Cost of Living in Yaoundé, Cameroon
Cameroon · Africa
$800
Monthly Cost
avg/person
30
Cost Index
NYC=100
24
Rent Index
NYC=100
42
Quality of Life
Below Average
40
Safety Index
Below Average
3.6M
Population
XAF
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 | $4 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $1.5 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $2.5 |
| Cappuccino | $2 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $0.7 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.4 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.5 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.7 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.5 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $3.5 |
| Beef (1kg) | $5.5 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2.5 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.4 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.7 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.55 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.4 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.25 |
| Monthly Pass | $12 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.35 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.1 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $28000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $22000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $60 |
| Mobile Plan | $8 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $30 |
| Fitness Club/month | $25 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $320/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $185/mo |
| 3BR Center | $740/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $420/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $1,200/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $650/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $380 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 8.5% |
View Cost of Living in Cameroon
Cost of Living in Yaoundé — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Yaoundé, Cameroon is approximately $800 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Yaoundé has a cost index of 30, making it around 70% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Yaoundé costs around $185/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $320/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $740/month. The rent index is 24 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Yaoundé scores 42/100 on the quality of life index and 40/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 38/100. The climate index is 65/100. 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 Yaoundé is approximately $380/month. With a purchasing power index of 32/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is XAF, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Yaoundé
The average monthly salary in Yaoundé is approximately $380. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $800, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 32/100.
Healthcare Costs in Yaoundé
Healthcare quality in Yaoundé is rated 38/100. 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 Yaoundé
Yaoundé has a quality of life score of 42/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Yaoundé
Students living in Yaoundé 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 Yaoundé
Expats moving to Yaoundé 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 Yaoundé, Cameroon is approximately $800 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 30 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Yaoundé
Living in Yaoundé offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 30 and a quality of life score of 42/100. 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, Yaoundé provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Cameroon and around the world.
Key Facts About Yaoundé
- Average Monthly Cost: $800
- Cost Index: 30
- Rent Index: 24
- Average Salary: $380
- Quality of Life: 42/100
- Safety Score: 40/100
- Country: Cameroon
- Currency: XAF
Is Yaoundé Expensive?
Yaoundé has a cost index of 30 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Yaoundé compare to other cities?
Yaoundé is located in Africa with a population of approximately 3.6M. At a cost index of 30 (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 Yaoundé stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Yaoundé?
The average cost of living in Yaoundé, Cameroon is approximately $800 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 30 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Yaoundé?
Rent in Yaoundé varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 24 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Yaoundé alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Yaoundé expensive to live in?
Yaoundé has a cost index of 30 compared to New York City (100). At 30, Yaoundé is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $800.
What is the quality of life in Yaoundé?
Yaoundé has a quality of life index of 42/100 and a safety index of 40/100. 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 Yaoundé compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Yaoundé with any city worldwide. Yaoundé's cost index is 30 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Yaoundé?
Many residents live comfortably in Yaoundé with a monthly budget of around $800 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Yaoundé good for expats?
Yaoundé is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Yaoundé?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $800 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Yaoundé.
Is Yaoundé cheaper than New York?
Yes, Yaoundé has a cost index of 30 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Yaoundé?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Yaoundé.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Yaoundé
Cheapest Ways to Live in Yaoundé
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Yaoundé typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $185/month compared to $320/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 Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Is Yaoundé Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 32/100 and a quality of life score of 42/100, Yaoundé is a budget-friendly option, though residents should weigh lifestyle trade-offs carefully. Combined with a cost index of 30 relative to New York City, Yaoundé remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Cameroon has to offer against other destinations in Africa.
Yaoundé Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Yaoundé", "Yaoundé monthly expenses 2026", and "is Yaoundé affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $800, a safety score of 40/100, and healthcare rated 38/100, Yaoundé offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Cameroon.
Popular City Cost Comparisons
Last reviewed: 7/15/2026