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Cost of Living in Malabo

Malabo, Bioko Norte, Equatorial Guinea · Population 297,000 · National capital

▲ +25% vs Equatorial Guinea average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)FCFA343,447 ($568)
Couple, monthlyFCFA613,717 ($1,014)
Family of four, monthlyFCFA797,693 ($1,319)

Estimated Prices in Malabo

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantFCFA3,539 ($5.85)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeFCFA14,157 ($23.40)per meal
CappuccinoFCFA1,062 ($1.76)each
Monthly groceries (single person)FCFA80,223 ($133)per month
Monthly public transport passFCFA12,977 ($21.45)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentFCFA34,213 ($56.55)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)FCFA9,910 ($16.38)per month
Fitness club membershipFCFA9,910 ($16.38)per month
Cinema ticketFCFA2,595 ($4.29)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreFCFA154,526 ($255)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreFCFA107,497 ($178)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreFCFA322,490 ($533)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Malabo is FCFA393,250 ($650) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of FCFA343,447 ($568) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly FCFA446,481 ($738) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (FCFA107,497 ($178)) represents about 31% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Malabo

Malabo vs BataMalabo vs Sevilla de NiefangMalabo vs EbebiyínMalabo vs Santiago de BaneyMalabo vs AñisocMalabo vs Bengonbeyene

Nearby Cities

Rebola

10 km away · Bioko Norte

Santiago de Baney

16 km away · Bioko Norte

Luba

42 km away · Bioko Sur

Bata

237 km away · Litoral

Mbini

259 km away · Litoral

Sevilla de Niefang

268 km away · Centro Sur

Calatrava

303 km away · Litoral

Añisoc

305 km away · Wele-Nzas

Other Major Cities in Equatorial Guinea

Bata

Litoral · pop. 290,000

FCFA275,681 ($456) / mo

Living in Malabo

Malabo is the capital and one of the key cities in Equatorial Guinea. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is FCFA343,447 ($568), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around FCFA107,497 ($178) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to FCFA797,693 ($1,319) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately FCFA613,717 ($1,014) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Malabo is FCFA393,250 ($650). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least FCFA446,481 ($738) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Malabo expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated FCFA343,447 ($568) per month in Malabo including rent outside the city centre. That is 25% more than the national average for Equatorial Guinea.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Malabo?
A net salary of around FCFA446,481 ($738) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Malabo with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Malabo is FCFA393,250 ($650).
How much is rent in Malabo?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated FCFA154,526 ($255) per month in the city centre and FCFA107,497 ($178) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about FCFA322,490 ($533).
Is Malabo cheaper than Equatorial Guinea on average?
No — Malabo is estimated to be about 25% more expensive than the Equatorial Guinea average, mainly due to housing demand as the national capital.
What is the cost of groceries in Malabo?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at FCFA80,223 ($133) in Malabo. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about FCFA3,539 ($6) and a cappuccino runs around FCFA1,062 ($2).
How do transport costs in Malabo compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Malabo is estimated at FCFA12,977 ($21). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Malabo are estimates based on Equatorial Guinea national averages adjusted for city size (population 297,000) and capital-city premium. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.