Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Navigating the cost of living in Côte d’Ivoire can seem complex for expatriates eager for new African adventures. In this economically growing country, housing costs, food bills, and consequently the local lifestyle are all factors to consider when preparing for your stay.
Whether you choose to reside in the dynamic metropolis of Abidjan or in quieter regions, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the available financial options to avoid unpleasant surprises.
This guide will reveal the secrets to balancing your budget while making the most of the Ivorian experience.
Understanding the Cost of Living in Côte d’Ivoire: Overview and Comparisons
Understanding the cost of living in Côte d’Ivoire involves analyzing the main household expense categories and comparing them to those in other African and Western countries, while considering regional variations and recent economic dynamics.
Main Factors Influencing the Cost of Living
Housing
The average rental price for a downtown apartment in Abidjan reaches €1,830/month, which is comparable to, or even higher than, some African capitals (e.g., Dakar: ~€1,100/month) but remains lower than major Western cities like Paris or London (often >€2,000/month for an equivalent property).
A night in a guesthouse or bed and breakfast costs €163 (France: €144), while a family hotel room reaches €333 (France: €240).
Prices vary significantly between Abidjan, the country’s economic center, and the interior where housing is much more affordable.
Food
The cost of food is on average 27% cheaper than in France.
Some price examples:
- Bottle of milk: €2/L (France: €1.16)
- Bread (500g): €0.5 (France: €1.77)
- Rice (1kg): €1 (France: €2.34)
Imported products are more expensive, while local products (cassava, yam, plantain) remain affordable.
Cities in the interior generally have lower food prices than Abidjan.
Transportation
1L of gasoline costs €1.3 (France: €1.9–2.1 in 2025).
The cost of public transportation is moderate, but service quality varies.
Transportation is generally cheaper than in most Western countries but can be more expensive than in some neighboring countries.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs decreased by 3.2% in July 2025, reflecting a trend of stabilizing recent medical expenses.
The quality of care and access vary between Abidjan (private and international offerings) and the rest of the country (more limited infrastructure).
Public Services
Housing-related services (water, electricity) also decreased by 1.7% over one year.
However, these costs remain high for expatriates, particularly due to the need to use generators or bottled water in some neighborhoods.
Comparative Cost Table (2025)
| Category | Côte d’Ivoire (Abidjan) | Senegal (Dakar) | France (Paris) | South Africa (Johannesburg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Bedroom Rent Downtown | €1,830/month | €1,100/month | €2,200/month | €900/month |
| Bread 500g | €0.5 | €1.0 | €1.77 | €1.20 |
| Milk 1L | €2.0 | €1.7 | €1.16 | €1.15 |
| Rice 1kg | €1.0 | €1.2 | €2.34 | €1.30 |
| Gasoline 1L | €1.3 | €1.4 | €2.0 | €1.1 |
| Lunch Restaurant | €3.1 | €4.0 | €15 | €7.0 |
Regional Variations in Côte d’Ivoire
The cost of living is significantly higher in Abidjan than in the interior of the country, particularly for housing and leisure.
In secondary cities, rents and food prices can be 30 to 50% lower than in the capital.
Expatriates report high inflation for some imported products, but local alternatives exist at lower cost.
Impact of Local Currency and Economic Fluctuations
Côte d’Ivoire uses the CFA franc (XOF), pegged to the euro, which limits major fluctuations against this currency but exposes the country to variations in the euro exchange rate.
The inflation rate remained moderate in 2025: +0.7% annual average, well below the community threshold of 3%.
Some months saw slight deflation, particularly for basic goods and essential services.
Expatriate Testimonials and Experiences
“In Abidjan, international-standard housing is expensive, but local food remains affordable. To maintain a European standard of living, you need a substantial budget, especially if you prefer imported products.”
“Outside Abidjan, you can live comfortably with a much lower budget, provided you accept a more local lifestyle.”
“Unexpected costs (security, private healthcare, international schooling) weigh heavily in the budget of expatriate families.”
Key Takeaways
- Housing and imported products: main expense categories for expatriates.
