The cost of living in Cameroon in 2026 is low by Western standards, but it depends heavily on the city and the kind of home you rent. A single person living simply spends about XAF 180,000–295,000 (~$310–$505) a month. A comfortable single life in a one-bedroom in a better part of Yaoundé or Douala costs about XAF 465,000–725,000 (~$795–$1,240). A couple should plan on roughly XAF 715,000–1.1 million (~$1,220–$1,890), and a family of four about XAF 1.06–1.6 million (~$1,810–$2,735) before international school fees. All dollar figures use about XAF 585 per US dollar (October 5, 2026). Douala, the port and business capital, is clearly more expensive than Yaoundé for rent, power, and internet. Below you’ll find rents by city and neighborhood, utility and food prices, salaries, taxes, school fees, and sample budgets.
Byline: Theo Ramirez
Quick Answer
- Single person: XAF 180,000–295,000 (~$310–$505) on a lean budget; XAF 465,000–725,000 (~$795–$1,240) for a comfortable one.
- Couple: XAF 715,000–1.1 million (~$1,220–$1,890) a month.
- Family of four: XAF 1.06–1.6 million (~$1,810–$2,735) before international school.
- Rent, one-bedroom: about XAF 87,000 (~$150) outside the center and XAF 201,000 (~$345) in the center on national averages; Douala’s center averages about XAF 328,000 (~$560).
- Utilities: about XAF 47,000–95,000 (~$80–$165) a month for a mid-size apartment; home internet adds XAF 15,000–100,000 depending on speed and city.
- Fuel: XAF 840 (~$1.44) per liter of gasoline.
- Minimum wage: XAF 60,000 (~$103) a month in most private-sector jobs.
Exchange Rate, Inflation, and Wages in 2026
Three numbers shape what Cameroon costs you this year.
The exchange rate. Cameroon uses the Central African CFA franc (XAF), issued by the Bank of Central African States (BEAC). It is pegged to the euro at XAF 655.957 per euro, so its dollar value moves with the euro. With the euro at about $1.121 on October 5, 2026 (EUR/USD history), one US dollar buys about XAF 585. In late September the euro was stronger and a dollar bought closer to XAF 571–576. Dollar earners got slightly more for their money in early October.
Inflation. The national statistics institute (INS) reported annual inflation of 3.4% in July 2026, up from 3.0% in June and 2.7% in May, according to its July 2026 price note. That puts Cameroon back above the 3% CEMAC target. Food is the problem: food and non-alcoholic drinks rose 7.0% year on year, with fish up 15.1%, meat up 11.2%, and vegetables up 10.1%. Energy rose only 1.9% because pump prices are set by the government. Yaoundé (2.9%) and Douala (2.4%) saw less inflation than northern cities such as Maroua (4.8%).
Wages. The minimum wage (SMIG) is XAF 60,000 (~$103) a month for most private-sector jobs and XAF 45,000 (~$77) in agriculture. The February 2024 decree raised the floor for state employees under the Labour Code from XAF 41,875 to XAF 43,969 (~$75), as Journal du Cameroun reported; the other two rates were unchanged, and no new increase had been announced as of early October 2026. Crowd-sourced averages put the typical net salary at about XAF 87,000 (~$150) a month nationally, about XAF 109,000 (~$187) in Yaoundé, and about XAF 132,000 (~$225) in Douala. Formal-sector office jobs pay more, often XAF 180,000–400,000, and most workers are in the informal economy.
At about XAF 585 per dollar, a $1,000 monthly income is more than six times the average local net salary. That is why foreigners with outside income find daily life cheap, while housing built for expats can still feel expensive.
