Cost of Living in Yaounde - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $829 monthly including rent, or $530 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,260 with rent, or $955 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,690 including rent, or $1,381 for daily expenses alone.

Yaounde sits about 42% below the global median. Within Africa, costs are 12% below average – relatively affordable for the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$3.61 FCFA 2,041
$1.80 FCFA 1,020
$9.03 FCFA 5,107
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$53.7 FCFA 30.4K
$44.78 FCFA 25.3K
$89.6 FCFA 50.7K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$5.25 FCFA 2,970
$5.25 FCFA 2,970
$6.13 FCFA 3,468
Cappuccino
$2.04 FCFA 1,154
$0.73 FCFA 412
$4.54 FCFA 2,569
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.53 FCFA 863
$0.88 FCFA 496
$3.49 FCFA 1,972
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.54 FCFA 305
$0.34 FCFA 194
$4.34 FCFA 2,457
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.24 FCFA 704
$1.12 FCFA 632
$1.72 FCFA 973
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.76 FCFA 994
$1.76 FCFA 994
$4.40 FCFA 2,488
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$3.80 FCFA 2,150
$1.26 FCFA 713
$4.68 FCFA 2,650
White Bread (500g)
$1.11 FCFA 631
$0.22 FCFA 126
$1.79 FCFA 1,015
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.32 FCFA 749
$1.04 FCFA 588
$1.74 FCFA 982
Eggs
$2.16 FCFA 1,220
$1.72 FCFA 974
$2.37 FCFA 1,341
Local Cheese (1kg)
$14.28 FCFA 8,079
$7.14 FCFA 4,036
$21.42 FCFA 12.1K
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.03 FCFA 3,414
$4.31 FCFA 2,439
$10.35 FCFA 5,853
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$6.77 FCFA 3,833
$6.19 FCFA 3,500
$7.06 FCFA 3,996
Apples (1kg)
$5.26 FCFA 2,975
$2.11 FCFA 1,193
$7.01 FCFA 3,967
Banana (1kg)
$2.11 FCFA 1,193
$0.91 FCFA 513
$3.61 FCFA 2,041
Oranges (1kg)
$2.17 FCFA 1,230
$1.45 FCFA 820
$3.26 FCFA 1,842
Tomato (1kg)
$1.47 FCFA 831
$0.91 FCFA 514
$1.81 FCFA 1,022
Potato (1kg)
$1.69 FCFA 957
$1.46 FCFA 823
$1.81 FCFA 1,026
Onion (1kg)
$1.44 FCFA 813
$0.86 FCFA 489
$1.72 FCFA 972
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.12 FCFA 635
$0.18 FCFA 99.4
$2.60 FCFA 1,469
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.68 FCFA 386
$0.19 FCFA 105
$2.20 FCFA 1,246
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$1.73 FCFA 980
$0.87 FCFA 493
$1.73 FCFA 980
Wine (Bottle)
$8.96 FCFA 5,070
$4.48 FCFA 2,535
$8.96 FCFA 5,070
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.42 FCFA 804
$1.27 FCFA 718
$2.20 FCFA 1,244
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.04 FCFA 1,157
$0.91 FCFA 517
$2.73 FCFA 1,546
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.60 FCFA 341
$0.55 FCFA 312
$1.65 FCFA 935
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$17.94 FCFA 10.2K
-
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.64 FCFA 360
$0.64 FCFA 360
$0.91 FCFA 517
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.43 FCFA 243
$0.26 FCFA 149
$0.52 FCFA 293
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$6.23 FCFA 3,527
$5.34 FCFA 3,020
$7.12 FCFA 4,027
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.48 FCFA 835
$1.48 FCFA 835
$1.48 FCFA 835
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$33.6K FCFA 19.0M
$31.8K FCFA 18.0M
$35.4K FCFA 20.0M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$22.3K FCFA 12.6M
$12.3K FCFA 7.0M
$26.4K FCFA 14.9M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$82.1 FCFA 46.5K
$70.6 FCFA 39.9K
$88.3 FCFA 49.9K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$18.00 FCFA 10.2K
$9.00 FCFA 5,093
$37.80 FCFA 21.4K
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$52.9 FCFA 29.9K
$44.11 FCFA 25.0K
$61.8 FCFA 34.9K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$24.24 FCFA 13.7K
$7.05 FCFA 3,987
$44.07 FCFA 24.9K
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$7.33 FCFA 4,145
$6.15 FCFA 3,482
$7.33 FCFA 4,145
Cinema Ticket
$8.66 FCFA 4,897
$4.33 FCFA 2,449
$11.25 FCFA 6,362
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$642 FCFA 363.2K
-
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$2,469 FCFA 1.4M
$1,796 FCFA 1.0M
$3,143 FCFA 1.8M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$17.46 FCFA 9,877
$13.97 FCFA 7,903
$20.95 FCFA 11.9K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$28.15 FCFA 15.9K
$8.80 FCFA 4,978
$43.98 FCFA 24.9K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$26.92 FCFA 15.2K
-
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$57.6 FCFA 32.6K
$17.82 FCFA 10.1K
$80.2 FCFA 45.4K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$147 FCFA 82.9K
$133 FCFA 75.1K
$157 FCFA 88.6K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$191 FCFA 108.0K
$88.8 FCFA 50.2K
$444 FCFA 251.1K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$411 FCFA 232.3K
$348 FCFA 196.9K
$1,914 FCFA 1.1M
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$217 FCFA 122.7K
$175 FCFA 98.8K
$349 FCFA 197.6K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$888 FCFA 502.6K
-
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$621 FCFA 351.2K
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$192 FCFA 108.8K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
13
-

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

Last update: August 29, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $147 for a central one-bedroom, or $191 outside the center. At 76% of the average salary ($192), rent is manageable but leaves limited room for savings.

