Cost of living in Benin compared to United States
Currency:
Food | - 54% | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Food in Benin is 54% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Benin | United States | Diff | ||
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | 6,338 Franc ($10) | $19 | - 45% | |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | 4,130 Franc ($7) | $10 | - 32% | |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | 1,235 Franc ($2.02) | $5.93 | - 66% | |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | 1,356 Franc ($2.22) | $1.09 | + 103% | |
12 eggs, large | 1,006 Franc ($1.64) | $4.92 | - 67% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | 394 Franc ($0.64) | $4.81 | - 87% | |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | 1,576 Franc ($2.58) | $7 | - 63% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | 1,250 Franc ($2.04) | $4.67 | - 56% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | 950 Franc ($1.55) | $2.52 | - 38% | |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | 532 Franc ($0.87) | $3.12 | - 72% | |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | 3,412 Franc ($5.57) | $16 | - 65% | |
2 liters of coca-cola | 1,318 Franc ($2.15) | $2.74 | - 21% | |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | 364 Franc ($0.60) | $3.05 | - 80% | |
Housing | - 54% | |||
Housing in Benin is 54% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Benin | United States | Diff | ||
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | 377,723 Franc ($617) | $2,985 | - 79% | |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | 300,000 Franc ($490) | $2,210 | - 78% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | 60,000 Franc ($98) | $219 | - 55% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | - | $1,960 | - | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | - | $1,472 | - | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | 12,000 Franc ($20) | $149 | - 87% | |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | 25,000 Franc ($41) | $63 | - 35% | |
40” flat screen tv | 98,235 Franc ($161) | $295 | - 46% | |
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | 75,000 Franc ($123) | $136 | - 10% | |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | 3,306 Franc ($5.40) | $14 | - 60% | |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | 2,000 Franc ($3.27) | $31 | - 89% | |
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) | $54 | - 53% | |
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | 10,294 Franc ($17) | $45 | - 63% | |
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | 19,706 Franc ($32) | $93 | - 65% | |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | 66,294 Franc ($108) | $121 | - 11% | |
Transportation | - 53% | |||
Transportation in Benin is 53% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Benin | United States | Diff | ||
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | - | $27,744 | - | |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | 650 Franc ($1.06) | $1.06 | + 0% | |
Monthly ticket public transport | 11,000 Franc ($18) | $83 | - 78% | |
Personal Care | - 59% | |||
Personal Care in Benin is 59% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Benin | United States | Diff | ||
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | 3,000 Franc ($4.90) | $8 | - 38% | |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | 5,000 Franc ($8) | $21 | - 62% | |
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | 10,000 Franc ($16) | $139 | - 88% | |
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | 1,200 Franc ($1.96) | $8 | - 77% | |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | 1,447 Franc ($2.36) | $4.85 | - 51% | |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | 2,000 Franc ($3.27) | $6 | - 48% | |
4 rolls of toilet paper | 1,471 Franc ($2.40) | $4.78 | - 50% | |
Tube of toothpaste | 1,441 Franc ($2.35) | $2.24 | + 5% | |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | - | $28 | - | |
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 ($25) | $55 | - 56% | |
2 tickets to the movies | 8,706 Franc ($14) | $28 | - 49% | |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | 20,000 Franc ($33) | $200 | - 84% | |
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | 15,000 Franc ($25) | $89 | - 73% | |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | 2,059 Franc ($3.36) | $13 | - 75% | |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | 3,588 Franc ($5.86) | $5.23 | + 12% | |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | 600 Franc ($0.98) | $6 | - 85% | |
Ipad wi-fi 128gb | - | $554 | - | |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | 55 Franc ($0.09) | $0.20 | - 55% | |
1 month of gym membership in business district | 23,062 Franc ($38) | $59 | - 36% | |
1 package of marlboro cigarettes | - | $10 | - | |
TOTAL | - 54% |

These prices were last updated on May 31, 2023.
Exchange rate:
0.00163
USD
/
XOF
Cost of living in Benin is 54% cheaper than in United States
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