You’ll need roughly $1,150 a month to live in Niger, though most locals earn about $327 after tax so living standards vary widely. Rent is the biggest cost—expect around $825 for a one‑bed in the city center or $382 outside it—plus about $184 for basic utilities and roughly $30 for 50 Mbps internet. Food, transport and services are cheaper than in many countries, but imported goods cost more; keep reading for a full breakdown.

Overview of Niger’s Cost of Living and Key Metrics

Although Niger’s overall prices sit only slightly above the global average, its cost of living tells a sharper story: at about $1,151 per month the country is 1.01 times more expensive than the world average, yet the typical after-tax monthly salary is just $327—covering roughly 0.3 months of expenses.

You’ll see a gap between prices and incomes: GDP per capita is $723, reflecting broader economic constraints for 21.5 million people. Use a cost of living calculator to compare Niger with other countries; it’ll show Niger ranks 72nd out of 197.

Daily expenses illustrate the divide—an inexpensive meal averages $5.34, while a mid-range dinner for two is about $37.10—significant relative to wages. Housing skews costs further: a one-bedroom city-center apartment runs near $825 versus $382 outside the center.

Living Expenses in Niamey: Housing, Utilities, and Internet

When you look at housing in Niamey, costs are modest compared with major cities: a one-bedroom in the city center runs about $825 while outside the center it’s roughly $382, and two-bedroom averages (used for family budgeting) fall between those figures.

You’ll find overall living expenses lower than in many capitals, so rent will likely be your largest single monthly outlay but still competitive.

Utilities for one person average roughly $184 monthly, covering electricity, heating and water; factor that in when comparing neighborhoods or older versus newer buildings.

Utilities average about $184 per month per person—electricity, water and heating—so include this when comparing housing options.

Internet at 50 Mbps+ is about $29.90 per month, affordable relative to rates in higher-cost markets and sufficient for remote work or streaming.

When you budget, combine expected rent (choose center or periphery), utilities, and internet to estimate recurring costs.

This comparative, data-driven snapshot helps you plan realistic monthly living expenses in Niamey without relying on anecdote.

Food and Grocery Prices Across Niger

If you shop and eat like a local in Niger, you’ll find basic meals and staples are quite affordable: an inexpensive restaurant meal with a drink runs about $5.34, a loaf of bread is $0.59, a dozen eggs $2.26, a liter of milk $2.44, and boneless chicken breast about $2.78 per pound, while fast-food combo meals cost roughly $10.68—overall grocery prices sit noticeably below typical Western levels, making self-catering and local dining cost-effective choices. You’ll notice the Cost of Living Index reflects lower food costs, especially for staples and local markets. Compare supermarket and market prices to optimize spending: imported items push costs up, while seasonal produce and local proteins keep your grocery bill down. Use the table below for a quick snapshot of representative prices and weight/portion equivalents to plan meals and budgets.

Transportation Costs and Typical Commuting Expenses

You’ll find that a single local transport ticket in Niger costs about $0.63, while a monthly pass is roughly $65.85, which can be cheaper if you commute often.

Taxi rides of around 8 km run about $3.37, and gasoline is near $3.81 per gallon.

Public Transport Fares

Most locals pay about $0.63 for a single bus or shared-ride ticket, making day-to-day commuting inexpensive compared with many capitals; taxis run roughly $3.37 for an 8 km trip (about $3.38 for a 5-mile downtown ride), while a monthly pass at $65.85 suits regular commuters and driving costs are influenced by gasoline at about $3.81 per gallon.

You’ll find public transport fares in Niger keep routine travel affordable: a single ticket is cheaper than most daily coffee prices abroad, taxis offer reasonable short-distance alternatives, and a monthly pass becomes cost-effective if you commute daily.

Compare that to bigger cities and you’ll see clear savings, especially if you rely on buses or shared rides.

• Relief: low fares stretch tight budgets.
• Freedom: easy, frequent mobility.
• Practicality: predictable, measurable costs.

Taxi and Fuel

In Niger, taxi rides and fuel are priced to keep daily commuting affordable: a local bus ticket runs about $0.63, an 8 km taxi averages $3.37 (roughly $3.38 for a 5‑mile downtown trip), and gasoline is near $3.81 per gallon—while a monthly transit pass costs about $65.85 for regular commuters.

You’ll find taxi trips cheaper than similar distances in many countries, and buses remain the lowest-cost option for short hops. If you commute daily, a $65.85 pass can undercut frequent taxi use.

Driving yourself means factoring fuel at $3.81/gal plus maintenance; fuel costs make private car use competitive only if you need flexibility or carry passengers. Overall, taxi and fuel pricing favors cost-conscious urban commuting.

Dining Out, Entertainment, and Leisure Costs

Curious how much you’ll spend on food and fun in Niger? You’ll find dining is generally cheaper: a basic meal with drink runs about $5.34 versus $19.45 in the U.S. (264.1% lower).

