Cost Of Living For a Couple in Burundi 2024
Average Monthly Expenditure
Currency: BIF
Average monthly spending for couples in Burundi
How much money does a couple need in a month to survive in Burundi?
Couples in Burundi spend around 1.4M BIF per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a couple can survive with a monthly budget as low as 460,000 BIF or as high as 7.3M BIF. Location and income are very important factors and have a huge influence on expenditure and budget.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Burundi
Dining, food, and beverages costs
Fast food combo meal
| 1,200 BIF | 2,400 BIF | 4,000 BIF |
Restaurant meal for one
| 4,000 BIF | 5,900 BIF | 12,000 BIF |
Fine dining meal for one
| 7,900 BIF | 12,000 BIF | 47,000 BIF |
Cappuccino or latte
| 990 BIF | 1,600 BIF | 2,400 BIF |
Grocery and market costs
Milk large bottle
| 790 BIF | 950 BIF | 1,200 BIF |
12 eggs
| 590 BIF | 790 BIF | 1,200 BIF |
Fresh whole chicken
| 1,300 BIF | 1,700 BIF | 2,500 BIF |
Pack of beef
| 1,600 BIF | 2,400 BIF | 4,700 BIF |
Medium bag of rice
| 640 BIF | 870 BIF | 1,200 BIF |
Bag of tomatos
Bag of apples
Commute, travel, and transportation costs
20 minutes taxi ride
| 990 BIF | 1,200 BIF | 2,400 BIF |
Average car full tank
| 5,900 BIF | 7,900 BIF | 16,000 BIF |
Average car 1-day rental
| 5,900 BIF | 7,900 BIF | 12,000 BIF |
Average car price
Bus ticket one way
Car Service
| 7,900 BIF | 12,000 BIF | 24,000 BIF |
Utility cost (monthly)
Utility Bill - Couple
| 18,000 BIF | 62,000 BIF | 400,000 BIF |
Internet and cable
| 5,900 BIF | 12,000 BIF | 16,000 BIF |
Mobile phone charges
| 4,700 BIF | 7,900 BIF | 24,000 BIF |
Leisure and activities costs
Movie ticket
| 3,000 BIF | 4,000 BIF | 5,900 BIF |
One month gym membership
| 9,500 BIF | 12,000 BIF | 24,000 BIF |
Cloths and accessories costs
Pair of jeans or pants
| 7,000 BIF | 9,900 BIF | 15,000 BIF |
Woman dress
| 6,600 BIF | 9,100 BIF | 30,000 BIF |
Woman shoes
| 6,200 BIF | 8,500 BIF | 20,000 BIF |
Men's shoes
| 5,400 BIF | 6,600 BIF | 13,000 BIF |
Men suit
| 5,900 BIF | 7,400 BIF | 40,000 BIF |
Regular t-shirt
| 3,000 BIF | 4,000 BIF | 12,000 BIF |
Housing costs / monthly rent
Studio apartment
| 99,000 BIF | 150,000 BIF | 400,000 BIF |
1-bedroom apartment
| 150,000 BIF | 240,000 BIF | 590,000 BIF |
2-bedroom apartment
| 200,000 BIF | 300,000 BIF | 790,000 BIF |
Housing costs / Buying
Studio apartment
1-bedroom apartment
2-bedroom apartment
| 40M BIF | 120M BIF | 240M BIF |
Furniture Costs
King Size Bed
| 120,000 BIF | 150,000 BIF | 200,000 BIF |
Double Bed
| 79,000 BIF | 120,000 BIF | 150,000 BIF |
Single Bed
| 70,000 BIF | 91,000 BIF | 120,000 BIF |
Living Room
| 130,000 BIF | 170,000 BIF | 590,000 BIF |
Dining Table
| 59,000 BIF | 79,000 BIF | 150,000 BIF |
Sofa or Couch
| 79,000 BIF | 110,000 BIF | 240,000 BIF |
Electronics and House Appliance Costs
TV Set
| 79,000 BIF | 120,000 BIF | 240,000 BIF |
Fridge or Freezer
| 70,000 BIF | 110,000 BIF | 150,000 BIF |
Washing Machine
| 91,000 BIF | 130,000 BIF | 240,000 BIF |
Stove or Cooker
| 85,000 BIF | 110,000 BIF | 150,000 BIF |
Mobile Phone
| 99,000 BIF | 120,000 BIF | 170,000 BIF |
Laptop or Computer
| 110,000 BIF | 130,000 BIF | 240,000 BIF |
Couple expenditure to income ratio in Burundi
Analysing the how affordable it is for couples to live in Burundi
One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in. Couples usually spend a larger chunk of their income than other population groups. A typical and healthy expenditure percentage for a couple of four ranges between 70% to 80%.
Spending to Income Ratio
83%
77% to 91%
( expenditure / income ) x 100
Couples in Burundi spend around 83% of their monthly income.
