Cost Of Living in Douala 2024
Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Douala
Whether you're living in Douala or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.
Average Monthly Expenditure480,000 XAF
per month$80037,000 XAF $61
$8,000 4.8M XAF
Single330,000 XAF
per month$550110,000 XAF $180
$3,700 2.2M XAF
Couple550,000 XAF
per month$920180,000 XAF $310
$4,900 3M XAF
Family740,000 XAF
per month$1,200260,000 XAF $430
$6,700 4.1M XAF
Student220,000 XAF
per month$36088,000 XAF $140
$650 390,000 XAF
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.
Singles
The average monthly expense for a single person living in Douala is 330,000 XAF. Expenses can range from 110,000 XAF at the minimum level to 2.2M XAF at the highest end.
Couples
The average monthly spending of couples in Douala is 550,000 XAF. Expenditure can range from 180,000 XAF to 3M XAF per month.
Families
The average cost of living for families in Douala is 740,000 XAF per month. Families spend anywhere from 260,000 XAF to 4.1M XAF.
Students
The average monthly expenditure for students in Douala is 220,000 XAF. Students spend from 88,000 XAF to 390,000 XAF per month.
Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Douala
Dining, food, and beverages costs
Large bottle of water
Fast food combo meal | 440 XAF | 880 XAF | 1,500 XAF |
Restaurant meal for one | 1,500 XAF | 2,300 XAF | 4,600 XAF |
Fine dining meal for one | 3,100 XAF | 4,600 XAF | 19,000 XAF |
Soda or Soft Drink
Cappuccino or latte Grocery and market costs
Milk large bottle
Loaf of bread
12 eggs
Fresh whole chicken
Beef 1 kg or 1 lb | 590 XAF | 880 XAF | 1,800 XAF |
Rice 1 kg or 1 lb
Tomato 1 kg or 1 lb
Apples 1 kg or 1 lb Commute, travel, and transportation costs
20 minutes taxi ride
Average car full tank | 2,200 XAF | 2,900 XAF | 5,900 XAF |
Average car 1-day rental | 2,400 XAF | 3,200 XAF | 4,900 XAF |
Average car price | 1.1M XAF | 2.2M XAF | 2.9M XAF |
Bus ticket one way
Car Service | 3,200 XAF | 4,900 XAF | 9,700 XAF |
Utility cost (monthly)
Utility Bill - Individual | 6,700 XAF | 20,000 XAF | 130,000 XAF |
Utility Bill - Couple | 9,200 XAF | 28,000 XAF | 150,000 XAF |
Utility Bill - Family | 7,800 XAF | 22,000 XAF | 120,000 XAF |
Internet and cable | 2,200 XAF | 4,400 XAF | 5,900 XAF |
Mobile phone charges | 1,800 XAF | 2,900 XAF | 8,800 XAF |
Leisure and activities costs
Movie ticket | 1,100 XAF | 1,500 XAF | 2,200 XAF |
One month gym membership | 3,900 XAF | 4,900 XAF | 9,700 XAF |
Cloths and accessories costs
Pair of jeans or pants | 2,900 XAF | 4,100 XAF | 6,100 XAF |
Woman dress | 2,700 XAF | 3,700 XAF | 12,000 XAF |
Woman shoes | 2,600 XAF | 3,500 XAF | 8,100 XAF |
Men's shoes | 2,200 XAF | 2,700 XAF | 5,400 XAF |
Men suit | 2,400 XAF | 3,000 XAF | 16,000 XAF |
Regular t-shirt | 1,200 XAF | 1,600 XAF | 4,900 XAF |
Housing costs / monthly rent
Studio apartment | 41,000 XAF | 61,000 XAF | 160,000 XAF |
1-bedroom apartment | 61,000 XAF | 97,000 XAF | 240,000 XAF |
2-bedroom apartment | 81,000 XAF | 120,000 XAF | 320,000 XAF |
Housing costs / Buying
Studio apartment
1-bedroom apartment
2-bedroom apartment Furniture Costs
King Size Bed | 44,000 XAF | 55,000 XAF | 73,000 XAF |
Double Bed | 29,000 XAF | 44,000 XAF | 55,000 XAF |
Single Bed | 26,000 XAF | 34,000 XAF | 44,000 XAF |
Living Room | 49,000 XAF | 63,000 XAF | 220,000 XAF |
Dining Table | 22,000 XAF | 29,000 XAF | 55,000 XAF |
Sofa or Couch | 29,000 XAF | 40,000 XAF | 88,000 XAF |
Electronics and House Appliance Costs
TV Set | 29,000 XAF | 44,000 XAF | 88,000 XAF |
Fridge or Freezer | 26,000 XAF | 40,000 XAF | 55,000 XAF |
Washing Machine | 34,000 XAF | 49,000 XAF | 88,000 XAF |
Stove or Cooker | 31,000 XAF | 40,000 XAF | 55,000 XAF |
Mobile Phone | 37,000 XAF | 44,000 XAF | 63,000 XAF |
Laptop or Computer | 40,000 XAF | 49,000 XAF | 88,000 XAF |
Expenditure to Income Ratio in Douala
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.
