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Cost of Living in Makeni

Makeni, Northern, Sierra Leone · Population 125,970

▼ -6% vs Sierra Leone average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)Le7,560 ($336)
Couple, monthlyLe13,419 ($596)
Family of four, monthlyLe17,356 ($771)

Estimated Prices in Makeni

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantLe81.00 ($3.60)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeLe324 ($14.40)per meal
CappuccinoLe24.30 ($1.08)each
Monthly groceries (single person)Le1,836 ($81.60)per month
Monthly public transport passLe297 ($13.20)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentLe783 ($34.80)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)Le227 ($10.08)per month
Fitness club membershipLe227 ($10.08)per month
Cinema ticketLe59.40 ($2.64)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreLe3,105 ($138)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreLe2,160 ($96.00)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreLe6,480 ($288)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Makeni is Le4,500 ($200) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of Le7,560 ($336) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly Le9,828 ($437) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (Le2,160 ($96)) represents about 29% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Makeni

Makeni vs FreetownMakeni vs BoMakeni vs KenemaMakeni vs KoiduMakeni vs Koidu-BulmaMakeni vs Port Loko

Nearby Cities

Binkolo

11 km away · Northern

Magburaka

21 km away · Northern

Lunsar

58 km away · Northern

Mongeri

71 km away · Southern

Port Loko

82 km away · North Western

Moyamba

91 km away · Southern

Kabala

95 km away · Northern

Motema

97 km away · Eastern

Other Major Cities in Sierra Leone

Freetown

Western Area · pop. 951,000

Le10,018 ($445) / mo

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

Koidu-Bulma

Eastern · pop. 87,539

Le7,560 ($336) / mo

Living in Makeni

Makeni is one of the key cities in Sierra Leone. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is Le7,560 ($336), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around Le2,160 ($96) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to Le17,356 ($771) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately Le13,419 ($596) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Makeni is Le4,500 ($200). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least Le9,828 ($437) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Makeni expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated Le7,560 ($336) per month in Makeni including rent outside the city centre. That is 6% less than the national average for Sierra Leone.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Makeni?
A net salary of around Le9,828 ($437) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Makeni with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Makeni is Le4,500 ($200).
How much is rent in Makeni?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated Le3,105 ($138) per month in the city centre and Le2,160 ($96) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about Le6,480 ($288).
Is Makeni cheaper than Sierra Leone on average?
Yes — Makeni is estimated to be about 6% cheaper than the Sierra Leone average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Makeni?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at Le1,836 ($82) in Makeni. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about Le81 ($4) and a cappuccino runs around Le24 ($1).
How do transport costs in Makeni compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Makeni is estimated at Le297 ($13). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Makeni are estimates based on Sierra Leone national averages adjusted for city size (population 125,970). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.