Some couples spend as low as 77% of their income while some as high as 91%.
How do couples spend their money in Burundi?
We asked thousands of couples about their spending habits and expenditure break down.
The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.
Housing and accomodation expenditure for couples
Accomodation Cost26%
26% of total expenses on average (19% to 36%)
| LOW | $54 160,000 BIF |
| AVERAGE | $160 470,000 BIF |
| HIGH | $870 2.5M BIF |
| Per Month |
Couples in Burundi typically spend from 19% to 36% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 26% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 470,000 BIF with expenditure ranging from 160,000 BIF to 2.5M BIF. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.
Electricity, utilities, energy, water, internet, and mobile expenditure for couples
Cost of utilities8%
8% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)
| LOW | $6.4 18,000 BIF |
| AVERAGE | $22 62,000 BIF |
| HIGH | $140 400,000 BIF |
| Per Month |
Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Burundi ranges from 6% to 12% of total expenses with 8% being the average for most couples. The average monthly cost of utilities is 62,000 BIF with 18,000 BIF and 400,000 BIF being the upper and lower limits for a couple of four.
Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for couples
Cost of transport and fuel9%
9% of total expenses on average (3% to 14%)
| LOW | $19 55,000 BIF |
| AVERAGE | $58 160,000 BIF |
| HIGH | $310 880,000 BIF |
| Per Month |
Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a couple resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a couple would expect to spend from 55,000 BIF to 880,000 BIF in a month on commuting with 160,000 BIF being the norm for most couples. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 9% of total spending on average but can go as low as 3% or as high as 14%.
Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for couples
Food and Groceries Cost17%
17% of total expenses on average (12% to 22%)
| LOW | $22 64,000 BIF |
| AVERAGE | $67 190,000 BIF |
| HIGH | $360 1M BIF |
| Per Month |
The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical couple in a month in Burundi is 190,000 BIF. The cost of groceries can range between 64,000 BIF to 1M BIF. Couples spend on average about 17% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 12% and 22% respectively.
Healthcare and medical services expenditure for couples
Cost of healthcare14%
14% of total expenses on average (8% to 18%)
| LOW | $18 50,000 BIF |
| AVERAGE | $53 150,000 BIF |
| HIGH | $280 810,000 BIF |
| Per Month |
Couples in Burundi allocate 8% to 18% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending on medical services and clinic visits is around 14%. The range of medical expenses range from 50,000 BIF to 810,000 BIF with 150,000 BIF being the norm for most couples.
Leisure and shopping expenditure for couples
Cost of leisure and shopping3%
3% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)
| LOW | $9.6 27,000 BIF |
| AVERAGE | $29 82,000 BIF |
| HIGH | $150 440,000 BIF |
| Per Month |
This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 27,000 BIF to 440,000 BIF with 82,000 BIF being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 1% to 6% of total expenses with an average of 3% for most couples.
Education and schooling expenditure for couples
Cost of education and schooling1%
1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)
| LOW | $3.2 9,200 BIF |
| AVERAGE | $9.6 27,000 BIF |
| HIGH | $51 150,000 BIF |
| Per Month |
Spending on education can vary drastically between different couples. On average, education constitutes 1% of the monthly expenditure of couples with 0.00% and 3% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 27,000 BIF per month with 9,200 BIF being the minimum spent amount and 150,000 BIF being the maximum.
Other Expenses21%
21% of total expenses on average (15% to 27%)
| LOW | $27 78,000 BIF |
| AVERAGE | $82 230,000 BIF |
| HIGH | $430 1.2M BIF |
| Per Month |
What percentage of couples in Burundi are able to save money and how much can they save?
Percentage of couples that reported their ability to save money
Almost 53% of surveyed couples in Burundi said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 48% reported that they have to utilize their whole income to survive.
Savings-to-Income Ratio
The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.
How much money do couples manage to add to their savings?
The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
140,000 BIF
$47 | 410,000 BIF
$140 | 2.2M BIF
$760 |
Savings to income distribution levels for couples
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Couples |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 37% |
| 10% - 20% | 28% |
| 20% - 30% | 19% |
| 30% - 40% | 7% |
| 40% - 50% | 6% |
| > 50% | 3% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Couples that are able to save money can put anywhere from 9% to 29% of their monthly income to their savings, with 17% being the average for most couples. The average monthly amount of money that couples can put aside is 410,000 BIF with 140,000 BIF and 2.2M BIF being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Saving Challenges in Burundi
Reasons that make it difficult for couples to save money
We wanted to understand what is stopping couples from maximizing their savings in Burundi. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.
| Reason | % People |
|---|
| Low Income | 5% |
| High Expenses | 8% |
| Debt and Loans | 13% |
| Lack of Budgeting Skills | 12% |
| Impulsive Spending | 12% |
| Financial Emergencies | 7% |
| Living the moment | 5% |
| Will do it later | 21% |
| Inflation | 13% |
| Social Pressure | 3% |
| Market Instability | 2% |
Around 5% of the couples said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 8% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 13% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 12% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 12% of couples blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 7% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 5% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 21% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 13% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 2% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.
