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Cost of Living in Aru

Aru, Ituri, DR Congo · Population 26,290

▼ -16% vs DR Congo average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)FC910,467 ($325)
Couple, monthlyFC1,613,950 ($576)
Family of four, monthlyFC2,085,374 ($745)

Estimated Prices in Aru

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantFC9,828 ($3.51)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeFC39,312 ($14.04)per meal
CappuccinoFC2,948 ($1.05)each
Monthly groceries (single person)FC222,768 ($79.56)per month
Monthly public transport passFC36,036 ($12.87)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentFC95,004 ($33.93)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)FC27,518 ($9.83)per month
Fitness club membershipFC27,518 ($9.83)per month
Cinema ticketFC7,207 ($2.57)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreFC366,946 ($131)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreFC255,267 ($91.17)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreFC765,801 ($274)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Aru is FC378,000 ($135) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of FC910,467 ($325) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly FC1,183,607 ($423) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (FC255,267 ($91)) represents about 28% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Aru

Aru vs KinshasaAru vs Mbuji-MayiAru vs KanangaAru vs LubumbashiAru vs KisanganiAru vs Bukavu

Nearby Cities

Djugu

111 km away · Ituri

Drodro

127 km away · Ituri

Mangbwalu

137 km away · Ituri

Watsa

149 km away · Haut-Uélé

Bunia

159 km away · Ituri

Dungu

267 km away · Haut-Uélé

Beni

305 km away · Nord-Kivu

Hyosha

308 km away · Nord-Kivu

Other Major Cities in DR Congo

Kinshasa

Kinshasa · pop. 17,071,000

FC1,350,623 ($482) / mo

Mbuji-Mayi

Kasaï Oriental · pop. 2,892,000

FC1,172,942 ($419) / mo

Kananga

Kasaï Central · pop. 1,971,704

FC1,172,942 ($419) / mo

Lubumbashi

Haut-Katanga · pop. 1,786,397

FC1,172,942 ($419) / mo

Kisangani

Tshopo · pop. 1,366,000

FC1,172,942 ($419) / mo

Bukavu

Sud-Kivu · pop. 1,133,000

FC1,172,942 ($419) / mo

Tshikapa

Kasaï · pop. 1,006,387

FC1,172,942 ($419) / mo

Goma

Nord-Kivu · pop. 781,875

FC1,084,881 ($387) / mo

Living in Aru

Aru is one of the key cities in DR Congo. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is FC910,467 ($325), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around FC255,267 ($91) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to FC2,085,374 ($745) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately FC1,613,950 ($576) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Aru is FC378,000 ($135). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least FC1,183,607 ($423) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Aru expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated FC910,467 ($325) per month in Aru including rent outside the city centre. That is 16% less than the national average for DR Congo.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Aru?
A net salary of around FC1,183,607 ($423) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Aru with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Aru is FC378,000 ($135).
How much is rent in Aru?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated FC366,946 ($131) per month in the city centre and FC255,267 ($91) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about FC765,801 ($274).
Is Aru cheaper than DR Congo on average?
Yes — Aru is estimated to be about 16% cheaper than the DR Congo average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Aru?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at FC222,768 ($80) in Aru. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about FC9,828 ($4) and a cappuccino runs around FC2,948 ($1).
How do transport costs in Aru compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Aru is estimated at FC36,036 ($13). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Aru are estimates based on DR Congo national averages adjusted for city size (population 26,290). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.