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Cost of Living in Bolama

Bolama, Bolama/Bijagós, Guinea-Bissau · Population 5,026

▼ -16% vs Guinea-Bissau average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)CFA166,460 ($275)
Couple, monthlyCFA295,078 ($488)
Family of four, monthlyCFA381,268 ($630)

Estimated Prices in Bolama

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantCFA1,797 ($2.97)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeCFA7,187 ($11.88)per meal
CappuccinoCFA539 ($0.89)each
Monthly groceries (single person)CFA40,729 ($67.32)per month
Monthly public transport passCFA6,588 ($10.89)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentCFA17,370 ($28.71)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)CFA5,031 ($8.32)per month
Fitness club membershipCFA5,031 ($8.32)per month
Cinema ticketCFA1,318 ($2.18)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreCFA67,089 ($111)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreCFA46,670 ($77.14)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreCFA140,011 ($231)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Bolama is CFA98,010 ($162) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of CFA166,460 ($275) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly CFA216,398 ($358) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (CFA46,670 ($77)) represents about 28% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Bolama

Bolama vs BissauBolama vs FarimBolama vs ContuboelBolama vs GabúBolama vs QuinhámelBolama vs Bambadinca

Nearby Cities

Tite

24 km away · Quinara

Bissau

34 km away · Bissau

Fulacunda

40 km away · Quinara

Catió

41 km away · Tombali

Bedanda

46 km away · Tombali

Buba

53 km away · Quinara

Quinhámel

54 km away · Biombo

Bissorã

71 km away · Oio

Other Major Cities in Guinea-Bissau

Bissau

Bissau · pop. 492,004

CFA246,934 ($408) / mo

Living in Bolama

Bolama is one of the key cities in Guinea-Bissau. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is CFA166,460 ($275), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around CFA46,670 ($77) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to CFA381,268 ($630) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately CFA295,078 ($488) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Bolama is CFA98,010 ($162). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least CFA216,398 ($358) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bolama expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated CFA166,460 ($275) per month in Bolama including rent outside the city centre. That is 16% less than the national average for Guinea-Bissau.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Bolama?
A net salary of around CFA216,398 ($358) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Bolama with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Bolama is CFA98,010 ($162).
How much is rent in Bolama?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated CFA67,089 ($111) per month in the city centre and CFA46,670 ($77) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about CFA140,011 ($231).
Is Bolama cheaper than Guinea-Bissau on average?
Yes — Bolama is estimated to be about 16% cheaper than the Guinea-Bissau average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Bolama?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at CFA40,729 ($67) in Bolama. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about CFA1,797 ($3) and a cappuccino runs around CFA539 ($1).
How do transport costs in Bolama compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Bolama is estimated at CFA6,588 ($11). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Bolama are estimates based on Guinea-Bissau national averages adjusted for city size (population 5,026). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.