Cost Of Living in Ouagadougou 2024
Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Ouagadougou
Whether you're living in Ouagadougou 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 Expenditure370,000 XOF
per month$61028,000 XOF $47
$6,100 3.7M XOF
Single250,000 XOF
per month$42085,000 XOF $140
$2,800 1.7M XOF
Couple420,000 XOF
per month$700140,000 XOF $230
$3,700 2.3M XOF
Family560,000 XOF
per month$930200,000 XOF $330
$5,100 3.1M XOF
Student170,000 XOF
per month$27066,000 XOF $110
$490 300,000 XOF
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.
Singles
The average monthly expense for a single person living in Ouagadougou is 250,000 XOF. Expenses can range from 85,000 XOF at the minimum level to 1.7M XOF at the highest end.
Couples
The average monthly spending of couples in Ouagadougou is 420,000 XOF. Expenditure can range from 140,000 XOF to 2.3M XOF per month.
Families
The average cost of living for families in Ouagadougou is 560,000 XOF per month. Families spend anywhere from 200,000 XOF to 3.1M XOF.
Students
The average monthly expenditure for students in Ouagadougou is 170,000 XOF. Students spend from 66,000 XOF to 300,000 XOF 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 Ouagadougou
Dining, food, and beverages costs
Large bottle of water
Fast food combo meal | 330 XOF | 670 XOF | 1,100 XOF |
Restaurant meal for one | 1,200 XOF | 1,800 XOF | 3,500 XOF |
Fine dining meal for one | 2,300 XOF | 3,500 XOF | 14,000 XOF |
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 | 450 XOF | 670 XOF | 1,300 XOF |
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 | 1,700 XOF | 2,200 XOF | 4,500 XOF |
Average car 1-day rental | 1,800 XOF | 2,400 XOF | 3,700 XOF |
Average car price | 840,000 XOF | 1.7M XOF | 2.2M XOF |
Bus ticket one way
Car Service | 2,400 XOF | 3,700 XOF | 7,300 XOF |
Utility cost (monthly)
Utility Bill - Individual | 5,100 XOF | 15,000 XOF | 100,000 XOF |
Utility Bill - Couple | 7,000 XOF | 21,000 XOF | 110,000 XOF |
Utility Bill - Family | 5,900 XOF | 17,000 XOF | 93,000 XOF |
Internet and cable | 1,700 XOF | 3,300 XOF | 4,500 XOF |
Mobile phone charges | 1,300 XOF | 2,200 XOF | 6,700 XOF |
Leisure and activities costs
Movie ticket | 840 XOF | 1,100 XOF | 1,700 XOF |
One month gym membership | 2,900 XOF | 3,700 XOF | 7,300 XOF |
Cloths and accessories costs
Pair of jeans or pants | 2,200 XOF | 3,100 XOF | 4,600 XOF |
Woman dress | 2,000 XOF | 2,800 XOF | 9,200 XOF |
Woman shoes | 1,900 XOF | 2,600 XOF | 6,100 XOF |
Men's shoes | 1,700 XOF | 2,000 XOF | 4,100 XOF |
Men suit | 1,800 XOF | 2,300 XOF | 12,000 XOF |
Regular t-shirt | 920 XOF | 1,200 XOF | 3,700 XOF |
Housing costs / monthly rent
Studio apartment | 31,000 XOF | 46,000 XOF | 120,000 XOF |
1-bedroom apartment | 46,000 XOF | 73,000 XOF | 180,000 XOF |
2-bedroom apartment | 61,000 XOF | 92,000 XOF | 240,000 XOF |
Housing costs / Buying
Studio apartment | 6.1M XOF | 9.2M XOF | 18M XOF |
1-bedroom apartment
2-bedroom apartment Furniture Costs
King Size Bed | 33,000 XOF | 42,000 XOF | 56,000 XOF |
Double Bed | 22,000 XOF | 33,000 XOF | 42,000 XOF |
Single Bed | 20,000 XOF | 26,000 XOF | 33,000 XOF |
Living Room | 37,000 XOF | 48,000 XOF | 170,000 XOF |
Dining Table | 17,000 XOF | 22,000 XOF | 42,000 XOF |
Sofa or Couch | 22,000 XOF | 30,000 XOF | 67,000 XOF |
Electronics and House Appliance Costs
TV Set | 22,000 XOF | 33,000 XOF | 67,000 XOF |
Fridge or Freezer | 20,000 XOF | 30,000 XOF | 42,000 XOF |
Washing Machine | 26,000 XOF | 37,000 XOF | 67,000 XOF |
Stove or Cooker | 24,000 XOF | 30,000 XOF | 42,000 XOF |
Mobile Phone | 28,000 XOF | 33,000 XOF | 48,000 XOF |
Laptop or Computer | 30,000 XOF | 37,000 XOF | 67,000 XOF |
Expenditure to Income Ratio in Ouagadougou
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
96%
90% to 110%
( expenditure / income ) x 100
Expense to income distribution levels
| Spending To Income Ratio | % People |
|---|
| < 50% | 4% |
| 50% - 60% | 9% |
| 60% - 70% | 15% |
| 70% - 80% | 25% |
| 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 Ouagadougou is 96%
This means that on average, people spend around 96% of their income for living.