Cost of Living by City
Douala and Yaoundé are where most newcomers live. The table uses crowd-sourced averages from Numbeo (Yaoundé updated October 2, 2026, with 11 contributors; Douala updated June 28, 2026, with 12 contributors). Both samples are small, so treat them as rough guides rather than official prices.
| Expense | Yaoundé | Douala | Cameroon Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed, city center | XAF 82,800 (~$140) | XAF 328,000 (~$560) | XAF 201,500 (~$345) |
| 1-bed, outside center | XAF 107,550 (~$185) | XAF 186,700 (~$320) | XAF 87,000 (~$150) |
| 3-bed, city center | XAF 236,000 (~$405) | XAF 776,000 (~$1,325) | XAF 481,700 (~$825) |
| 3-bed, outside center | XAF 124,200 (~$210) | XAF 316,700 (~$540) | XAF 158,800 (~$270) |
| Basic utilities (85 m²) | XAF 46,500 (~$80) | XAF 95,250 (~$165) | XAF 84,300 (~$145) |
| Internet (60 Mbps+) | XAF 30,000 (~$51) | XAF 103,300 (~$175) | XAF 76,250 (~$130) |
| Average net salary | XAF 109,500 (~$187) | XAF 131,700 (~$225) | XAF 87,000 (~$150) |
A few patterns stand out:
- Douala is the most expensive city. It is the main port and business hub, so company housing, imported goods, and air conditioning push costs up.
- Yaoundé, the capital, is cooler and cheaper. In the small Numbeo sample, central rents even average below outer-area rents, which shows how few data points there are. Embassy and NGO staff concentrate in Bastos and Golf, where rents are much higher.
- Secondary cities such as Bafoussam, Garoua, and Kribi are cheaper still for housing, but have fewer imported goods, fewer private clinics, and no international schools.
Housing: Rent by Neighborhood
Rent is the biggest swing factor in any Cameroon budget. A May 2026 survey of listings by Infos Pratiques Cameroun gives a clearer picture by neighborhood type. Local listings count rooms (pièces), so a two-room unit is usually a living room plus one bedroom.
| Area | Studio / Room | 2 Rooms | 3 Rooms | Villa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Douala, working-class (Bonabéri, New Bell, Nylon) | 15,000–30,000 | 30,000–50,000 | 50,000–80,000 | — |
| Douala, middle-income (Akwa, Deido, Bépanda) | 35,000–60,000 | 60,000–100,000 | 100,000–150,000 | — |
| Douala, residential (Bonanjo, Bonapriso, Bonamoussadi) | — | 100,000–200,000 | 150,000–350,000 | 300,000–1,000,000 |
| Yaoundé, working-class (Melen, Biyem-Assi, Emana) | 15,000–25,000 | 30,000–50,000 | 50,000–80,000 | — |
| Yaoundé, middle-income (Mvog-Mbi, Essos, Nlongkak) | 30,000–50,000 | 50,000–90,000 | 80,000–130,000 | — |
| Yaoundé, residential (Bastos, Golf, Quartier du Lac) | — | — | 150,000–400,000 | 300,000–1,500,000 |
All figures are XAF per month. In dollars, a XAF 100,000 two-room apartment costs about $171, and a XAF 350,000 three-room unit in Bonapriso about $600. Other cities run lower: about XAF 15,000–80,000 in Bafoussam, XAF 10,000–60,000 in Garoua and Maroua, and XAF 20,000–100,000 in Kribi and Limbe, with higher prices near the beaches.
How renting works. Most long-term apartments are unfurnished. Landlords usually ask for 2 to 6 months of rent in advance as a deposit (caution), and agencies charge about one month’s rent as a fee. Some landlords do not return deposits, so get every payment in writing with a receipt. Furnished apartments aimed at expats cost more but save you the cost of furniture, a water tank, and a backup power setup.
Buying. Mortgage rates are high, close to 19% a year on crowd-sourced data. Most foreigners rent.
Utilities, Internet, and Phone
Basic utilities for an 85 m² apartment average about XAF 84,000 (~$145) a month nationally, with Yaoundé near XAF 47,000 (~$80) and Douala near XAF 95,000 (~$165). Douala’s heat means more air conditioning. A modest household without air conditioning pays much less: local guides put electricity at XAF 10,000–40,000 and water at XAF 5,000–15,000 a month.
Electricity. The national power company Eneo became fully state-owned and was renamed Socadel in May 2026, according to EcoMatin. Household (low-voltage) tariffs have not changed since 2012, and a planned 2026 increase targets only some business customers, per Business in Cameroon. Reliability is the bigger cost. In a survey for the power regulator ARSEL, 88% of low-voltage customers reported outages in the previous 30 days, and 26% had cuts every day (34.5% in Douala). Many households budget for a generator, inverter, or solar battery. Nationally, about 71% of people have access to electricity, according to the World Bank.
