Cost of living in Democratic Republic of the Congo compared to United States
Currency:
Food | - 37% | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Food in Democratic Republic of the Congo is 37% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | 12,000 Franc ($6) | $15 | - 60% | |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | 11,600 Franc ($5.83) | $8 | - 29% | |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | 7,834 Franc ($3.94) | $4.25 | - 7% | |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | 4,625 Franc ($2.33) | $0.88 | + 163% | |
12 eggs, large | 3,626 Franc ($1.82) | $2.94 | - 38% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | 3,600 Franc ($1.81) | $4.10 | - 56% | |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | 9,000 Franc ($4.53) | $6 | - 29% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | 6,500 Franc ($3.27) | $3.29 | - 1% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | 1,483 Franc ($0.75) | $1.68 | - 56% | |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | 2,000 Franc ($1.01) | $3.30 | - 70% | |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | - | $14 | - | |
2 liters of coca-cola | 3,500 Franc ($1.76) | $1.99 | - 12% | |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | 3,200 Franc ($1.61) | $2.06 | - 22% | |
Housing | - 20% | |||
Housing in Democratic Republic of the Congo is 20% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | 3,000,000 Franc ($1,509) | $2,211 | - 32% | |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | 1,500,000 Franc ($754) | $1,548 | - 51% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | - | $179 | - | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | - | $1,534 | - | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | 1,119,330 Franc ($563) | $1,116 | - 50% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | - | $113 | - | |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | 111,994 Franc ($56) | $50 | + 13% | |
40” flat screen tv | 200,000 Franc ($101) | $271 | - 63% | |
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | - | $128 | - | |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | - | $11 | - | |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | - | $22 | - | |
Clothes | - 23% | |||
Clothes in Democratic Republic of the Congo is 23% cheaper than in United States | ||||
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | 32,000 Franc ($16) | $47 | - 66% | |
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | 83,250 Franc ($42) | $43 | - 3% | |
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | 40,000 Franc ($20) | $87 | - 77% | |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | 200,000 Franc ($101) | $109 | - 8% | |
Transportation | - 48% | |||
Transportation in Democratic Republic of the Congo is 48% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | - | $23,574 | - | |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | - | $0.64 | - | |
Monthly ticket public transport | 30,000 Franc ($15) | $74 | - 80% | |
Personal Care | - 5% | |||
Personal Care in Democratic Republic of the Congo is 5% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | - | $7 | - | |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | - | $16 | - | |
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | - | $112 | - | |
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | - | $7 | - | |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | - | $3.47 | - | |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | - | $4.93 | - | |
4 rolls of toilet paper | - | $3.64 | - | |
Tube of toothpaste | - | $1.81 | - | |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | 20,000 Franc ($10) | $22 | - 53% | |
Entertainment | - 47% | |||
Entertainment in Democratic Republic of the Congo is 47% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | 30,000 Franc ($15) | $46 | - 67% | |
2 tickets to the movies | - | $25 | - | |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | - | $205 | - | |
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | - | $80 | - | |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | - | $12 | - | |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | - | $5.04 | - | |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | - | $5.85 | - | |
Ipad wi-fi 128gb | 160,000 Franc ($80) | $421 | - 81% | |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | 250 Franc ($0.13) | $0.51 | - 75% | |
1 month of gym membership in business district | - | $49 | - | |
1 package of marlboro cigarettes | 5,000 Franc ($2.51) | $8 | - 70% | |
TOTAL | - 34% |

These prices were last updated on March 03, 2021.
Exchange rate:
0.00050
USD
/
CDF
*
Cost of living in Democratic Republic of the Congo is 34% cheaper than in United States
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