Spending to Income Ratio
92%
86% to 100%
( expenditure / income ) x 100
Expense to income distribution levels
| Spending To Income Ratio | % People |
|---|
| < 50% | 4% |
| 50% - 60% | 8% |
| 60% - 70% | 14% |
| 70% - 80% | 24% |
| 80% - 90% | 21% |
| 90% - 100% | 11% |
| 100% - 110% | 6% |
| 110% - 120% | 4% |
| 120% - 130% | 3% |
| 130% - 140% | 2% |
| > 140% | 2% |
Interpretation and Analysis
The average spending-to-salary ratio in Douala is 92%
This means that on average, people spend around 92% of their income for living.
According to the distribution table, 14% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.
How can spending be more than income?
A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.
Individual
83%
Spending-Income-Ratio
77%
91%
Couple
87%
Spending-Income-Ratio
81%
96%
Family
96%
Spending-Income-Ratio
90%
110%
How do people spend their money in Douala?
We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.
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 Expenditure23%
23% of total expenses on average (12% to 31%)
| LOW | $18 11,000 XAF |
| AVERAGE | $240 140,000 XAF |
| HIGH | $2,400 1.4M XAF |
| Per Month |
People living in Douala typically spend from 12% to 31% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 23% being the average. The average spend on housing is 140,000 XAF with expenditure ranging from 11,000 XAF to 1.4M XAF. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.
Utilities, Electricity, Water8%
8% of total expenses on average (5% to 12%)
| LOW | $3.1 1,800 XAF |
| AVERAGE | $40 24,000 XAF |
| HIGH | $400 240,000 XAF |
| Per Month |
Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Douala ranges from 5% to 12% of total expenses with 8% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 24,000 XAF with 1,800 XAF and 240,000 XAF being the upper and lower limits.
Transport, Fuel, Commute6%
6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)
| LOW | $6.1 3,700 XAF |
| AVERAGE | $80 48,000 XAF |
| HIGH | $800 480,000 XAF |
| Per Month |
Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 3,700 XAF to 480,000 XAF on commuting with 48,000 XAF being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 6% of total spending on average but can go as low as 3% or as high as 10%.
Food and Groceries Cost29%
29% of total expenses on average (21% to 35%)
| LOW | $15 9,200 XAF |
| AVERAGE | $200 120,000 XAF |
| HIGH | $2,000 1.2M XAF |
| Per Month |
The average outlay on groceries in a month in Douala is 120,000 XAF. The cost of groceries can range between 9,200 XAF to 1.2M XAF. People spend on average about 29% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 21% and 35% respectively.
Healthcare and Medical Services11%
11% of total expenses on average (6% to 14%)
| LOW | $4.3 2,600 XAF |
| AVERAGE | $56 34,000 XAF |
| HIGH | $560 340,000 XAF |
| Per Month |
People in Douala allocate 6% to 14% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 11%. The range of medical expenses range from 2,600 XAF to 340,000 XAF with 34,000 XAF being the norm.
