Cost of living in Rwanda compared to United States
Currency:
Food | - 58% | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Food in Rwanda is 58% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Rwanda | United States | Diff | ||
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | 5,202 Franc ($4.59) | $19 | - 75% | |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | 6,774 Franc ($5.98) | $10 | - 40% | |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | 3,095 Franc ($2.73) | $5.95 | - 54% | |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | 1,357 Franc ($1.20) | $1.09 | + 10% | |
12 eggs, large | 2,886 Franc ($2.55) | $4.92 | - 48% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | 1,110 Franc ($0.98) | $4.81 | - 80% | |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | 6,408 Franc ($5.66) | $7 | - 19% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | 3,208 Franc ($2.83) | $4.70 | - 40% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | 340 Franc ($0.30) | $2.55 | - 88% | |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | 1,127 Franc ($1.00) | $3.06 | - 67% | |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | 12,159 Franc ($11) | $16 | - 32% | |
2 liters of coca-cola | 1,813 Franc ($1.60) | $2.74 | - 41% | |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | 1,500 Franc ($1.32) | $3.08 | - 57% | |
Housing | - 61% | |||
Housing in Rwanda is 61% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Rwanda | United States | Diff | ||
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | 933,284 Franc ($824) | $3,012 | - 73% | |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | 597,866 Franc ($528) | $2,224 | - 76% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | 405,452 Franc ($358) | $219 | + 63% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | 884,630 Franc ($781) | $1,967 | - 60% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | 334,630 Franc ($295) | $1,475 | - 80% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | 202,726 Franc ($179) | $147 | + 22% | |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | 15,853 Franc ($14) | $64 | - 78% | |
40” flat screen tv | 587,805 Franc ($519) | $284 | + 82% | |
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | 116,341 Franc ($103) | $132 | - 22% | |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | 9,857 Franc ($9) | $13 | - 35% | |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | 13,000 Franc ($11) | $30 | - 62% | |
Clothes | - 62% | |||
Clothes in Rwanda is 62% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Rwanda | United States | Diff | ||
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | 18,000 Franc ($16) | $54 | - 71% | |
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | 22,213 Franc ($20) | $44 | - 56% | |
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | 38,746 Franc ($34) | $93 | - 63% | |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | 36,970 Franc ($33) | $120 | - 73% | |
Transportation | - 48% | |||
Transportation in Rwanda is 48% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Rwanda | United States | Diff | ||
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | 40,000,000 Franc ($35,320) | $27,658 | + 28% | |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | 1,462 Franc ($1.29) | $1.06 | + 22% | |
Monthly ticket public transport | 19,078 Franc ($17) | $83 | - 80% | |
Personal Care | - 67% | |||
Personal Care in Rwanda is 67% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Rwanda | United States | Diff | ||
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | 4,159 Franc ($3.67) | $8 | - 54% | |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | 6,057 Franc ($5.35) | $20 | - 74% | |
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | 12,473 Franc ($11) | $137 | - 92% | |
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | 2,988 Franc ($2.64) | $8 | - 68% | |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | 5,037 Franc ($4.45) | $4.91 | - 9% | |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | 4,172 Franc ($3.68) | $6 | - 40% | |
4 rolls of toilet paper | 1,000 Franc ($0.88) | $4.81 | - 82% | |
Tube of toothpaste | 1,352 Franc ($1.19) | $2.19 | - 46% | |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | 2,594 Franc ($2.29) | $27 | - 92% | |
Entertainment | - 59% | |||
Entertainment in Rwanda is 59% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Rwanda | United States | Diff | ||
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | 10,420 Franc ($9) | $55 | - 83% | |
2 tickets to the movies | 12,000 Franc ($11) | $28 | - 62% | |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | 100,000 Franc ($88) | $196 | - 55% | |
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | 53,863 Franc ($48) | $88 | - 46% | |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | 7,718 Franc ($7) | $14 | - 51% | |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | 3,810 Franc ($3.36) | $5.21 | - 35% | |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | 1,335 Franc ($1.18) | $6 | - 81% | |
Ipad wi-fi 128gb | 211,565 Franc ($187) | $578 | - 68% | |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | 60 Franc ($0.05) | $0.20 | - 73% | |
1 month of gym membership in business district | 60,000 Franc ($53) | $59 | - 10% | |
1 package of marlboro cigarettes | 2,496 Franc ($2.20) | $10 | - 78% | |
TOTAL | - 58% |

These prices were last updated on May 27, 2023.
Exchange rate:
0.00088
USD
/
RWF
Cost of living in Rwanda is 58% cheaper than in United States
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