44 cities covered · Currency: XAF (FCFA) · Capital: Bangui
| Expense | Estimated cost | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | FCFA2,116 ($3.50) | per meal |
| Three-course meal for two, mid-range | FCFA8,465 ($13.99) | per meal |
| Cappuccino | FCFA635 ($1.05) | each |
| Monthly groceries (single person) | FCFA47,969 ($79.29) | per month |
| Monthly public transport pass | FCFA7,760 ($12.83) | per month |
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment | FCFA20,457 ($33.81) | per month |
| Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited) | FCFA5,926 ($9.79) | per month |
| Fitness club membership | FCFA5,926 ($9.79) | per month |
| Cinema ticket | FCFA1,552 ($2.57) | each |
| One-bedroom apartment in city centre | FCFA82,315 ($136) | per month |
| One-bedroom apartment outside centre | FCFA57,263 ($94.65) | per month |
| Three-bedroom apartment in city centre | FCFA171,788 ($284) | per month |
Bangui · pop. 889,231
Ombella-Mpoko · pop. 124,176
Mambéré-Kadéï · pop. 76,918
Mambéré-Kadéï · pop. 45,421
Ouaka · pop. 41,356
Nana-Mambéré · pop. 40,353
Ouham · pop. 37,780
Haute-Kotto · pop. 35,204
Mbomou · pop. 31,453
Sangha-Mbaéré · pop. 29,181
Nana-Grébizi · pop. 24,661
Kémo · pop. 22,419
Lobaye · pop. 22,166
Ouham-Pendé · pop. 20,665
Mbomou · pop. 17,599
Ouham-Pendé · pop. 17,370
Lobaye · pop. 16,486
Ouham · pop. 16,420
Ouham · pop. 16,279
Ouham-Pendé · pop. 15,744
Ouaka · pop. 15,196
Basse-Kotto · pop. 14,401
Mbomou · pop. 14,000
Ombella-Mpoko · pop. 13,608
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Central African Republic
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Central African Republic
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Central African Republic
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Central African Republic
Living costs in Central African Republic vary significantly depending on city size. Large metropolitan areas with populations over one million typically see housing costs 15–30% above the national average, while smaller towns can be 10–20% below it. The national baseline of FCFA198,349 ($328) per month represents a mid-sized city estimate.
Capital cities and major economic hubs command the highest rents and overall expenses. For budget-conscious residents, mid-sized cities offer a balance of amenities and affordability. Rural and small-town living remains the most economical option, though transport and service access may be limited.