Cost of Living in Monrovia - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $1,391 monthly including rent, or $889 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $2,469 with rent, or $1,788 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $3,547 including rent, or $2,687 for daily expenses alone.

Monrovia sits 4–26% above the global median across household types. Within Africa, costs are 35% above average – pricier than most cities in the region.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$7.31 LRD 1,329
$4.87 LRD 886
$9.75 LRD 1,771
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$149 LRD 27.2K
-
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$11.20 LRD 2,036
$10.18 LRD 1,851
$12.22 LRD 2,221
Cappuccino
$3.38 LRD 614
$2.03 LRD 369
$5.08 LRD 923
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.01 LRD 366
$2.01 LRD 366
$2.01 LRD 366
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.70 LRD 491
$2.03 LRD 368
$4.05 LRD 736
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.72 LRD 494
$1.98 LRD 359
$5.93 LRD 1,077
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.02 LRD 548
$3.02 LRD 548
$3.02 LRD 548
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$2.18 LRD 396
$1.09 LRD 198
$2.57 LRD 467
White Bread (500g)
$1.81 LRD 329
$1.11 LRD 202
$2.79 LRD 507
Rice (white) (1kg)
$5.01 LRD 911
$1.17 LRD 212
$8.57 LRD 1,557
Eggs
$3.61 LRD 656
$1.20 LRD 219
$4.82 LRD 875
Local Cheese (1kg)
$11.60 LRD 2,108
$6.49 LRD 1,180
$19.65 LRD 3,570
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$11.66 LRD 2,119
$6.50 LRD 1,182
$16.27 LRD 2,956
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$36.19 LRD 6,576
$12.32 LRD 2,238
$71.1 LRD 12.9K
Apples (1kg)
$1.69 LRD 306
$0.73 LRD 133
$2.26 LRD 411
Banana (1kg)
$8.41 LRD 1,529
$4.39 LRD 798
$10.97 LRD 1,994
Oranges (1kg)
$10.27 LRD 1,866
$2.20 LRD 399
$13.21 LRD 2,399
Tomato (1kg)
$10.81 LRD 1,964
$2.16 LRD 392
$15.14 LRD 2,751
Potato (1kg)
$2.23 LRD 406
$1.28 LRD 232
$3.26 LRD 591
Onion (1kg)
$10.69 LRD 1,942
$2.21 LRD 401
$13.27 LRD 2,411
Lettuce (1 head)
$4.70 LRD 855
$2.01 LRD 366
$5.04 LRD 915
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.95 LRD 354
$0.97 LRD 177
$2.92 LRD 531
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$4.98 LRD 904
$4.98 LRD 904
$4.98 LRD 904
Wine (Bottle)
$6.94 LRD 1,260
$3.96 LRD 720
$11.89 LRD 2,160
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.47 LRD 449
$1.77 LRD 322
$2.83 LRD 514
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.19 LRD 580
$1.77 LRD 321
$3.93 LRD 714
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$3.04 LRD 552
$3.04 LRD 552
$3.04 LRD 552
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$20.03 LRD 3,639
-
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.82 LRD 512
$2.05 LRD 373
$3.59 LRD 652
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.21 LRD 220
$1.21 LRD 220
$2.43 LRD 441
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$17.72 LRD 3,220
$10.13 LRD 1,840
$25.31 LRD 4,600
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.23 LRD 223
$1.01 LRD 184
$1.31 LRD 238
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$12.3K LRD 2.2M
$4,986 LRD 906.0K
$19.7K LRD 3.6M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$14.9K LRD 2.7M
$9,919 LRD 1.8M
$19.8K LRD 3.6M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$269 LRD 48.9K
$101 LRD 18.3K
$509 LRD 92.5K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$22.55 LRD 4,097
$15.03 LRD 2,731
$30.06 LRD 5,462
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$94.4 LRD 17.2K
$9.87 LRD 1,794
$182 LRD 33.1K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$77.6 LRD 14.1K
$19.85 LRD 3,607
$102 LRD 18.5K
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$8.12 LRD 1,476
$6.40 LRD 1,163
$9.85 LRD 1,789
Cinema Ticket
$9.54 LRD 1,734
$4.89 LRD 889
$9.79 LRD 1,779
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$130 LRD 23.6K
$17.39 LRD 3,159
$301 LRD 54.7K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$902 LRD 163.9K
$184 LRD 33.4K
$1,514 LRD 275.0K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$18.64 LRD 3,387
$10.12 LRD 1,840
$50.6 LRD 9,198
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$33.24 LRD 6,040
$9.60 LRD 1,745
$49.25 LRD 8,949
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$56.9 LRD 10.3K
$30.36 LRD 5,517
$70.9 LRD 12.9K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$68.5 LRD 12.4K
$19.42 LRD 3,529
$124 LRD 22.6K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$666 LRD 120.9K
$200 LRD 36.3K
$1,497 LRD 272.1K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$94.2 LRD 17.1K
$84.3 LRD 15.3K
$99.2 LRD 18.0K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,827 LRD 332.0K
$401 LRD 72.8K
$3,004 LRD 545.8K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$271 LRD 49.2K
$152 LRD 27.7K
$406 LRD 73.7K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$705 LRD 128.1K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
5
-

