Mali flagCost of Living Guide · Mali

Cost of Living Guide in Mali

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

Mali offers an extremely low cost of living, with rent 61.5% cheaper than the Africa regional average and restaurant prices significantly below regional norms. It positions as one of the most affordable countries in Africa for expats and digital nomads, though data on overall consumer prices is limited. No home country comparison available.

Estimated Monthly Budget

Frugal
$300–$575 USD (local food, shared/modest housing, public transport)
Comfortable
$750–$1,500 USD (private apartment, mix of local/imported goods, occasional dining out)
Family of four
$2,000–$3,500 USD (family housing, international school fees, imported groceries, car)

Mali delivers outstanding value for money, with rent 61.5% cheaper than the Africa average, ideal for budget-conscious expats stretching savings far. Local lifestyles cost pennies compared to Western standards, though security and infrastructure challenges may offset pure affordability.

Economic & Living Costs in Mali
Food & Dining Costs

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

1.56-10 $
Avg: 5.78 $
0.0% vs 3 months ago

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

26.18-100 $
Avg: 63.09 $
+93.9% vs 3 months ago

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

4.67-8.18 $
Avg: 6.42 $
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Domestic Beer (0.5L draught)

1.5-3.27 $
Avg: 2.39 $
0.0% vs 3 months ago
Housing & Real Estate Costs

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

150-200 $
Avg: 175 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside Centre

N/A
Avg: N/A

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

311.05-500 $
Avg: 405.53 $
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside Centre

N/A
Avg: N/A
Transportation Costs

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

N/A
Avg: N/A

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

13.23-19.84 $
Avg: 16.53 $
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Gasoline (1L)

1.11-1.39 $
Avg: 1.25 $
-2.5% vs 3 months ago

Taxi per km (Normal Tariff)

N/A
Avg: N/A
Utilities & Communications Costs

Utilities for 85m² Apartment

N/A
Avg: N/A

Internet (60 Mbps+, Unlimited)

40-90 $
Avg: 65 $
+57.5% vs 3 months ago
Grocery Costs

Milk (1L)

1.2-3.2 $
Avg: 2.2 $
+18.9% vs 3 months ago

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

2.2-5.51 $
Avg: 3.86 $
+88.1% vs 3 months ago

Eggs (12)

1.2-9.6 $
Avg: 5.4 $
+50.0% vs 3 months ago

Local Cheese (1kg)

17.64-18 $
Avg: 17.82 $
Entertainment & Sports Costs

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee

64.83-70 $
Avg: 67.41 $
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Tennis Court (1 hour, weekend)

N/A
Avg: N/A

Cinema Ticket

N/A
Avg: N/A

Preschool / Kindergarten (monthly, private)

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