Cost of Living in Monrovia - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $1,429 monthly including rent, or $1,140 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $2,462 with rent, or $2,186 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $3,496 including rent, or $3,231 for daily expenses alone.

Monrovia sits 7–23% above the global median across household types. Within Africa, costs are 42% above average – pricier than most cities in the region.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$7.64 LRD 1,379
$5.09 LRD 919
$10.19 LRD 1,838
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$148 LRD 26.7K
-
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$11.03 LRD 1,989
$10.02 LRD 1,809
$12.03 LRD 2,170
Cappuccino
$3.41 LRD 615
$2.05 LRD 369
$5.12 LRD 923
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.02 LRD 365
$2.02 LRD 365
$2.02 LRD 365
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.61 LRD 471
$1.96 LRD 353
$3.91 LRD 706
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.81 LRD 508
$2.05 LRD 369
$6.14 LRD 1,107
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.96 LRD 534
$2.96 LRD 534
$2.96 LRD 534
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$2.09 LRD 378
$1.05 LRD 189
$2.47 LRD 445
White Bread (500g)
$1.81 LRD 326
$1.11 LRD 200
$2.79 LRD 503
Rice (white) (1kg)
$5.18 LRD 935
$1.21 LRD 217
$8.86 LRD 1,598
Eggs
$3.62 LRD 654
$1.21 LRD 218
$4.83 LRD 872
Local Cheese (1kg)
$11.94 LRD 2,154
$6.68 LRD 1,206
$20.22 LRD 3,648
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$11.95 LRD 2,157
$6.67 LRD 1,203
$16.68 LRD 3,009
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$36.03 LRD 6,500
$12.26 LRD 2,212
$70.8 LRD 12.8K
Apples (1kg)
$1.67 LRD 302
$0.72 LRD 131
$2.24 LRD 405
Banana (1kg)
$8.68 LRD 1,567
$4.53 LRD 818
$11.32 LRD 2,043
Oranges (1kg)
$10.12 LRD 1,826
$2.16 LRD 390
$13.01 LRD 2,347
Tomato (1kg)
$10.99 LRD 1,983
$2.19 LRD 396
$15.39 LRD 2,777
Potato (1kg)
$2.26 LRD 407
$1.29 LRD 233
$3.29 LRD 594
Onion (1kg)
$10.57 LRD 1,908
$2.18 LRD 394
$13.12 LRD 2,368
Lettuce (1 head)
$4.78 LRD 862
$2.05 LRD 369
$5.12 LRD 923
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$2.02 LRD 365
$1.01 LRD 182
$3.03 LRD 547
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$5.01 LRD 904
$5.01 LRD 904
$5.01 LRD 904
Wine (Bottle)
$6.81 LRD 1,229
$3.89 LRD 702
$11.68 LRD 2,107
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.43 LRD 438
$1.74 LRD 314
$2.78 LRD 501
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.30 LRD 595
$1.83 LRD 329
$4.06 LRD 732
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$3.09 LRD 557
$3.09 LRD 557
$3.09 LRD 557
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$19.86 LRD 3,583
-
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.81 LRD 506
$2.04 LRD 368
$3.57 LRD 644
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.20 LRD 217
$1.20 LRD 217
$2.42 LRD 436
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$17.15 LRD 3,095
$9.80 LRD 1,768
$24.50 LRD 4,421
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.22 LRD 221
$1.01 LRD 182
$1.30 LRD 235
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$12.3K LRD 2.2M
$4,986 LRD 899.5K
$19.7K LRD 3.5M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$15.2K LRD 2.7M
$10.1K LRD 1.8M
$20.3K LRD 3.7M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$277 LRD 50.0K
$104 LRD 18.7K
$524 LRD 94.6K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$22.94 LRD 4,139
$15.30 LRD 2,760
$30.59 LRD 5,519
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$93.7 LRD 16.9K
$9.80 LRD 1,767
$181 LRD 32.6K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$77.1 LRD 13.9K
$19.72 LRD 3,559
$101 LRD 18.2K
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$8.16 LRD 1,472
$6.43 LRD 1,160
$9.89 LRD 1,784
Cinema Ticket
$9.98 LRD 1,801
$5.12 LRD 924
$10.24 LRD 1,847
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$127 LRD 23.0K
$17.05 LRD 3,076
$295 LRD 53.2K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$893 LRD 161.1K
$182 LRD 32.8K
$1,498 LRD 270.2K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$18.30 LRD 3,302
$9.94 LRD 1,794
$49.71 LRD 8,969
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$33.28 LRD 6,004
$9.61 LRD 1,735
$49.30 LRD 8,895
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$55.1 LRD 9,949
$29.41 LRD 5,306
$68.6 LRD 12.4K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$69.7 LRD 12.6K
$19.76 LRD 3,565
$127 LRD 22.9K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$679 LRD 122.5K
$204 LRD 36.8K
$1,528 LRD 275.7K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$94.7 LRD 17.1K
$84.8 LRD 15.3K
$99.7 LRD 18.0K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,845 LRD 332.9K
$404 LRD 73.0K
$3,033 LRD 547.2K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$269 LRD 48.5K
$151 LRD 27.3K
$403 LRD 72.7K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$688 LRD 124.2K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
5
-

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

Last update: July 14, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $679 for a central one-bedroom, or $94.7 outside the center. At 99% of the average salary ($688), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $688, while typical expenses reach $1,429. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $537 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $148 for two – above the African average of $42.00.

Public transport is priced at around $19.86 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 family monthly cost (excluding rent) in Africa

Monrovia has the most expensive rice 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 $1,429 including rent, or roughly $1,140 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 $1,429 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 $688 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 $679; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $94.7. Overall, the market runs from $94.7 to $679 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
How expensive is a gym membership in Monrovia?
A regular gym membership in Monrovia costs around $77.1 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 $537 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 $1,429. 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 $1,429 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 $1,429, so putting money aside takes more than $2,143 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 $1,429 for residents – backpackers can do less with some planning.

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