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Cost of Living in Douala

Douala, Littoral, Cameroon · Population 5,768,400 · National capital

▲ +25% vs Cameroon average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)FCFA298,549 ($493)
Couple, monthlyFCFA533,758 ($882)
Family of four, monthlyFCFA694,021 ($1,147)

Estimated Prices in Douala

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantFCFA3,067 ($5.07)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeFCFA12,269 ($20.28)per meal
CappuccinoFCFA920 ($1.52)each
Monthly groceries (single person)FCFA69,527 ($115)per month
Monthly public transport passFCFA11,247 ($18.59)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentFCFA29,651 ($49.01)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)FCFA8,589 ($14.20)per month
Fitness club membershipFCFA8,589 ($14.20)per month
Cinema ticketFCFA2,249 ($3.72)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreFCFA135,211 ($223)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreFCFA94,059 ($155)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreFCFA282,178 ($466)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Douala is FCFA235,950 ($390) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of FCFA298,549 ($493) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly FCFA388,114 ($642) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (FCFA94,059 ($155)) represents about 32% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Douala

Douala vs YaoundéDouala vs BamendaDouala vs GarouaDouala vs BafoussamDouala vs GuiderDouala vs Maroua

Nearby Cities

Tiko

37 km away · South-West

Mbanga

53 km away · Littoral

Buea

53 km away · South-West

Limbe

54 km away · South-West

Edéa

56 km away · Littoral

Kumba

71 km away · South-West

Loum

72 km away · Littoral

Manjo

90 km away · Littoral

Other Major Cities in Cameroon

Yaoundé

Centre · pop. 2,440,462

FCFA259,141 ($428) / mo

Bamenda

North-West · pop. 636,000

FCFA239,618 ($396) / mo

Garoua

Nord · pop. 600,000

FCFA239,618 ($396) / mo

Bafoussam

Ouest · pop. 600,000

FCFA239,618 ($396) / mo

Guider

Nord · pop. 400,000

FCFA239,618 ($396) / mo

Maroua

Extrême-Nord · pop. 201,371

FCFA225,060 ($372) / mo

Ngaoundéré

Adamaoua · pop. 189,800

FCFA225,060 ($372) / mo

Bertoua

Est · pop. 173,000

FCFA225,060 ($372) / mo

Living in Douala

Douala is the capital and one of the key cities in Cameroon. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is FCFA298,549 ($493), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around FCFA94,059 ($155) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to FCFA694,021 ($1,147) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately FCFA533,758 ($882) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Douala is FCFA235,950 ($390). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least FCFA388,114 ($642) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Douala expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated FCFA298,549 ($493) per month in Douala including rent outside the city centre. That is 25% more than the national average for Cameroon.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Douala?
A net salary of around FCFA388,114 ($642) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Douala with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Douala is FCFA235,950 ($390).
How much is rent in Douala?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated FCFA135,211 ($223) per month in the city centre and FCFA94,059 ($155) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about FCFA282,178 ($466).
Is Douala cheaper than Cameroon on average?
No — Douala is estimated to be about 25% more expensive than the Cameroon average, mainly due to housing demand as the national capital.
What is the cost of groceries in Douala?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at FCFA69,527 ($115) in Douala. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about FCFA3,067 ($5) and a cappuccino runs around FCFA920 ($2).
How do transport costs in Douala compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Douala is estimated at FCFA11,247 ($19). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Douala are estimates based on Cameroon national averages adjusted for city size (population 5,768,400) and capital-city premium. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.