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Gambia flagCost of Living Guide · Gambia

Cost of Living Guide in Gambia

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

Gambia is one of Africa's most affordable destinations, with an overall cost of living about 31% cheaper than the Africa average and among the lowest on the continent. For expats and digital nomads, it offers exceptional value—housing, groceries, and daily services are dramatically cheaper than Western countries, making it ideal for those seeking a low-cost lifestyle in a stable, English-speaking West African nation.

Estimated Monthly Budget

Frugal
$400–$600/month (single person living like a local): basic local accommodation ($100–$150), local food ($150–$200), public transport ($20–$30), utilities ($80–$120), miscellaneous ($50–$100). This assumes shared housing or a basic apartment, local markets, and minimal dining out.
Comfortable
$1,000–$1,500/month (single expat, comfortable lifestyle): furnished 1-bedroom apartment ($500–$800), mix of local and imported groceries ($250–$350), occasional dining out ($150–$200), utilities and internet ($100–$150), transport/taxi ($100–$150), miscellaneous ($100–$150). This reflects a pleasant, independent lifestyle with some Western comforts.
Family of four
$2,000–$3,500/month (family of four, expat standard): 2–3 bedroom furnished home ($800–$1,200), groceries including imported items ($600–$800), international school fees (if applicable, $500–$1,500 extra), utilities and internet ($150–$200), transport and fuel ($200–$300), domestic help (maid/guard, $200–$400), dining out and entertainment ($200–$300), miscellaneous ($150–$200). Families with school-age children should budget significantly higher.

Gambia delivers exceptional value for expats and digital nomads—about 31% cheaper overall than the Africa average, with rent a remarkable 78% below the continental average. For Western expats, costs are 60–70% lower than the UK or USA, making it one of the world's most affordable places to live comfortably. A single person can live well on $1,000–$1,500/month, or extremely frugally on $400–$600/month.

Economic & Living Costs in Gambia
Food & Dining Costs

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

175-597.9 GMD
Avg: 386.45 GMD
+28.8% vs 3 months ago

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

2446.7-6833.16 GMD
Avg: 4639.93 GMD
+9.0% vs 3 months ago

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

597.9-600 GMD
Avg: 598.95 GMD
+8.9% vs 3 months ago

Domestic Beer (0.5L draught)

120-512.49 GMD
Avg: 316.24 GMD
+3.9% vs 3 months ago
Housing & Real Estate Costs

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

N/A
Avg: N/A

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside Centre

6000-10000 GMD
Avg: 8000 GMD
+38.3% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

16000-20000 GMD
Avg: 18000 GMD
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside Centre

5000-10000 GMD
Avg: 7500 GMD
0.0% vs 3 months ago
Transportation Costs

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

10-25 GMD
Avg: 17.5 GMD
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

200-1200 GMD
Avg: 700 GMD
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Monthly Transport Pass

N/A
Avg: N/A

Gasoline (1L)

72-82 GMD
Avg: 77 GMD
0.0% vs 3 months ago
Utilities & Communications Costs

Utilities for 85m² Apartment

1500-3000 GMD
Avg: 2250 GMD
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Internet (60 Mbps+, Unlimited)

2500-5500 GMD
Avg: 4000 GMD
+6.7% vs 3 months ago

Mobile Plan (10GB+ Data)

600-1500 GMD
Avg: 1050 GMD
0.0% vs 3 months ago
Grocery Costs

Milk (1L)

80-180 GMD
Avg: 130 GMD
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

15-97.87 GMD
Avg: 56.43 GMD
+2.0% vs 3 months ago

Eggs (12)

116-180 GMD
Avg: 148 GMD
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Local Cheese (1kg)

350-550 GMD
Avg: 450 GMD
+4.5% vs 3 months ago
Entertainment & Sports Costs

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee

1500-2000 GMD
Avg: 1750 GMD
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Tennis Court (1 hour, weekend)

N/A
Avg: N/A

Cinema Ticket

200-300 GMD
Avg: 250 GMD
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Preschool / Kindergarten (monthly, private)

N/A
Avg: N/A
Last updated: 2026-04-03

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