Cost of Living in Kigali, Rwanda
Rwanda · Africa
$850
Monthly Cost
avg/person
32
Cost Index
NYC=100
26
Rent Index
NYC=100
56
Quality of Life
Moderate
68
Safety Index
Good
1.1M
Population
RWF
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $3 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $12 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $5 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $1.5 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $3 |
| Cappuccino | $2.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $0.7 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.4 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $0.9 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.6 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.5 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $3.5 |
| Beef (1kg) | $5.5 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2.5 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.3 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.7 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.4 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.25 |
| Monthly Pass | $12 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.4 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.3 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $30000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $24000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $55 |
| Mobile Plan | $8 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $32 |
| Fitness Club/month | $25 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $380/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $220/mo |
| 3BR Center | $880/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $500/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $1,400/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $750/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $380 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 16% |
Cost of Living in Kigali — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Kigali, Rwanda is approximately $850 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Kigali has a cost index of 32, making it around 68% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Kigali costs around $220/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $380/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $880/month. The rent index is 26 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Kigali scores 56/100 on the quality of life index and 68/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 52/100. The climate index is 72/100. 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 Kigali is approximately $380/month. With a purchasing power index of 36/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is RWF, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Kigali
The average monthly salary in Kigali is approximately $380. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $850, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 36/100.
Healthcare Costs in Kigali
Healthcare quality in Kigali is rated 52/100. 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 Kigali
Kigali has a quality of life score of 56/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Kigali
Students living in Kigali 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 Kigali
Expats moving to Kigali 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 Kigali, Rwanda is approximately $850 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 32 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Kigali
Living in Kigali offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 32 and a quality of life score of 56/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $380 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Kigali provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Rwanda and around the world.
Key Facts About Kigali
- Average Monthly Cost: $850
- Cost Index: 32
- Rent Index: 26
- Average Salary: $380
- Quality of Life: 56/100
- Safety Score: 68/100
- Country: Rwanda
- Currency: RWF
Is Kigali Expensive?
Kigali has a cost index of 32 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Kigali compare to other cities?
Kigali is located in Africa with a population of approximately 1.1M. At a cost index of 32 (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 Kigali stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Kigali?
The average cost of living in Kigali, Rwanda is approximately $850 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 32 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Kigali?
Rent in Kigali varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 26 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Kigali alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Kigali expensive to live in?
Kigali has a cost index of 32 compared to New York City (100). At 32, Kigali is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $850.
What is the quality of life in Kigali?
Kigali has a quality of life index of 56/100 and a safety index of 68/100. The city is located in Africa and offers a moderate quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Kigali compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Kigali with any city worldwide. Kigali's cost index is 32 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Kigali?
Many residents live comfortably in Kigali with a monthly budget of around $850 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Kigali good for expats?
Kigali is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Kigali?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $850 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Kigali.
Is Kigali cheaper than New York?
Yes, Kigali has a cost index of 32 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Kigali?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Kigali.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Kigali
Cheapest Ways to Live in Kigali
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Kigali typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $220/month compared to $380/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 Kigali, Rwanda.
Is Kigali Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 36/100 and a quality of life score of 56/100, Kigali is a reasonable option for relocation, balancing affordability with adequate quality of life. Combined with a cost index of 32 relative to New York City, Kigali remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Rwanda has to offer against other destinations in Africa.
Kigali Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Kigali", "Kigali monthly expenses 2026", and "is Kigali affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $850, a safety score of 68/100, and healthcare rated 52/100, Kigali offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Rwanda.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026