Cost of Living in Burkina Faso

Complete guide to living expenses in Ouagadougou and Burkina Faso. Plan your budget with detailed cost breakdowns for accommodation, food, transportation, and daily expenses.

Quick Cost Overview

Accommodation

$130 - $2,500/month

Budget to Luxury
Food & Dining

$150 - $600/month

Local to International
Transportation

$50 - $300/month

Public to Private
Utilities

$50 - $150/month

Basic to Premium

Accommodation Costs

Budget Options
  • Shared Room:
    $50 - $165/month
    30,000 - 100,000 CFA
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment:
    $130 - $330/month
    80,000 - 200,000 CFA
  • Traditional Compound:
    $80 - $250/month
    50,000 - 150,000 CFA
Includes:
  • Basic electricity
  • Water access
  • Basic security
Mid-Range Options
  • 2-Bedroom Apartment:
    $330 - $650/month
    200,000 - 400,000 CFA
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment:
    $500 - $1,000/month
    300,000 - 600,000 CFA
  • Furnished Options:
    +20-30% premium
    Additional cost
Includes:
  • Air conditioning
  • Reliable utilities
  • Security features
  • Modern amenities
Luxury Options
  • 2-Bedroom Luxury:
    $800 - $1,500/month
    500,000 - 900,000 CFA
  • 3-Bedroom Luxury:
    $1,300 - $2,500/month
    800,000 - 1,500,000 CFA
  • Premium Locations:
    Ouaga 2000, Zone du Bois
    Prime areas
Includes:
  • 24/7 security
  • Swimming pool
  • Fitness facilities
  • Maintenance services

Food & Dining Expenses

Grocery Shopping

Local Market (monthly) $80 - $150
Supermarket (monthly) $150 - $300
Rice (1kg) $0.80 - $1.20
Chicken (1kg) $3.50 - $5.00
Vegetables (1kg) $0.50 - $2.00
Bread (loaf) $0.30 - $0.80
Milk (1L) $1.00 - $1.50
Eggs (12 pieces) $1.50 - $2.50

Dining Out

Street Food (meal) $1.00 - $3.00
Local Restaurant $3.00 - $8.00
Mid-range Restaurant $8.00 - $20.00
Fine Dining $20.00 - $50.00
Coffee (local) $0.50 - $1.50
Coffee (international) $2.00 - $4.00
Local Beer $1.00 - $2.50
Soft Drink $0.50 - $1.50

Transportation Expenses

Public Transport
  • City Bus: $0.30 - $0.50 per ride
  • Shared Taxi: $0.50 - $1.00 per ride
  • Moto-taxi: $0.80 - $2.00 per ride
  • Monthly Pass: $30 - $50
Private Transport
  • Taxi (per trip): $3.00 - $8.00
  • Car Rental: $30 - $80/day
  • Fuel (per liter): $1.20 - $1.50
  • Parking: $1.00 - $5.00/day
Personal Vehicle
  • Motorcycle: $800 - $2,500
  • Used Car: $3,000 - $15,000
  • Insurance: $200 - $800/year
  • Maintenance: $50 - $200/month

Utilities & Services

Basic Utilities

Electricity $25 - $80/month
Water $8 - $25/month
Gas (cooking) $10 - $20/month
Waste Collection $5 - $15/month
Security Service $20 - $100/month

Communication

Internet (Home) $25 - $65/month
Mobile Plan $10 - $30/month
Cable TV $15 - $40/month
Landline $8 - $20/month
Satellite Internet $50 - $150/month

Lifestyle & Entertainment

Healthcare
  • Doctor Visit: $10 - $50
  • Pharmacy: $5 - $30
  • Health Insurance: $50 - $200/month
Education
  • International School: $200 - $800/month
  • Language Classes: $50 - $150/month
  • University: $500 - $2,000/year
Entertainment
  • Cinema: $3 - $8
  • Gym Membership: $20 - $60/month
  • Cultural Events: $5 - $25
Shopping
  • Clothing: $10 - $100
  • Electronics: $50 - $500
  • Personal Care: $20 - $80/month

Sample Monthly Budgets

Budget Living
$400/month
  • Accommodation $150
  • Food $120
  • Transportation $40
  • Utilities $50
  • Other $40
Comfortable Living
$1,200/month
  • Accommodation $600
  • Food $300
  • Transportation $150
  • Utilities $100
  • Other $50
Luxury Living
$3,000/month
  • Accommodation $1,800
  • Food $600
  • Transportation $300
  • Utilities $150
  • Other $150

Money-Saving Tips

Smart Strategies
  • Shop at local markets for fresh produce
  • Use public transportation or moto-taxis
  • Cook at home instead of dining out
  • Share accommodation to reduce costs
  • Learn basic French for better prices
Local Insights
  • Negotiate prices at markets
  • Buy seasonal fruits and vegetables
  • Use prepaid mobile and internet plans
  • Join expat communities for tips
  • Consider traditional compound living

Ready to Move to Burkina Faso?

Now that you understand the cost of living, get your e-visa and start planning your life in this beautiful West African country.