According to the distribution table, 15% 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
87%
Spending-Income-Ratio
81%
96%
Couple
91%
Spending-Income-Ratio
85%
100%
Family
100%
Spending-Income-Ratio
94%
110%
How do people spend their money in Ouagadougou?
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 | $14 8,500 XOF |
| AVERAGE | $180 110,000 XOF |
| HIGH | $1,800 1.1M XOF |
| Per Month |
People living in Ouagadougou typically spend from 12% to 31% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 23% being the average. The average spend on housing is 110,000 XOF with expenditure ranging from 8,500 XOF to 1.1M XOF. 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 | $2.3 1,400 XOF |
| AVERAGE | $30 18,000 XOF |
| HIGH | $300 180,000 XOF |
| Per Month |
Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Ouagadougou ranges from 5% to 12% of total expenses with 8% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 18,000 XOF with 1,400 XOF and 180,000 XOF being the upper and lower limits.
Transport, Fuel, Commute7%
7% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)
| LOW | $4.7 2,800 XOF |
| AVERAGE | $61 37,000 XOF |
| HIGH | $610 370,000 XOF |
| 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 2,800 XOF to 370,000 XOF on commuting with 37,000 XOF being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 7% of total spending on average but can go as low as 3% or as high as 11%.
Food and Groceries Cost28%
28% of total expenses on average (20% to 34%)
| LOW | $12 7,000 XOF |
| AVERAGE | $150 92,000 XOF |
| HIGH | $1,500 920,000 XOF |
| Per Month |
The average outlay on groceries in a month in Ouagadougou is 92,000 XOF. The cost of groceries can range between 7,000 XOF to 920,000 XOF. People spend on average about 28% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 20% and 34% respectively.
Healthcare and Medical Services10%
10% of total expenses on average (5% to 13%)
| LOW | $3.3 2,000 XOF |
| AVERAGE | $42 26,000 XOF |
| HIGH | $420 260,000 XOF |
| Per Month |
People in Ouagadougou allocate 5% to 13% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 10%. The range of medical expenses range from 2,000 XOF to 260,000 XOF with 26,000 XOF being the norm.
Leisure and Shopping4%
4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)
| LOW | $1.9 1,100 XOF |
| AVERAGE | $24 15,000 XOF |
| HIGH | $240 150,000 XOF |
| 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 1,100 XOF to 150,000 XOF with 15,000 XOF 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 | $2.8 1,700 XOF |
| AVERAGE | $36 22,000 XOF |
| HIGH | $360 220,000 XOF |
| 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 22,000 XOF per month with 1,700 XOF being the minimum spent amount and 220,000 XOF being the maximum.
Other Expenses14%
14% of total expenses on average (9% to 21%)
| LOW | $6.1 3,700 XOF |
| AVERAGE | $79 48,000 XOF |
| HIGH | $790 480,000 XOF |
| Per Month |
How much money can you save in Ouagadougou 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 Ouagadougou manage to save money from their income every month?
Almost 59% of the surveyed people in Ouagadougou said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 41% said that aren't saving anything.
Percentage of people saving money by population group in Ouagadougou
| Group | Savers | Non Savers |
|---|
| Singles | 65% | 35% |
| Couples | 59% | 41% |
| Families | 54% | 46% |
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
8,500 XOF
$14 | 110,000 XOF
$180 | 1.1M XOF
$1,800 |
For most people, 8.8% to 31% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 16% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 110,000 XOF on average with savings ranging from 8,500 XOF to 1.1M XOF.
65% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 59% of couples said the same. 54% of families confirmed their ability to save money.
