Banjul Cost of Living, Rent Prices, Salaries & Quality of Life (2026)
Gambia · Africa
$580
Monthly Cost
avg/person
24
Cost Index
NYC=100
18
Rent Index
NYC=100
38
Quality of Life
Below Average
52
Safety Index
Moderate
0.4M
Population
GMD
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated: July 2026
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) | $1 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.35 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.2 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $3 |
| Beef (1kg) | $4.5 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2.5 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.28 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.45 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.38 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.3 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.3 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.15 |
| Monthly Pass | $6 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.25 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.2 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $22000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $18000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $38 |
| Mobile Plan | $5 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $22 |
| Fitness Club/month | $14 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $210/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $118/mo |
| 3BR Center | $490/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $275/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $800/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $420/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $160 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 18% |
Cost of Living in Banjul — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Banjul, Gambia is approximately $580 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Banjul has a cost index of 24, making it around 76% more affordable. Individuals and couples should budget higher depending on housing size and lifestyle choices, while students and solo remote workers often spend near the lower end of this range.
Rent and Housing Costs
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside major population centers in Banjul costs around $118/month, while a one-bedroom in a central area is approximately $210/month. A three-bedroom apartment in a central area averages $490/month. The rent index for Banjul is 18 compared to New York City (NYC = 100).
Food, Groceries & Dining Out
Everyday grocery costs and restaurant prices in Banjul play a major role in the overall monthly budget. Prices vary between local markets, mid-range restaurants, and imported goods, so residents who cook at home and shop at local markets typically spend noticeably less than those who eat out often. See the Restaurants and Markets & Groceries tables above for a full item-by-item price breakdown.
Transportation Costs
Public transport, taxis, fuel, and vehicle costs in Banjul are detailed in the Transportation table above. A traffic and commute score of 18/100 indicates how easy day-to-day travel around the country generally is, which matters when comparing regions before relocating.
Quality of Life and Safety
Banjul scores 38/100 on the quality of life index and 52/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 30/100. The climate index is 66/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors, and are updated regularly to reflect current conditions.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Banjul is approximately $160/month. With a purchasing power index of 24/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is GMD, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Utilities & Monthly Bills
Electricity, water, heating/cooling, and internet costs are broken down in the Utilities & Services table above. Combined with rent, these fixed monthly costs form the core of any relocation budget for Banjul.
Is Banjul Good for Digital Nomads?
Remote workers evaluating Banjul should weigh the 24 cost index against the 38/100 quality of life score and 52/100 safety rating. Combined with reliable internet infrastructure (see Utilities above), these numbers help determine whether Banjul fits a remote-work budget and lifestyle.
Monthly Budget Breakdown in Banjul
| Expense | Estimated Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Rent — 1BR Outside Center | $118 |
| Rent — 1BR City Center | $210 |
| Rent — 3BR City Center | $490 |
| Average Net Salary | $160 |
| Total Avg. Monthly Cost (single person, all-inclusive) | $580 |
See the Restaurants, Markets & Groceries, Transportation, and Utilities tables above for a full itemized breakdown.
Cost of Living for Families in Banjul
Families relocating to Banjul typically need a larger home, higher grocery spend, and budget for schooling and healthcare. A 3-bedroom apartment in a central area runs around $490/month, and with a healthcare index of 30/100 and safety index of 52/100, Banjul is worth researching neighborhood-by-neighborhood before committing to a family move. Total household budgets usually run well above the single-person average of $580/month once housing size, schooling, and childcare are factored in.
Student Living Costs in Banjul
Students in Banjul generally spend less than the citywide single-person average by sharing accommodation, using public transport, and cooking at home. With a cost index of 24 (NYC = 100) and a rent index of 18, budget-conscious students can often keep total monthly spend meaningfully below the $580 average, especially if renting outside the city center at roughly $118/month or splitting that cost with roommates.
Quick Summary
The average cost of living in Banjul is $580 per month for a single person. Housing costs average $118for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center. The country scores 38/100 for quality of life and 52/100 for safety. Compared with New York City, Banjul has a cost index of 24, making itmore affordable.
Pros and Cons of Living in Banjul
Pros
- Affordable overall cost of living (index 24, NYC = 100)
- Favorable climate year-round (66/100)
Cons
- Safety score is below average (52/100) — research neighborhoods carefully
- Healthcare index is on the lower side (30/100)
- Purchasing power is limited relative to local prices (24/100)
- Traffic and commute can be a challenge (18/100)
How does Banjul compare to other countries?
Banjul is located in Africa with a population of approximately 0.4M. At a cost index of 24 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable countries in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Banjul stacks up against any other city or country worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Banjul
What is the cost of living in Banjul?
The average cost of living in Banjul, Gambia is approximately $580 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 Banjul?
Rent in Banjul varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 18 (NYC=100). A 1-bedroom apartment outside the center averages around $118/month, while a 1-bedroom in the center runs closer to $210/month.
Is Banjul expensive to live in?
Banjul has a cost index of 24 compared to New York City (100). At 24, Banjul is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper places globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $580.
What is the quality of life in Banjul?
Banjul has a quality of life index of 38/100 and a safety index of 52/100. Located in Africa, it offers a below average quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
What is the average salary in Banjul?
The average net salary in Banjul is approximately $160/month, with a purchasing power index of 24/100.
Is Banjul good for digital nomads and remote workers?
Banjul has a cost index of 24 and a quality of life score of 38/100, making it worth evaluating against your specific budget and lifestyle needs. Check current rent, transport, and utility costs above before planning a move.
What is the best city to live in Banjul?
Check the individual city pages for Banjul to compare quality of life, safety, and cost data across locations.
How does the cost of living in Banjul compare to other countries?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Banjul with any city or country worldwide. Banjul's cost index is 24 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side at https://worldlivingcost.com/compare