Average take-home pay sits at $192, while typical expenses reach $829. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $261 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $54.0 for two – above the African average of $42.00.

Public transport is priced at around $17.94 per month – among the cheapest in Africa (average $30.00).

Cost Highlights

Yaounde has the 8th most expensive milk in Africa

Preschool or kindergarten, full day, private, 1 child is more expensive than 97% of cities in Africa

Three-course dinner for two, mid-range is more expensive than 93% of cities in Africa

Yaounde 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 Yaounde - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Yaounde a good value for cost of living for travelers, expats, and digital nomads compared with other regional options?
Yaounde offers a sensible balance for travelers, expats, and digital nomads when evaluating value. You will find a spectrum from affordable guesthouses to comfortable long-stay apartments, with markets, bakeries, and casual eateries offering budget-friendly meals. Relative to some African capitals, the lifestyle emphasizes practicality and access over extravagance. Public transport and ride-hailing are typical, though service quality can vary by district and time of day. If you plan ahead – staying in a walkable neighborhood, securing longer leases to reduce monthly costs, and mixing local dining with occasional outings – you will feel the value in your daily rhythm. Cost of Living in Yaounde, Cameroon helps frame your planning. Tip: Start with a month-long stay in a couple of neighborhoods to test the vibe before committing.
What does daily life look like in Yaounde in terms of housing search, food options, transport, and errands?
Housing options range from walk-up studios near markets to larger apartments in established neighborhoods. Use local agents or trusted platforms, and visit in person to verify water, power, and internet reliability. For daily life, you will find fresh produce at neighborhood markets and affordable street-food options for quick meals. Transport includes minibuses, taxis, and ride-hailing apps, with more traffic near downtown during peak hours. For work, several cafes and coworking spaces offer reliable wifi by day. Errands are easiest when you live within a short walk of groceries, pharmacies, and clinics. Understanding the Yaounde living cost helps you budget for a comfortable apartment, reliable wifi, and regular groceries. Tip: Map a couple of neighborhoods with easy access to both groceries and transit before you commit.
How can you balance quality of life with budgeting and seasonal changes to fit your preferred neighborhood?
Quality of life in Yaounde hinges on choosing a neighborhood that matches your pace and access needs. Use a simple budgeting framework: allocate rent and utilities first, then groceries, transport, and a modest leisure allowance. Consider the seasonal shifts – cooler evenings can be pleasant, while the rainy season affects road conditions and travel times. To save, share accommodation with a partner or flatmates, cook at home with local ingredients, and choose ride-shares or buses for longer commutes. Neighborhood fit matters: look for areas with reliable internet, nearby markets, safe sidewalks, and easy access to parks or cafes for breaks. Tip: give yourself time to test two neighborhoods during different days and weather.
What makes Yaounde a budget-friendly city to live in?
Compared to most cities worldwide, Yaounde is just cheap – all-in costs average $829 monthly. Both housing and daily necessities sit below the international median, which explains its popularity with budget travelers, nomads, and locals on modest incomes.
How affordable is daily life in Yaounde?
Your money goes further in Yaounde than in most cities its size. Expect to spend roughly $829 per month with housing included – groceries, transport, and eating out are all priced well below what you'd pay in comparable urban centers.
Is the average income in Yaounde enough to cover living costs and save?
At $192 take-home, most residents in Yaounde can cover the $829 monthly cost of living. Those earning $1,243 or more have room to save; below-average earners will find things noticeably tighter.
How much should I budget for housing in Yaounde?
Where you live in Yaounde makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $147; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $191. Overall, the market runs from $191 to $147 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
What does commuting cost in Yaounde?
A monthly transit pass in Yaounde goes for roughly $17.94, which is one of the lighter items on a monthly budget. Coverage across residential and business areas is solid, and most residents without a car rely on it daily.
What are kindergarten prices in Yaounde?
Childcare averages $642 monthly at a private kindergarten in Yaounde. For many families, this single cost rivals rent, so it's essential to factor in before making a move.
Is $1,000 enough to live comfortably in Yaounde?
$1,000 stretches far in Yaounde – all-in monthly costs average only $829. The surplus means you can build savings, travel a bit, and live above the local average without much effort.
Is Yaounde expat-friendly?
Expats in Yaounde enjoy vibrant nightlife, wellness scene, café culture, and monthly costs average around $829. The international crowd is active and welcoming, and practical stuff – bank accounts, apartment hunting, healthcare – is all manageable with some basic prep.
Is it possible to save on a local salary in Yaounde?
Monthly expenses in Yaounde run around $829, so putting money aside takes more than $1,243 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.
Can you backpack through Yaounde cheaply?
Budget travelers love Yaounde – low prices across accommodation, food, and transport make it one of the most backpacker-friendly cities around. Long-stay costs come to just $829 monthly; short-term visitors can get by on even less with hostels and local food.

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