Cost of Living in Douala - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $763 (excluding rent), and $1,651 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,530 (excluding rent), and $3,646 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$8.65 FCFA 4,881

$4.32 FCFA 2,441

$8.65 FCFA 4,881

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$125 FCFA 70.4K

$62.3 FCFA 35.2K

$134 FCFA 75.4K

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$5.15 FCFA 2,908

$6.87 FCFA 3,881

Cappuccino

$1.86 FCFA 1,052

$0.89 FCFA 501

$2.67 FCFA 1,507

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

$1.71 FCFA 965

$1.43 FCFA 805

$1.78 FCFA 1,005

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.85 FCFA 478

$0.73 FCFA 414

$1.09 FCFA 618

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.16 FCFA 656

$1.01 FCFA 570

$1.78 FCFA 1,003

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.6 FCFA 1,466

$1.72 FCFA 974

$2.6 FCFA 1,466

Milk (1 liter)

$2.91 FCFA 1,641

$2.41 FCFA 1,361

$3.57 FCFA 2,018

White Bread (500g)

$0.42 FCFA 235

$0.25 FCFA 142

$1.02 FCFA 578

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.29 FCFA 1,294

$1.16 FCFA 653

$4.43 FCFA 2,504

Eggs

$1.98 FCFA 1,120

$1.61 FCFA 909

$2.15 FCFA 1,212

Local Cheese (1kg)

$23.1 FCFA 13K

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$8.1 FCFA 4,575

$6.3 FCFA 3,557

$9.91 FCFA 5,594

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$6.55 FCFA 3,695

$5.34 FCFA 3,017

$11 FCFA 6,210

Apples (1kg)

$4.69 FCFA 2,646

$3.42 FCFA 1,934

$6 FCFA 3,385

Banana (1kg)

$2.18 FCFA 1,232

$1.81 FCFA 1,023

$2.73 FCFA 1,540

Oranges (1kg)

$2.17 FCFA 1,227

$1.8 FCFA 1,019

$2.72 FCFA 1,534

Tomato (1kg)

$1.35 FCFA 763

$0.86 FCFA 483

$3.43 FCFA 1,938

Potato (1kg)

$3.28 FCFA 1,854

$0.86 FCFA 487

$3.81 FCFA 2,153

Onion (1kg)

$2.19 FCFA 1,239

$1.75 FCFA 986

$2.63 FCFA 1,485

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.78 FCFA 442

$0.19 FCFA 105

$1.28 FCFA 720

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.67 FCFA 378

$0.45 FCFA 256

$0.91 FCFA 512

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$3.45 FCFA 1,948

$1.72 FCFA 971

$3.45 FCFA 1,948

Wine (Bottle)

$8.29 FCFA 4,680

$6.1 FCFA 3,447

$9.59 FCFA 5,414

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.35 FCFA 763

$1.12 FCFA 631

$1.71 FCFA 966

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.9 FCFA 1,074

$1.4 FCFA 789

$2.63 FCFA 1,482

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.64 FCFA 362

$0.34 FCFA 192

$0.85 FCFA 482

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$17.88 FCFA 10.1K

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.54 FCFA 308

$0.64 FCFA 360

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.83 FCFA 466

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$8.29 FCFA 4,683

$5.24 FCFA 2,956

$8.73 FCFA 4,929

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.43 FCFA 807

$1.32 FCFA 744

$1.51 FCFA 854

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$30.5K FCFA 17.2M

$29.6K FCFA 16.7M

$31K FCFA 17.5M

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

$16.1K FCFA 9.1M

$15.3K FCFA 8.6M

$16.1K FCFA 9.1M

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

$165 FCFA 93.2K

$156 FCFA 88.1K

$173 FCFA 97.9K

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

$26.49 FCFA 15K

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$185 FCFA 104.2K

$170 FCFA 95.8K

$214 FCFA 121K

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$23.72 FCFA 13.4K

$17.79 FCFA 10K

$26.7 FCFA 15.1K

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$3.58 FCFA 2,020

Cinema Ticket

$8.84 FCFA 4,988

$3.54 FCFA 1,997

$12.37 FCFA 6,985

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$530 FCFA 299.1K

$483 FCFA 272.8K

$571 FCFA 322.4K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$3,427 FCFA 1.9M

$3,306 FCFA 1.9M

$3,480 FCFA 2M

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$81.3 FCFA 45.9K

$52.3 FCFA 29.5K

$95.8 FCFA 54.1K

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$69.8 FCFA 39.4K

$62.4 FCFA 35.2K

$80.3 FCFA 45.3K

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$141 FCFA 79.6K

$130 FCFA 73.5K

$156 FCFA 88.1K

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$157 FCFA 88.4K

$71.2 FCFA 40.2K

$169 FCFA 95.5K

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$906 FCFA 511.6K

$788 FCFA 444.8K

$1,313 FCFA 741.4K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$590 FCFA 333.2K

$399 FCFA 225K

$886 FCFA 500K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,948 FCFA 1.1M

$1,430 FCFA 807.4K

$2,681 FCFA 1.5M

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,121 FCFA 632.7K

$797 FCFA 450.3K

$1,772 FCFA 1M

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,095 FCFA 1.2M

$1,940 FCFA 1.1M

$2,125 FCFA 1.2M

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,020 FCFA 575.8K

$882 FCFA 498.1K

$1,069 FCFA 603.8K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$161 FCFA 90.9K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

19.21

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

Last update: November 24, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌍 Africa

Cost of Living in Douala - Frequently Asked Questions

Cost of Living in Douala, Cameroon varies by neighborhood and lifestyle, but you can find value without sacrificing comfort. Practical choices – local eateries, shared housing, and public transport – help balance daily costs, while proximity to markets, a port, and business hubs keeps errands convenient. For many, the sweet spot lies in mid-range neighborhoods with easy access to services and coworking spaces, paired with flexible leases. Seasonality affects prices for short-term stays, so plan around the shoulder periods to stretch your budget. Tip: map routes, compare short-term housing, and negotiate monthly terms where possible.

Daily life in Douala blends market energy with coastal climate and frequent breezes. When searching for housing, start with midrange neighborhoods near transit lines or business districts; look for solid building management, natural ventilation, and reliable water. Food options range from lively markets to casual eateries, often with superb freshness and value if you buy daily. For getting around, combine public transit with ride-hailing or moto-taxis for flexibility. Douala, Cameroon living cost scales with location and routines, so define a monthly budget around groceries, commuting, and coworking passes. Tip: visit neighborhoods at different times to sense noise, safety, and pace.

Quality of life and budgeting in Douala come down to choices around housing, power usage, and pace. Build a simple monthly framework: fixed housing, variable groceries, transport, and occasional leisure. Track energy use – air conditioning and fans can shift costs with the season, so prioritize efficient appliances and natural ventilation when possible. Neighborhood fit matters: Akwa and Douala's central districts offer services and coworking options, while outlying areas may offer quieter streets and lower rents. For long stays, negotiate longer leases and explore community spots to minimize expenses while staying connected. Tip: batch errands by neighborhood to save trips and time.