How much money do people actually save in Ouagadougou?
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
26,000 XOF
$42 | 77,000 XOF
$130 | 510,000 XOF
$850 |
Savings to income distribution levels for singles
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Singles |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 33% |
| 10% - 20% | 25% |
| 20% - 30% | 16% |
| 30% - 40% | 12% |
| 40% - 50% | 10% |
| > 50% | 4% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 12% to 33% of their monthly income to savings, with 20% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 77,000 XOF with 26,000 XOF and 510,000 XOF being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Couples
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
43,000 XOF
$71 | 130,000 XOF
$210 | 680,000 XOF
$1,100 |
Savings to income distribution levels for couples
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Couples |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 37% |
| 10% - 20% | 27% |
| 20% - 30% | 19% |
| 30% - 40% | 7% |
| 40% - 50% | 7% |
| > 50% | 3% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 9.9% to 32% of their monthly income, with 18% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 130,000 XOF with 43,000 XOF and 680,000 XOF being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Families
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
60,000 XOF
$99 | 170,000 XOF
$280 | 940,000 XOF
$1,600 |
Savings to income distribution levels for families
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Families |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 40% |
| 10% - 20% | 30% |
| 20% - 30% | 20% |
| 30% - 40% | 4% |
| 40% - 50% | 4% |
| > 50% | 2% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Families in Ouagadougou can save anywhere between 7.7% to 29% of their monthly income, with 16% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 170,000 XOF with 60,000 XOF and 940,000 XOF 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 Ouagadougou
Income and cost of living compatibility
We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.
Is it affordable or economical to live in Ouagadougou?
Around 53% of surveyed residents think that living in Ouagadougou is affordable with proper budgeting while 47% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.
Low-cost alternatives in Ouagadougou
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 options60%
Few low-cost options40%
Based on the survey, 60% of the people living in Ouagadougou have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 40% 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 Ouagadougou whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.
Yes51%
No49%
Based on the survey, 49% of the people living in Ouagadougou said that they don't have an emergency fund while 51% said that they do.
Financial Literacy in Burkina Faso
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 residents of Burkina Faso 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 residents of Burkina Faso have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so asked the people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 55% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 45% said that they have everything under control.
Struggles with finance55%
Easily manages finances45%
Financial goals of people in Ouagadougou
In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Ouagadougou, 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 | 44% |
| Retirement Savings | 10% |
| Education Funding | 7% |
| Homeownership | 18% |
| Investing | 6% |
| Travel or Lifestyle | 6% |
| Healthcare Expenses | 14% |
| Financial Independence | 4% |
Around 8% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 44% 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.
Saving Challenges in Ouagadougou
Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money
We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Ouagadougou. 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 people 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% 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 societal expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 2% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.
Typical saving choices for people in Ouagadougou
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% |
Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Ouagadougou
What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Ouagadougou and how much retirement savings are required?
Retirement age
The retirement age for most employees in Burkina Faso 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 Ouagadougou:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 960,000 XOF |
| 30 | 1.9M XOF |
| 35 | 3.3M XOF |
| 40 | 4.8M XOF |
| 45 | 7.2M XOF |
| 50 | 10M XOF |
| 55 | 12M XOF |
| 60 | 15M XOF |
| 65 | 18M XOF |
Retirement Income Distribution
We asked residents of Ouagadougou about their retirement income sources and below are the results.
| Source | % People |
|---|
| Pensions | 12% |
| Savings | 23% |
| Investments | 12% |
| Social Security | 7% |
| Annuities | 7% |
| Part-time Job | 15% |
| Real Estate | 18% |
| Dividends and Interest | 7% |
Retirement Monthly Expenses in Ouagadougou 63,000 XOF
$100 | 190,000 XOF
$310 | 1.3M XOF
$2,100 |
Debt, loans, and mortgages in Ouagadougou
Percentage of people who are in debt
According to the survey, 35% of the people in Ouagadougou 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 Ouagadougou
Debt to income ratio
35%
27% to 45%
( 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 35% of the people's monthly income in Ouagadougou 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 Ouagadougou 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 Ouagadougou
| Debt | % People |
|---|
| Real Estate Mortgage | 8% |
| Auto Loan | 14% |
| Student Loan | 4% |
| Credit Card | 30% |
| Personal Loan | 44% |
8% of debtors in Ouagadougou 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 Ouagadougou.
