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Cost of Living in Bujumbura

Bujumbura, Bujumbura Mairie, Burundi · Population 1,143,202 · National capital

▲ +24% vs Burundi average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)FBu1,064,914 ($371)
Couple, monthlyFBu1,896,545 ($661)
Family of four, monthlyFBu2,458,989 ($857)

Estimated Prices in Bujumbura

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantFBu11,193 ($3.90)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeFBu44,772 ($15.60)per meal
CappuccinoFBu3,358 ($1.17)each
Monthly groceries (single person)FBu253,708 ($88.40)per month
Monthly public transport passFBu41,041 ($14.30)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentFBu108,199 ($37.70)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)FBu31,340 ($10.92)per month
Fitness club membershipFBu31,340 ($10.92)per month
Cinema ticketFBu8,208 ($2.86)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreFBu458,151 ($160)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreFBu318,714 ($111)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreFBu956,142 ($333)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Bujumbura is FBu447,720 ($156) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of FBu1,064,914 ($371) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly FBu1,384,388 ($482) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (FBu318,714 ($111)) represents about 30% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Bujumbura

Bujumbura vs GitegaBujumbura vs GitegaBujumbura vs RuyigiBujumbura vs NgoziBujumbura vs RumongeBujumbura vs Zanandore

Nearby Cities

Gatumba

13 km away · Bujumbura Rural

Isale

14 km away · Bujumbura Rural

Muramvya

30 km away · Gitega

Bubanza

34 km away · Bubanza

Kayanza

59 km away · Kayanza

Cibitoke

61 km away · Cibitoke

Gitega

63 km away · Gitega

Gitega

63 km away · Gitega

Other Major Cities in Burundi

Gitega

Gitega · pop. 135,467

FBu803,600 ($280) / mo

Gitega

Gitega · pop. 135,467

FBu803,600 ($280) / mo

Living in Bujumbura

Bujumbura is the capital and one of the key cities in Burundi. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is FBu1,064,914 ($371), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around FBu318,714 ($111) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to FBu2,458,989 ($857) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately FBu1,896,545 ($661) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Bujumbura is FBu447,720 ($156). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least FBu1,384,388 ($482) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bujumbura expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated FBu1,064,914 ($371) per month in Bujumbura including rent outside the city centre. That is 24% more than the national average for Burundi.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Bujumbura?
A net salary of around FBu1,384,388 ($482) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Bujumbura with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Bujumbura is FBu447,720 ($156).
How much is rent in Bujumbura?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated FBu458,151 ($160) per month in the city centre and FBu318,714 ($111) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about FBu956,142 ($333).
Is Bujumbura cheaper than Burundi on average?
No — Bujumbura is estimated to be about 24% more expensive than the Burundi average, mainly due to housing demand as the national capital.
What is the cost of groceries in Bujumbura?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at FBu253,708 ($88) in Bujumbura. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about FBu11,193 ($4) and a cappuccino runs around FBu3,358 ($1).
How do transport costs in Bujumbura compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Bujumbura is estimated at FBu41,041 ($14). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Bujumbura are estimates based on Burundi national averages adjusted for city size (population 1,143,202) and capital-city premium. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.