthcare, and safe transit routes; ask locals about service gaps and power reliability. Tip: test a neighborhood during different days and times before committing to a long lease.