Cost of Living in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso · Africa
$600
Monthly Cost
avg/person
24
Cost Index
NYC=100
18
Rent Index
NYC=100
34
Quality of Life
Poor
28
Safety Index
Poor
3.5M
Population
XOF
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) | $1.2 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $2 |
| Cappuccino | $1.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $0.5 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.3 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $0.9 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.4 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.3 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $3 |
| Beef (1kg) | $4.5 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2.5 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.3 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.4 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.35 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.3 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.2 |
| Monthly Pass | $8 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.3 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.3 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $24000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $19000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $40 |
| Mobile Plan | $6 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $28 |
| Fitness Club/month | $16 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $240/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $135/mo |
| 3BR Center | $560/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $315/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $900/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $480/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $180 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 8.5% |
View Cost of Living in Burkina Faso
Cost of Living in Ouagadougou — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso is approximately $600 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Ouagadougou 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 Ouagadougou costs around $135/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $240/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $560/month. The rent index is 18 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Ouagadougou scores 34/100 on the quality of life index and 28/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 26/100. The climate index is 52/100. 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 Ouagadougou is approximately $180/month. With a purchasing power index of 22/100, 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 Ouagadougou
The average monthly salary in Ouagadougou is approximately $180. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $600, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 22/100.
Healthcare Costs in Ouagadougou
Healthcare quality in Ouagadougou 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 Ouagadougou
Ouagadougou has a quality of life score of 34/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Ouagadougou
Students living in Ouagadougou 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 Ouagadougou
Expats moving to Ouagadougou 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 Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso 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 Ouagadougou
Living in Ouagadougou 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 34/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $180 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Ouagadougou provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Burkina Faso and around the world.
Key Facts About Ouagadougou
- Average Monthly Cost: $600
- Cost Index: 24
- Rent Index: 18
- Average Salary: $180
- Quality of Life: 34/100
- Safety Score: 28/100
- Country: Burkina Faso
- Currency: XOF
Is Ouagadougou Expensive?
Ouagadougou 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 Ouagadougou compare to other cities?
Ouagadougou is located in Africa with a population of approximately 3.5M. 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 Ouagadougou stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Ouagadougou?
The average cost of living in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso 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 Ouagadougou?
Rent in Ouagadougou 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 Ouagadougou alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Ouagadougou expensive to live in?
Ouagadougou has a cost index of 24 compared to New York City (100). At 24, Ouagadougou 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 Ouagadougou?
Ouagadougou has a quality of life index of 34/100 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 Ouagadougou compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Ouagadougou with any city worldwide. Ouagadougou'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 Ouagadougou?
Many residents live comfortably in Ouagadougou with a monthly budget of around $600 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Ouagadougou good for expats?
Ouagadougou is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Ouagadougou?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $600 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Ouagadougou.
Is Ouagadougou cheaper than New York?
Yes, Ouagadougou has a cost index of 24 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Ouagadougou?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Ouagadougou.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Ouagadougou
Cheapest Ways to Live in Ouagadougou
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Ouagadougou typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $135/month compared to $240/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 Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
Is Ouagadougou Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 22/100 and a quality of life score of 34/100, Ouagadougou 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, Ouagadougou remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Burkina Faso has to offer against other destinations in Africa.
Ouagadougou Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Ouagadougou", "Ouagadougou monthly expenses 2026", and "is Ouagadougou affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $600, a safety score of 28/100, and healthcare rated 26/100, Ouagadougou offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Burkina Faso.
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