Gabon flagCost of Living Guide · Gabon

Cost of Living Guide in Gabon

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

Gabon is one of Africa's most expensive countries, positioned in the upper tier of continental living costs due to its oil-based economy and limited supply of goods and services. Overall costs are about 70% higher than the Africa average, making it significantly pricier than most neighboring countries. For expats and digital nomads, expect to budget substantially more than in typical African destinations, though salaries and purchasing power for oil-sector workers are correspondingly higher.

Estimated Monthly Budget

Frugal
$1,155–$1,400 per month for a single person living locally (local food, public transport/taxis, modest housing outside city center). This reflects a local lifestyle with minimal expat amenities.
Comfortable
$1,800–$2,500 per month for a single expat (decent 1-bedroom apartment in or near city center, mix of local and imported groceries, occasional dining out, reliable transport). This is the realistic budget for most expats seeking comfort without luxury.
Family of four
$3,700–$4,500 per month for a family of four on an expat lifestyle (expat-standard housing, international school fees not included, imported groceries, regular dining out, reliable transport/car). This assumes moderate comfort; families with children in international schools will spend significantly more.

Gabon offers poor value for money compared to the Africa average—it is approximately 70% more expensive overall while offering limited job opportunities for foreigners outside the oil sector. Unless you are relocating for a high-paying oil-industry position or have substantial savings, Gabon is one of the least affordable African countries for expats and digital nomads seeking cost-effective living.

Economic & Living Costs in Gabon
Food & Dining Costs

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

10000 XAF
Avg: 10000 XAF
-16.2% vs 3 months ago

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

40000-50000 XAF
Avg: 45000 XAF
0.0% vs 3 months ago

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

5000-10000 XAF
Avg: 7500 XAF
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Domestic Beer (0.5L draught)

600-2000 XAF
Avg: 1300 XAF
+4.0% vs 3 months ago
Housing & Real Estate Costs

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

500000-800000 XAF
Avg: 650000 XAF
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside Centre

200000-300000 XAF
Avg: 250000 XAF

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

650000-1500000 XAF
Avg: 1075000 XAF
-28.3% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside Centre

350000-650000 XAF
Avg: 500000 XAF
-13.0% vs 3 months ago
Transportation Costs

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

N/A
Avg: N/A

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

3400-5000 XAF
Avg: 4200 XAF
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Monthly Transport Pass

20000-35000 XAF
Avg: 27500 XAF
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Gasoline (1L)

595-700 XAF
Avg: 647.5 XAF
0.0% vs 3 months ago
Utilities & Communications Costs

Utilities for 85m² Apartment

40000-60000 XAF
Avg: 50000 XAF
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Internet (60 Mbps+, Unlimited)

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

Mobile Plan (10GB+ Data)

20000 XAF
Avg: 20000 XAF
0.0% vs 3 months ago
Grocery Costs

Milk (1L)

1200-3000 XAF
Avg: 2100 XAF
+7.0% vs 3 months ago

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

571.5-1000 XAF
Avg: 785.75 XAF
+2.5% vs 3 months ago

Eggs (12)

1800-4000 XAF
Avg: 2900 XAF
+8.4% vs 3 months ago

Local Cheese (1kg)

4500-6000 XAF
Avg: 5250 XAF
0.0% vs 3 months ago
Entertainment & Sports Costs

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee

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

Tennis Court (1 hour, weekend)

10000-15000 XAF
Avg: 12500 XAF
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Cinema Ticket

N/A
Avg: N/A

Preschool / Kindergarten (monthly, private)

45000-100000 XAF
Avg: 72500 XAF
0.0% vs 3 months ago
Last updated: 2026-04-03