Internet and mobile.
- Home fiber, basic plans: about XAF 15,000–30,000 (~$26–$51) a month.
- Fast unlimited broadband (60 Mbps+): about XAF 30,000 in Yaoundé and XAF 95,000–120,000 in Douala on crowd-sourced data.
- Mobile plan with 10 GB+ data: about XAF 13,400 (~$23) a month on average. Prepaid bundles from the main operators are cheap and widely sold.
- TV or streaming: about XAF 5,000–15,000 a month.
Many people keep a mobile data bundle as a backup for when fixed internet or power goes down.
Food: Groceries and Dining Out
A single person who cooks local food at home spends about XAF 60,000–90,000 (~$105–$155) a month on groceries. If you buy imported dairy, cereals, and wine, expect XAF 100,000–130,000 or more. Food prices are rising faster than anything else in 2026, so build in a buffer.
Average supermarket and store prices (Numbeo, October 2, 2026):
| Item | Typical Cost (XAF) | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (1 liter) | 1,654 | $2.83 |
| Bread (1 lb loaf) | 375 | $0.64 |
| White rice (1 lb) | 468 | $0.80 |
| Eggs (12) | 1,194 | $2.04 |
| Chicken fillets (1 lb) | 1,401 | $2.39 |
| Beef (1 lb) | 1,595 | $2.73 |
| Local cheese (1 lb) | 3,914 | $6.69 |
| Tomatoes (1 lb) | 377 | $0.64 |
| Bananas (1 lb) | 344 | $0.59 |
| Bottled water (1.5 liters) | 407 | $0.70 |
| Mid-range bottle of wine | 5,000 | $8.55 |
Markets are cheaper for staples bought in bulk. May 2026 market prices from Infos Pratiques Cameroun include a 25 kg bag of rice for XAF 12,000–15,000, 5 liters of palm oil for XAF 5,000–7,000, beef at XAF 3,000–4,500 per kg, fresh fish at XAF 2,000–5,000 per kg, and a tray of 30 eggs for XAF 2,500–3,500. Plantains, cassava, groundnuts, and seasonal fruit keep bills down. Imported milk powder, cheese, and breakfast cereals push them up.
Eating out is cheap if you eat local:
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: about XAF 2,250 (~$3.85)
- Three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant: about XAF 50,000 (~$85) nationally; about XAF 30,000 in Yaoundé and XAF 70,000 in Douala
- Fast-food combo meal: about XAF 3,500 (~$6)
- Cappuccino: about XAF 1,090 (~$1.85)
- Local draft beer (pint): about XAF 700 (~$1.20)
Eating a local lunch out every weekday costs about XAF 50,000 (~$85) a month, less than one mid-range dinner for two in Douala.
Transportation and Getting Around
Cameroon has no metro or large bus network. People get around by shared taxi, motorcycle taxi (moto or benskin), and small buses.
| Transport | Typical Cost (XAF) | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|
| Shared taxi ride in town | 300–1,000 | $0.50–$1.70 |
| Motorcycle taxi ride | 200–500 | $0.35–$0.85 |
| One-way local bus ticket | 325–450 | $0.55–$0.77 |
| Monthly transport pass | 10,000 | $17 |
| Taxi start (metered or standard fare) | 350 | $0.60 |
| Gasoline (super, 1 liter) | 840 | $1.44 |
| Diesel (1 liter) | 828 | $1.42 |
| Kerosene (1 liter) | 350 | $0.60 |
Pump prices are fixed by the government. Super gasoline sells for XAF 840 and diesel for XAF 828 per liter, according to Infos Pratiques Cameroun. That works out to about $5.45 per gallon of gasoline. The INS notes that these prices have not been raised in response to the 2026 rise in world energy prices, which has helped keep inflation down.
A commuter using shared taxis spends about XAF 15,000–30,000 (~$25–$50) a month. Taking private or chartered taxis most days raises that to XAF 40,000–60,000 or more. Agree on the fare before you get in, and use a chartered taxi at night.