Typical saving choices for couples in Burundi
Where do people choose to put their savings?
| Saving Type | % People |
|---|
| Emergency Funds | 12% |
| Gold | 13% |
| Savings Accounts | 17% |
| Retirement Accounts | 10% |
| Cash Savings | 21% |
| Real Estate | 9% |
| Investment | 5% |
| Stocks | 4% |
| Bonds | 5% |
| Mutual Funds | 2% |
| Certificates of Deposit | 3% |
A typical and healthy budgeting structure
The 50/30/20 rule
Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle,
location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule,
which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.
50% for needs and financial obligations
This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.
30% for wants and discretionary spending
This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.
20% for savings and emergency fund
This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.
About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting
The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.
Affordable living in Burundi
Income and cost of living compatibility
We asked couples one simple question and recorded their answers.
Is it affordable or economical to live in Burundi?
Around 48% of surveyed couples think that living in Burundi is affordable with proper budgeting while 52% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.
Low-cost alternatives in Burundi
People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked couples how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:
Plenty of low-cost options55%
Few low-cost options45%
Based on the survey, 55% of the couples living in Burundi have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 45% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.
Emergency Funds For Couples
An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked couples of Burundi whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.
Yes47%
No53%
Based on the survey, 53% of the couples living in Burundi said that they don't have an emergency fund while 47% said that they do.
Financial Literacy in Burundi
Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.
Financial Leteracy43%
We asked couple guardians and parents in Burundi whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 57% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 43% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.
Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning
We wanted to understand whether couples of Burundi have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 51% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 49% said that they have everything under control.
Struggles with finance51%
Easily manages finances49%
Financial goals of couples in Burundi
In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Burundi, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.
| Financial Goal | % People |
|---|
| Emergency Fund | 8% |
| Debt Reduction | 43% |
| Retirement Savings | 10% |
| Education Funding | 7% |
| Homeownership | 18% |
| Investing | 6% |
| Travel or Lifestyle | 6% |
| Healthcare Expenses | 14% |
| Financial Independence | 5% |
Around 8% of couples said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 43% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 10% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 7% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 18% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 6% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 6% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 14% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.
Debt, loans, and mortgages in Burundi
Percentage of couples who are in debt
According to the survey, 30% of the couples in Burundi have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 70% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.
Debt-to-income ratio in Burundi
Debt to income ratio
32%
24% to 41%
( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100
Interpretation
The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 32% of a couple's monthly income in Burundi goes to debt settlement.
Debt levelsMonthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income
| Debt-to-income ratio | % People |
|---|
| > 60% | 3% |
| 50% - 60% | 19% |
| 40% - 50% | 15% |
| 30% - 40% | 17% |
| 20% - 30% | 10% |
| 10% - 20% | 11% |
| 0% - 10% | 25% |
According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Burundi pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 19% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 15% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 17% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 10% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.
Distribution by type of debt in Burundi
| Debt | % People |
|---|
| Real Estate Mortgage | 8% |
| Auto Loan | 14% |
| Student Loan | 4% |
| Credit Card | 30% |
| Personal Loan | 44% |
8% of debtors in Burundi confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 30% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 14% of people and personal loans rose at 44%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 4% of debtors in Burundi.
About credit score and debt managementManaging debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.
Good debt vs. Bad debt
Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.
Loan Affordability Index in Burundi
Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked couples of Burundi how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.
Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.
| Frequency | % People |
|---|
| Never | 50% |
| Once a year | 24% |
| Twice a year | 13% |
| Three times a year | 9% |
| Four times a year | 4% |
Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Burundi
Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Rent Cost in Burundi
Monthly Rent Prices
Studio apartment monthly rent cost
| 99,000 BIF | 150,000 BIF | 400,000 BIF |
1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 150,000 BIF | 240,000 BIF | 590,000 BIF |
2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 200,000 BIF | 300,000 BIF | 790,000 BIF |
3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 240,000 BIF | 400,000 BIF | 1.1M BIF |
Furnished apartment monthly rent cost
| 470,000 BIF | 1.2M BIF | 2.4M BIF |
Townhouse monthly rent cost
| 400,000 BIF | 590,000 BIF | 1.7M BIF |
House monthly rent cost
| 470,000 BIF | 1.2M BIF | 2.4M BIF |
Villa monthly rent cost
| 590,000 BIF | 1.5M BIF | 2.4M BIF |
The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Burundi ranges between 99,000 BIF and 400,000 BIF, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 150,000 BIF to 590,000 BIF. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 200,000 BIF and 790,000 BIF per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 240,000 BIF to 1.1M BIF. The average rent of a townhouse in Burundi is around 590,000 BIF while house rental costs can be as high as 1.2M BIF per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 590,000 BIF to 2.4M BIF per month.