- Local food and transportation: generally affordable.
- Strong disparity between Abidjan and the interior.
- Stability of the CFA franc limits risks of high inflation, but exposure to euro fluctuations remains.
- Sustained economic growth, but the perception of high living costs remains marked, particularly among urban households.
Good to Know:
Housing and food costs in Côte d’Ivoire can be lower than in major Western cities, but private healthcare services can be more expensive; for example, rent for an apartment in Abidjan is generally more affordable than in Paris, while private medical consultations are often more expensive than in Johannesburg. Take into account inflation and CFA franc fluctuations, and take advantage of local markets to reduce your food expenses as many expatriates do.
Concrete Examples: Prices of Goods and Services for Expatriates
Concrete examples of prices for goods and services commonly used by expatriates in Côte d’Ivoire (2024-2025)
| Category | Details | Average Price (CFA) | Average Price (€) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment Rent (Downtown Abidjan) | 3 rooms, downtown, expatriate standard | 936,000 / month | €1,426 / month |
| Apartment Rent (Cocody) | 3 rooms, sought-after residential area | 350,000 – 700,000 / month | €530 – €1,065 / month |
| Villa Rent (Cocody) | Villa, high-end | 700,000 – 2,500,000 / month | €1,065 – €3,810 / month |
| Apartment Rent (Popular Neighborhoods) | 3 rooms, Treichville, Adjamé | 120,000 – 300,000 / month | €180 – €460 / month |
| Apartment Purchase (Downtown, Plateau) | Price per m² | 850,000 – 1,200,000 | €1,300 – €1,830 / m² |
Rents vary significantly depending on the neighborhood, standard, security, and proximity to international services.
Public Services (Monthly for an Average Apartment)
- Electricity: 30,000 to 80,000 CFA (€46 – €122)
- Water: 5,000 to 15,000 CFA (€8 – €23)
- High-Speed Internet (Fiber): 30,000 to 50,000 CFA (€46 – €76)
- Mobile Phone (Subscription): 8,000 to 20,000 CFA (€12 – €30)
International Schools (Annual Fees per Child)
- International School Jean Mermoz: 5,000,000 to 9,000,000 CFA (€7,600 – €13,700)
- Lycée Français Blaise Pascal: 3,000,000 to 8,000,000 CFA (€4,600 – €12,200)
- American/British Schools: 6,000,000 to 12,000,000 CFA (€9,150 – €18,300)
Fees generally include tuition, activities, and sometimes transportation.
Private Medical Care
- General Consultation: 20,000 to 50,000 CFA (€30 – €76)
- Specialist Consultation: 40,000 to 100,000 CFA (€60 – €150)
- Hospitalization (Day in Private Clinic): 100,000 to 300,000 CFA (€150 – €460)
- International Health Insurance (Family): €2,000 to €5,000 / year depending on coverage
Basic Food Products (Supermarket, Unit Price)
| Product | Price (CFA) | Price (€) |
|---|---|---|
| Baguette | 300 – 400 | €0.45 – €0.60 |
| Milk (1L) | 800 – 1,000 | €1.20 – €1.50 |
| Rice (1kg) | 1,000 – 1,300 | €1.50 – €2.00 |
| Mineral Water (1.5L) | 400 – 700 | €0.60 – €1.10 |
| Chicken (1kg) | 2,000 – 3,000 | €3.00 – €4.60 |
| Tomatoes (1kg) | 800 – 1,200 | €1.20 – €1.80 |
| Local Beer (50cl) | 700 – 1,000 | €1.10 – €1.50 |
Dining (Average Price per Meal/Person)
- Local Restaurant (Maquis, Simple Dish): 2,000 – 4,000 CFA (€3 – €6)
- International Restaurant (Appetizer/Main/Dessert): 10,000 – 25,000 CFA (€15 – €38)
- Fast Food (Full Meal): 3,500 – 7,000 CFA (€5 – €11)
Transportation
| Type of Transport | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Metered Taxi (Urban Trip) | 1,500 – 4,000 CFA (€2.30 – €6) |
| Ride-Hailing (Yango, Uber) | 3,000 – 8,000 CFA (€4.60 – €12) |
| SOTRA Bus (Single Ticket) | 200 – 500 CFA (€0.30 – €0.75) |
| Compact Car Rental | 25,000 – 40,000 CFA/day (€38 – €61) |
| Fuel (1L Gasoline) | 815 CFA (€1.25) |
Other Relevant Services
- Live-in Housekeeper (Full-time): 80,000 – 150,000 CFA/month (€120 – €230)
- Gym (Monthly Membership): 30,000 – 70,000 CFA (€46 – €107)
- Language Course (1h Private): 10,000 – 20,000 CFA (€15 – €30)
Expatriate Testimonials:
“Our rent in Cocody for a modern 4-bedroom with security is 900,000 CFA/month. Schooling at the French school for two children costs over €12,000 per year. Groceries at the supermarket are more expensive than in Europe for imported products, but local fruits and vegetables remain affordable.”