Cars: a new Toyota Corolla costs about XAF 10.2 million (~$17,400). Add insurance, repairs, and imported parts. Many expats hire a car with a driver instead.
Healthcare and Insurance Costs
Most health spending in Cameroon is paid out of pocket. In the country’s 2018–19 health accounts, out-of-pocket payments made up 72% of current health spending, according to the World Health Organization. There is no national insurance scheme that foreigners can count on.
Typical costs in 2026:
- General practitioner visit: about XAF 5,000–15,000 (~$9–$26).
- Specialist visit: about XAF 15,000–50,000 (~$26–$85).
- Local private health insurance: about XAF 20,000–100,000 (~$34–$170) a month, depending on age and plan.
- International expat insurance: priced by age and coverage area. Make sure it pays for medical evacuation, not just arranges it.
The U.S. State Department says medical services are limited, ambulances are reliable mainly in Yaoundé, Douala, and Bafoussam, and most providers want cash up front. Even a minor problem may need evacuation at your own expense. Malaria is widespread, so add the cost of prophylaxis and mosquito nets.
Schools and Childcare
School fees vary more than any other family cost.
| School Type | Typical Fee | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|
| Public primary school | Free tuition; parent association fees XAF 5,000–15,000 a year | $9–$26 a year |
| Local private school | XAF 50,000–300,000 per term | $85–$510 per term |
| Tiama School, Yaoundé (2025–26) | XAF 250,000–325,000 a year + XAF 50,000 registration | $425–$555 a year |
| International primary school (average) | about XAF 1.95 million a year | about $3,335 a year |
| American International School of Yaoundé (2026–27) | $7,425 (Pre-K 3) to $26,610 (grades 11–12) a year | — |
| Private full-day preschool | about XAF 300,000 a month | about $510 a month |
The American International School of Yaoundé also charges new students a $650 application fee and a $10,000 one-time capital levy for kindergarten to grade 12, plus $2,000 a year for the optional school bus. At Tiama School, school transport costs XAF 18,000–25,000 per child per month. Ask every school what is included: meals, uniforms, books, transport, and exam fees often are not.
Taxes: VAT and Income Tax
- VAT: the total rate is 19.25% and is included in shelf prices, according to PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries. The 2026 Finance Law added a 10% reduced rate for some social housing sales and rentals.
- Income tax on salaries: progressive rates of 11% on the first XAF 2 million of net annual income, 16.5% up to XAF 3 million, 27.5% up to XAF 5 million, and 38.5% above that (PwC, reviewed August 2026). These rates include the 10% local council surcharge.
- What that means in dollars: the 11% band covers about $3,420 a year, and the top 38.5% rate starts at about $8,550 a year. Salaried expats on local contracts reach the top rate quickly.
If you will work in Cameroon or stay long term, get advice from a local tax adviser before you sign a contract. Your home country’s tax rules still apply too.
Visas and Entry Requirements
Most visitors, including US citizens, need a visa before they travel. Applications go through Cameroon’s official e-visa portal. On arrival you must show proof of yellow fever vaccination, and polio vaccination if you stay longer than four weeks. Your passport needs six months of validity and a blank page.
To live in Cameroon long term, you will need a residence permit (carte de séjour) from the immigration police, usually backed by a work contract, a company, or a family tie. Fees depend on the permit type and nationality and change often, so confirm the current amount with the embassy or immigration office before you budget.
One-Time Setup Costs
Plan for these before your first month:
- Rent in advance: 2–6 months as a deposit, plus about one month as an agency fee. On a XAF 150,000 apartment, that can mean XAF 450,000–1,050,000 (~$770–$1,795) up front.
- Furniture and appliances: most long-term rentals are unfurnished. Beds, a fridge, a stove, fans, and curtains add up fast.
- Backup power and water: an inverter, battery, solar kit, or small generator, plus a water tank or filter.
- Internet installation and a router.
- Visa, vaccinations, and a residence permit.
- Health insurance paid annually, plus a cash emergency fund.
- School registration, uniforms, and capital levies for children.