Leisure and Shopping4%
4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)
| LOW | $2.4 1,500 XAF |
| AVERAGE | $32 19,000 XAF |
| HIGH | $320 190,000 XAF |
| 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 1,500 XAF to 190,000 XAF with 19,000 XAF being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 8% of total expenses with an average of 4% for most residents.
Education and Schooling5%
5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)
| LOW | $3.7 2,200 XAF |
| AVERAGE | $48 29,000 XAF |
| HIGH | $480 290,000 XAF |
| Per Month |
Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 5% of the monthly expenditure with 3% and 11% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 29,000 XAF per month with 2,200 XAF being the minimum spent amount and 290,000 XAF being the maximum.
Other Expenses14%
14% of total expenses on average (9% to 21%)
| LOW | $8 4,800 XAF |
| AVERAGE | $100 63,000 XAF |
| HIGH | $1,000 630,000 XAF |
| Per Month |
How much money can you save in Douala every month?
We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.
What percentage of people in Douala manage to save money from their income every month?
Almost 56% of the surveyed people in Douala said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 44% said that aren't saving anything.
Percentage of people saving money by population group in Douala
| Group | Savers | Non Savers |
|---|
| Singles | 63% | 37% |
| Couples | 58% | 42% |
| Families | 53% | 47% |
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.
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
12,000 XAF
$19 | 150,000 XAF
$250 | 1.5M XAF
$2,500 |
For most people, 7.4% to 29% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 14% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 150,000 XAF on average with savings ranging from 12,000 XAF to 1.5M XAF.
63% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 58% of couples said the same. 53% of families confirmed their ability to save money.
How much money do people actually save in Douala?
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.
Singles
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
35,000 XAF
$58 | 110,000 XAF
$170 | 700,000 XAF
$1,200 |
Savings to income distribution levels for singles
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Singles |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 33% |
| 10% - 20% | 26% |
| 20% - 30% | 16% |
| 30% - 40% | 12% |
| 40% - 50% | 9% |
| > 50% | 4% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 11% to 31% of their monthly income to savings, with 18% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 110,000 XAF with 35,000 XAF and 700,000 XAF being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Couples
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
59,000 XAF
$97 | 180,000 XAF
$290 | 940,000 XAF
$1,500 |
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 who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 8.4% to 30% of their monthly income, with 16% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 180,000 XAF with 59,000 XAF and 940,000 XAF being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Families
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
82,000 XAF
$140 | 230,000 XAF
$390 | 1.3M XAF
$2,100 |
Savings to income distribution levels for families
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Families |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 40% |
| 10% - 20% | 31% |
| 20% - 30% | 20% |
| 30% - 40% | 4% |
| 40% - 50% | 3% |
| > 50% | 2% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Families in Douala can save anywhere between 7.4% to 26% of their monthly income, with 13% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 230,000 XAF with 82,000 XAF and 1.3M XAF being the minimum and maximum respectively.
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 Douala
Income and cost of living compatibility
We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.
Is it affordable or economical to live in Douala?
Around 55% of surveyed residents think that living in Douala is affordable with proper budgeting while 45% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.
Low-cost alternatives in Douala
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 residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:
Plenty of low-cost options57%
Few low-cost options43%
Based on the survey, 57% of the people living in Douala have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 43% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.
Emergency Funds
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 residents of Douala whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.
Yes51%
No49%
Based on the survey, 49% of the people living in Douala said that they don't have an emergency fund while 51% said that they do.
Financial Literacy in Cameroon
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 Leteracy47%
We asked residents of Cameroon whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 53% 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 47% 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 residents of Cameroon have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so asked the people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 54% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 46% said that they have everything under control.
Struggles with finance54%
Easily manages finances46%
Financial goals of people in Douala
In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Douala, 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 | 9% |
| Debt Reduction | 45% |
| Retirement Savings | 11% |
| Education Funding | 6% |
| Homeownership | 19% |
| Investing | 6% |
| Travel or Lifestyle | 5% |
| Healthcare Expenses | 15% |
| Financial Independence | 4% |
Around 9% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 45% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 11% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 6% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 19% 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 5% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 15% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.
