Cost of Living Comparison Between Bafoussam and Bamenda Cost of Living Comparison Between Bafoussam and Bamenda

Monthly Cost of Living

Monthly costs for one person with rent: $70.7 in Bafoussam versus $342 in Bamenda.

Estimated couple costs with rent: $98.0 in Bafoussam versus $526 in Bamenda.

Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $125 in Bafoussam versus $711 in Bamenda.

Living in Bafoussam costs roughly 79% less than in Bamenda, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.

Both cities sit below the global median: Bafoussam 95% lower, Bamenda 75% lower.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$1.79 FCFA 1,013

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$6.04 FCFA 3,413

Cappuccino

$0.89 FCFA 504

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.50 FCFA 285

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.36 FCFA 205

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.31 FCFA 742

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.72 FCFA 974

Milk (1 liter)

$2.71 FCFA 1,532

White Bread (500g)

$0.64 FCFA 359

Rice (white) (1kg)

$0.99 FCFA 560

Eggs

$3.28 FCFA 1,852

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$4.37 FCFA 2,467

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$5.33 FCFA 3,008

Apples (1kg)

$2.62 FCFA 1,482

Banana (1kg)

$0.90 FCFA 506

Oranges (1kg)

$0.73 FCFA 410

Tomato (1kg)

$0.91 FCFA 517

Potato (1kg)

$1.38 FCFA 777

Onion (1kg)

$1.08 FCFA 608

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.55 FCFA 312

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.68 FCFA 387

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$1.38 FCFA 782

Wine (Bottle)

$8.95 FCFA 5,057

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.30 FCFA 734

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.38 FCFA 781

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.72 FCFA 974

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.43 FCFA 241

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.33 FCFA 189

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$6.00 FCFA 3,390

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.31 FCFA 742

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$17.56 FCFA 9,918

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$34.13 FCFA 19.3K

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$9.07 FCFA 5,120

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$26.97 FCFA 15.2K

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$44.67 FCFA 25.2K

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$61.9 FCFA 35.0K

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$106 FCFA 60.0K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$71.2 FCFA 40.2K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$268 FCFA 151.5K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$124 FCFA 70.1K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$106 FCFA 59.9K

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

Last update for Bafoussam: June 9, 2026

Last update for Bamenda: June 9, 2026

City Median Internet Speeds Comparison (Updated April 2026)

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

Bafoussam vs Bamenda: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions

Bafoussam wins on cost – living expenses run 383% lower than in Bamenda. Housing and daily spending are where you'll feel the difference most, making Bafoussam the obvious pick if budget is a priority.

You'd need roughly $106 in Bafoussam and $513 in Bamenda to live well. The gap comes down to housing and overall price levels. Both cities are liveable on less, but these numbers represent actual comfort.

Either city works on $800 a month, though Bafoussam gives you more room to save. At this income level, the choice is more about lifestyle than financial pressure.

Both cities offer a good standard of living with different trade-offs. Neither is objectively better – the right pick depends on what matters most: affordability, career, cultural scene, or climate.

Safety-wise, Bafoussam and Bamenda are on par. Petty crime is typical for cities this size, and most residents feel comfortable going about their daily routines in either place.

Expats usually find Bafoussam gentler on the wallet – expenses run 383% less than in Bamenda. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.