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Cost of Living in Essau

Essau, North Bank, Gambia · Population 14,560

▼ -16% vs Gambia average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)D18,434 ($275)
Couple, monthlyD32,678 ($488)
Family of four, monthlyD42,223 ($630)

Estimated Prices in Essau

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantD199 ($2.97)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeD796 ($11.88)per meal
CappuccinoD59.70 ($0.89)each
Monthly groceries (single person)D4,510 ($67.32)per month
Monthly public transport passD730 ($10.89)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentD1,924 ($28.71)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)D557 ($8.32)per month
Fitness club membershipD557 ($8.32)per month
Cinema ticketD146 ($2.18)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreD7,430 ($111)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreD5,168 ($77.14)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreD15,505 ($231)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Essau is D12,060 ($180) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of D18,434 ($275) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly D23,965 ($358) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (D5,168 ($77)) represents about 28% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Essau

Essau vs BanjulEssau vs SerekundaEssau vs KanifingEssau vs KerewanEssau vs BrikamaEssau vs Bakau

Nearby Cities

Banjul

6 km away · Banjul

Kanifing

15 km away · Kanifing

Bakau

15 km away · Kanifing

Serekunda

16 km away · Kanifing

Lamin

16 km away · West Coast

Sareh Mowndeh

18 km away · West Coast

Sukuta

20 km away · West Coast

Busumbala

22 km away · West Coast

Other Major Cities in Gambia

Banjul

Banjul · pop. 413,397

D27,346 ($408) / mo

Serekunda

Kanifing · pop. 382,096

D21,966 ($328) / mo

Kanifing

Kanifing · pop. 379,348

D21,966 ($328) / mo

Kerewan

North Bank · pop. 225,516

D20,636 ($308) / mo

Brikama

West Coast · pop. 81,007

D20,636 ($308) / mo

Living in Essau

Essau is one of the key cities in Gambia. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is D18,434 ($275), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around D5,168 ($77) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to D42,223 ($630) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately D32,678 ($488) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Essau is D12,060 ($180). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least D23,965 ($358) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Essau expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated D18,434 ($275) per month in Essau including rent outside the city centre. That is 16% less than the national average for Gambia.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Essau?
A net salary of around D23,965 ($358) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Essau with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Essau is D12,060 ($180).
How much is rent in Essau?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated D7,430 ($111) per month in the city centre and D5,168 ($77) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about D15,505 ($231).
Is Essau cheaper than Gambia on average?
Yes — Essau is estimated to be about 16% cheaper than the Gambia average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Essau?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at D4,510 ($67) in Essau. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about D199 ($3) and a cappuccino runs around D60 ($1).
How do transport costs in Essau compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Essau is estimated at D730 ($11). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Essau are estimates based on Gambia national averages adjusted for city size (population 14,560). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.