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Cost of Living in Bamako

Bamako, Bamako, Mali · Population 4,227,569 · National capital

▲ +24% vs Mali average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)CFA269,382 ($445)
Couple, monthlyCFA479,753 ($793)
Family of four, monthlyCFA622,030 ($1,028)

Estimated Prices in Bamako

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantCFA2,831 ($4.68)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeCFA11,326 ($18.72)per meal
CappuccinoCFA849 ($1.40)each
Monthly groceries (single person)CFA64,178 ($106)per month
Monthly public transport passCFA10,382 ($17.16)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentCFA27,370 ($45.24)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)CFA7,928 ($13.10)per month
Fitness club membershipCFA7,928 ($13.10)per month
Cinema ticketCFA2,076 ($3.43)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreCFA115,895 ($192)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreCFA80,622 ($133)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreCFA241,867 ($400)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Bamako is CFA157,300 ($260) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of CFA269,382 ($445) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly CFA350,197 ($579) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (CFA80,622 ($133)) represents about 30% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Bamako

Bamako vs ZégouaBamako vs KoutialaBamako vs SikassoBamako vs SégouBamako vs KayesBamako vs Mopti

Nearby Cities

Dialakorodji

7 km away · Koulikoro

Kati

14 km away · Koulikoro

Safo

15 km away · Koulikoro

Kambila

20 km away · Koulikoro

Mountougoula

23 km away · Koulikoro

Baguinéda

24 km away · Koulikoro

Sanankoroba

28 km away · Koulikoro

Bougoula

42 km away · Koulikoro

Other Major Cities in Mali

Zégoua

Sikasso · pop. 230,360

CFA203,280 ($336) / mo

Koutiala

Sikasso · pop. 214,271

CFA203,280 ($336) / mo

Sikasso

Sikasso · pop. 213,977

CFA203,280 ($336) / mo

Ségou

Ségou · pop. 133,501

CFA203,280 ($336) / mo

Kayes

Kayes · pop. 127,368

CFA203,280 ($336) / mo

Mopti

Mopti · pop. 120,786

CFA203,280 ($336) / mo

Nioro

Kayes · pop. 109,565

CFA203,280 ($336) / mo

Niono

Ségou · pop. 91,554

CFA203,280 ($336) / mo

Living in Bamako

Bamako is the capital and one of the key cities in Mali. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is CFA269,382 ($445), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around CFA80,622 ($133) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to CFA622,030 ($1,028) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately CFA479,753 ($793) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Bamako is CFA157,300 ($260). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least CFA350,197 ($579) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bamako expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated CFA269,382 ($445) per month in Bamako including rent outside the city centre. That is 24% more than the national average for Mali.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Bamako?
A net salary of around CFA350,197 ($579) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Bamako with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Bamako is CFA157,300 ($260).
How much is rent in Bamako?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated CFA115,895 ($192) per month in the city centre and CFA80,622 ($133) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about CFA241,867 ($400).
Is Bamako cheaper than Mali on average?
No — Bamako is estimated to be about 24% more expensive than the Mali average, mainly due to housing demand as the national capital.
What is the cost of groceries in Bamako?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at CFA64,178 ($106) in Bamako. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about CFA2,831 ($5) and a cappuccino runs around CFA849 ($1).
How do transport costs in Bamako compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Bamako is estimated at CFA10,382 ($17). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Bamako are estimates based on Mali national averages adjusted for city size (population 4,227,569) and capital-city premium. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.