Last updated: October 3, 2026. Togo is one of the cheaper places to live in West Africa, but what you actually spend depends on how you live. A standardized benchmark puts the cost at about $740 a month for one person and $1,760 for a family of four, rent included. Lomé, the capital, runs slightly higher. Someone renting a room in a local neighborhood and cooking market food can spend far less, while an expat household with air conditioning, imported groceries and international school fees can spend several times more.
Quick Answer
Plan on about $759 a month for one person and $1,804 for a family of four in Lomé (LivingCost, June 2026). A simple local lifestyle can run 140,000–290,000 CFA ($240–$495) a month, while an expat-standard single budget is closer to 435,000–795,000 CFA ($750–$1,370).
Key Takeaways
- Togo uses the West African CFA franc (XOF), fixed at 655.957 CFA per euro. On October 1, 2026, one U.S. dollar was worth about 581 CFA.
- Rent is the biggest swing factor: a room in a working-class Lomé neighborhood can cost 15,000–35,000 CFA, while a villa in an upscale area can reach 400,000–1,000,000 CFA.
- Gasoline rose to 817 CFA per liter on September 11, 2026, and electricity tariffs went up an average of 12.5% in May 2025.
- The minimum wage (SMIG) is 52,500 CFA a month, about $90, so the expat budgets here assume income from abroad.
Data check: Dollar conversions in this guide use the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) reference rate of 580.60 CFA per U.S. dollar on October 1, 2026. Price data for Togo is thin, so many figures below are ranges rather than exact averages.
Cost of Living in Togo: 2026 Overview
The most complete standardized estimate comes from LivingCost’s Togo data, updated June 21, 2026. It puts the average monthly cost at about $740 for one person and $1,760 for a family of four, including rent. That ranks Togo 143rd of 197 countries for cost of living, roughly 1.6 times cheaper than the world average.
| Monthly Cost (LivingCost, June 2026) | Togo: One Person | Togo: Family of Four | Lomé: One Person | Lomé: Family of Four |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total with rent | $740 | $1,760 | $759 | $1,804 |
| Total without rent | $476 | $1,344 | $491 | $1,385 |
| Rent and utilities | $265 | $415 | — | — |
| Food | $297 | $790 | — | — |
| Transportation | $113 | $289 | — | — |
Prices have been fairly stable. The World Bank records inflation of just 0.4% for 2025, and Togo’s National Credit Council projected about 1.8% for 2026. The bigger 2026 pressure has come from fuel, which rose twice this year and feeds into taxi fares and food prices.
Keep in mind that LivingCost’s basket assumes a moderate, Western-style lifestyle, and Numbeo’s Lomé page rests on only eight contributors. Neither reflects how most Togolese households live, so use them as a starting point and price your own rent, school and transport in CFA francs.
Currency and Exchange Rate
Togo uses the West African CFA franc (XOF), shared with Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Niger and other WAEMU countries. It is pegged at 655.957 CFA per euro, so euro-based costs don’t move, but the dollar rate does. As a quick rule, 1,000 CFA is about $1.72, and 100,000 CFA is about $172.
Cash still rules at markets and with moto-taxis, and mobile money is widely used for everyday payments.
Housing and Rent in Lomé
Rent is where budgets split the most. LivingCost’s Lomé averages are about $213 for a central one-bedroom, $124 outside the center, and $389 for a central three-bedroom. Local listings and guides show a much wider spread, depending on the neighborhood and whether the place has air conditioning, a generator, security and a private water tank.
| Housing Type and Area | Typical Monthly Rent (CFA) | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|
| Basic room, outer areas (e.g. Ségbé) | 8,000–13,000 | $14–$22 |
| Room with private shower/WC (e.g. Zanguera, Agoè, Adidogomé) | 15,000–35,000 | $26–$60 |
| Room plus living room, popular areas (e.g. Bè, Amoutivé) | 35,000–80,000 | $60–$138 |
| 2-room apartment, popular areas | 60,000–120,000 | $103–$207 |
| Furnished one-bedroom, central or desirable area | 150,000–300,000 | $258–$517 |
| 2-room apartment, upscale areas (e.g. Agbalépédogan, Djidjolé) | 180,000–350,000 | $310–$603 |
| 3-room apartment, upscale areas | 250,000–500,000 | $431–$861 |
| 4–5 room villa, upscale areas | 400,000–1,000,000 | $689–$1,722 |
Ranges come from February–August 2026 Lomé rental reports and local guides. Expats tend to look in upscale districts such as Agbalépédogan and Djidjolé, while students and young workers rent in outer areas such as Adidogomé and Agoè.
