Cost of living in Republic of the Congo compared to United States
Currency:
Food | - 2% | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Food in Republic of the Congo is about the same as in United States | ||||
Republic of the Congo | United States | Diff | ||
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | 12,470 Franc ($22) | $21 | + 1% | |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | 6,543 Franc ($11) | $12 | - 6% | |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | - | $5.82 | - | |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | 1,826 Franc ($3.16) | $1.09 | + 189% | |
12 eggs, large | 2,000 Franc ($3.46) | $5.52 | - 37% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | 2,406 Franc ($4.16) | $4.83 | - 14% | |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | 4,000 Franc ($7) | $8 | - 9% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | 2,153 Franc ($3.72) | $4.23 | - 12% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | 753 Franc ($1.30) | $2.28 | - 43% | |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | 756 Franc ($1.31) | $3.63 | - 64% | |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | 11,629 Franc ($20) | $18 | + 12% | |
2 liters of coca-cola | 1,700 Franc ($2.94) | $2.95 | - 0% | |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | 2,500 Franc ($4.32) | $3.01 | + 44% | |
Housing | - 6% | |||
Housing in Republic of the Congo is 6% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Republic of the Congo | United States | Diff | ||
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | 1,455,810 Franc ($2,517) | $3,081 | - 18% | |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | 629,211 Franc ($1,088) | $2,368 | - 54% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | 52,064 Franc ($90) | $231 | - 61% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | 679,310 Franc ($1,175) | $2,197 | - 47% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | 80,000 Franc ($138) | $1,611 | - 91% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | 25,000 Franc ($43) | $168 | - 74% | |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | 65,570 Franc ($113) | $61 | + 86% | |
40” flat screen tv | 160,000 Franc ($277) | $254 | + 9% | |
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | 200,000 Franc ($346) | $156 | + 121% | |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | 4,483 Franc ($8) | $15 | - 48% | |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | 80,000 Franc ($138) | $34 | + 307% | |
Clothes | + 30% | |||
Clothes in Republic of the Congo is 30% more expensive than in United States | ||||
Republic of the Congo | United States | Diff | ||
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | 57,012 Franc ($99) | $58 | + 71% | |
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | 30,000 Franc ($52) | $51 | + 1% | |
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | 97,241 Franc ($168) | $107 | + 57% | |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | 97,241 Franc ($168) | $140 | + 20% | |
Transportation | - 63% | |||
Transportation in Republic of the Congo is 63% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Republic of the Congo | United States | Diff | ||
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | 2,000,000 Franc ($3,458) | $30,844 | - 89% | |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | 580 Franc ($1.00) | $0.94 | + 7% | |
Monthly ticket public transport | 15,000 Franc ($26) | $84 | - 69% | |
Personal Care | + 30% | |||
Personal Care in Republic of the Congo is 30% more expensive than in United States | ||||
Republic of the Congo | United States | Diff | ||
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | 3,000 Franc ($5.19) | $9 | - 43% | |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | 53,046 Franc ($92) | $25 | + 273% | |
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | 24,460 Franc ($42) | $169 | - 75% | |
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | 25,000 Franc ($43) | $10 | + 347% | |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | 4,670 Franc ($8) | $5.33 | + 52% | |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | 4,241 Franc ($7) | $7 | + 4% | |
4 rolls of toilet paper | 2,000 Franc ($3.46) | $5.01 | - 31% | |
Tube of toothpaste | 2,747 Franc ($4.75) | $2.37 | + 101% | |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | 12,000 Franc ($21) | $31 | - 33% | |
Entertainment | + 36% | |||
Entertainment in Republic of the Congo is 36% more expensive than in United States | ||||
Republic of the Congo | United States | Diff | ||
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | 27,241 Franc ($47) | $61 | - 23% | |
2 tickets to the movies | 5,000 Franc ($9) | $31 | - 72% | |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | - | $232 | - | |
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | 62,356 Franc ($108) | $106 | + 2% | |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | 29,770 Franc ($51) | $15 | + 247% | |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | 7,471 Franc ($13) | $6 | + 115% | |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | 1,992 Franc ($3.44) | $8 | - 54% | |
Ipad wi-fi 128gb | 500,000 Franc ($865) | $456 | + 89% | |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | 1,000 Franc ($1.73) | $0.96 | + 79% | |
1 month of gym membership in business district | 50,000 Franc ($86) | $71 | + 22% | |
1 package of marlboro cigarettes | 2,500 Franc ($4.32) | $11 | - 61% | |
TOTAL | - 7% |

These prices were last updated on May 23, 2025.
Exchange rate:
0.00173
USD
/
XAF
Cost of living in Republic of the Congo is 7% cheaper than in United States
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