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Cost of Living in Cotonou

Cotonou, Littoral, Benin · Population 780,000

▲ +0% vs Benin average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)CFA216,380 ($358)
Couple, monthlyCFA384,357 ($635)
Family of four, monthlyCFA497,383 ($822)

Estimated Prices in Cotonou

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantCFA2,309 ($3.82)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeCFA9,235 ($15.26)per meal
CappuccinoCFA693 ($1.14)each
Monthly groceries (single person)CFA52,330 ($86.50)per month
Monthly public transport passCFA8,465 ($13.99)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentCFA22,317 ($36.89)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)CFA6,464 ($10.68)per month
Fitness club membershipCFA6,464 ($10.68)per month
Cinema ticketCFA1,693 ($2.80)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreCFA89,798 ($148)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreCFA62,468 ($103)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreCFA187,405 ($310)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Cotonou is CFA128,260 ($212) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of CFA216,380 ($358) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly CFA281,294 ($465) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (CFA62,468 ($103)) represents about 29% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Cotonou

Cotonou vs BanikoaraCotonou vs GodomèCotonou vs DjougouCotonou vs Porto-NovoCotonou vs TchaourouCotonou vs Parakou

Nearby Cities

Godomè

7 km away · Atlantique

Agblangandan

11 km away · Ouémé

So-Awa

11 km away · Atlantique

Ganvié

11 km away · Atlantique

Abomey-Calavi

11 km away · Atlantique

Ekpé

13 km away · Ouémé

Ouédo

13 km away · Atlantique

Ouédo-Aguéko

14 km away · Atlantique

Other Major Cities in Benin

Banikoara

Alibori · pop. 867,463

CFA269,382 ($445) / mo

Godomè

Atlantique · pop. 253,262

CFA216,380 ($358) / mo

Djougou

Donga · pop. 237,040

CFA203,280 ($336) / mo

Porto-Novo

Ouémé · pop. 234,168

CFA203,280 ($336) / mo

Tchaourou

Borgou · pop. 221,108

CFA203,280 ($336) / mo

Parakou

Borgou · pop. 206,667

CFA203,280 ($336) / mo

Bakaga

Borgou · pop. 206,667

CFA203,280 ($336) / mo

Kandi

Alibori · pop. 179,290

CFA203,280 ($336) / mo

Living in Cotonou

Cotonou is one of the key cities in Benin. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is CFA216,380 ($358), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around CFA62,468 ($103) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to CFA497,383 ($822) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately CFA384,357 ($635) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Cotonou is CFA128,260 ($212). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least CFA281,294 ($465) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cotonou expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated CFA216,380 ($358) per month in Cotonou including rent outside the city centre. That is 0% more than the national average for Benin.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Cotonou?
A net salary of around CFA281,294 ($465) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Cotonou with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Cotonou is CFA128,260 ($212).
How much is rent in Cotonou?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated CFA89,798 ($148) per month in the city centre and CFA62,468 ($103) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about CFA187,405 ($310).
Is Cotonou cheaper than Benin on average?
No — Cotonou is estimated to be about 0% more expensive than the Benin average, mainly due to housing demand.
What is the cost of groceries in Cotonou?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at CFA52,330 ($86) in Cotonou. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about CFA2,309 ($4) and a cappuccino runs around CFA693 ($1).
How do transport costs in Cotonou compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Cotonou is estimated at CFA8,465 ($14). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Cotonou are estimates based on Benin national averages adjusted for city size (population 780,000). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.