Deposits, Advances and Agency Fees
Upfront costs catch many newcomers off guard. A 2022 decree covering Greater Lomé set the rental deposit (caution) at three months’ rent, and the landlord must return it within one month of handing back the keys, minus documented charges such as unpaid utility bills. Agents and intermediaries usually charge a fee equal to one month’s rent. For a 200,000 CFA apartment, the deposit and agent’s fee alone come to 800,000 CFA (about $1,380), before the first month’s rent.
Lomé vs. Kara, Sokodé and Other Cities
Secondary cities are cheaper, mainly because housing is. LivingCost puts the monthly one-person total at about $661 in Kara, $656 in Sokodé, $657 in Atakpamé and $665 in Kpalimé, compared with $759 in Lomé. The trade-off is fewer international schools, private clinics and imported goods. Kara and Sokodé are also closer to the northern regions covered by government travel warnings.
Utilities: Electricity, Water, Internet and Phone
Electricity is supplied by CEET. After more than a decade at the same rates, tariffs rose an average of 12.5% on May 15, 2025, according to the government’s announcement, while low-consumption households kept a reduced social rate. Many homes use prepaid Cash Power meters, and the fixed fee on Cash Power top-ups was suspended in June 2025.
| CEET Domestic Tariff (from May 2025) | Price per kWh (CFA) |
|---|---|
| Social rate (up to 2.2 kVA): 0–30 kWh | 60 |
| Social rate (up to 2.2 kVA): 31–120 kWh | 93 |
| Social rate (up to 2.2 kVA): over 120 kWh | 130 |
| Standard households (2.2 kVA and above): 0–120 kWh | 93 |
| Standard households: 121–350 kWh | 130 |
| Standard households: over 350 kWh | 153 |
Using those rates, a small home using 100 kWh a month would pay roughly 8,300 CFA ($14) in energy charges. An apartment running air conditioning and using 300 kWh would pay about 34,600 CFA ($60), and 500 kWh comes to about 64,000 CFA ($110), before any taxes or meter fees.
Water from TdE (Togolaise des Eaux) is cheap: the urban price has been about 350 CFA per cubic meter, and most households pay roughly 3,000–8,000 CFA a month. Many homes also buy bottled or sachet water for drinking.
For connectivity, the two mobile operators are Yas Togo (formerly Togocom) and Moov Africa Togo. Home fiber typically costs about 15,000–35,000 CFA ($26–$60) a month depending on speed, and a mobile plan with a solid data allowance runs about 12,500 CFA in Numbeo’s small Lomé sample. Large data bundles are the cheapest per gigabyte, so buy bigger bundles if you work online.
Groceries and Market Prices
Food costs depend on where you shop. Local markets such as Grand Marché in central Lomé sell staples, fish and produce far cheaper than supermarkets, where imported dairy, cheese, cereal and wine carry large markups.
| Item | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| Local rice (1 kg) | 400–500 CFA |
| Imported rice (1 kg) | 450–600 CFA |
| Fresh fish (1 kg) | 800–2,000 CFA |
| Beef (1 kg) | 2,000–3,500 CFA |
| Bread (one small loaf) | 100–150 CFA |
| Eggs (12) | About 1,160 CFA ($2) |
| Milk (1 liter, supermarket) | About 1,330 CFA ($2.30) |
| Chicken breast (1 kg, supermarket) | About $8 |
Market ranges come from August 2026 local price guides; eggs and milk are from Numbeo’s October 2026 Lomé sample; chicken breast is from LivingCost. A single person cooking mostly local food might spend around 60,000–110,000 CFA a month on groceries, while a Western-style diet with imported products can easily double that.
Eating Out
Street food and small local restaurants (maquis) are the cheapest way to eat out. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs about 1,700 CFA ($3) in Numbeo’s Lomé sample, and LivingCost puts a lunch menu at about $3.29 and a fast-food combo at $5.36. Dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant runs about 18,000 CFA ($31), in line with LivingCost’s $28.60. Restaurants aimed at expats and hotel dining cost noticeably more.