Saving Challenges in Douala
Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money
We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Douala. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.
| Reason | % People |
|---|
| Low Income | 4% |
| High Expenses | 7% |
| Debt and Loans | 12% |
| Lack of Budgeting Skills | 12% |
| Impulsive Spending | 12% |
| Financial Emergencies | 7% |
| Living the moment | 5% |
| Will do it later | 22% |
| Inflation | 14% |
| Social Pressure | 3% |
| Market Instability | 2% |
Around 4% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 7% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 12% 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% 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. 22% 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. 14% 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 societal expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 2% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.
Typical saving choices for people in Douala
Where do people choose to put their savings?
| Saving Type | % People |
|---|
| Emergency Funds | 13% |
| Gold | 14% |
| Savings Accounts | 17% |
| Retirement Accounts | 9% |
| Cash Savings | 22% |
| Real Estate | 9% |
| Investment | 5% |
| Stocks | 4% |
| Bonds | 4% |
| Mutual Funds | 2% |
| Certificates of Deposit | 3% |
Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Douala
What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Douala and how much retirement savings are required?
Retirement age
The retirement age for most employees in Cameroon is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.
Retirement planning and savings
There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.
The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 5x monthly salary at age 25 |
| 30 | 10x monthly salary at age 30 |
| 35 | 15x monthly salary at age 35 |
| 40 | 25x monthly salary at age 40 |
| 45 | 32x monthly salary at age 45 |
| 50 | 48x monthly salary at age 50 |
| 55 | 56x monthly salary at age 55 |
| 60 | 64x monthly salary at age 60 |
| 65 | 78x monthly salary at age 65 |
The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Douala:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 1.3M XAF |
| 30 | 2.5M XAF |
| 35 | 4.4M XAF |
| 40 | 6.3M XAF |
| 45 | 9.5M XAF |
| 50 | 13M XAF |
| 55 | 16M XAF |
| 60 | 20M XAF |
| 65 | 23M XAF |
Retirement Income Distribution
We asked residents of Douala about their retirement income sources and below are the results.
| Source | % People |
|---|
| Pensions | 11% |
| Savings | 24% |
| Investments | 11% |
| Social Security | 6% |
| Annuities | 6% |
| Part-time Job | 16% |
| Real Estate | 19% |
| Dividends and Interest | 6% |
Retirement Monthly Expenses in Douala 82,000 XAF
$140 | 250,000 XAF
$410 | 1.6M XAF
$2,700 |
Debt, loans, and mortgages in Douala
Percentage of people who are in debt
According to the survey, 35% of the people in Douala have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 65% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.
Debt-to-income ratio in Douala
Debt to income ratio
34%
25% to 43%
( 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 34% of the people's monthly income in Douala goes to debt settlement.
Debt levelsMonthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income
| Debt-to-income ratio | % People |
|---|
| > 60% | 3% |
| 50% - 60% | 20% |
| 40% - 50% | 15% |
| 30% - 40% | 17% |
| 20% - 30% | 9% |
| 10% - 20% | 10% |
| 0% - 10% | 25% |
According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Douala pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 20% 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 9% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.
Distribution by type of debt in Douala
| Debt | % People |
|---|
| Real Estate Mortgage | 7% |
| Auto Loan | 13% |
| Student Loan | 4% |
| Credit Card | 31% |
| Personal Loan | 45% |
7% of debtors in Douala confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 31% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 13% of people and personal loans rose at 45%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 4% of debtors in Douala.
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 Douala
Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Douala 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 | 49% |
| 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 Douala
Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Rent Cost in Douala
Monthly Rent Prices
Studio apartment | 41,000 XAF | 61,000 XAF | 160,000 XAF |
1-bedroom apartment | 61,000 XAF | 97,000 XAF | 240,000 XAF |
2-bedroom apartment | 81,000 XAF | 120,000 XAF | 320,000 XAF |
3-bedroom apartment | 97,000 XAF | 160,000 XAF | 440,000 XAF |
Furnished apartment | 190,000 XAF | 490,000 XAF | 970,000 XAF |
Townhouse | 160,000 XAF | 240,000 XAF | 700,000 XAF |
House | 190,000 XAF | 490,000 XAF | 970,000 XAF |
Villa | 240,000 XAF | 610,000 XAF | 970,000 XAF |
The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Douala ranges between 41,000 XAF and 160,000 XAF, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 61,000 XAF to 240,000 XAF. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 81,000 XAF and 320,000 XAF per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 97,000 XAF to 440,000 XAF. The average rent of a townhouse in Douala is around 240,000 XAF while house rental costs can be as high as 490,000 XAF per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 240,000 XAF to 970,000 XAF per month.
