Sub-Saharan Africa Updated
Average Cost of Living in Kigali-Rwanda
The average cost of living in Kigali-Rwanda, Rwanda is $609 per month for a single person, and $1,798 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $674 per month. The local average net salary is $308 per month.
Very affordable
Updated today
Index 13.8 · NYC = 100
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $609 / month
- Family of 4
- $1,798 / mo
- Student
- $360 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in Kigali-Rwanda
Adjust the household and see the gap or surplus vs. typical local pay.
Interactive
You need at least
$0 / month
Annual gross (25% tax)
$0
vs. local average net salary
$307.62 / month
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for Kigali-Rwanda | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in Kigali-Rwanda | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in Kigali-Rwanda | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in Kigali-Rwanda | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in Kigali-Rwanda | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in Kigali-Rwanda | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in Kigali-Rwanda | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Kigali-Rwanda | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in Kigali-Rwanda | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in Kigali-Rwanda | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| Kigali-Rwanda FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in Kigali-Rwanda. |
Rent & Property Prices in Kigali-Rwanda
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $674 | $342 – $821 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $421 | $273 – $500 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $1,396 | $1,025 – $1,530 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $860 | $684 – $1,000 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $3,373 | $2,704 – $5,382 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $3,033 | $684 – $5,382 |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $674$342 – $821
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $421$273 – $500
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $1,396$1,025 – $1,530
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $860$684 – $1,000
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $3,373$2,704 – $5,382
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $3,033$684 – $5,382
Grocery Prices in Kigali-Rwanda
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $0.74 | $0.34 – $1.16 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $1.00 | $0.68 – $1.71 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $1.23 | $0.75 – $3.08 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $1.63 | $1.37 – $2.05 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $4.06 | $1.37 – $8.89 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $5.09 | $2.39 – $6.84 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $4.01 | $3.08 – $5.47 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $2.59 | $0.68 – $5.13 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $0.84 | $0.41 – $1.37 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $1.64 | $0.34 – $2.87 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $0.96 | $0.34 – $1.71 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $0.49 | $0.41 – $0.82 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $0.81 | $0.48 – $1.23 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $0.44 | $0.34 – $0.68 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $0.82 | $0.68 – $1.37 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $10 | $7.52 – $21 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $1.03 | $0.62 – $1.71 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $1.67 | $0.68 – $2.73 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $2.56 | $1.37 – $3.76 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $0.74$0.34 – $1.16
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $1.00$0.68 – $1.71
- White Rice (1 kg) $1.23$0.75 – $3.08
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $1.63$1.37 – $2.05
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $4.06$1.37 – $8.89
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $5.09$2.39 – $6.84
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $4.01$3.08 – $5.47
- Apples (1 kg) $2.59$0.68 – $5.13
- Bananas (1 kg) $0.84$0.41 – $1.37
- Oranges (1 kg) $1.64$0.34 – $2.87
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $0.96$0.34 – $1.71
- Potatoes (1 kg) $0.49$0.41 – $0.82
- Onions (1 kg) $0.81$0.48 – $1.23
- Lettuce (1 Head) $0.44$0.34 – $0.68
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $0.82$0.68 – $1.37
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) $10$7.52 – $21
- Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $1.03$0.62 – $1.71
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $1.67$0.68 – $2.73
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $2.56$1.37 – $3.76
Public Transport & Car Costs in Kigali-Rwanda
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $0.34 | $0.31 – $0.55 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $29 | $21 – $41 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $2.73 | $2.39 – $3.42 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $2.05 | $1.37 – $2.73 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $3.42 | $1.71 – $8.20 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $1.33 | $1.06 – $2.01 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $26,318 | $23,926 – $28,711 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $29,907 | $17,090 – $30,762 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $0.34$0.31 – $0.55
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $29$21 – $41
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $2.73$2.39 – $3.42
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $2.05$1.37 – $2.73
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $3.42$1.71 – $8.20
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $1.33$1.06 – $2.01
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $26,318$23,926 – $28,711
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $29,907$17,090 – $30,762
Utility & Internet Costs in Kigali-Rwanda
Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $64 | $44 – $82 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $8.20 | $3.42 – $14 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $22 | $10 – $34 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $64$44 – $82
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $8.20$3.42 – $14
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $22$10 – $34
Childcare & Preschool in Kigali-Rwanda
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $103 | $68 – $273 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $6,728 | $2,051 – $26,831 |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $103$68 – $273
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $6,728$2,051 – $26,831
Clothing Prices in Kigali-Rwanda
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $19 | $10 – $48 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $15 | $6.84 – $82 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $23 | $17 – $103 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $36 | $24 – $68 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $19$10 – $48
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $15$6.84 – $82
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $23$17 – $103
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $36$24 – $68
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Kigali-Rwanda
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $31 | $14 – $48 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $3.14 | $2.05 – $3.42 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $3.42 | $3.42 – $5.47 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $31$14 – $48
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $3.14$2.05 – $3.42
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $3.42$3.42 – $5.47
Restaurant Prices in Kigali-Rwanda
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $2.05 | $1.37 – $4.79 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $27 | $21 – $55 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $6.84 | $6.84 – $8.20 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) | $1.03 | $0.68 – $1.37 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $2.56 | $1.37 – $3.42 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $2.27 | $1.37 – $4.79 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $0.81 | $0.68 – $2.05 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.57 | $0.34 – $0.68 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $2.05$1.37 – $4.79
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $27$21 – $55
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $6.84$6.84 – $8.20
- Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) $1.03$0.68 – $1.37
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $2.56$1.37 – $3.42
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $2.27$1.37 – $4.79
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $0.81$0.68 – $2.05
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $0.57$0.34 – $0.68
Salaries & Mortgages in Kigali-Rwanda
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $308 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 16.20% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $308
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 16.20%
Compare Kigali-Rwanda with…
Pick any city to see costs side by side.
Related cities
Similar cost tier, nearby, or in the same country.
Mauritius
Beau-Bassin-Rose-Hill-Mauritius
Monthly / 1 person
$580
vs NYC
13.2/100
Nigeria
Ibadan-Nigeria
Monthly / 1 person
$578
vs NYC
13.1/100
Mauritius
Curepipe-Mauritius
Monthly / 1 person
$572
vs NYC
13/100
Angola
Luanda-Angola
Monthly / 1 person
$558
vs NYC
12.7/100
Nigeria
Lagos-Nigeria
Monthly / 1 person
$661
vs NYC
15/100
Mauritius
Grand-Bay-Mauritius
Monthly / 1 person
$680
vs NYC
15.4/100
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in Kigali-Rwanda?
- An estimated $609 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in Kigali-Rwanda. A family of four needs around $1,798 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $360.
- How much money do I need to live in Kigali-Rwanda?
- Plan for at least $609 per month as a single person, $1,798 per month for a family of four, or $360 per month as a student in shared accommodation. Add 15–25% on top for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending — that's the salary you should be targeting before relocating to Kigali-Rwanda.
- What is the average rent in Kigali-Rwanda?
- A one-bedroom apartment in Kigali-Rwanda rents for around $674 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $1,396 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in Kigali-Rwanda?
- The average monthly net salary in Kigali-Rwanda is around $308. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 219% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in Kigali-Rwanda?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Kigali-Rwanda costs around $2.05. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $34 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($0.74/L) and bread ($1.00/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in Kigali-Rwanda?
- A monthly public transport pass in Kigali-Rwanda costs around $29. Cities with extensive metro and bus networks generally let residents skip car ownership entirely, particularly when commuting from areas outside the city centre.
- Is the internet expensive in Kigali-Rwanda?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in Kigali-Rwanda costs around $22 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.