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 Ouagadougou
Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Ouagadougou 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 Ouagadougou
Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Rent Cost in Ouagadougou
Monthly Rent Prices
Studio apartment | 31,000 XOF | 46,000 XOF | 120,000 XOF |
1-bedroom apartment | 46,000 XOF | 73,000 XOF | 180,000 XOF |
2-bedroom apartment | 61,000 XOF | 92,000 XOF | 240,000 XOF |
3-bedroom apartment | 73,000 XOF | 120,000 XOF | 330,000 XOF |
Furnished apartment | 150,000 XOF | 370,000 XOF | 730,000 XOF |
Townhouse | 120,000 XOF | 180,000 XOF | 520,000 XOF |
House | 150,000 XOF | 370,000 XOF | 730,000 XOF |
Villa | 180,000 XOF | 460,000 XOF | 730,000 XOF |
The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Ouagadougou ranges between 31,000 XOF and 120,000 XOF, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 46,000 XOF to 180,000 XOF. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 61,000 XOF and 240,000 XOF per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 73,000 XOF to 330,000 XOF. The average rent of a townhouse in Ouagadougou is around 180,000 XOF while house rental costs can be as high as 370,000 XOF per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 180,000 XOF to 730,000 XOF per month.
Apartment and house prices in Ouagadougou
Cost of buying a property
Studio apartment | 6.1M XOF | 9.2M XOF | 18M XOF |
1-bedroom apartment
2-bedroom apartment
3-bedroom apartment | $68,000 | $100,000 | $300,000 |
Townhouse | 52M XOF | 120M XOF | 460M XOF |
| $87,000 | $200,000 | $760,000 |
House | 61M XOF | 370M XOF | 520M XOF |
| $100,000 | $610,000 | $870,000 |
Villa | 73M XOF | 410M XOF | 610M XOF |
The average price of a studio apartment in Ouagadougou can range from 6.1M XOF to 18M XOF depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 7.3M XOF to 46M XOF. A villa can cost you 410M XOF on average with prices ranging from 73M XOF to 610M XOF.
If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Ouagadougou 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
| 33 | x92 monthly income | 210 |
Property prices in Ouagadougou can be x92 to x210 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x92 multiples of the average monthly salary in Ouagadougou.
Rent to income ratio
Rent to income ratio( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100
The average rent-to-income ratio in Ouagadougou is around 31%. This means that people pay 31% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 20% to 42% 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
28% 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.
| 560 XOF | 7,300 XOF | 73,000 XOF |
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 Ouagadougou
Housing29%
29% of total expenses on average (17% to 41%)
| LOW | $50 30,000 XOF |
| AVERAGE | $150 91,000 XOF |
| HIGH | $1,000 610,000 XOF |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water9%
9% of total expenses on average (5% to 14%)
| LOW | $8.4 5,100 XOF |
| AVERAGE | $25 15,000 XOF |
| HIGH | $170 100,000 XOF |
| Per Month |
Transport, Fuel5%
5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)
| LOW | $11 6,800 XOF |
| AVERAGE | $34 20,000 XOF |
| HIGH | $220 140,000 XOF |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries19%
19% of total expenses on average (13% to 24%)
| LOW | $22 14,000 XOF |
| AVERAGE | $67 41,000 XOF |
| HIGH | $450 270,000 XOF |
| Per Month |
Healthcare12%
12% of total expenses on average (6% to 16%)
| LOW | $13 7,600 XOF |
| AVERAGE | $38 23,000 XOF |
| HIGH | $250 150,000 XOF |
| Per Month |
Leisure, Shopping2%
2% of total expenses on average (2% to 5%)
| LOW | $7 4,200 XOF |
| AVERAGE | $21 13,000 XOF |
| HIGH | $140 85,000 XOF |
| Per Month |
Education1%
1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)
| LOW | $2.8 1,700 XOF |
| AVERAGE | $8.4 5,100 XOF |
| HIGH | $56 34,000 XOF |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses22%
22% of total expenses on average (14% to 26%)
| LOW | $25 15,000 XOF |
| AVERAGE | $76 46,000 XOF |
| HIGH | $500 300,000 XOF |
| Per Month |
