Cost of Living in Bujumbura, Burundi
Burundi · Africa
$520
Monthly Cost
avg/person
22
Cost Index
NYC=100
16
Rent Index
NYC=100
28
Quality of Life
Poor
28
Safety Index
Poor
1.0M
Population
BIF
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $2 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $8 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $0 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $1 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $1.8 |
| Cappuccino | $1.2 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $0.4 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.25 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $0.8 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.35 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.45 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.1 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $3 |
| Beef (1kg) | $4.5 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.25 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.45 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.35 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.3 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.25 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.12 |
| Monthly Pass | $5 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.22 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.5 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $22000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $17000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $32 |
| Mobile Plan | $4 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $22 |
| Fitness Club/month | $12 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $175/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $98/mo |
| 3BR Center | $408/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $228/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $660/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $348/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $120 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 16% |
View Cost of Living in Burundi
Cost of Living in Bujumbura — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Bujumbura, Burundi is approximately $520 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Bujumbura 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 Bujumbura costs around $98/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $175/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $408/month. The rent index is 16 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Bujumbura scores 28/100 on the quality of life index and 28/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 22/100. The climate index is 68/100. 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 Bujumbura is approximately $120/month. With a purchasing power index of 16/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is BIF, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Bujumbura
The average monthly salary in Bujumbura is approximately $120. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $520, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 16/100.
Healthcare Costs in Bujumbura
Healthcare quality in Bujumbura 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 Bujumbura
Bujumbura has a quality of life score of 28/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Bujumbura
Students living in Bujumbura 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 Bujumbura
Expats moving to Bujumbura 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 Bujumbura, Burundi 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 Bujumbura
Living in Bujumbura 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 28/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $120 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Bujumbura provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Burundi and around the world.
Key Facts About Bujumbura
- Average Monthly Cost: $520
- Cost Index: 22
- Rent Index: 16
- Average Salary: $120
- Quality of Life: 28/100
- Safety Score: 28/100
- Country: Burundi
- Currency: BIF
Is Bujumbura Expensive?
Bujumbura 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 Bujumbura compare to other cities?
Bujumbura is located in Africa with a population of approximately 1.0M. 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 Bujumbura stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Bujumbura?
The average cost of living in Bujumbura, Burundi 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 Bujumbura?
Rent in Bujumbura 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 Bujumbura alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Bujumbura expensive to live in?
Bujumbura has a cost index of 22 compared to New York City (100). At 22, Bujumbura 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 Bujumbura?
Bujumbura has a quality of life index of 28/100 and a safety index of 28/100. 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 Bujumbura compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Bujumbura with any city worldwide. Bujumbura'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 Bujumbura?
Many residents live comfortably in Bujumbura with a monthly budget of around $520 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Bujumbura good for expats?
Bujumbura is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Bujumbura?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $520 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Bujumbura.
Is Bujumbura cheaper than New York?
Yes, Bujumbura has a cost index of 22 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Bujumbura?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Bujumbura.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Bujumbura
Cheapest Ways to Live in Bujumbura
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Bujumbura typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $98/month compared to $175/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 Bujumbura, Burundi.
Is Bujumbura Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 16/100 and a quality of life score of 28/100, Bujumbura 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, Bujumbura remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Burundi has to offer against other destinations in Africa.
Bujumbura Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Bujumbura", "Bujumbura monthly expenses 2026", and "is Bujumbura affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $520, a safety score of 28/100, and healthcare rated 22/100, Bujumbura offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Burundi.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026