Cost Of Living For a Student in Guinea 2025
Average Monthly Expenditure
Currency: GNF
Average monthly spending for students in Guinea
How much money does a student need in a month to survive in Guinea?
Students in Guinea spend around 3.5M GNF per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a student can survive with a monthly budget as low as 530,000 GNF or as high as 23M GNF. Location is a very important factor and has a huge influence on expenditure and budget.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Guinea
Dining, food, and beverages costs
Fast food combo meal
| 7,000 GNF | 14,000 GNF | 23,000 GNF |
Restaurant meal for one
| 23,000 GNF | 35,000 GNF | 70,000 GNF |
Fine dining meal for one
| 47,000 GNF | 70,000 GNF | 280,000 GNF |
Cappuccino or latte
| 5,900 GNF | 9,400 GNF | 14,000 GNF |
Grocery and market costs
Milk large bottle
| 4,700 GNF | 5,600 GNF | 7,000 GNF |
12 eggs
| 3,500 GNF | 4,700 GNF | 7,000 GNF |
Fresh whole chicken
| 8,000 GNF | 10,000 GNF | 15,000 GNF |
Pack of beef
| 9,400 GNF | 14,000 GNF | 28,000 GNF |
Medium bag of rice
| 3,800 GNF | 5,200 GNF | 7,300 GNF |
Bag of tomatos
| 1,400 GNF | 1,900 GNF | 3,500 GNF |
Bag of apples
| 2,500 GNF | 3,300 GNF | 5,400 GNF |
Commute, travel, and transportation costs
20 minutes taxi ride
| 5,900 GNF | 7,000 GNF | 14,000 GNF |
Average car full tank
| 35,000 GNF | 47,000 GNF | 94,000 GNF |
Average car 1-day rental
| 35,000 GNF | 47,000 GNF | 70,000 GNF |
Average car price
Bus ticket one way
| 1,200 GNF | 1,800 GNF | 3,500 GNF |
Car Service
| 47,000 GNF | 70,000 GNF | 140,000 GNF |
Utility cost (monthly)
Utility Bill - Student
| 21,000 GNF | 140,000 GNF | 940,000 GNF |
Internet and cable
| 35,000 GNF | 70,000 GNF | 94,000 GNF |
Mobile phone charges
| 28,000 GNF | 47,000 GNF | 140,000 GNF |
Leisure and activities costs
Movie ticket
| 18,000 GNF | 23,000 GNF | 35,000 GNF |
One month gym membership
| 56,000 GNF | 70,000 GNF | 140,000 GNF |
Cloths and accessories costs
Pair of jeans or pants
| 41,000 GNF | 59,000 GNF | 88,000 GNF |
Woman dress
| 39,000 GNF | 54,000 GNF | 180,000 GNF |
Woman shoes
| 37,000 GNF | 50,000 GNF | 120,000 GNF |
Men's shoes
| 32,000 GNF | 39,000 GNF | 78,000 GNF |
Men suit
| 35,000 GNF | 44,000 GNF | 230,000 GNF |
Regular t-shirt
| 18,000 GNF | 23,000 GNF | 70,000 GNF |
Housing costs / monthly rent
Studio apartment
| 590,000 GNF | 880,000 GNF | 2.3M GNF |
1-bedroom apartment
| 880,000 GNF | 1.4M GNF | 3.5M GNF |
2-bedroom apartment
| 1.2M GNF | 1.8M GNF | 4.7M GNF |
Housing costs / Buying
Studio apartment
| 120M GNF | 180M GNF | 350M GNF |
1-bedroom apartment
| 140M GNF | 230M GNF | 880M GNF |
2-bedroom apartment
| 230M GNF | 700M GNF | 1,400M GNF |
Furniture Costs
King Size Bed
| 700,000 GNF | 880,000 GNF | 1.2M GNF |
Double Bed
| 470,000 GNF | 700,000 GNF | 880,000 GNF |
Single Bed
| 410,000 GNF | 540,000 GNF | 700,000 GNF |
Living Room
| 780,000 GNF | 1M GNF | 3.5M GNF |
Dining Table
| 350,000 GNF | 470,000 GNF | 880,000 GNF |
Sofa or Couch
| 470,000 GNF | 640,000 GNF | 1.4M GNF |
Electronics and House Appliance Costs
TV Set
| 470,000 GNF | 700,000 GNF | 1.4M GNF |
Fridge or Freezer
| 410,000 GNF | 640,000 GNF | 880,000 GNF |
Washing Machine
| 540,000 GNF | 780,000 GNF | 1.4M GNF |
Stove or Cooker
| 500,000 GNF | 640,000 GNF | 880,000 GNF |
Mobile Phone
| 590,000 GNF | 700,000 GNF | 1M GNF |
Laptop or Computer
| 640,000 GNF | 780,000 GNF | 1.4M GNF |
How do students spend their money in Guinea?
