Cost of living in Benin compared to United States
Currency:
Food | - 52% | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Food in Benin is 52% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Benin | United States | Diff | ||
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | 6,338 Franc ($10) | $17 | - 42% | |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | 4,130 Franc ($7) | $9 | - 28% | |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | 1,235 Franc ($1.96) | $5.06 | - 61% | |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | 1,356 Franc ($2.15) | $0.99 | + 117% | |
12 eggs, large | 1,006 Franc ($1.60) | $3.35 | - 52% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | 394 Franc ($0.63) | $4.43 | - 86% | |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | 1,576 Franc ($2.50) | $7 | - 64% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | 1,250 Franc ($1.98) | $3.91 | - 49% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | 950 Franc ($1.51) | $1.94 | - 22% | |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | 532 Franc ($0.84) | $3.28 | - 74% | |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | 3,412 Franc ($5.41) | $16 | - 65% | |
2 liters of coca-cola | 1,318 Franc ($2.09) | $2.26 | - 7% | |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | 364 Franc ($0.58) | $2.46 | - 76% | |
Housing | - 33% | |||
Housing in Benin is 33% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Benin | United States | Diff | ||
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | - | $2,515 | - | |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | - | $1,957 | - | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | 38,682 Franc ($61) | $204 | - 70% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | - | $1,778 | - | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | - | $1,342 | - | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | 12,000 Franc ($19) | $139 | - 86% | |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | 15,839 Franc ($25) | $56 | - 56% | |
40” flat screen tv | 98,235 Franc ($156) | $297 | - 48% | |
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | 75,000 Franc ($119) | $135 | - 12% | |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | 3,306 Franc ($5.24) | $12 | - 57% | |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | 2,000 Franc ($3.17) | $26 | - 88% | |
Clothes | - 55% | |||
Clothes in Benin is 55% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Benin | United States | Diff | ||
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | 15,481 Franc ($25) | $51 | - 52% | |
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | 10,294 Franc ($16) | $46 | - 65% | |
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | 19,706 Franc ($31) | $92 | - 66% | |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | 66,294 Franc ($105) | $120 | - 12% | |
Transportation | - 54% | |||
Transportation in Benin is 54% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Benin | United States | Diff | ||
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | - | $25,474 | - | |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | 515 Franc ($0.82) | $1.06 | - 23% | |
Monthly ticket public transport | 11,000 Franc ($17) | $77 | - 77% | |
Personal Care | - 57% | |||
Personal Care in Benin is 57% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Benin | United States | Diff | ||
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | 3,000 Franc ($4.76) | $7 | - 36% | |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | 5,000 Franc ($8) | $19 | - 58% | |
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | 10,000 Franc ($16) | $125 | - 87% | |
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | 1,200 Franc ($1.90) | $7 | - 74% | |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | 1,447 Franc ($2.30) | $4.17 | - 45% | |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | 2,000 Franc ($3.17) | $5.50 | - 42% | |
4 rolls of toilet paper | 1,471 Franc ($2.33) | $4.18 | - 44% | |
Tube of toothpaste | 1,441 Franc ($2.29) | $2.05 | + 12% | |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | - | $25 | - | |
Entertainment | - 48% | |||
Entertainment in Benin is 48% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Benin | United States | Diff | ||
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | 15,000 Franc ($24) | $49 | - 51% | |
2 tickets to the movies | 8,706 Franc ($14) | $27 | - 48% | |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | 20,000 Franc ($32) | $196 | - 84% | |
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | 15,000 Franc ($24) | $83 | - 71% | |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | 2,059 Franc ($3.27) | $13 | - 74% | |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | 3,588 Franc ($5.69) | $5.19 | + 10% | |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | 600 Franc ($0.95) | $6 | - 85% | |
Ipad wi-fi 128gb | - | $499 | - | |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | 55 Franc ($0.09) | $0.17 | - 48% | |
1 month of gym membership in business district | 23,062 Franc ($37) | $53 | - 31% | |
1 package of marlboro cigarettes | 1,800 Franc ($2.85) | $9 | - 69% | |
TOTAL | - 47% |

These prices were last updated on May 18, 2022.
Exchange rate:
0.00159
USD
/
XOF
Cost of living in Benin is 47% cheaper than in United States
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