127 cities covered · Currency: CDF (FC) · Capital: Kinshasa
| Expense | Estimated cost | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | FC11,575 ($4.13) | per meal |
| Three-course meal for two, mid-range | FC46,301 ($16.54) | per meal |
| Cappuccino | FC3,473 ($1.24) | each |
| Monthly groceries (single person) | FC262,371 ($93.70) | per month |
| Monthly public transport pass | FC42,442 ($15.16) | per month |
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment | FC111,894 ($39.96) | per month |
| Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited) | FC32,411 ($11.58) | per month |
| Fitness club membership | FC32,411 ($11.58) | per month |
| Cinema ticket | FC8,488 ($3.03) | each |
| One-bedroom apartment in city centre | FC450,227 ($161) | per month |
| One-bedroom apartment outside centre | FC313,201 ($112) | per month |
| Three-bedroom apartment in city centre | FC939,604 ($336) | per month |
Kinshasa · pop. 17,071,000
Kasaï Oriental · pop. 2,892,000
Kasaï Central · pop. 1,971,704
Haut-Katanga · pop. 1,786,397
Tshopo · pop. 1,366,000
Sud-Kivu · pop. 1,133,000
Kasaï · pop. 1,006,387
Nord-Kivu · pop. 781,875
Sud-Kivu · pop. 726,000
Haut-Katanga · pop. 495,000
Ituri · pop. 486,000
Lualaba · pop. 480,000
Équateur · pop. 470,307
Kongo Central · pop. 448,000
Kwilu · pop. 397,737
Kinshasa · pop. 386,151
Nord-Kivu · pop. 232,000
Nord-Kivu · pop. 217,625
Nord-Ubangi · pop. 198,839
Lomami · pop. 195,622
Haut-Uélé · pop. 182,900
Maniema · pop. 172,321
Kongo Central · pop. 162,521
Haut-Lomami · pop. 156,761
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in DR Congo
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in DR Congo
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in DR Congo
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in DR Congo
Living costs in DR Congo 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 FC1,084,881 ($387) 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.