Apartment and house prices in Douala
Cost of buying a property
Studio apartment
1-bedroom apartment
2-bedroom apartment
3-bedroom apartment | $89,000 | $130,000 | $400,000 |
Townhouse | 70M XAF | 160M XAF | 610M XAF |
House | 81M XAF | 490M XAF | 700M XAF |
Villa | 97M XAF | 540M XAF | 810M XAF |
The average price of a studio apartment in Douala can range from 8.1M XAF to 24M XAF depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 9.7M XAF to 61M XAF. A villa can cost you 540M XAF on average with prices ranging from 97M XAF to 810M XAF.
If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Douala 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
| 31 | x87 monthly income | 199 |
Property prices in Douala can be x87 to x199 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x87 multiples of the average monthly salary in Douala.
Rent to income ratio
Rent to income ratio( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100
The average rent-to-income ratio in Douala is around 30%. This means that people pay 30% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 19% to 40% 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
27% 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.
| 740 XAF | 9,600 XAF | 96,000 XAF |
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.
SingleSpending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Douala
Housing29%
29% of total expenses on average (17% to 41%)
| LOW | $66 40,000 XAF |
| AVERAGE | $200 120,000 XAF |
| HIGH | $1,300 800,000 XAF |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water9%
9% of total expenses on average (5% to 14%)
| LOW | $11 6,700 XAF |
| AVERAGE | $33 20,000 XAF |
| HIGH | $220 130,000 XAF |
| Per Month |
Transport, Fuel4%
4% of total expenses on average (2% to 10%)
| LOW | $15 8,900 XAF |
| AVERAGE | $44 27,000 XAF |
| HIGH | $290 180,000 XAF |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries20%
20% of total expenses on average (14% to 25%)
| LOW | $29 18,000 XAF |
| AVERAGE | $88 53,000 XAF |
| HIGH | $590 360,000 XAF |
| Per Month |
Healthcare13%
13% of total expenses on average (7% to 17%)
| LOW | $17 10,000 XAF |
| AVERAGE | $50 30,000 XAF |
| HIGH | $330 200,000 XAF |
| Per Month |
Leisure, Shopping2%
2% of total expenses on average (2% to 5%)
| LOW | $9.2 5,500 XAF |
| AVERAGE | $28 17,000 XAF |
| HIGH | $180 110,000 XAF |
| Per Month |
Education1%
1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)
| LOW | $3.7 2,200 XAF |
| AVERAGE | $11 6,700 XAF |
| HIGH | $73 44,000 XAF |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses22%
22% of total expenses on average (14% to 26%)
| LOW | $33 20,000 XAF |
| AVERAGE | $99 60,000 XAF |
| HIGH | $660 400,000 XAF |
| Per Month |
CoupleAverage monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Douala
Housing26%
26% of total expenses on average (19% to 36%)
| LOW | $100 61,000 XAF |
| AVERAGE | $300 180,000 XAF |
| HIGH | $1,600 980,000 XAF |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water8%
8% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)
| LOW | $15 9,200 XAF |
| AVERAGE | $46 28,000 XAF |
| HIGH | $240 150,000 XAF |
| Per Month |
Transport, Fuel8%
8% of total expenses on average (2% to 13%)
| LOW | $37 22,000 XAF |
| AVERAGE | $110 67,000 XAF |
| HIGH | $590 360,000 XAF |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries18%
18% of total expenses on average (13% to 23%)
| LOW | $43 26,000 XAF |
