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Cost of Living in Bissau

Bissau, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau · Population 492,004 · National capital

▲ +24% vs Guinea-Bissau average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)CFA246,934 ($408)
Couple, monthlyCFA439,774 ($727)
Family of four, monthlyCFA570,194 ($942)

Estimated Prices in Bissau

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantCFA2,595 ($4.29)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeCFA10,382 ($17.16)per meal
CappuccinoCFA779 ($1.29)each
Monthly groceries (single person)CFA58,830 ($97.24)per month
Monthly public transport passCFA9,517 ($15.73)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentCFA25,089 ($41.47)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)CFA7,267 ($12.01)per month
Fitness club membershipCFA7,267 ($12.01)per month
Cinema ticketCFA1,903 ($3.15)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreCFA106,237 ($176)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreCFA73,904 ($122)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreCFA221,712 ($366)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Bissau is CFA141,570 ($234) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of CFA246,934 ($408) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly CFA321,014 ($531) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (CFA73,904 ($122)) represents about 30% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Bissau

Bissau vs FarimBissau vs ContuboelBissau vs GabúBissau vs QuinhámelBissau vs BambadincaBissau vs Bafatá

Nearby Cities

Tite

22 km away · Quinara

Quinhámel

30 km away · Biombo

Bolama

34 km away · Bolama/Bijagós

Bissorã

42 km away · Oio

Bissorã

43 km away · Oio

Fulacunda

47 km away · Quinara

Caió

68 km away · Cacheu

Buba

71 km away · Quinara

Living in Bissau

Bissau is the capital and one of the key cities in Guinea-Bissau. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is CFA246,934 ($408), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around CFA73,904 ($122) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to CFA570,194 ($942) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately CFA439,774 ($727) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Bissau is CFA141,570 ($234). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least CFA321,014 ($531) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bissau expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated CFA246,934 ($408) per month in Bissau including rent outside the city centre. That is 24% more than the national average for Guinea-Bissau.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Bissau?
A net salary of around CFA321,014 ($531) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Bissau with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Bissau is CFA141,570 ($234).
How much is rent in Bissau?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated CFA106,237 ($176) per month in the city centre and CFA73,904 ($122) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about CFA221,712 ($366).
Is Bissau cheaper than Guinea-Bissau on average?
No — Bissau is estimated to be about 24% more expensive than the Guinea-Bissau average, mainly due to housing demand as the national capital.
What is the cost of groceries in Bissau?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at CFA58,830 ($97) in Bissau. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about CFA2,595 ($4) and a cappuccino runs around CFA779 ($1).
How do transport costs in Bissau compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Bissau is estimated at CFA9,517 ($16). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Bissau are estimates based on Guinea-Bissau national averages adjusted for city size (population 492,004) and capital-city premium. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.