— French Expatriate Family, Abidjan
“Medical care in private clinics is excellent but very expensive without international insurance. Internet subscriptions are reliable but more expensive than in Europe.”
— Expatriate Executive, Banking Sector
Summary of Key Points:
- Rent: from 120,000 to 2,500,000 CFA/month depending on neighborhood, standard, type of housing.
- Public Services: 65,000 to 145,000 CFA/month for a standard household.
- International Schooling: 3 to 12 million CFA/year.
- Private Healthcare: consultation from 20,000 to 100,000 CFA, hospitalization day up to 300,000 CFA.
- Food: local products affordable, imported products expensive.
- Dining: 2,000 to 25,000 CFA/meal.
- Transportation: bus at 200 CFA, urban taxi at 1,500 – 4,000 CFA, ride-hailing more expensive.
These prices are indicative and subject to variation depending on the period, neighborhood, and chosen standard of living.
Good to Know:
An apartment in the popular Cocody neighborhood costs around 450,000 CFA per month, while school fees can reach 6 million CFA per year in international schools.
Planning Your Expatriate Budget: How Much to Budget for Comfortable Living
Housing Costs
| City / Neighborhood | Type of Housing | Monthly Price Range (FCFA) | Monthly Price Range (€) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abidjan (Marcory) | Apartment | 700,000 – 1,300,000 | ~€1,067 – €1,983 |
| Abidjan (Marcory) | House | 2,208,333 – 2,500,000 | ~€3,370 – €3,818 |
| Abidjan (Cocody) | Apartment | 437,222 – 778,824 | ~€666 – €1,188 |
| Abidjan (Cocody) | House | 1,433,333 – 1,549,349 | ~€2,187 – €2,363 |
| Abidjan (Popular Neighborhoods) | Studio | from 50,000 | ~€76 |
| Abidjan (Popular Neighborhoods) | 2-Bedroom | from 80,000 | ~€122 |
| Yamoussoukro (Downtown) | 3-Bedroom Apartment | 700,000 | ~€1,067 |
| Yamoussoukro (Suburb) | 3-Bedroom Apartment | 500,000 | ~€762 |
| Interior (Outside Major Cities) | Studio | from 25,000 | ~€38 |
| Interior (Outside Major Cities) | 3-Bedroom House | less than 70,000 | ~€107 |
Note: Prices vary significantly depending on the neighborhood, size, condition of the property, and season. Peripheral neighborhoods and secondary cities offer significantly more affordable rents.
