41 cities covered · Currency: RWF (FRw) · Capital: Kigali
| Expense | Estimated cost | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | FRw5,374 ($4.13) | per meal |
| Three-course meal for two, mid-range | FRw21,497 ($16.54) | per meal |
| Cappuccino | FRw1,612 ($1.24) | each |
| Monthly groceries (single person) | FRw121,815 ($93.70) | per month |
| Monthly public transport pass | FRw19,705 ($15.16) | per month |
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment | FRw51,951 ($39.96) | per month |
| Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited) | FRw15,048 ($11.58) | per month |
| Fitness club membership | FRw15,048 ($11.58) | per month |
| Cinema ticket | FRw3,941 ($3.03) | each |
| One-bedroom apartment in city centre | FRw225,114 ($173) | per month |
| One-bedroom apartment outside centre | FRw156,601 ($120) | per month |
| Three-bedroom apartment in city centre | FRw469,802 ($361) | per month |
Kigali · pop. 1,745,555
Southern Province · pop. 319,141
Northern Province · pop. 153,368
Southern Province · pop. 87,613
Eastern Province · pop. 71,769
Northern Province · pop. 62,179
Western Province · pop. 53,603
Northern Province · pop. 50,000
Eastern Province · pop. 46,009
Eastern Province · pop. 41,000
Western Province · pop. 40,276
Kigali · pop. 40,202
Northern Province · pop. 36,401
Southern Province · pop. 30,171
Eastern Province · pop. 28,342
Eastern Province · pop. 27,836
Eastern Province · pop. 27,525
Western Province · pop. 27,416
Northern Province · pop. 27,283
Southern Province · pop. 25,417
Northern Province · pop. 24,721
Northern Province · pop. 23,266
Eastern Province · pop. 21,482
Southern Province · pop. 19,937
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Rwanda
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Rwanda
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Rwanda
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Rwanda
Living costs in Rwanda 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 FRw514,881 ($396) 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.