Cost of Living in Freetown, Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone · Africa
$600
Monthly Cost
avg/person
24
Cost Index
NYC=100
18
Rent Index
NYC=100
32
Quality of Life
Poor
52
Safety Index
Moderate
1.1M
Population
SLL
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $2.5 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $10 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $0 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $1.5 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $2.5 |
| Cappuccino | $1.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $0.6 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.35 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1.2 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.4 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.4 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $3 |
| Beef (1kg) | $5 |
| Apples (1kg) | $3 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.3 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.6 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.4 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.35 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.15 |
| Monthly Pass | $7 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.3 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.5 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $25000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $20000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $40 |
| Mobile Plan | $5 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $30 |
| Fitness Club/month | $15 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $260/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $145/mo |
| 3BR Center | $600/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $340/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $900/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $480/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $170 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 20% |
View Cost of Living in Sierra Leone
Cost of Living in Freetown — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Freetown, Sierra Leone is approximately $600 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Freetown has a cost index of 24, making it around 76% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Freetown costs around $145/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $260/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $600/month. The rent index is 18 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Freetown scores 32/100 on the quality of life index and 52/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 26/100. The climate index is 62/100. 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 Freetown is approximately $170/month. With a purchasing power index of 22/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is SLL, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Freetown
The average monthly salary in Freetown is approximately $170. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $600, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 22/100.
Healthcare Costs in Freetown
Healthcare quality in Freetown is rated 26/100. 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 Freetown
Freetown has a quality of life score of 32/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Freetown
Students living in Freetown 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 Freetown
Expats moving to Freetown 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 Freetown, Sierra Leone is approximately $600 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 24 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Freetown
Living in Freetown offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 24 and a quality of life score of 32/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $170 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Freetown provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Sierra Leone and around the world.
Key Facts About Freetown
- Average Monthly Cost: $600
- Cost Index: 24
- Rent Index: 18
- Average Salary: $170
- Quality of Life: 32/100
- Safety Score: 52/100
- Country: Sierra Leone
- Currency: SLL
Is Freetown Expensive?
Freetown has a cost index of 24 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Freetown compare to other cities?
Freetown is located in Africa with a population of approximately 1.1M. At a cost index of 24 (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 Freetown stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Freetown?
The average cost of living in Freetown, Sierra Leone is approximately $600 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 24 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Freetown?
Rent in Freetown varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 18 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Freetown alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Freetown expensive to live in?
Freetown has a cost index of 24 compared to New York City (100). At 24, Freetown is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $600.
What is the quality of life in Freetown?
Freetown has a quality of life index of 32/100 and a safety index of 52/100. 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 Freetown compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Freetown with any city worldwide. Freetown's cost index is 24 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Freetown?
Many residents live comfortably in Freetown with a monthly budget of around $600 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Freetown good for expats?
Freetown is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Freetown?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $600 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Freetown.
Is Freetown cheaper than New York?
Yes, Freetown has a cost index of 24 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Freetown?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Freetown.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Freetown
Cheapest Ways to Live in Freetown
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Freetown typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $145/month compared to $260/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 Freetown, Sierra Leone.
Is Freetown Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 22/100 and a quality of life score of 32/100, Freetown is a budget-friendly option, though residents should weigh lifestyle trade-offs carefully. Combined with a cost index of 24 relative to New York City, Freetown remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Sierra Leone has to offer against other destinations in Africa.
Freetown Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Freetown", "Freetown monthly expenses 2026", and "is Freetown affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $600, a safety score of 52/100, and healthcare rated 26/100, Freetown offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Sierra Leone.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026