Sample Monthly Budgets
These budgets combine the prices above. The lean budget assumes a studio in a middle-income area of Yaoundé. The comfortable and couple budgets assume a better neighborhood in Yaoundé or a middle-income one in Douala. All figures are XAF per month.
| Expense | Single, Lean | Single, Comfortable | Couple | Family of Four |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | 40,000–60,000 | 150,000–200,000 | 200,000–300,000 | 160,000–320,000 |
| Utilities (power, water) | 20,000–35,000 | 45,000–85,000 | 60,000–95,000 | 85,000–100,000 |
| Internet + mobile | 10,000–25,000 | 40,000–90,000 | 55,000–100,000 | 75,000–100,000 |
| Groceries | 60,000–90,000 | 100,000–130,000 | 180,000–240,000 | 300,000–400,000 |
| Eating out + leisure | 10,000–20,000 | 60,000–100,000 | 100,000–150,000 | 120,000–180,000 |
| Transport | 15,000–25,000 | 40,000–60,000 | 60,000–100,000 | 100,000–150,000 |
| Healthcare + insurance | 10,000–20,000 | 30,000–60,000 | 60,000–120,000 | 120,000–200,000 |
| Other (personal care, phone credit, local school) | 15,000–20,000 | — | — | 100,000–150,000 |
| Total (XAF) | 180,000–295,000 | 465,000–725,000 | 715,000–1,105,000 | 1,060,000–1,600,000 |
| Total (USD) | $310–$505 | $795–$1,240 | $1,220–$1,890 | $1,810–$2,735 |
Family of four: the column includes a three-bedroom apartment and local private school for two children. Numbeo’s crowd-sourced estimate for a family of four is higher, at about XAF 1.5 million (~$2,570) a month before rent, because its basket leans toward imported goods. International school for two children at the average school adds roughly XAF 325,000 (~$555) a month; at the American school it adds far more.
Expat-style living: a furnished apartment in Bonapriso or Bastos, a car with a driver, international insurance, and frequent dining out can push a single person past XAF 1 million (~$1,710) a month.
Money-Saving Tips
- Choose Yaoundé over Douala if your work allows it. Rent, power, and internet cost much less.
- Look at middle-income areas. Neighborhoods such as Essos or Nlongkak in Yaoundé, or Akwa in Douala, cost a fraction of Bastos or Bonapriso.
- Negotiate the advance. Some landlords accept fewer months up front for a longer lease.
- Shop at markets for staples and produce, and buy rice and oil in bulk.
- Ask what the rent includes. Water, security, generator fuel, and a water tank can each add a monthly cost.
- Use mobile data bundles before paying for premium fiber, especially in Douala.
- Keep an emergency fund in cash for health care, since most clinics want payment up front.
Safety and Practical Notes
The U.S. travel advisory of May 15, 2026 rates Cameroon Level 2 (exercise increased caution) overall. The Northwest, Southwest, and Far North regions, and areas within 20 km of the borders with the Central African Republic, Chad, and Nigeria, are Level 4 (do not travel). Yaoundé, Douala, Kribi, and the West region are where most foreigners live and work. Petty crime is common in the big cities, so secure housing and night-time taxis are worth budgeting for.
How Cameroon Compares With Nearby Countries
Cameroon is one of the cheaper places to live in Central Africa, mostly because of low rents outside Douala and a large local food supply. All its neighbors in the CEMAC zone use the same CFA franc, which makes prices easy to compare. Our guides to the cost of living in Gabon and the cost of living in Equatorial Guinea show that oil-rich capitals like Libreville and Malabo cost about twice as much for a simple life. Among lower-cost neighbors, compare the cost of living in Chad and the cost of living in the Central African Republic, where basic budgets look similar on paper but housing and services for foreigners are scarcer.
| Country | Lean Single Budget (XAF/month) | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|
| Cameroon | 180,000–295,000 | $310–$505 |
| Chad | about 300,000 | about $520 |
| Central African Republic | 290,000–295,000 | $500–$505 |
| Equatorial Guinea | 575,000–650,000 | $985–$1,110 |
| Gabon | 600,000–650,000 | $1,040–$1,125 |
Figures come from our country guides, updated in early October 2026 at XAF 578–585 per dollar. Methods differ slightly between countries, so use the table for broad comparison only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do you need to live in Cameroon per month?