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

Last update: June 1, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $666 for a central one-bedroom, or $94.2 outside the center. At 94% of the average salary ($705), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $705, while typical expenses reach $1,391. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $533 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $149 for two – above the African average of $42.00.

Public transport is priced at around $20.03 per month – among the cheapest in Africa (average $29.00).

Cost Highlights

Monrovia has the most expensive three-course dinner for two, mid-range in Africa

Monrovia has the most expensive rice in Africa

Monrovia has the most expensive family monthly cost (excluding rent) in Africa

Monrovia 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 Monrovia - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Monrovia stack up for overall affordability for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Monrovia offers an approachable balance for travelers and expats. If you measure value by access to services, climate, and a cosmopolitan vibe, Cost of Living in Monrovia sits in a mid-range spot for the region. Local markets yield affordable meals, while foreign-inspired amenities can push expenses higher in center districts. Housing tends to follow safety and access to essential amenities, with options ranging from simple rooms to more modern flats. Practical budgeting comes from prioritizing locally sourced goods, choosing modest lodging, and using public transit or shared rides when available. Tip: Map your priorities and test a couple of neighborhoods before committing.
What does daily life look like for housing search, food options, transport, and coworking in Monrovia?
When you search daily, focus on neighborhoods that balance safety with access to markets, a short commute, and reliable power. For housing, consider mid-range blocks near commercial corridors rather than luxury towers; many options are walkable to groceries and cafes. Food choices range from bustling markets with fresh produce to affordable eateries and expatriate-friendly spots. Transport leans toward taxis or ride-hailing when available, with walking as a frequent option for short hops. Co-working spaces exist in business districts and tech hubs, offering flexible plans. Monrovia living cost can shift with seasonality and demand, so track your expenses as you go. Tip: pair a weekly plan with a short trial stay in a neighborhood.
What budgeting framework and seasonal patterns help you maximize quality of life and neighborhood fit in Monrovia?
Adopt a simple budgeting framework: separate fixed essentials (shelter, food) from flexible expenses (entertainment, travel). Build a month-long plan that matches your energy and work needs, then adjust by season; the dry season can bring cooler evenings and busier social calendars, while the rainy season affects transport and outdoor plans. To maximize value, mix neighborhoods: anchor with a primary area for work and groceries, and keep a secondary spot for weekend exploration. Embrace gradual housing searches, because availability shifts and short-term stays let you sample safety, conveniences, and community vibes. Tip: set a flexible target for meals and transport, and keep a list of preferred coworking spots and routes.
What is the average cost of living in Monrovia in 2026?
As of 2026, monthly living costs in Monrovia come to around $1,391 including rent, or roughly $889 excluding it. Numbers shift a bit by season and neighborhood, but this range works well as a planning baseline.
Is Monrovia worth the cost of living?
At around $1,391 monthly all-in, Monrovia 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.
What is the average salary in Monrovia?
The typical net salary in Monrovia lands around $705 monthly. Some sectors pay significantly more, but this number gives you a realistic sense of what most full-time workers earn and how far it stretches against local costs.
What are typical rents in Monrovia?
Where you live in Monrovia makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $666; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $94.2. Overall, the market runs from $94.2 to $666 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
How expensive is a gym membership in Monrovia?
A regular gym membership in Monrovia costs around $77.6 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 Monrovia?
Expect to spend around $533 per month on groceries in Monrovia. 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 Monrovia?
Living on $1,000 in Monrovia means careful planning, since monthly costs average $1,391. 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 Monrovia?
Monrovia offers genuinely appealing day-to-day living. Residents value coastal lifestyle, beach access, great local cuisine, and at around $1,391 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 Monrovia?
Monthly expenses in Monrovia run around $1,391, so putting money aside takes more than $2,087 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.
Is Monrovia good for backpackers?
Budget travel in Monrovia works but takes effort. Hostels, street food, and local restaurants keep daily costs reasonable. All-in monthly expenses run about $1,391 for residents – backpackers can do less with some planning.

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