We asked thousands of students about their spending habits and expenditure break down.
Housing and accomodation expenditure for students
Accomodation Cost19%
19% of total expenses on average (14% to 25%)
| LOW | $15 130,000 GNF |
| AVERAGE | $98 840,000 GNF |
| HIGH | $650 5.6M GNF |
| Per Month |
Students in Guinea typically spend from 14% to 25% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 19% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 840,000 GNF with expenditure ranging from 130,000 GNF to 5.6M GNF. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.
Electricity, utilities, energy, water, internet, and mobile expenditure for students
Cost of utilities6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)
| LOW | $2.5 21,000 GNF |
| AVERAGE | $16 140,000 GNF |
| HIGH | $110 940,000 GNF |
| Per Month |
Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Guinea ranges from 4% to 10% of total expenses with 6% being the average for most students. The average monthly cost of utilities is 140,000 GNF with 21,000 GNF and 940,000 GNF being the upper and lower limits for a student of four.
Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for students
Cost of transport and fuel5%
5% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)
| LOW | $4.3 37,000 GNF |
| AVERAGE | $29 250,000 GNF |
| HIGH | $190 1.6M GNF |
| Per Month |
Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a student resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a student would expect to spend from 37,000 GNF to 1.6M GNF in a month on commuting with 250,000 GNF being the norm for most students. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 5% of total spending on average but can go as low as 5% or as high as 11%.
Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for students
Food and Groceries Cost22%
22% of total expenses on average (16% to 26%)
| LOW | $12 110,000 GNF |
| AVERAGE | $82 700,000 GNF |
| HIGH | $540 4.7M GNF |
| Per Month |
The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical student in a month in Guinea is 700,000 GNF. The cost of groceries can range between 110,000 GNF to 4.7M GNF. Students spend on average about 22% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 16% and 26% respectively.
Healthcare and medical services expenditure for students
Cost of healthcare8%
8% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)
| LOW | $3.7 32,000 GNF |
| AVERAGE | $24 210,000 GNF |
| HIGH | $160 1.4M GNF |
| Per Month |
Students in Guinea allocate 5% to 11% 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 8%. The range of medical expenses range from 32,000 GNF to 1.4M GNF with 210,000 GNF being the norm for most students.
Leisure and shopping expenditure for students
Cost of leisure and shopping3%
3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)
| LOW | $3.1 27,000 GNF |
| AVERAGE | $20 180,000 GNF |
| HIGH | $140 1.2M GNF |
| 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 GNF to 1.2M GNF with 180,000 GNF being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 7% of total expenses with an average of 3% for most students.
Education and schooling expenditure for students
Cost of education and schooling19%
19% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)
| LOW | $12 100,000 GNF |
| AVERAGE | $78 670,000 GNF |
| HIGH | $520 4.4M GNF |
| Per Month |
Spending on education can vary drastically between different students. On average, education constitutes 19% of the monthly expenditure of students with 12% and 24% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 670,000 GNF per month with 100,000 GNF being the minimum spent amount and 4.4M GNF being the maximum.
Other Expenses18%
18% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)
| LOW | $9.2 80,000 GNF |
| AVERAGE | $61 530,000 GNF |
| HIGH | $410 3.5M GNF |
| Per Month |
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 Guinea
Income and cost of living compatibility
We asked students one simple question and recorded their answers.
Is it affordable or economical to live in Guinea?
Around 53% of surveyed students think that living in Guinea 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 Guinea
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 students how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:
Plenty of low-cost options54%
Few low-cost options46%
Based on the survey, 54% of the students living in Guinea have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 46% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.
Emergency Funds For Students
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 students of Guinea whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.
Yes49%
No51%
Based on the survey, 51% of the students living in Guinea said that they don't have an emergency fund while 49% said that they do.
Financial Literacy in Guinea
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 Leteracy48%
We asked student guardians and parents in Guinea whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 52% 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 48% 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 students of Guinea have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked 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%
Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Guinea
Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Rent Cost in Guinea
Monthly Rent Prices
Studio apartment monthly rent cost
| 590,000 GNF | 880,000 GNF | 2.3M GNF |
1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 880,000 GNF | 1.4M GNF | 3.5M GNF |
2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 1.2M GNF | 1.8M GNF | 4.7M GNF |
3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 1.4M GNF | 2.3M GNF | 6.4M GNF |
Furnished apartment monthly rent cost
Townhouse monthly rent cost
| 2.3M GNF | 3.5M GNF | 10M GNF |
House monthly rent cost
Villa monthly rent cost
| 3.5M GNF | 8.8M GNF | 14M GNF |
The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Guinea ranges between 590,000 GNF and 2.3M GNF, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 880,000 GNF to 3.5M GNF. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 1.2M GNF and 4.7M GNF per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 1.4M GNF to 6.4M GNF. The average rent of a townhouse in Guinea is around 3.5M GNF while house rental costs can be as high as 7M GNF per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 3.5M GNF to 14M GNF per month.