A single person living simply needs about XAF 180,000–295,000 (~$310–$505) a month. A comfortable single life in a one-bedroom in a better area of Yaoundé or Douala costs about XAF 465,000–725,000 (~$795–$1,240). A couple should budget about XAF 715,000–1.1 million (~$1,220–$1,890).
Is $1,000 a month enough to live in Cameroon?
Yes for most single people. At about XAF 585 per dollar, $1,000 is roughly XAF 585,000. That covers a comfortable one-bedroom life in Yaoundé and a moderate one in Douala. It does not cover a furnished apartment in Bonapriso or Bastos plus international health insurance and a car.
Is Douala more expensive than Yaoundé?
Usually, yes. Crowd-sourced averages in 2026 put a central one-bedroom at about XAF 328,000 in Douala versus about XAF 83,000 in Yaoundé, and Douala’s utilities and internet also cost roughly twice as much. Both samples are small, so compare actual listings in the neighborhood you plan to live in.
How much is rent in Cameroon in 2026?
A studio or room in a working-class area of Douala or Yaoundé costs about XAF 15,000–30,000 a month. A two-room apartment in a middle-income area costs about XAF 50,000–100,000. Three-room apartments in residential areas like Bonapriso or Bastos run XAF 150,000–400,000, and villas start around XAF 300,000.
What is the minimum wage in Cameroon in 2026?
The minimum wage (SMIG) is XAF 60,000 (~$103) a month for most private-sector jobs and XAF 45,000 (~$77) in agriculture. State employees hired under the Labour Code have a floor of XAF 43,969 (~$75). No new increase had been announced as of early October 2026.
How much does a family of four need in Cameroon?
A family of four needs about XAF 1.06–1.6 million (~$1,810–$2,735) a month, including a three-bedroom apartment and local private school fees. International school adds about XAF 1.4–2 million per child a year at the average school, and much more at the American International School of Yaoundé.
Is Cameroon safe for expats?
Most expats live in Yaoundé and Douala, which fall under the U.S. State Department’s Level 2 advisory (exercise increased caution) as of May 15, 2026. The Northwest, Southwest, and Far North regions, and areas within 20 km of the borders with the Central African Republic, Chad, and Nigeria, are Level 4 (do not travel).
Conclusion
Cameroon is affordable if you live close to local habits. A single person can live simply on about $310–$505 a month and comfortably on about $795–$1,240, with Yaoundé clearly cheaper than Douala. The costs that catch newcomers are not food or transport. They are the several months of rent paid up front, backup power, private health care paid in cash, and school fees. Food inflation is running near 7% in 2026, and the dollar value of the CFA franc moves with the euro, so keep a buffer. Pick your city and neighborhood first, collect real quotes for rent, school, and insurance, and avoid the Level 4 regions.
Sources
- INS Cameroun – Price note, July 2026
- EcoMatin – Cameroon inflation, July 2026
- Bank of Central African States (BEAC)
- Pound Sterling Live – EUR/USD history, 2026
- Journal du Cameroun – 2024 SMIG decree
- L’Essentiel de l’Éco – minimum wage rates in Cameroon
- Infos Pratiques Cameroun – rents by city, 2026
- Infos Pratiques Cameroun – monthly budget and market prices, 2026
- Infos Pratiques Cameroun – fuel prices, 2026
- EcoMatin – Eneo renamed Socadel
- Business in Cameroon – 2026 electricity tariff plan
- ARSEL – electricity customer survey report
- World Bank – Cameroon electricity access
- World Bank – Cameroon overview
- World Health Organization – Cameroon health accounts
- U.S. Department of State – Cameroon travel advisory
- Cameroon e-visa portal
- PwC – Cameroon personal income tax
- PwC – Cameroon VAT and other taxes
- American International School of Yaoundé – tuition and fees
- Tiama School – fees
- Numbeo – Cameroon, Yaoundé, Douala (crowd-sourced averages)
