Cost of Living Comparison Between Lome and Kpalime Cost of Living Comparison Between Lome and Kpalime

Monthly Cost of Living

Monthly costs for one person with rent: $590 in Lome versus $132 in Kpalime.

Estimated couple costs with rent: $1,024 in Lome versus $253 in Kpalime.

Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $1,458 in Lome versus $373 in Kpalime.

Living in Lome is roughly 346% more expensive than in Kpalime, driven mainly by Eating Out.

Both cities sit below the global median: Lome 57% lower, Kpalime 90% lower.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$3.09 F CFA 1,743

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$32.15 F CFA 18.2K

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$5.64 F CFA 3,186

Cappuccino

$6.16 F CFA 3,481

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

$4.27 F CFA 2,413

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.74 F CFA 415

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$0.93 F CFA 527

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.79 F CFA 1,010

Milk (1 liter)

$2.28 F CFA 1,291

White Bread (500g)

$1.35 F CFA 762

$0.91 F CFA 513

48.35%

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.52 F CFA 859

Eggs

$2.02 F CFA 1,139

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$5.82 F CFA 3,288

Apples (1kg)

$3.14 F CFA 1,774

Banana (1kg)

$1.75 F CFA 991

Tomato (1kg)

$2.62 F CFA 1,481

Potato (1kg)

$1.73 F CFA 977

Onion (1kg)

$1.22 F CFA 692

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.92 F CFA 520

Wine (Bottle)

$4.93 F CFA 2,783

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.16 F CFA 658

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.46 F CFA 827

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.20 F CFA 681

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$4.42 F CFA 2,497

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.19 F CFA 671

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$148 F CFA 83.8K

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

$22.34 F CFA 12.6K

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$44.11 F CFA 24.9K

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$61.7 F CFA 34.8K

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$9.01 F CFA 5,090

Cinema Ticket

$4.51 F CFA 2,547

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$268 F CFA 151.4K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$122 F CFA 69.1K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,224 F CFA 691.5K

$440 F CFA 248.4K

178.43%

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$301 F CFA 170.3K

$352 F CFA 198.6K

-14.24%

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$309 F CFA 174.6K

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

Last update for Lome: September 5, 2026

Last update for Kpalime: September 7, 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

Lome vs Kpalime: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions

Kpalime is cheaper overall, especially in Groceries & Markets, Eating Out, Sport & Entertainment, Monthly Utilities & Internet, Getting Around. The 346% gap adds up to real monthly savings that compound significantly over time.

You'd need roughly $885 in Lome and $199 in Kpalime 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.

Supermarket bills run roughly 1492% higher in Lome. For households that cook at home regularly, that difference adds up over a month.

All in, you'll spend $590 per month in Lome versus $132 in Kpalime – a 346% gap that adds up to real savings over time for anyone picking the cheaper option.

Either city works on $1,000 a month, though Kpalime 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.

Expats usually find Kpalime gentler on the wallet – expenses run 346% less than in Lome. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.