Cost of Living in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
Guinea-Bissau · Africa
$520
Monthly Cost
avg/person
22
Cost Index
NYC=100
16
Rent Index
NYC=100
30
Quality of Life
Poor
42
Safety Index
Below Average
0.5M
Population
XOF
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $1.8 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $7 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $0 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $1 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $1.8 |
| Cappuccino | $1.2 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $0.42 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.25 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $0.9 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.3 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.4 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.1 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $2.8 |
| Beef (1kg) | $4 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2.5 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.25 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.4 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.32 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.28 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.25 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.12 |
| Monthly Pass | $5 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.22 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.3 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $20000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $16000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $30 |
| Mobile Plan | $4 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $20 |
| Fitness Club/month | $10 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $180/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $100/mo |
| 3BR Center | $420/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $235/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $680/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $360/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $130 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 9% |
View Cost of Living in Guinea-Bissau
Cost of Living in Bissau — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau is approximately $520 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Bissau has a cost index of 22, making it around 78% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Bissau costs around $100/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $180/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $420/month. The rent index is 16 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Bissau scores 30/100 on the quality of life index and 42/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 22/100. The climate index is 64/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Bissau is approximately $130/month. With a purchasing power index of 18/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is XOF, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Bissau
The average monthly salary in Bissau is approximately $130. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $520, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 18/100.
Healthcare Costs in Bissau
Healthcare quality in Bissau is rated 22/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Bissau
Bissau has a quality of life score of 30/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Bissau
Students living in Bissau should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Bissau
Expats moving to Bissau often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau is approximately $520 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 22 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Bissau
Living in Bissau offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 22 and a quality of life score of 30/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $130 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Bissau provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Guinea-Bissau and around the world.
Key Facts About Bissau
- Average Monthly Cost: $520
- Cost Index: 22
- Rent Index: 16
- Average Salary: $130
- Quality of Life: 30/100
- Safety Score: 42/100
- Country: Guinea-Bissau
- Currency: XOF
Is Bissau Expensive?
Bissau has a cost index of 22 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Bissau compare to other cities?
Bissau is located in Africa with a population of approximately 0.5M. At a cost index of 22 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Bissau stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Bissau?
The average cost of living in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau is approximately $520 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 22 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Bissau?
Rent in Bissau varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 16 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Bissau alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Bissau expensive to live in?
Bissau has a cost index of 22 compared to New York City (100). At 22, Bissau is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $520.
What is the quality of life in Bissau?
Bissau has a quality of life index of 30/100 and a safety index of 42/100. The city is located in Africa and offers a poor quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Bissau compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Bissau with any city worldwide. Bissau's cost index is 22 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Bissau?
Many residents live comfortably in Bissau with a monthly budget of around $520 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Bissau good for expats?
Bissau is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Bissau?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $520 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Bissau.
Is Bissau cheaper than New York?
Yes, Bissau has a cost index of 22 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Bissau?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Bissau.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Bissau
Cheapest Ways to Live in Bissau
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Bissau typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $100/month compared to $180/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau.
Is Bissau Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 18/100 and a quality of life score of 30/100, Bissau is a budget-friendly option, though residents should weigh lifestyle trade-offs carefully. Combined with a cost index of 22 relative to New York City, Bissau remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Guinea-Bissau has to offer against other destinations in Africa.
Bissau Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Bissau", "Bissau monthly expenses 2026", and "is Bissau affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $520, a safety score of 42/100, and healthcare rated 22/100, Bissau offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Guinea-Bissau.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026