Equatorial Guinea has moderate costs of living with a Cost of Living Index (CPI) of 54.2 (NYC = 100). Groceries (index: 60.9) and restaurants (index: 51.3) are moderately priced compared to NYC.

The housing market is very affordable, with property prices averaging 4.6 years of household income. The rental market is also very affordable, indicated by a Rent Index of 6.7.

A purchasing power index of 51.0 indicates low buying power compared to NYC.

Equatorial Guinea has a progressive personal income tax system (0-35%, with a 25% cap for high earners from 2025) and a corporate income tax rate reduced to 25% (effective 2025). The standard VAT is 15%, and urban property tax is 0.5% on 30% of property value. Recent reforms aim to modernize the system, but historical implementation issues persist.

While a 'Single Business Window' has reduced company registration time to 5 days, the overall business environment is challenging due to pervasive corruption, weak governance, and a lack of clear regulations. The country is ranked 159th in the 2026 Index of Economic Freedom, categorized as 'repressed'.

The National Social Security Institute (INSESO) provides benefits for illness, maternity, accidents, disability, old-age pensions, and death. However, the healthcare system is fragile, underfunded, and lacks resources, with only 3 doctors per 10,000 people. Unemployment benefits show 0% coverage.

Deposits are protected up to 10 million CFA francs (approximately USD 16,531) per depositor per institution under the regional Fonds de Garantie des Depots en Afrique Centrale (FOGADAC) scheme. While the banking sector shows signs of improvement, it remains undercapitalized with high non-performing loans. Equatorial Guinea is a member of GABAC (a FATF-style body), but AML enforcement is weak, and corruption is widespread.