Apartment and house prices in Burundi
Cost of buying a property
Studio apartment price
1-bedroom apartment price
2-bedroom apartment price
| 40M BIF | 120M BIF | 240M BIF |
3-bedroom apartment price
| 130M BIF | 200M BIF | 590M BIF |
Townhouse price
| 170M BIF | 400M BIF | 1,500M BIF |
| $59,000 | $140,000 | $520,000 |
House price
| 200M BIF | 1,200M BIF | 1,700M BIF |
| $69,000 | $410,000 | $590,000 |
Villa price
| 240M BIF | 1,300M BIF | 2,000M BIF |
| $83,000 | $460,000 | $690,000 |
The average price of a studio apartment in Burundi can range from 20M BIF to 59M BIF depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 24M BIF to 150M BIF. A villa can cost you 1,300M BIF on average with prices ranging from 240M BIF to 2,000M BIF.
If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Burundi will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.
House / apartment prices to income ratio
Property price to income ratio
( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100
| 30 | x82 monthly income | 189 |
Property prices in Burundi can be x82 to x189 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x82 multiples of the average monthly salary in Burundi.
Rent to income ratio
Rent to income ratio
( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100
The average rent-to-income ratio in Burundi is around 28%. This means that people pay 28% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 18% to 38% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.
The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.
Housing affordability index
The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.
Housing Affordability Index
26% Property Taxes
Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.
Home Maintenance Costs
Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.
| 1,800 BIF | 24,000 BIF | 240,000 BIF |
Urban vs. rural living costs
Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.
Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Burundi
Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.
Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Burundi
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple
| 18,000 BIF | 62,000 BIF | 400,000 BIF |
Internet and cable cost
| 5,900 BIF | 12,000 BIF | 16,000 BIF |
Mobile phone bill and charges
| 4,700 BIF | 7,900 BIF | 24,000 BIF |
Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.
The average monthly energy and water consumption of couples is around 62,000 BIF. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 5,900 BIF to 16,000 BIF with 12,000 BIF being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 7,900 BIF but can range between 4,700 BIF and 24,000 BIF depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.
Energy / Utility expense to income ratio
( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100
The average utility-to-income ratio in Burundi is around 7%. This means that people pay 7% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 4% to 11% depending on salary and location.
Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Burundi
Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Burundi
Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.
Fast food combo meal price
| 1,200 BIF | 2,400 BIF | 4,000 BIF |
The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Burundi is approximatly 2,400 BIF with meal cost ranging from 1,200 BIF to 4,000 BIF. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.
Restaurant meal for one price
| 4,000 BIF | 5,900 BIF | 12,000 BIF |
If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 4,000 BIF and 12,000 BIF with 5,900 BIF being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Burundi.
Fine dining meal for one price
| 7,900 BIF | 12,000 BIF | 47,000 BIF |
The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 7,900 BIF to 47,000 BIF with the average cost being 12,000 BIF for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Burundi.
Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..
| 990 BIF | 1,600 BIF | 2,400 BIF |
The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Burundi is around 1,600 BIF. Price ranges between 990 BIF and 2,400 BIF depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.
Grocery and market costs
Large bottle of milk price
| 790 BIF | 950 BIF | 1,200 BIF |
The average price of a large bottle of milk in Burundi is 950 BIF. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 1,200 BIF and the minimum being 790 BIF depending on the brand of milk and other properties.
12 eggs price
| 590 BIF | 790 BIF | 1,200 BIF |
A dozen eggs costs around 790 BIF on average with 590 BIF and 1,200 BIF being the lower and upper limits respectively.
Fresh whole chicken price
| 1,300 BIF | 1,700 BIF | 2,500 BIF |
The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Burundi is between 1,300 BIF and 2,500 BIF depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 1,700 BIF.
Pack of beef price
| 1,600 BIF | 2,400 BIF | 4,700 BIF |
The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 2,400 BIF. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.
Medium bag of rice price
| 640 BIF | 870 BIF | 1,200 BIF |
A bag of rice in Burundi costs around 870 BIF on average with prices rangeing between 640 BIF and 1,200 BIF depending on the brand and quality.
Bag of tomatos price
A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 240 BIF to 590 BIF. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.
Bag of apples price
A bag of apples costs 550 BIF on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.
Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio
( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100
The average grocery-to-income ratio in Burundi is around 27%. This means that couples spend 27% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 19% to 33% depending on salary and location.
Expenditure on food and grocery for couples
Couples' spending on grocery ranges from 64,000 BIF to 1M BIF with the location, income, and size of the couple being the most determinite factors.
