Cost of Living in Lome - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $1,047 monthly including rent, or $688 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,533 with rent, or $1,154 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,020 including rent, or $1,619 for daily expenses alone.

Lome sits 22–28% below the global median across household types. Within Africa, costs are slightly above average (2%) – still relatively affordable for the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$2.15 F CFA 1,216
$0.72 F CFA 407
$3.59 F CFA 2,024
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$31.22 F CFA 17.6K
$19.08 F CFA 10.8K
$43.36 F CFA 24.5K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$5.38 F CFA 3,036
$5.38 F CFA 3,036
$5.38 F CFA 3,036
Cappuccino
$5.61 F CFA 3,168
$2.58 F CFA 1,457
$6.53 F CFA 3,685
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.46 F CFA 1,953
$1.79 F CFA 1,008
$6.72 F CFA 3,792
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.11 F CFA 627
$0.63 F CFA 357
$1.79 F CFA 1,012
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$0.84 F CFA 477
$0.83 F CFA 466
$1.69 F CFA 953
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.71 F CFA 964
$1.71 F CFA 964
$2.57 F CFA 1,451
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$2.48 F CFA 1,397
$1.88 F CFA 1,060
$2.86 F CFA 1,615
White Bread (500g)
$1.33 F CFA 748
$0.64 F CFA 360
$2.18 F CFA 1,230
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.83 F CFA 1,035
$1.24 F CFA 699
$2.14 F CFA 1,206
Eggs
$2.10 F CFA 1,184
$1.52 F CFA 859
$2.61 F CFA 1,474
Local Cheese (1kg)
$14.13 F CFA 7,975
-
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$8.41 F CFA 4,748
$6.20 F CFA 3,501
$10.63 F CFA 6,000
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$9.44 F CFA 5,326
$5.44 F CFA 3,072
$14.52 F CFA 8,195
Apples (1kg)
$2.71 F CFA 1,530
$1.80 F CFA 1,016
$4.51 F CFA 2,545
Banana (1kg)
$1.50 F CFA 845
$0.90 F CFA 506
$2.70 F CFA 1,523
Oranges (1kg)
$2.62 F CFA 1,481
$0.87 F CFA 492
$4.37 F CFA 2,464
Tomato (1kg)
$2.48 F CFA 1,402
$1.05 F CFA 595
$3.51 F CFA 1,980
Potato (1kg)
$1.79 F CFA 1,012
$1.79 F CFA 1,012
$1.79 F CFA 1,012
Onion (1kg)
$1.74 F CFA 981
$0.89 F CFA 505
$1.79 F CFA 1,010
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.50 F CFA 284
$0.17 F CFA 96.5
$0.84 F CFA 472
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.85 F CFA 482
$0.69 F CFA 389
$0.85 F CFA 482
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$1.44 F CFA 815
-
Wine (Bottle)
$4.87 F CFA 2,748
$4.53 F CFA 2,558
$5.21 F CFA 2,939
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.33 F CFA 749
$1.04 F CFA 588
$1.73 F CFA 976
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.51 F CFA 855
$1.47 F CFA 827
$1.57 F CFA 888
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.36 F CFA 204
-
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$53.3 F CFA 30.1K
-
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.13 F CFA 1,203
$0.64 F CFA 360
$3.63 F CFA 2,051
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.69 F CFA 389
$0.24 F CFA 137
$3.08 F CFA 1,738
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$5.21 F CFA 2,938
$3.64 F CFA 2,055
$6.08 F CFA 3,433
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.25 F CFA 704
$1.23 F CFA 693
$1.27 F CFA 716
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$14.1K F CFA 7.9M
$14.1K F CFA 7.9M
$14.1K F CFA 7.9M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$26.0K F CFA 14.7M
$21.2K F CFA 12.0M
$35.4K F CFA 20.0M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$173 F CFA 97.5K
$122 F CFA 68.8K
$222 F CFA 125.4K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$21.89 F CFA 12.4K
$12.26 F CFA 6,920
$24.52 F CFA 13.8K
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$44.32 F CFA 25.0K
$26.59 F CFA 15.0K
$53.2 F CFA 30.0K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$49.54 F CFA 28.0K
$17.53 F CFA 9,896
$87.7 F CFA 49.5K
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$8.63 F CFA 4,871
$8.63 F CFA 4,871
$8.63 F CFA 4,871
Cinema Ticket
$4.33 F CFA 2,444
$3.47 F CFA 1,956
$8.66 F CFA 4,888
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$177 F CFA 99.9K
-
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$5,103 F CFA 2.9M
$3,479 F CFA 2.0M
$8,350 F CFA 4.7M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$24.39 F CFA 13.8K
$13.94 F CFA 7,865
$34.85 F CFA 19.7K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$27.26 F CFA 15.4K
$10.55 F CFA 5,956
$43.96 F CFA 24.8K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$42.14 F CFA 23.8K
$21.52 F CFA 12.1K
$62.8 F CFA 35.4K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$94.0 F CFA 53.0K
$31.33 F CFA 17.7K
$157 F CFA 88.4K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$360 F CFA 202.9K
$122 F CFA 68.7K
$522 F CFA 294.6K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$224 F CFA 126.2K
$80.5 F CFA 45.4K
$322 F CFA 181.7K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$765 F CFA 431.8K
$376 F CFA 212.0K
$1,074 F CFA 606.1K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$299 F CFA 169.0K
$211 F CFA 119.3K
$440 F CFA 248.6K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$267 F CFA 150.6K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
8
-