Transportation Costs
Most people in Lomé get around by zemidjan (moto-taxi). Fares are negotiated and usually run about 300–2,000 CFA depending on distance, with short hops at the low end. Ride-hailing apps offer moto and car rides with fares agreed upfront. City buses run by SOTRAL are the cheapest option: since December 2024, tickets cost 100–300 CFA depending on distance.
| Transport | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| SOTRAL city bus ticket | 100–300 CFA |
| Zemidjan (moto-taxi) ride in Lomé | 300–2,000 CFA |
| Shared taxi, short trip | 150–500 CFA per seat |
| Taxi, 8 km | About $8.80 |
| Gasoline (super unleaded), from Sept. 11, 2026 | 817 CFA/liter ($1.41) |
| Diesel, from Sept. 11, 2026 | 750 CFA/liter ($1.29) |
| Intercity bus, Lomé to Kara | About 6,000 CFA |
Super unleaded went from 725 to 817 CFA per liter on September 11, 2026, according to Koaci’s report on the new pump prices, while diesel rose from 734 to 750 CFA. Agree on moto-taxi fares before you ride.
Health Care and Insurance
Basic care is inexpensive. A consultation at a local clinic typically costs about 2,000–10,000 CFA ($3–$17), and private clinics in Lomé charge more. The catch is quality and availability: the U.S. State Department’s Togo advisory warns that care may not meet U.S. standards, hospitals expect payment upfront, some medicines are unavailable, and even minor problems can require medical evacuation.
Expats should budget for international health insurance that includes evacuation. Premiums vary widely with age, deductible and coverage, so get quotes before you move. Also budget for malaria prevention and a yellow fever vaccination, which is required for entry.
Schools and Childcare
School fees can outweigh rent for expat families. The Lycée Français de Lomé’s 2026–2027 family fee schedule lists annual tuition of 1,956,000 CFA (about $3,370) for elementary school for French and Togolese students and 2,741,000 CFA for other nationalities. Middle school ranges from 2,192,500 to 3,092,000 CFA, and high school from 2,741,000 to 3,156,000 CFA (about $5,440). A one-time admission fee of 400,000 CFA applies to most new students, and a 5% discount applies from the third child.
The British School of Lomé, which teaches the English curriculum and the IB, does not publish its fees, so ask the admissions office directly. LivingCost’s data puts international primary school at about $3,512 a year and private preschool at about $125 a month. Local private schools are much cheaper, often around 50,000–200,000 CFA per term.
Income, Minimum Wage and Taxes
Local wages are low compared with the benchmarks above. Togo’s minimum wage, the SMIG, has been 52,500 CFA a month since January 2023, up from 35,000 CFA. That is about $90.
| Income Measure | Monthly Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage (SMIG) | 52,500 CFA (~$90) | Legal floor since January 2023 |
| Average take-home pay, Togo | About $143 | LivingCost national estimate |
| Average take-home pay, Lomé | About $147 | LivingCost city estimate |
| Average net salary, Lomé (small sample) | 175,000 CFA (~$301) | Numbeo, eight contributors |
The salary estimates disagree because they measure different groups. Either way, a local salary covers only a fraction of a Western-style budget, so most foreigners living comfortably in Togo earn in euros or dollars or have an expat package.
On taxes, the standard VAT (TVA) rate is 18%, applied to most goods and services, and it is built into shelf prices. Salaried employees also pay progressive income tax and social contributions through payroll. If you work remotely for a foreign company, check your tax position in both countries before you move.