Fast food is surprisingly comparable — a combo costs $10.68 in Niger versus $11.12 in the U.S. (4.1% higher).

Drinks and entertainment skew lower: a local pint is $1.34 compared with $5.84 in the U.S. (337.0% cheaper here), and a movie ticket is $5.34 versus $13.64 in the U.S. (155.3% lower).

• Relief: affordable everyday meals let you stretch your budget.
• Surprise: familiar fast-food prices may feel unexpectedly similar.
• Enjoyment: cheaper drinks and cinema trips make leisure accessible.

You’ll also note childcare costs like private preschool are lower ($1,068.35/month vs. $1,387.27 in the U.S., 29.9% less), which can affect family leisure choices without addressing wages or purchasing power.

Salaries, Purchasing Power, and Affordability

Although prices for everyday goods may look modest, your paycheck in Niger stretches far less than the cost of living suggests: the average after-tax salary is about $327/month while the cost-of-living index sits at $1,151 (1.01× the world average), and with GDP per capita at only $723, the median resident can cover roughly 0.3 months of typical living expenses on a single average wage—highlighting a severe gap between local incomes and basic affordability for both locals and many expats.

You’ll find that salaries are low relative to required expenditures: $327 buys limited housing, food, and transport before essentials consume income. Purchasing power is constrained, so you’ll rely on informal markets, subsidies, or multiple income sources to bridge shortfalls.

For expats, imported goods and expatriate standards raise costs further, narrowing affordability. In short, wage levels and national income metrics show systemic affordability limits; policy shifts or higher-paying employment are necessary to materially improve living standards for most residents.

Cost Comparison: Niger Versus the United States

How much farther does your money go in Niger than in the United States? You’d see stark Cost differences: overall, Niger is 2.2 times less expensive.

A basic restaurant meal with a drink runs about $5.34 in Niger versus $19.45 in the U.S. (264.1% higher). Grocery basics like a loaf of bread cost $0.59 there and $3.56 here (499.4% higher).

Transportation follows: a taxi ride is $3.37 in Niger compared to $17.61 in the U.S. (420.6% difference). Housing narrows but still matters: a one-bedroom averages $534.18 in Niger and $979.32 in the U.S. (83.2% higher).

• You’ll feel relief when everyday groceries cost fractions of U.S. prices.
• You’ll notice eating out stretches your budget further.
• You’ll weigh housing trade-offs against lower daily expenses.

These Cost contrasts help you quantify purchasing power and prioritize spending choices.

Tips for Budgeting and Relocating to Niger

Now that you can see how far a dollar stretches in Niger compared with the U.S., plan your move around the numbers: the average monthly cost of living is about $1,151—roughly equal to the global average—while average after-tax monthly pay is only around $327, meaning local salaries cover just 0.3 months of typical expenses.

Prioritize housing: city-center one-bed rent averages $825, but you can cut housing costs to about $382 outside the center. Build a realistic budget that lists rent, utilities (~$184/month), food, transport and contingencies.

Use dining strategically—lunch menus at ~$6.45 and dinner for two around $37.10—to manage food spend without cooking every meal.

Secure income or savings before relocating; relying on local wages alone is risky. Consider shared housing, remote work, or international employer support.

If you need detailed cost breakdowns or relocation checklists, help us tailor a plan to your situation so you arrive financially prepared.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Niger a Good Place to Live?

You can live in Niger, but it’s mixed: living costs are low and Niamey is affordable, yet average income, GDP per capita and freedoms are limited, so you’ll trade lower expenses for constrained economic opportunity and services.

What Is the Cost of Living in Nigeria in US Dollars?

Like a city’s heartbeat, Nigeria’s cost of living averages higher: you’ll pay about $1,200 monthly for a city-center one-bedroom, meals around $10, and taxis $5, making overall expenses noticeably greater than in Niger.

How Much Does a Gallon of Milk Cost in Nigeria?

A gallon of milk in Nigeria costs about $10.28, so you’re paying roughly 61% more than the U.S. average ($3.97). Prices vary by region and supply, reflecting higher production and importation expenses.

How Much Does It Cost to Travel to Niger?

You’ll pay roughly $1,000–$1,700 upfront: $800–$1,500 airfare plus about $100 visa. Expect $25–$100 nightly lodging, $15–$30 daily food/transport, and $20–$200+ for activities per day.

Conclusion

Moving to Niger will stretch your budget differently than back home: housing and basics are cheap but salaries and imported goods are tight, so your purchasing power will feel lean. Picture your money as water in a shallow bowl—necessary costs soak in fast, luxuries evaporate. Compare Niamey’s modest rents and low transport fares with higher US prices, then plan around limited wages and supply constraints to keep your finances steady and predictable.