Cost of Living in Kigali, Rwanda

Kigali has a cost of living index of 28/100 (New York = 100). It is 72% cheaper than New York. Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

28/100
Cost Index
$213/mo
Median Income
75/100
Safety Index
tropical highland
Climate

Cost Breakdown by Category

HousingScore: 22/100
1-Bed Apartment (City Center)$350/month
1-Bed Apartment (Outside Center)$200/month
3-Bed Apartment (City Center)$600/month
Food & GroceriesScore: 35/100
Milk (1 liter)$1.5/liter
Bread (500g loaf)$1.2/loaf
Rice (1 kg)$1/kg
Dining OutScore: 28/100
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant$4/meal
Meal for 2 (Mid-Range)$15/meal
McMeal at McDonald's$4/meal
TransportationScore: 25/100
Monthly Transit Pass$15/month
One-Way Ticket$0.4/trip
Taxi (1 km)$0.5/km
UtilitiesScore: 30/100
Basic (Elec, Heat, Water, Garbage) 85m2$35/month
Internet (60+ Mbps)$20/month
Mobile Plan (10GB+)$8/month
HealthcareScore: 40/100
Doctor Visit (15 min)$15/visit
Dentist Visit$25/visit
Prescription Medicine (avg)$5/course
EntertainmentScore: 25/100
Cinema Ticket (1 seat)$4/ticket
Theater Ticket$8/ticket
Museum Entry$5/ticket
FitnessScore: 25/100
Gym Membership (monthly)$20/month
Tennis Court Rent (1 hr)$8/hour
Swimming Pool (adult entry)$3/entry
Personal CareScore: 20/100
Haircut (Men)$3/cut
Haircut (Women)$6/cut
Shampoo (400ml)$2/bottle
ClothingScore: 30/100
Jeans (Levi's or similar)$30/pair
Summer Dress (Zara/H&M)$18/piece
Running Shoes (Nike/Adidas)$40/pair

Digital Nomad Profile

28 Mbps
Internet Speed
$150
Coworking/Month
fair
Café WiFi
moderate
English Level
growing
Nomad Community
62/100
Walkability

Best neighborhoods: Kiyovu, Nyarutarama, Remera

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kigali cheap to live in?

Kigali has a cost of living index of 28/100, where New York = 100. It is 72% cheaper than New York. A single person can live comfortably for approximately $560–$784 per month.

How much does rent cost in Kigali?

A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center of Kigali costs approximately $350/month. Outside the center, expect to pay around $200/month.

Is Kigali good for digital nomads?

Kigali has a growing digital nomad community. Average internet speed is 28 Mbps, café wifi reliability is fair, and coworking spaces run about $150/month. English proficiency is moderate.

What is the average salary in Kigali?

The median net monthly salary in Kigali is approximately $213 USD. The income tax rate is around 30%.

How does Kigali compare to New York for cost of living?

Kigali (cost index 28) is 72% cheaper than New York (cost index 100). You could save roughly $1,800/month by moving from New York to Kigali.

Compare Kigali with another city

See exactly how Kigali stacks up against your current city or next destination.

Compare Kigali →Explore another city

Free to start · No credit card needed