Cost of Living in Cotonou, Benin
Benin · Africa
$700
Monthly Cost
avg/person
28
Cost Index
NYC=100
22
Rent Index
NYC=100
40
Quality of Life
Below Average
50
Safety Index
Moderate
0.7M
Population
XOF
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $2.5 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $10 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $0 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $1.2 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $2.2 |
| Cappuccino | $1.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $0.55 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.32 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.4 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.4 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $3.2 |
| Beef (1kg) | $5 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2.5 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.32 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.42 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.38 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.32 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.22 |
| Monthly Pass | $9 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.32 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.2 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $25000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $20000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $45 |
| Mobile Plan | $6 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $26 |
| Fitness Club/month | $18 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $270/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $150/mo |
| 3BR Center | $630/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $355/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $1,000/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $530/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $220 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 8.5% |
Cost of Living in Cotonou — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Cotonou, Benin is approximately $700 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Cotonou has a cost index of 28, making it around 72% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Cotonou costs around $150/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $270/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $630/month. The rent index is 22 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Cotonou scores 40/100 on the quality of life index and 50/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 36/100. The climate index is 64/100. 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 Cotonou is approximately $220/month. With a purchasing power index of 28/100, 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 Cotonou
The average monthly salary in Cotonou is approximately $220. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $700, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 28/100.
Healthcare Costs in Cotonou
Healthcare quality in Cotonou is rated 36/100. 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 Cotonou
Cotonou has a quality of life score of 40/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Cotonou
Students living in Cotonou 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 Cotonou
Expats moving to Cotonou 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 Cotonou, Benin is approximately $700 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 28 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Cotonou
Living in Cotonou offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 28 and a quality of life score of 40/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $220 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Cotonou provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Benin and around the world.
Key Facts About Cotonou
- Average Monthly Cost: $700
- Cost Index: 28
- Rent Index: 22
- Average Salary: $220
- Quality of Life: 40/100
- Safety Score: 50/100
- Country: Benin
- Currency: XOF
Is Cotonou Expensive?
Cotonou has a cost index of 28 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Cotonou compare to other cities?
Cotonou is located in Africa with a population of approximately 0.7M. At a cost index of 28 (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 Cotonou stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Cotonou?
The average cost of living in Cotonou, Benin is approximately $700 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 28 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Cotonou?
Rent in Cotonou varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 22 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Cotonou alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Cotonou expensive to live in?
Cotonou has a cost index of 28 compared to New York City (100). At 28, Cotonou is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $700.
What is the quality of life in Cotonou?
Cotonou has a quality of life index of 40/100 and a safety index of 50/100. The city is located in Africa and offers a below average quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Cotonou compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Cotonou with any city worldwide. Cotonou's cost index is 28 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Cotonou?
Many residents live comfortably in Cotonou with a monthly budget of around $700 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Cotonou good for expats?
Cotonou is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Cotonou?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $700 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Cotonou.
Is Cotonou cheaper than New York?
Yes, Cotonou has a cost index of 28 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Cotonou?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Cotonou.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Cotonou
Cheapest Ways to Live in Cotonou
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Cotonou typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $150/month compared to $270/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 Cotonou, Benin.
Is Cotonou Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 28/100 and a quality of life score of 40/100, Cotonou is a budget-friendly option, though residents should weigh lifestyle trade-offs carefully. Combined with a cost index of 28 relative to New York City, Cotonou remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Benin has to offer against other destinations in Africa.
Cotonou Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Cotonou", "Cotonou monthly expenses 2026", and "is Cotonou affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $700, a safety score of 50/100, and healthcare rated 36/100, Cotonou offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Benin.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026