CoupleAverage monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Ouagadougou
Housing26%
26% of total expenses on average (19% to 36%)
| LOW | $77 47,000 XOF |
| AVERAGE | $230 140,000 XOF |
| HIGH | $1,200 740,000 XOF |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water8%
8% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)
| LOW | $12 7,000 XOF |
| AVERAGE | $35 21,000 XOF |
| HIGH | $190 110,000 XOF |
| Per Month |
Transport, Fuel9%
9% of total expenses on average (3% to 14%)
| LOW | $28 17,000 XOF |
| AVERAGE | $84 51,000 XOF |
| HIGH | $450 270,000 XOF |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries17%
17% of total expenses on average (12% to 22%)
| LOW | $33 20,000 XOF |
| AVERAGE | $98 59,000 XOF |
| HIGH | $520 320,000 XOF |
| Per Month |
Healthcare14%
14% of total expenses on average (8% to 18%)
| LOW | $26 16,000 XOF |
| AVERAGE | $77 47,000 XOF |
| HIGH | $410 250,000 XOF |
| Per Month |
Leisure, Shopping3%
3% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)
| LOW | $14 8,500 XOF |
| AVERAGE | $42 25,000 XOF |
| HIGH | $220 140,000 XOF |
| Per Month |
Education1%
1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)
| LOW | $4.7 2,800 XOF |
| AVERAGE | $14 8,500 XOF |
| HIGH | $75 45,000 XOF |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses21%
21% of total expenses on average (15% to 27%)
| LOW | $40 24,000 XOF |
| AVERAGE | $120 72,000 XOF |
| HIGH | $630 380,000 XOF |
| Per Month |
FamilyAverage monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Ouagadougou
Housing25%
25% of total expenses on average (20% to 35%)
| LOW | $100 63,000 XOF |
| AVERAGE | $300 180,000 XOF |
| HIGH | $1,600 990,000 XOF |
| Per Month |
Transport, Fuel5%
5% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)
| LOW | $26 16,000 XOF |
| AVERAGE | $75 45,000 XOF |
| HIGH | $410 250,000 XOF |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries21%
21% of total expenses on average (14% to 27%)
| LOW | $59 36,000 XOF |
| AVERAGE | $170 100,000 XOF |
| HIGH | $920 560,000 XOF |
| Per Month |
Healthcare11%
11% of total expenses on average (7% to 16%)
| LOW | $26 16,000 XOF |
| AVERAGE | $75 45,000 XOF |
| HIGH | $410 250,000 XOF |
| Per Month |
Leisure, Shopping2%
2% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)
| LOW | $16 9,900 XOF |
| AVERAGE | $47 28,000 XOF |
| HIGH | $260 160,000 XOF |
| Per Month |
Education13%
13% of total expenses on average (6% to 21%)
| LOW | $46 28,000 XOF |
| AVERAGE | $130 79,000 XOF |
| HIGH | $720 430,000 XOF |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses16%
16% of total expenses on average (9% to 21%)
| LOW | $39 24,000 XOF |
| AVERAGE | $110 68,000 XOF |
| HIGH | $620 370,000 XOF |
| Per Month |
StudentCost of living and expenses break down for students living in Ouagadougou
Housing17%
17% of total expenses on average (12% to 23%)
| LOW | $26 16,000 XOF |
| AVERAGE | $66 40,000 XOF |
| HIGH | $120 71,000 XOF |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water7%
7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)
| LOW | $4.4 2,600 XOF |
| AVERAGE | $11 6,600 XOF |
| HIGH | $20 12,000 XOF |
| Per Month |
Transport, Fuel4%
4% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)
| LOW | $7.7 4,600 XOF |
| AVERAGE | $19 12,000 XOF |
| HIGH | $34 21,000 XOF |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries23%
23% of total expenses on average (17% to 27%)
| LOW | $22 13,000 XOF |
| AVERAGE | $55 33,000 XOF |
| HIGH | $98 60,000 XOF |
| Per Month |
Healthcare9%
9% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)
| LOW | $6.6 4,000 XOF |
| AVERAGE | $16 9,900 XOF |
| HIGH | $30 18,000 XOF |
| Per Month |
Leisure, Shopping2%
2% of total expenses on average (2% to 6%)
| LOW | $5.5 3,300 XOF |
| AVERAGE | $14 8,300 XOF |
| HIGH | $25 15,000 XOF |
| Per Month |
Education18%
18% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)
| LOW | $21 13,000 XOF |
| AVERAGE | $52 31,000 XOF |
| HIGH | $94 57,000 XOF |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses19%
19% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)
| LOW | $16 9,900 XOF |
| AVERAGE | $41 25,000 XOF |
| HIGH | $74 45,000 XOF |
| Per Month |