Sample Monthly Budgets for Lomé
These are planning ranges built from the rent, utility, food, transport and school data above. They are not official averages, and your real numbers will depend on your neighborhood and habits.
| Category (CFA per month) | Single, Local Style | Single, Expat Style | Couple, Expat Style | Family of Four, Expat Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | 35,000–80,000 | 150,000–300,000 | 180,000–350,000 | 400,000–1,000,000 |
| Electricity and water | 8,000–20,000 | 30,000–60,000 | 40,000–75,000 | 60,000–120,000 |
| Food and groceries | 60,000–110,000 | 150,000–220,000 | 250,000–350,000 | 400,000–500,000 |
| Transport | 15,000–35,000 | 40,000–70,000 | 60,000–110,000 | 100,000–170,000 |
| Internet and mobile | 5,000–12,500 | 25,000–45,000 | 35,000–55,000 | 40,000–60,000 |
| International school (2 children) | — | — | — | 326,000–526,000 |
| Insurance, health and other | 15,000–30,000 | 40,000–100,000 | 70,000–160,000 | 100,000–200,000 |
| Total (CFA) | 138,000–287,500 | 435,000–795,000 | 635,000–1,100,000 | 1,426,000–2,576,000 |
| Total (USD) | $238–$495 | $749–$1,369 | $1,094–$1,895 | $2,456–$4,437 |
School costs are the Lycée Français de Lomé’s 2026–2027 annual tuition for two children, divided by 12. Without international school fees, the family budget drops to roughly 1.1–2.05 million CFA, which is closer to LivingCost’s $1,804 Lomé family figure. The local-style column assumes a room or small apartment in a popular neighborhood, market shopping and moto-taxis, and it is still well above what a minimum-wage household earns.
Visa, Residence and Setup Costs
Most non-African visitors need an e-visa, applied for online through the official Togo e-visa portal at least five days before arrival. Visas on arrival are suspended. African passport holders can enter without a visa for up to 30 days if they complete the online immigration form before arriving. You also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter.
| Setup Cost | Typical Amount (CFA) | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|
| E-visa, 1–15 days, single entry | 25,000 | $43 |
| E-visa, 1–15 days, multiple entry | 35,000 | $60 |
| E-visa, 16–30 days, multiple entry | 45,000 | $78 |
| E-visa, 31–90 days, multiple entry | 65,000 | $112 |
| Professional visa, 91–365 days | 100,000 | $172 |
| One-year residence card (carte de séjour), published estimates | About 50,000–200,000 | $86–$344 |
| Rental deposit (three months on a 200,000 CFA rent) | 600,000 | $1,033 |
| Agent’s fee (usually one month’s rent) | Equal to one month | Varies |
Residence cards are issued in Lomé by the DGDN (Direction Générale de la Documentation Nationale). Published fee estimates vary widely by card type and length, so confirm the current amount and document list with the DGDN before you apply. Also set aside money for furniture, a fan or air conditioner, a water filter, and possibly backup power.
Safety and Practical Tips
Safety note: As of its March 9, 2026 advisory, the U.S. State Department rates Togo at Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) but Level 4 (Do Not Travel) for the northern border area with Burkina Faso and areas north of Kandé because of terrorism and kidnapping. The U.K. advises against all travel within 30 km of the Burkina Faso border, except Dapaong city and the N1 road leading to it, and against all but essential travel to the rest of the Savanes Region. Check current advice for your nationality before you move.
- Inspect before you pay. Check water pressure, power reliability, drainage in the rainy season, window bars and whether there is a guard. Get a written lease that states the deposit amount.
- Watch your power use. Air conditioning pushes you into CEET’s 130 and 153 CFA/kWh brackets fast. Running it only in the bedroom at night can cut your bill sharply.
- Keep a cash cushion. Hold enough to cover a deposit, a medical bill paid upfront, and a few weeks of expenses while you set up banking and mobile money.
- Watch for petty theft. Pickpocketing is common in markets and busy areas, and violent crime such as robbery and home invasion can happen anywhere.
How Togo Compares With Its Neighbors
Togo sits on the lower-cost end of the region. Ghana uses its own currency and Accra rents can run high; see our guide to the cost of living in Ghana. Abidjan is generally pricier than Lomé, as covered in our Ivory Coast cost of living guide. For fellow CFA franc countries to the north, compare our guides to living costs in Burkina Faso and the cost of living in Niger.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do you need per month to live in Togo?
LivingCost’s June 2026 data puts the average at about $740 a month for one person and $1,760 for a family of four, rent included. In Lomé, a simple local lifestyle can cost about 140,000–290,000 CFA ($240–$495) a month, while an expat-standard single budget is closer to 435,000–795,000 CFA ($750–$1,370).
How much is rent in Lomé?