| AVERAGE | $130 78,000 XAF |
| HIGH | $690 410,000 XAF |
| Per Month |
Healthcare15%
15% of total expenses on average (9% to 19%)
| LOW | $34 20,000 XAF |
| AVERAGE | $100 61,000 XAF |
| HIGH | $540 330,000 XAF |
| Per Month |
Leisure, Shopping3%
3% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)
| LOW | $18 11,000 XAF |
| AVERAGE | $55 33,000 XAF |
| HIGH | $290 180,000 XAF |
| Per Month |
Education1%
1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)
| LOW | $6.1 3,700 XAF |
| AVERAGE | $18 11,000 XAF |
| HIGH | $98 59,000 XAF |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses21%
21% of total expenses on average (15% to 27%)
| LOW | $52 31,000 XAF |
| AVERAGE | $160 94,000 XAF |
| HIGH | $830 500,000 XAF |
| Per Month |
FamilyAverage monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Douala
Housing25%
25% of total expenses on average (20% to 35%)
| LOW | $140 83,000 XAF |
| AVERAGE | $390 240,000 XAF |
| HIGH | $2,200 1.3M XAF |
| Per Month |
Transport, Fuel4%
4% of total expenses on average (2% to 6%)
| LOW | $34 21,000 XAF |
| AVERAGE | $98 59,000 XAF |
| HIGH | $540 330,000 XAF |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries22%
22% of total expenses on average (15% to 28%)
| LOW | $77 47,000 XAF |
| AVERAGE | $220 130,000 XAF |
| HIGH | $1,200 730,000 XAF |
| Per Month |
Healthcare12%
12% of total expenses on average (8% to 17%)
| LOW | $34 21,000 XAF |
| AVERAGE | $98 59,000 XAF |
| HIGH | $540 330,000 XAF |
| Per Month |
Leisure, Shopping2%
2% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)
| LOW | $21 13,000 XAF |
| AVERAGE | $61 37,000 XAF |
| HIGH | $340 200,000 XAF |
| Per Month |
Education13%
13% of total expenses on average (6% to 21%)
| LOW | $60 36,000 XAF |
| AVERAGE | $170 100,000 XAF |
| HIGH | $940 570,000 XAF |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses16%
16% of total expenses on average (9% to 21%)
| LOW | $51 31,000 XAF |
| AVERAGE | $150 89,000 XAF |
| HIGH | $810 490,000 XAF |
| Per Month |
StudentCost of living and expenses break down for students living in Douala
Housing17%
17% of total expenses on average (12% to 23%)
| LOW | $35 21,000 XAF |
| AVERAGE | $87 53,000 XAF |
| HIGH | $160 95,000 XAF |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water7%
7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)
| LOW | $5.8 3,500 XAF |
| AVERAGE | $14 8,800 XAF |
| HIGH | $26 16,000 XAF |
| Per Month |
Transport, Fuel3%
3% of total expenses on average (4% to 9%)
| LOW | $10 6,100 XAF |
| AVERAGE | $25 15,000 XAF |
| HIGH | $46 28,000 XAF |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries24%
24% of total expenses on average (18% to 28%)
| LOW | $29 18,000 XAF |
| AVERAGE | $72 44,000 XAF |
| HIGH | $130 79,000 XAF |
| Per Month |
Healthcare10%
10% of total expenses on average (7% to 13%)
| LOW | $8.7 5,300 XAF |
| AVERAGE | $22 13,000 XAF |
| HIGH | $39 24,000 XAF |
| Per Month |
Leisure, Shopping2%
2% of total expenses on average (2% to 6%)
| LOW | $7.2 4,400 XAF |
| AVERAGE | $18 11,000 XAF |
| HIGH | $33 20,000 XAF |
| Per Month |
Education18%
18% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)
| LOW | $28 17,000 XAF |
| AVERAGE | $69 42,000 XAF |
| HIGH | $120 75,000 XAF |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses19%
19% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)
| LOW | $22 13,000 XAF |
| AVERAGE | $54 33,000 XAF |
| HIGH | $98 59,000 XAF |
| Per Month |
