Cost of Living in Lome - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $1,049 monthly including rent, or $650 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,501 with rent, or $1,126 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,954 including rent, or $1,602 for daily expenses alone.

Lome sits 21–31% below the global median across household types. Within Africa, costs are slightly above average (4%) – still relatively affordable for the region.

Currency
Do you live in Lome? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$2.17 F CFA 1,248
$0.73 F CFA 418
$3.62 F CFA 2,077
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$32.09 F CFA 18.4K
$19.61 F CFA 11.3K
$44.57 F CFA 25.6K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$5.16 F CFA 2,964
$5.16 F CFA 2,964
$5.16 F CFA 2,964
Cappuccino
$5.62 F CFA 3,229
$2.59 F CFA 1,486
$6.54 F CFA 3,756
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.46 F CFA 1,984
$1.78 F CFA 1,024
$6.71 F CFA 3,851
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.11 F CFA 636
$0.63 F CFA 361
$1.79 F CFA 1,026
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$0.86 F CFA 493
$0.84 F CFA 482
$1.72 F CFA 986
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.80 F CFA 1,034
$1.80 F CFA 1,034
$2.71 F CFA 1,557
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$2.42 F CFA 1,390
$1.84 F CFA 1,054
$2.80 F CFA 1,606
White Bread (500g)
$1.31 F CFA 751
$0.63 F CFA 361
$2.15 F CFA 1,234
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.81 F CFA 1,037
$1.22 F CFA 701
$2.10 F CFA 1,208
Eggs
$2.06 F CFA 1,186
$1.50 F CFA 860
$2.57 F CFA 1,476
Local Cheese (1kg)
$14.16 F CFA 8,128
-
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$8.21 F CFA 4,711
$6.05 F CFA 3,474
$10.37 F CFA 5,954
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$9.37 F CFA 5,381
$5.41 F CFA 3,104
$14.42 F CFA 8,280
Apples (1kg)
$2.67 F CFA 1,532
$1.77 F CFA 1,017
$4.44 F CFA 2,549
Banana (1kg)
$1.43 F CFA 819
$0.85 F CFA 491
$2.57 F CFA 1,477
Oranges (1kg)
$2.62 F CFA 1,506
$0.87 F CFA 500
$4.37 F CFA 2,507
Tomato (1kg)
$2.52 F CFA 1,447
$1.07 F CFA 614
$3.56 F CFA 2,043
Potato (1kg)
$1.80 F CFA 1,033
$1.80 F CFA 1,033
$1.80 F CFA 1,033
Onion (1kg)
$1.75 F CFA 1,004
$0.90 F CFA 517
$1.80 F CFA 1,033
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.55 F CFA 313
$0.19 F CFA 106
$0.91 F CFA 520
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.87 F CFA 497
$0.70 F CFA 401
$0.87 F CFA 497
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$1.43 F CFA 821
-
Wine (Bottle)
$4.66 F CFA 2,676
$4.36 F CFA 2,503
$4.96 F CFA 2,849
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.38 F CFA 794
$1.09 F CFA 624
$1.80 F CFA 1,035
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.57 F CFA 901
$1.52 F CFA 872
$1.63 F CFA 936
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.34 F CFA 194
-
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$53.9 F CFA 30.9K
-
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.04 F CFA 1,173
$0.61 F CFA 351
$3.48 F CFA 2,000
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.73 F CFA 421
$0.26 F CFA 148
$3.28 F CFA 1,880
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$5.24 F CFA 3,008
$3.66 F CFA 2,104
$6.12 F CFA 3,514
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.25 F CFA 720
$1.23 F CFA 708
$1.27 F CFA 731
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$14.1K F CFA 8.1M
$14.1K F CFA 8.1M
$14.1K F CFA 8.1M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$25.8K F CFA 14.8M
$21.1K F CFA 12.1M
$35.2K F CFA 20.2M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$178 F CFA 102.4K
$126 F CFA 72.3K
$229 F CFA 131.7K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$21.67 F CFA 12.4K
$12.14 F CFA 6,970
$24.28 F CFA 13.9K
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$43.41 F CFA 24.9K
$26.05 F CFA 15.0K
$52.1 F CFA 29.9K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$49.00 F CFA 28.1K
$17.34 F CFA 9,956
$86.7 F CFA 49.8K
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$8.73 F CFA 5,013
$8.73 F CFA 5,013
$8.73 F CFA 5,013
Cinema Ticket
$4.29 F CFA 2,465
$3.44 F CFA 1,973
$8.59 F CFA 4,930
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$173 F CFA 99.3K
-
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$5,151 F CFA 3.0M
$3,512 F CFA 2.0M
$8,429 F CFA 4.8M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$24.78 F CFA 14.2K
$14.15 F CFA 8,126
$35.40 F CFA 20.3K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$27.41 F CFA 15.7K
$10.61 F CFA 6,094
$44.21 F CFA 25.4K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$40.82 F CFA 23.4K
$20.84 F CFA 12.0K
$60.8 F CFA 34.9K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$96.1 F CFA 55.2K
$32.04 F CFA 18.4K
$160 F CFA 92.0K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$363 F CFA 208.6K
$123 F CFA 70.6K
$527 F CFA 302.7K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$221 F CFA 126.6K
$79.4 F CFA 45.6K
$318 F CFA 182.4K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$757 F CFA 434.6K
$372 F CFA 213.4K
$1,062 F CFA 610.0K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$302 F CFA 173.4K
$213 F CFA 122.4K
$444 F CFA 255.0K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$261 F CFA 149.9K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
8
-

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

Last update: July 13, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $363 for a central one-bedroom, or $221 outside the center. At 139% of the average salary ($261), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $261, while typical expenses reach $1,049. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $250 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $32.00 for two – well below the African average of $42.00.

Public transport is priced at around $53.9 per month – above the African average of $29.00.

Cost Highlights

Lome has the 6th 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
City tags:
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 $1,049 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 $1,049 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 $261 take-home, most residents in Lome can cover the $1,049 monthly cost of living. Those earning $1,574 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 $363; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $221. Overall, the market runs from $221 to $363 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
How expensive is a gym membership in Lome?
A regular gym membership in Lome costs around $49.00 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 $250 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 $1,049. 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 $1,049 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 $1,049, so putting money aside takes more than $1,574 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 $1,049 for residents – backpackers can do less with some planning.

Lome vs other spots: cost of living compared

Nearby cities

Similar cities