A room in an outer neighborhood can cost 8,000–35,000 CFA a month. A room plus living room in a popular area runs about 35,000–80,000 CFA, a furnished one-bedroom in a central area about 150,000–300,000 CFA, and a villa in an upscale area 400,000–1,000,000 CFA. Landlords in Greater Lomé can ask for a deposit of three months’ rent.
What is the minimum wage in Togo?
The minimum wage (SMIG) is 52,500 CFA a month, about $90, and has been in place since January 2023. Average take-home pay estimates range from about $143 to $300 a month depending on the data source.
What currency does Togo use, and what is it worth in dollars?
Togo uses the West African CFA franc (XOF), pegged at 655.957 CFA per euro. On October 1, 2026, the BCEAO reference rate was 580.60 CFA per U.S. dollar, so 1,000 CFA is worth about $1.72.
How much does a Togo e-visa cost?
Official e-visa fees are 25,000 CFA for 1–15 days with a single entry, 35,000 CFA for 1–15 days with multiple entries, 45,000 CFA for 16–30 days and 65,000 CFA for 31–90 days. Apply online at least five days before arrival, since visas on arrival are suspended. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is also required.
Is Togo safe for expats?
The U.S. State Department rates Togo as a whole at Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution), mainly for crime. The northern border area with Burkina Faso is rated Level 4 (Do Not Travel) because of terrorism and kidnapping. Check your government’s current travel advice before moving.
Bottom Line
Togo is affordable if your income comes from abroad. A single person can live simply in Lomé for under $500 a month, or comfortably at an expat standard for roughly $750–$1,370. Families who need international schools and a villa should plan on $2,500 or more. The biggest variables are rent, air conditioning, imported food and school fees, so price those in CFA francs first. Then add a setup fund for the deposit, visa and insurance, and check current travel advice before you commit.
Sources
- BCEAO: reference exchange rates against the CFA franc — euro peg and the October 1, 2026 dollar rate used for conversions.
- LivingCost: Cost of Living in Togo — national monthly totals, salary and city comparisons; updated June 21, 2026.
- LivingCost: Cost of Living in Lomé — Lomé rent, food, restaurant, transport and school benchmarks; updated June 21, 2026.
- Numbeo: Cost of Living in Lomé — small contributor sample for restaurant, grocery, mobile and salary data; updated October 2, 2026.
- World Bank: Togo data — 2025 inflation and economic indicators.
- Ecofin Agency: Togo’s 2026 growth and inflation outlook — National Credit Council inflation projection for 2026.
- Republic of Togo: electricity tariff adjustment — average 12.5% CEET increase from May 15, 2025.
- L-Frii: new CEET electricity tariffs — per-kWh brackets by customer type.
- Afrique Sur7: Cash Power fixed fee suspended — June 2025 change for prepaid electricity customers.
- pS-Eau: Togo water sector country sheet (2024) — urban water price per cubic meter.
- ARCEP Togo: telecom market observatory, Q1 2026 — mobile and fixed operators.
- ARCEP Togo: fiber price benchmark — fiber pricing by speed tier.
- Africarrières: cost of living in Togo — Lomé rents by neighborhood, market food prices, utilities, transport, consultations and school fees; August 2026.
- L-Frii: room rental prices in Lomé — room rents by neighborhood and agent fees; February 2026.
- Benin Web TV: Togo’s residential lease decree — three-month deposit rule for Greater Lomé.
- L-Frii: deposit refund deadline — one-month deposit return rule.
- Koaci: fuel price increase, September 2026 — current and previous pump prices.
- L-Frii: SOTRAL bus fares — city bus fares from December 23, 2024.
- Lycée Français de Lomé: 2026–2027 family fees — annual tuition by level and nationality, admission fees.
- Republic of Togo: minimum wage increase — SMIG raised to 52,500 CFA from January 2023.
- Togo official e-visa portal — application, processing time and visa-free entry for African passport holders.
- Togo e-visa information sheet — visa types, durations and official fees.
- U.K. FCDO: Togo entry requirements — e-visa rules and yellow fever certificate.
- U.K. FCDO: Togo travel advice — areas the U.K. advises against travel to.
- U.S. State Department: Togo travel advisory — Level 2 national rating, Level 4 northern areas, crime and health care warnings; March 9, 2026.