Transportation
Available Options
- Traditional taxis (meters rare, frequent negotiation)
- Metered taxis (safer, especially in Abidjan)
- Minibuses (“Gbaka”) and buses
- Car rental or purchase
Average Costs
- Intra-urban taxi ride: 500 to 2,000 FCFA depending on distance
- Bus/minibus: 200 to 500 FCFA
- Car rental: from 20,000 FCFA/day for a small car
- Used car purchase: 2,000,000 to 8,000,000 FCFA depending on model and year
- Gasoline: approximately 850 FCFA/liter
- Annual vehicle maintenance: 300,000 to 600,000 FCFA (oil change, tires, common repairs)
Food and Groceries
| Type of Purchase | Average Price (FCFA) | Average Price (€) |
|---|---|---|
| Bread (baguette) | 150 – 200 | €0.23 – €0.30 |
| Milk (1L) | 800 – 1,200 | €1.22 – €1.83 |
| Rice (1kg) | 600 – 1,000 | €0.91 – €1.52 |
| Whole Chicken (market) | 2,500 – 4,000 | €3.80 – €6.10 |
| Fruits/Vegetables (kg) | 300 – 1,000 | €0.46 – €1.52 |
| Meal at Local Restaurant | 1,500 – 3,000 | €2.30 – €4.60 |
| Meal at Expatriate Restaurant | 7,000 – 15,000 | €10.68 – €22.87 |
| Monthly Groceries (Local Market) | 50,000 – 100,000 | €76 – €152 |
| Monthly Groceries (Supermarket) | 80,000 – 150,000 | €122 – €229 |
Local markets are significantly cheaper than supermarkets for fresh and basic products. International restaurants are more expensive.
Healthcare
- Expatriate health insurance: 400,000 to 1,200,000 FCFA/year depending on coverage
- Private consultation: 10,000 to 30,000 FCFA
- Medical emergency in a private clinic: from 50,000 FCFA
- Pharmacy: prices for imported medications often high
Education
| Type of Institution | Annual Fees (FCFA) | Annual Fees (€) |
|---|---|---|
| International School (Abidjan) | 2,000,000 – 8,000,000 | €3,050 – €12,200 |
| Local Private School | 200,000 – 500,000 | €305 – €760 |
| Public School | Free or minimal fees | — |
Access to international schools is costly, but the quality and environment are suitable for expatriates.
Other Expenses
- Leisure (cinema, sports): 1,000 to 6,000 FCFA per activity
- Cultural Activities: 3,000 to 20,000 FCFA (shows, museums)
- Home Internet: 20,000 to 35,000 FCFA/month
- Mobile Phone Subscription: 5,000 to 20,000 FCFA/month depending on plan
Local Economy and Currency
| Currency | Exchange Rate (Nov. 2025) |
|---|---|
| 1 € | ~656 FCFA |
| 1 $ | ~610 FCFA |
- The CFA franc (XOF) is stable, indexed to the euro.
- The Ivorian economy shows sustained growth, driven by the agricultural sector, construction, and services.
- Inflation remains contained, but the cost of living in major cities is increasing, especially for imported goods.
Approaches for Planning a Personal Budget
- Prioritize local markets for food products
- Compare neighborhoods for housing, aim for the periphery for more affordable rents
- Use public transportation or carpooling to limit travel expenses
- Choose health insurance adapted to the risk level and desired frequency of care
- Anticipate school fees if children are expatriated, comparing local and international schools
- Negotiate subscriptions (internet, phone) and watch for promotions
Tips for Saving Money in Côte d’Ivoire
- Shop at the market rather than the supermarket for fresh products
- Share taxi rides or use collective transportation
- Avoid the most sought-after neighborhoods for housing unless necessary
- Take advantage of free or reduced-price local cultural activities
- Choose phone plans adapted to your actual usage
- Perform monthly tracking of your expenses to adjust the budget
Good to Know:
In Abidjan, apartment rent varies between €400 and €1,200 depending on the neighborhood; to save money, prefer public transportation or taxis rather than owning a car, especially with the high price of fuel. Consider shopping at local markets where prices are often more attractive than in supermarkets, and make sure to take out appropriate health insurance to reduce medical costs.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. We encourage you to consult qualified experts before making any investment, real estate, or expatriation decisions. Although we strive to maintain up-to-date and accurate information, we do not guarantee the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the proposed content. As investment and expatriation involve risks, we disclaim any liability for potential losses or damages arising from the use of this site. Your use of this site confirms your acceptance of these terms and your understanding of the associated risks.
Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
