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Cost of Living in Freetown

Freetown, Western Area, Sierra Leone · Population 951,000 · National capital

▲ +24% vs Sierra Leone average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)Le10,018 ($445)
Couple, monthlyLe17,842 ($793)
Family of four, monthlyLe23,133 ($1,028)

Estimated Prices in Freetown

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantLe105 ($4.68)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeLe421 ($18.72)per meal
CappuccinoLe31.59 ($1.40)each
Monthly groceries (single person)Le2,387 ($106)per month
Monthly public transport passLe386 ($17.16)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentLe1,018 ($45.24)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)Le295 ($13.10)per month
Fitness club membershipLe295 ($13.10)per month
Cinema ticketLe77.22 ($3.43)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreLe4,310 ($192)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreLe2,998 ($133)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreLe8,995 ($400)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Freetown is Le5,850 ($260) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of Le10,018 ($445) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly Le13,024 ($579) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (Le2,998 ($133)) represents about 30% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Freetown

Freetown vs BoFreetown vs KenemaFreetown vs KoiduFreetown vs MakeniFreetown vs Koidu-BulmaFreetown vs Port Loko

Nearby Cities

Leicester

3 km away · Western Area

Benguema

26 km away · Western Area

Newton

30 km away · Western Area

Port Loko

59 km away · North Western

Rokupr

66 km away · Northern

Kambia

79 km away · Northern

Lunsar

80 km away · Northern

Kambia

87 km away · Northern

Other Major Cities in Sierra Leone

Bo

Southern · pop. 233,684

Le7,560 ($336) / mo

Kenema

Eastern · pop. 188,463

Le7,560 ($336) / mo

Koidu

Eastern · pop. 128,030

Le7,560 ($336) / mo

Makeni

Northern · pop. 125,970

Le7,560 ($336) / mo

Koidu-Bulma

Eastern · pop. 87,539

Le7,560 ($336) / mo

Living in Freetown

Freetown is the capital and one of the key cities in Sierra Leone. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is Le10,018 ($445), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around Le2,998 ($133) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to Le23,133 ($1,028) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately Le17,842 ($793) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Freetown is Le5,850 ($260). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least Le13,024 ($579) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Freetown expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated Le10,018 ($445) per month in Freetown including rent outside the city centre. That is 24% more than the national average for Sierra Leone.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Freetown?
A net salary of around Le13,024 ($579) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Freetown with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Freetown is Le5,850 ($260).
How much is rent in Freetown?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated Le4,310 ($192) per month in the city centre and Le2,998 ($133) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about Le8,995 ($400).
Is Freetown cheaper than Sierra Leone on average?
No — Freetown is estimated to be about 24% more expensive than the Sierra Leone average, mainly due to housing demand as the national capital.
What is the cost of groceries in Freetown?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at Le2,387 ($106) in Freetown. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about Le105 ($5) and a cappuccino runs around Le32 ($1).
How do transport costs in Freetown compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Freetown is estimated at Le386 ($17). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Freetown are estimates based on Sierra Leone national averages adjusted for city size (population 951,000) and capital-city premium. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.