The Cost of Living Index (CPI) in Gabon is 63.3 (NYC = 100), indicating moderate costs. Groceries (72.8) and restaurants (75.7) are relatively expensive against the NYC baseline, but rent (20.9) is significantly lower.

The property price to income ratio is 35.9 years, indicating a very expensive housing market. The Rent Index is 20.9, suggesting that renting is more affordable than buying, though property title verification can be challenging for foreigners.

Gabon has a low Purchasing Power Index of 21.1 compared to NYC, indicating significantly lower buying power for residents. Despite being an upper-middle-income country, income inequality remains high.

Gabon has a progressive income tax ranging from 0% to 35%, plus a 5% complementary tax on salaries (TCTS) with an exemption for the first XAF 150,000 monthly. The standard VAT rate is 18%, with reduced rates of 5% and 10% for certain goods. Property tax on buildings is 15% of the rental value (after deductions), and capital gains are taxed at 20%.

Gabon ranks 169 out of 190 economies in the World Bank's 2020 Ease of Doing Business report, indicating a challenging regulatory environment. Foreign investors often face hurdles in business establishment and financing. However, the government is actively promoting a digital economy and a growing startup ecosystem, particularly in B2B solutions, with initiatives like the Gabonese Innovation Center.

Gabon has a national health insurance system (CNAMGS) offering 100% coverage for maternity and 80-90% reimbursement for other healthcare services for various population groups. The Caisse Nationale de Sécurité Sociale (CNSS) manages pensions for private sector employees, with contributions from both employers and employees. While coverage is broad, there have been recent concerns regarding the timely payment of pensions, and private healthcare is often recommended due to limited public medical resources.

Deposits in Gabon are protected by the regional Fonds de Garantie des Dépôts en Afrique Centrale (FOGADAC) up to 5 million CFA francs (approximately USD 8,950) per depositor per institution. The banking sector, overseen by the Bank of Central African States (BEAC) and COBAC, is dominated by a few large banks. However, the sector faces challenges with non-performing loans, which reached 10.2% in 2024.