😐Monthly costs for one person with rent: $733 in Yaounde versus $70.7 in Bafoussam.
😐Estimated couple costs with rent: $1,204 in Yaounde versus $98.0 in Bafoussam.
😐Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $1,676 in Yaounde versus $125 in Bafoussam.
😐Living in Yaounde is roughly 936% more expensive than Bafoussam, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.
📊Both cities sit below the global median: Yaounde45% lower, Bafoussam95% lower.
Currency
🍽 Eating Out
Yaounde
Bafoussam
Difference
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$4.91FCFA 2,772
-
-
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$44.62FCFA 25.2K
-
-
Fast Food Meal(McDonalds, etc)
$5.56FCFA 3,139
-
-
Cappuccino
$2.69FCFA 1,521
-
-
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite(0.33 liter bottle)
$1.46FCFA 826
-
-
Water(0.33 liter bottle)
$0.71FCFA 401
-
-
Local Beer(0.5 liter draught)
$1.17FCFA 662
-
-
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
$1.81FCFA 1,024
-
-
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Yaounde
Bafoussam
Difference
Milk(1 liter)
$2.94FCFA 1,660
-
-
White Bread(500g)
$0.96FCFA 542
-
-
Rice(white)(1kg)
$1.15FCFA 649
-
-
Eggs
$1.76FCFA 997
-
-
Local Cheese(1kg)
$14.03FCFA 7,924
-
-
Chicken Fillets(1kg)
$6.26FCFA 3,534
-
-
Beef Round Steak(1kg)
$6.09FCFA 3,442
-
-
Apples(1kg)
$4.37FCFA 2,468
-
-
Banana(1kg)
$2.04FCFA 1,152
-
-
Oranges(1kg)
$2.08FCFA 1,177
-
-
Tomato(1kg)
$1.20FCFA 675
-
-
Potato(1kg)
$1.61FCFA 912
-
-
Onion(1kg)
$1.49FCFA 844
-
-
Lettuce(1 head)
$0.55FCFA 311
-
-
Water(1.5 liter bottle)
$0.95FCFA 538
-
-
Cigarettes 20 Pack(Marlboro, Camel)
$1.75FCFA 987
-
-
Wine(Bottle)
$8.93FCFA 5,041
-
-
Local Beer(0.5 liter bottle)
$1.27FCFA 715
-
-
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
$1.55FCFA 875
-
-
🚌 Getting Around
Yaounde
Bafoussam
Difference
One-way Ticket(Public Transport)
$0.64FCFA 362
-
-
Public Transport Monthly Pass(Regular Price)
$17.54FCFA 9,907
-
-
Taxi Start(Normal Tariff)
$0.59FCFA 334
-
-
Taxi(Normal Tariff)(1km)
$0.39FCFA 218
-
-
Taxi 1hour Waiting(Normal Tariff)
$5.58FCFA 3,154
-
-
Gasoline(1 liter)
$1.39FCFA 786
-
-
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l(Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$33.0KFCFA 18.7M
-
-
Compact Sedan 1.6l(Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$15.8KFCFA 8.9M
-
-
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Yaounde
Bafoussam
Difference
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$80.1FCFA 45.3K
-
-
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$21.49FCFA 12.1K
-
-
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$47.32FCFA 26.7K
-
-
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Yaounde
Bafoussam
Difference
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$26.16FCFA 14.8K
-
-
Tennis Court(1 Hour on Weekend)
$6.89FCFA 3,889
-
-
Cinema Ticket
$6.61FCFA 3,733
-
-
🧸 Childcare & Education
Yaounde
Bafoussam
Difference
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
$338FCFA 190.8K
-
-
International Primary School, 1 Child(Yearly)
$1,845FCFA 1.0M
-
-
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Yaounde
Bafoussam
Difference
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$16.28FCFA 9,193
-
-
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
$24.52FCFA 13.9K
-
-
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$19.14FCFA 10.8K
-
-
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$58.3FCFA 32.9K
-
-
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Yaounde
Bafoussam
Difference
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$148FCFA 83.8K
$106FCFA 60.0K
39.70%
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$121FCFA 68.2K
$71.2FCFA 40.2K
69.62%
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$493FCFA 278.2K
$268FCFA 151.5K
83.60%
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$255FCFA 143.8K
$124FCFA 70.1K
105.21%
Buy Apartment in City Center(m2)
$881FCFA 497.8K
-
-
Buy Apartment Outside City Center(m2)
$616FCFA 347.8K
-
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Yaounde
Bafoussam
Difference
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$191FCFA 107.9K
-
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate(Annual %)
6
0
-
CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update for Yaounde: June 8, 2026
Last update for Bafoussam: June 9, 2026
Cost Breakdown
🏠A one-bedroom apartment in the center runs $148 in Yaounde and $106 in Bafoussam. Housing cost is often the main lever when comparing two cities.
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
Yaounde vs Bafoussam: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions
Which city is more expensive, Yaounde or Bafoussam?
Bafoussam wins on cost – living expenses run 936% lower than in Yaounde. Housing and daily spending are where you'll feel the difference most, making Bafoussam the obvious pick if budget is a priority.
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Yaounde vs Bafoussam?
You'd need roughly $1,099 in Yaounde and $106 in Bafoussam 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.
How much does a 1-bedroom apartment cost in Yaounde vs Bafoussam?
Rent for a central apartment: $148 in Yaounde versus $106 in Bafoussam. Housing is usually the single largest factor when comparing overall living costs between the two.
Can you live on $800/month in Yaounde or Bafoussam?
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.
Which city offers a better quality of life: Yaounde or Bafoussam?
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.
How safe is Yaounde compared to Bafoussam?
Safety-wise, Yaounde and Bafoussam are on par. Petty crime is typical for cities this size, and most residents feel comfortable going about their daily routines in either place.
Which city is more affordable for expats?
Expats usually find Bafoussam gentler on the wallet – expenses run 936% less than in Yaounde. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.