Apartment and house prices in Guinea
Cost of buying a property
Studio apartment price
| 120M GNF | 180M GNF | 350M GNF |
1-bedroom apartment price
| 140M GNF | 230M GNF | 880M GNF |
2-bedroom apartment price
| 230M GNF | 700M GNF | 1,400M GNF |
3-bedroom apartment price
| 780M GNF | 1,200M GNF | 3,500M GNF |
| $91,000 | $140,000 | $410,000 |
Townhouse price
| 1,000M GNF | 2,300M GNF | 8,800M GNF |
House price
| 1,200M GNF | 7,000M GNF | 10,000M GNF |
Villa price
| 1,400M GNF | 7,800M GNF | 12,000M GNF |
The average price of a studio apartment in Guinea can range from 120M GNF to 350M GNF depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 140M GNF to 880M GNF. A villa can cost you 7,800M GNF on average with prices ranging from 1,400M GNF to 12,000M GNF.
If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Guinea 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
| 36 | x105 monthly income | 203 |
Property prices in Guinea can be x105 to x203 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x105 multiples of the average monthly salary in Guinea.
Rent to income ratio
Rent to income ratio
( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100
The average rent-to-income ratio in Guinea is around 30%. This means that people pay 30% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 20% 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
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.
| 11,000 GNF | 140,000 GNF | 1.4M GNF |
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 Guinea
Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.
Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Guinea
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Student
| 21,000 GNF | 140,000 GNF | 940,000 GNF |
Internet and cable cost
| 35,000 GNF | 70,000 GNF | 94,000 GNF |
Mobile phone bill and charges
| 28,000 GNF | 47,000 GNF | 140,000 GNF |
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 students is around 140,000 GNF. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 35,000 GNF to 94,000 GNF with 70,000 GNF being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 47,000 GNF but can range between 28,000 GNF and 140,000 GNF 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 Guinea is around 6%. This means that people pay 6% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 3% to 10% depending on salary and location.
Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Guinea
Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Guinea
Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.
Fast food combo meal price
| 7,000 GNF | 14,000 GNF | 23,000 GNF |
The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Guinea is approximatly 14,000 GNF with meal cost ranging from 7,000 GNF to 23,000 GNF. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.
Restaurant meal for one price
| 23,000 GNF | 35,000 GNF | 70,000 GNF |
If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 23,000 GNF and 70,000 GNF with 35,000 GNF being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Guinea.
Fine dining meal for one price
| 47,000 GNF | 70,000 GNF | 280,000 GNF |
The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 47,000 GNF to 280,000 GNF with the average cost being 70,000 GNF for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Guinea.
Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..
| 5,900 GNF | 9,400 GNF | 14,000 GNF |
The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Guinea is around 9,400 GNF. Price ranges between 5,900 GNF and 14,000 GNF depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.
Grocery and market costs
Large bottle of milk price
| 4,700 GNF | 5,600 GNF | 7,000 GNF |
The average price of a large bottle of milk in Guinea is 5,600 GNF. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 7,000 GNF and the minimum being 4,700 GNF depending on the brand of milk and other properties.
12 eggs price
| 3,500 GNF | 4,700 GNF | 7,000 GNF |
A dozen eggs costs around 4,700 GNF on average with 3,500 GNF and 7,000 GNF being the lower and upper limits respectively.
Fresh whole chicken price
| 8,000 GNF | 10,000 GNF | 15,000 GNF |
The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Guinea is between 8,000 GNF and 15,000 GNF depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 10,000 GNF.
Pack of beef price
| 9,400 GNF | 14,000 GNF | 28,000 GNF |
The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 14,000 GNF. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.
Medium bag of rice price
| 3,800 GNF | 5,200 GNF | 7,300 GNF |
A bag of rice in Guinea costs around 5,200 GNF on average with prices rangeing between 3,800 GNF and 7,300 GNF depending on the brand and quality.
Bag of tomatos price
| 1,400 GNF | 1,900 GNF | 3,500 GNF |
A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 1,400 GNF to 3,500 GNF. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.
Bag of apples price
| 2,500 GNF | 3,300 GNF | 5,400 GNF |
A bag of apples costs 3,300 GNF 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 Guinea is around 26%. This means that students spend 26% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 18% to 32% depending on salary and location.
Expenditure on food and grocery for students
Students' spending on grocery ranges from 110,000 GNF to 4.7M GNF with the location, income, and size of the student being the most determinite factors.
