Benin flagCost of Living Guide · Benin

Cost of Living Guide in Benin

Complete pricing for housing, food, transportation, and everyday expenses

Benin is one of Africa's more affordable destinations, ranking 134th globally for cost of living at approximately 1.5 times cheaper than the world average. For expats with foreign income, the country offers exceptional value, though imported Western goods carry significant premiums. The economic reality differs sharply between local salaries (where living costs are 8–9 times average income) and expat budgets, making Benin highly accessible for international relocators.

Estimated Monthly Budget

Frugal
$320–$480/month for a single person living like a local—emphasizing markets, street food, public transport, and modest housing in secondary cities or peripheral areas.
Comfortable
$600–$880/month for a single expat in Cotonou with decent housing ($300–$500 rent), utilities ($40–$60), groceries ($100–$150), transport ($30–$40), and occasional dining out ($130–$200). Alternatively, €312/month (~$335 USD) for a comfortable local-style lifestyle.
Family of four
$1,120+/month for a family of four on an expat lifestyle with modern apartment, mix of local and imported groceries, occasional restaurant dining, and private transport. Estimated total with rent: $1,825/month.

Benin delivers exceptional value for expats with foreign income, offering rents 61% below the Africa average and overall costs significantly cheaper than most continental peers. The country ranks among the world's 28% least expensive cities, making it ideal for digital nomads, remote workers, and budget-conscious relocators seeking African authenticity without premium pricing.

Economic & Living Costs in Benin
Food & Dining Costs

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

1500-5000 XOF
Avg: 3250 XOF
+44.4% vs 3 months ago

Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant (3-course)

10000-25000 XOF
Avg: 17500 XOF
-11.4% vs 3 months ago

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

6000 XOF
Avg: 6000 XOF
+100.0% vs 3 months ago

Domestic Beer (0.5L draught)

400-1500 XOF
Avg: 950 XOF
0.0% vs 3 months ago
Housing & Real Estate Costs

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

35000-200000 XOF
Avg: 117500 XOF
-9.6% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside Centre

15000-100000 XOF
Avg: 57500 XOF
-34.3% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

150000-400000 XOF
Avg: 275000 XOF
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside Centre

75000-250000 XOF
Avg: 162500 XOF
-1.5% vs 3 months ago
Transportation Costs

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

1000 XOF
Avg: 1000 XOF
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

1500-4000 XOF
Avg: 2750 XOF
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Monthly Transport Pass

N/A
Avg: N/A

Gasoline (1L)

500-800 XOF
Avg: 650 XOF
0.0% vs 3 months ago
Utilities & Communications Costs

Utilities for 85m² Apartment

70000-150000 XOF
Avg: 110000 XOF
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Internet (60 Mbps+, Unlimited)

25000-50000 XOF
Avg: 37500 XOF
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Mobile Plan (10GB+ Data)

8000-25000 XOF
Avg: 16500 XOF
0.0% vs 3 months ago
Grocery Costs

Milk (1L)

1000-2500 XOF
Avg: 1750 XOF
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

150-1000 XOF
Avg: 575 XOF
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Eggs (12)

600-1600 XOF
Avg: 1100 XOF
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Local Cheese (1kg)

2000-9000 XOF
Avg: 5500 XOF
0.0% vs 3 months ago
Entertainment & Sports Costs

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee

5000-30000 XOF
Avg: 17500 XOF
-53.3% vs 3 months ago

Tennis Court (1 hour, weekend)

3000 XOF
Avg: 1500 XOF
-50.0% vs 3 months ago

Cinema Ticket

3500-7000 XOF
Avg: 5250 XOF
+16.7% vs 3 months ago

Preschool / Kindergarten (monthly, private)

70000-83333.33 XOF
Avg: 76666.67 XOF
-35.2% vs 3 months ago
Last updated: 2026-04-03