MigrantoCost of living in DR Congo
What a month costs, how prices compare with other countries
Monthly cost in DR Congo
Spending runs from CDF 27,400 a month in the poorest fifth to CDF 248,000 in the richest
Per person, whole country
CDF 68,400
what a typical person spends in a month
Spending across the population
CDF 27,400richest 20%
CDF 248,000
Ask Migo
Tap a question — our AI assistant answers it in chat
Key facts
The cost of living in DR Congo in numbers
Typical spending takes 10% of the average wage
A typical person spends CDF 68,400 a month while the average take-home wage is CDF 675,000, so 90% of an average wage sits above what a typical person spends.
The richest fifth spends 9.1× the poorest
Spending runs from CDF 27,400 a month in the poorest fifth to CDF 248,000 in the richest, which is #26 of 185 countries by that gap. A single national average hides a lot here.
How living costs in DR Congo compare
Neighbours, region and the world on the same monthly figure
What things cost here
How much the same goods and services cost in DR Congo against other countries
Cheaper than 55% of countries
Where DR Congo sits when every country is lined up from cheapest to most expensive
Pakistanmost expensive
Bermuda
middle
A basket of goods and services that costs CDF 2,280,000 at world-middle prices costs CDF 2,190,000 here.
Data source: household consumption 2024 (World Bank), International Comparison Program 2021 (World Bank), adjusted to 2026 using IMF GDP-per-capita growth
Living-cost calculator
What it costs to live in DR Congo
Tell us what you earn and spend today — we'll estimate what the same lifestyle would cost in DR Congo and how much you could have left each month
- What your lifestyle costs
- How much could be left each month
- How it compares with today
Cost of living in DR Congo
CDF 27,400/mo
vs CDF 1,820,000 in your country
Take-home
CDF 270,000
vs CDF 2,740,000 in your country
Potential savings
CDF 243,000
more than in your country
Standard of living
Under a minute, no sign-up
Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of living in DR Congo?
A typical person in DR Congo spends about CDF 68,400 a month — around CDF 821,000 a year — on housing, groceries, transport and other everyday costs. It's a nationwide average across different regions, cities and types of housing.
What is the standard of living in DR Congo?
By spending, DR Congo ranks #181 of 185 countries. A typical person spends about CDF 68,400 a month, the poorest 20% about CDF 27,400 and the richest 20% about CDF 248,000. The gap between them shows how unevenly people live.
What is the cost of living in DR Congo in US dollars?
The cost of living in DR Congo is about $30 a month, or roughly $360 a year per person.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in DR Congo?
It all depends on your standard of living. A modest budget runs about CDF 27,400 a month per person, a typical one around CDF 68,400, and a comfortable life around CDF 100,000. In big cities and for a family, costs are usually higher.
Is the average salary in DR Congo enough to live on?
Yes, with room to spare. Average spending is about CDF 68,400 a month, while the average take-home pay in DR Congo is about CDF 675,000. For more on incomes, see salaries in DR Congo.
Is DR Congo an expensive country to live in?
No. DR Congo is more expensive than 2% of countries worldwide and ranks 49th of 53 in Africa by cost of living.
What currency is used in DR Congo?
DR Congo uses the Congolese Franc (CDF). Amounts on this page are shown in it; the currency switcher converts them.
Where to live?
Score countries, regions and cities by what matters to you
Living in DR Congo
See the full country overview