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Cost of Living in Yaoundé

Yaoundé, Centre, Cameroon · Population 2,440,462

▲ +8% vs Cameroon average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)FCFA259,141 ($428)
Couple, monthlyFCFA462,503 ($764)
Family of four, monthlyFCFA600,611 ($993)

Estimated Prices in Yaoundé

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantFCFA2,690 ($4.45)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeFCFA10,759 ($17.78)per meal
CappuccinoFCFA807 ($1.33)each
Monthly groceries (single person)FCFA60,969 ($101)per month
Monthly public transport passFCFA9,863 ($16.30)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentFCFA26,002 ($42.98)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)FCFA7,532 ($12.45)per month
Fitness club membershipFCFA7,532 ($12.45)per month
Cinema ticketFCFA1,973 ($3.26)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreFCFA114,739 ($190)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreFCFA79,819 ($132)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreFCFA239,456 ($396)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Yaoundé is FCFA206,910 ($342) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of FCFA259,141 ($428) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly FCFA336,883 ($557) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (FCFA79,819 ($132)) represents about 31% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Yaoundé

Yaoundé vs DoualaYaoundé vs BamendaYaoundé vs GarouaYaoundé vs BafoussamYaoundé vs GuiderYaoundé vs Maroua

Nearby Cities

Mfou

21 km away · Centre

Obala

35 km away · Centre

Mbalmayo

38 km away · Centre

Akono

45 km away · Centre

Monatélé

54 km away · Centre

Ngok Mapoubi

75 km away · Centre

Mbandjok

78 km away · Centre

Akonolinga

82 km away · Centre

Other Major Cities in Cameroon

Douala

Littoral · pop. 5,768,400

FCFA298,549 ($493) / 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 Yaoundé

Yaoundé is one of the key cities in Cameroon. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is FCFA259,141 ($428), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around FCFA79,819 ($132) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to FCFA600,611 ($993) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately FCFA462,503 ($764) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Yaoundé is FCFA206,910 ($342). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least FCFA336,883 ($557) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Yaoundé expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated FCFA259,141 ($428) per month in Yaoundé including rent outside the city centre. That is 8% more than the national average for Cameroon.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Yaoundé?
A net salary of around FCFA336,883 ($557) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Yaoundé with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Yaoundé is FCFA206,910 ($342).
How much is rent in Yaoundé?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated FCFA114,739 ($190) per month in the city centre and FCFA79,819 ($132) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about FCFA239,456 ($396).
Is Yaoundé cheaper than Cameroon on average?
No — Yaoundé is estimated to be about 8% more expensive than the Cameroon average, mainly due to housing demand.
What is the cost of groceries in Yaoundé?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at FCFA60,969 ($101) in Yaoundé. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about FCFA2,690 ($4) and a cappuccino runs around FCFA807 ($1).
How do transport costs in Yaoundé compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Yaoundé is estimated at FCFA9,863 ($16). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Yaoundé are estimates based on Cameroon national averages adjusted for city size (population 2,440,462). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.