Cost of Living in Bamako, Mali
Mali · Africa
$600
Monthly Cost
avg/person
24
Cost Index
NYC=100
18
Rent Index
NYC=100
32
Quality of Life
Poor
30
Safety Index
Poor
2.7M
Population
XOF
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $2 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $8 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $0 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $1.2 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $2 |
| Cappuccino | $1.2 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $0.5 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.28 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $0.9 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.35 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.45 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.2 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $2.8 |
| Beef (1kg) | $4.5 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2.5 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.28 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.45 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.38 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.32 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.28 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.18 |
| Monthly Pass | $8 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.28 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.3 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $24000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $19000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $38 |
| Mobile Plan | $5 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $26 |
| Fitness Club/month | $14 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $220/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $125/mo |
| 3BR Center | $520/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $295/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $850/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $450/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $175 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 8% |
Cost of Living in Bamako — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Bamako, Mali is approximately $600 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Bamako has a cost index of 24, making it around 76% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Bamako costs around $125/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $220/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $520/month. The rent index is 18 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Bamako scores 32/100 on the quality of life index and 30/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 24/100. The climate index is 50/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Bamako is approximately $175/month. With a purchasing power index of 20/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is XOF, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Bamako
The average monthly salary in Bamako is approximately $175. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $600, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 20/100.
Healthcare Costs in Bamako
Healthcare quality in Bamako is rated 24/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Bamako
Bamako has a quality of life score of 32/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Bamako
Students living in Bamako should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Bamako
Expats moving to Bamako often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Bamako, Mali is approximately $600 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 24 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Bamako
Living in Bamako offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 24 and a quality of life score of 32/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $175 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Bamako provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Mali and around the world.
Key Facts About Bamako
- Average Monthly Cost: $600
- Cost Index: 24
- Rent Index: 18
- Average Salary: $175
- Quality of Life: 32/100
- Safety Score: 30/100
- Country: Mali
- Currency: XOF
Is Bamako Expensive?
Bamako has a cost index of 24 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Bamako compare to other cities?
Bamako is located in Africa with a population of approximately 2.7M. At a cost index of 24 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Bamako stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Bamako?
The average cost of living in Bamako, Mali is approximately $600 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 24 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Bamako?
Rent in Bamako varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 18 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Bamako alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Bamako expensive to live in?
Bamako has a cost index of 24 compared to New York City (100). At 24, Bamako is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $600.
What is the quality of life in Bamako?
Bamako has a quality of life index of 32/100 and a safety index of 30/100. The city is located in Africa and offers a poor quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Bamako compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Bamako with any city worldwide. Bamako's cost index is 24 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Bamako?
Many residents live comfortably in Bamako with a monthly budget of around $600 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Bamako good for expats?
Bamako is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Bamako?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $600 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Bamako.
Is Bamako cheaper than New York?
Yes, Bamako has a cost index of 24 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Bamako?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Bamako.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Bamako
Cheapest Ways to Live in Bamako
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Bamako typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $125/month compared to $220/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Bamako, Mali.
Is Bamako Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 20/100 and a quality of life score of 32/100, Bamako is a budget-friendly option, though residents should weigh lifestyle trade-offs carefully. Combined with a cost index of 24 relative to New York City, Bamako remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Mali has to offer against other destinations in Africa.
Bamako Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Bamako", "Bamako monthly expenses 2026", and "is Bamako affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $600, a safety score of 30/100, and healthcare rated 24/100, Bamako offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Mali.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026