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

Last update: May 31, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $360 for a central one-bedroom, or $224 outside the center. At 135% of the average salary ($267), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $267, while typical expenses reach $1,047. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $252 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $31.00 for two – well below the African average of $42.00.

Public transport is priced at around $53.3 per month – above the African average of $29.00.

Cost Highlights

Lome has the 5th most expensive cappuccino in Africa

Public transport monthly pass is more expensive than 95% of cities in Africa

Milk is more expensive than 94% of cities in Africa

Lome Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Lome - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lome affordable for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and how does it compare to other West African cities?
Overall, Lome offers a compelling mix of value and city life for travelers, expats, and digital nomads. You’ll find everything from budget guesthouses to mid-range apartments in livelier neighborhoods, with markets and street food keeping daily costs reasonable. Cost of Living in Lome is often described as moderate for a capital city by the gulf of Guinea, especially if you blend local meals with occasional western staples and shop around for utilities or coworking spaces. The city’s rhythm is relaxed by day and lively by night, and transport options keep trips affordable if you plan ahead. Tip: Test a few neighborhoods on short stays before committing long term.
What does daily life look like in Lome in terms of housing search, food options, transport, coworking spaces, and errands?
Daily life blends warm market days with a compact urban core. In housing terms, many newcomers start in modest apartment blocks in Plateau or nearby neighborhoods, then widen search to include shared flats or longer-term rentals in quieter streets. Food options range from street stalls to small family-run cafés, with fresh produce at markets shaping the budget more than brands. For transport, motos and shared taxis move you quickly, while walking remains practical in central areas. Co-working spaces vary by vibe and price, and errands typically flow through the same markets you shop. Lome living cost considerations guide your move. Tip: Map a month-by-month budget.
How can you budget effectively for quality of life in Lome, including seasonal changes, neighborhood fit, and savings strategies?
Quality of life in Lome scales with neighborhood fit and a practical budgeting framework. If you favor proximity to the coast and nightlife, look at central districts, but expect a livelier pace and slightly higher rent than inland areas. A simple budgeting framework helps you compare housing, food, and transport across months: set a weekly food plan, cap dining out, and factor in shared workspace if you work remotely. Seasonality matters for outdoor plans and market crowds; plan for rainy days with indoor activities and flexible transport options. Build a neighborhood trial into your first month to see commute times, noise, and safety. Tip: use a simple envelope budget and renegotiate when leases end.
Is Lome worth the cost of living?
At around $1,047 monthly all-in, Lome offers decent value. It's not the cheapest and not the priciest – a good fit for people who want city convenience without capital-level costs.
Is Lome expensive to live in?
Everyday life in Lome is moderately priced at about $1,047 per month, rent included. Groceries and transport stay reasonable, though dining out and entertainment can feel a bit pricier than in budget destinations.
Can you save money on an average salary in Lome?
At $267 take-home, most residents in Lome can cover the $1,047 monthly cost of living. Those earning $1,570 or more have room to save; below-average earners will find things noticeably tighter.
What are typical rents in Lome?
Where you live in Lome makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $360; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $224. Overall, the market runs from $224 to $360 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
How expensive is a gym membership in Lome?
A regular gym membership in Lome costs around $49.54 monthly. It's a reasonable expense that fits into most budgets, and you generally get decent facilities for the price.
What is a typical grocery budget in Lome?
Expect to spend around $252 per month on groceries in Lome. Neither cheap nor expensive by global standards – everyday items are fairly priced, though imported or specialty products cost more.
Can a person live on $1,000 monthly in Lome?
Living on $1,000 in Lome means careful planning, since monthly costs average $1,047. It works with a cheap apartment and disciplined spending, but expect trade-offs on where you live, how often you eat out, and entertainment.
What is quality of life like in Lome?
Lome offers genuinely appealing day-to-day living. Residents value vibrant nightlife, coastal lifestyle, beach access, and at around $1,047 per month, it's accessible to a broad range of incomes. Most people find the cost-to-quality balance sustainable long-term.
Can you save money living in Lome?
Monthly expenses in Lome run around $1,047, so putting money aside takes more than $1,570 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.
Is Lome good for backpackers?
Budget travel in Lome works but takes effort. Hostels, street food, and local restaurants keep daily costs reasonable. All-in monthly expenses run about $1,047 for residents – backpackers can do less with some planning.

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