Exact cost of living data is unavailable. However, based on the country's low GDP per capita and general economic conditions, the cost of living is estimated to be very affordable, significantly lower than major global cities.

The property price to income ratio is 9.4 years, indicating a moderate level of affordability in the housing market.

The purchasing power index is unavailable, but with a GDP per capita of approximately $1,263 (PPP-adjusted) in 2024 and a minimum wage of FCFA 35,000 per month (approx. $62.84 USD in 2026), average income and purchasing power are very low.

The Central African Republic has a progressive personal income tax system with rates ranging from 0% to 40%. The standard Value Added Tax (VAT) rate is 19%, and the corporate income tax rate is 30%. The overall tax burden is low (around 10% of GDP in 2024), and tax administration faces governance challenges.

The Central African Republic ranked 180 out of 190 economies in the World Bank's 2020 Ease of Doing Business report and is considered 'repressed' in the 2024 Index of Economic Freedom. The business environment is hampered by weak institutions, pervasive corruption, and opaque regulatory requirements.

The National Social Security Fund (CNSS) provides pensions for old age, disability, and survivors, along with family benefits and maternity allowances. However, healthcare infrastructure is weak, and broad unemployment benefits are not widely covered. The World Bank is supporting efforts to expand social safety nets for vulnerable households.

Deposits are protected up to 5 million FCFA (approximately USD 8,232) per depositor by the Deposit Guarantee Fund in Central Africa (FOGADAC), which covers CEMAC member states. The banking sector is small, underdeveloped, and considered fragile, though banks are adequately capitalized and subject to regional oversight by the Bank of Central African States (BEAC). The country was deemed compliant or largely compliant with many FATF recommendations in 2023.