Cost of Living in Monrovia - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $1,276 monthly including rent, or $1,174 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,884 with rent, or $1,718 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,493 including rent, or $2,262 for daily expenses alone.

Monrovia sits 7–15% below 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 1,274
$4.87 LRD 850
$9.74 LRD 1,699
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$11.11 LRD 1,937
$10.10 LRD 1,761
$12.12 LRD 2,114
Cappuccino
$2.98 LRD 520
$1.99 LRD 347
$4.97 LRD 867
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.04 LRD 356
$2.04 LRD 356
$2.04 LRD 356
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.01 LRD 351
-
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.95 LRD 689
$1.97 LRD 344
$5.92 LRD 1,033
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.91 LRD 508
$2.91 LRD 508
$2.91 LRD 508
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$2.10 LRD 367
$1.05 LRD 183
$2.48 LRD 432
White Bread (500g)
$1.81 LRD 316
$1.11 LRD 194
$2.79 LRD 487
Rice (white) (1kg)
$5.31 LRD 926
$1.23 LRD 215
$9.07 LRD 1,583
Eggs
$3.53 LRD 615
$1.18 LRD 205
$4.70 LRD 820
Local Cheese (1kg)
$7.56 LRD 1,319
$6.48 LRD 1,130
$8.64 LRD 1,507
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$11.66 LRD 2,033
$6.50 LRD 1,134
$16.26 LRD 2,836
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$13.65 LRD 2,382
$12.02 LRD 2,097
$15.29 LRD 2,667
Apples (1kg)
$1.60 LRD 280
$0.69 LRD 121
$2.15 LRD 375
Banana (1kg)
$8.38 LRD 1,461
$4.37 LRD 763
$10.92 LRD 1,906
Oranges (1kg)
$10.31 LRD 1,799
$2.20 LRD 385
$13.26 LRD 2,313
Tomato (1kg)
$10.94 LRD 1,908
$2.18 LRD 381
$15.32 LRD 2,672
Potato (1kg)
$2.14 LRD 373
-
Onion (1kg)
$10.52 LRD 1,835
$2.17 LRD 379
$13.05 LRD 2,277
Lettuce (1 head)
$4.57 LRD 798
$1.96 LRD 342
$4.90 LRD 854
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$2.04 LRD 356
$1.02 LRD 178
$3.06 LRD 534
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$4.90 LRD 855
$4.90 LRD 855
$4.90 LRD 855
Wine (Bottle)
$7.05 LRD 1,229
$4.03 LRD 702
$12.08 LRD 2,107
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.54 LRD 443
$1.82 LRD 317
$2.90 LRD 506
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.53 LRD 616
$3.03 LRD 528
$4.04 LRD 704
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$2.95 LRD 514
-
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$20.23 LRD 3,528
-
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.96 LRD 342
-
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.84 LRD 321
$1.23 LRD 214
$2.47 LRD 430
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$24.60 LRD 4,291
-
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.26 LRD 219
$1.03 LRD 180
$1.34 LRD 233
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$19.9K LRD 3.5M
-
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$15.2K LRD 2.6M
$10.1K LRD 1.8M
$20.2K LRD 3.5M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$151 LRD 26.3K
$102 LRD 17.8K
$200 LRD 34.8K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$22.60 LRD 3,942
$15.07 LRD 2,628
$30.13 LRD 5,256
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$184 LRD 32.0K
-
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$61.4 LRD 10.7K
$49.15 LRD 8,573
$73.7 LRD 12.9K
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$10.18 LRD 1,776
-
Cinema Ticket
$5.02 LRD 875
-
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$100 LRD 17.5K
$50.1 LRD 8,733
$150 LRD 26.2K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$1,015 LRD 177.1K
-
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$25.44 LRD 4,437
$20.35 LRD 3,550
$30.53 LRD 5,325
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$32.37 LRD 5,647
$19.92 LRD 3,475
$44.83 LRD 7,819
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$54.7 LRD 9,544
$49.74 LRD 8,676
$59.7 LRD 10.4K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$91.6 LRD 16.0K
$59.4 LRD 10.4K
$124 LRD 21.6K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$245 LRD 42.8K
$196 LRD 34.2K
$294 LRD 51.3K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$95.4 LRD 16.6K
$85.3 LRD 14.9K
$100 LRD 17.5K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$650 LRD 113.4K
$400 LRD 69.8K
$900 LRD 157.0K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$271 LRD 47.4K
$153 LRD 26.6K
$407 LRD 71.0K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$696 LRD 121.3K
-

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

Last update: August 30, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $245 for a central one-bedroom, or $95.4 outside the center. At 35% of the average salary ($696), housing leaves real financial breathing room.

Average take-home pay sits at $696, while typical expenses reach $1,276. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Public transport is priced at around $20.23 per month – among the cheapest in Africa (average $30.00).

Cost Highlights

Monrovia has the most expensive rice in Africa

Monrovia has the 2nd most expensive monthly cost (excluding rent) in Africa

Internet is more expensive than 98% of cities 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 $1,276 including rent, or roughly $1,174 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 $1,276 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 $696 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 $245; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $95.4. Overall, the market runs from $95.4 to $245 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
How expensive is a gym membership in Monrovia?
A regular gym membership in Monrovia costs around $61.4 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 $455 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 $1,276. 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 $1,276 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 $1,276, so putting money aside takes more than $1,914 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 $1,276 for residents – backpackers can do less with some planning.

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