MigrantoCost of living in the Gambia
What a month costs, how prices compare with other countries
Monthly cost in the Gambia
Spending runs from GMD 1,710 a month in the poorest fifth to GMD 11,700 in the richest
Per person, whole country
GMD 3,930
what a typical person spends in a month
Spending across the population
GMD 1,710richest 20%
GMD 11,700
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Key facts
The cost of living in the Gambia in numbers
Among the cheapest countries in the world
Cheaper than 88% of countries. A basket that costs GMD 74,200 at world-middle prices costs GMD 49,900 here.
Typical spending takes 53% of the average wage
A typical person spends GMD 3,930 a month while the average take-home wage is GMD 7,420, so 47% of an average wage sits above what a typical person spends.
How living costs in the Gambia compare
Neighbours, region and the world on the same monthly figure
What things cost here
How much the same goods and services cost in the Gambia against other countries
Cheaper than 88% of countries
Where Gambia sits when every country is lined up from cheapest to most expensive
Pakistanmost expensive
Bermuda
middle
A basket of goods and services that costs GMD 74,200 at world-middle prices costs GMD 49,900 here.
Data source: household consumption 2024 (World Bank), International Comparison Program 2021 (World Bank), adjusted to 2026 using IMF GDP-per-capita growth
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What it costs to live in the Gambia
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Cost of living in the Gambia
GMD 1,710/mo
vs GMD 59,300 in your country
Take-home
GMD 3,440
vs GMD 89,000 in your country
Potential savings
GMD 1,740
more than in your country
Standard of living
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Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of living in the Gambia?
A typical person in the Gambia spends about GMD 3,930 a month — around GMD 47,200 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 the Gambia?
By spending, The Gambia ranks #170 of 185 countries. A typical person spends about GMD 3,930 a month, the poorest 20% about GMD 1,710 and the richest 20% about GMD 11,700. The gap between them shows how unevenly people live.
What is the cost of living in the Gambia in US dollars?
The cost of living in the Gambia is about $53 a month, or roughly $636 a year per person.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in the Gambia?
It all depends on your standard of living. A modest budget runs about GMD 1,710 a month per person, a typical one around GMD 3,930, and a comfortable life around GMD 5,560. In big cities and for a family, costs are usually higher.
Is the average salary in the Gambia enough to live on?
Yes, with room to spare. Average spending is about GMD 3,930 a month, while the average take-home pay in the Gambia is about GMD 7,420. For more on incomes, see salaries in the Gambia.
Is the Gambia an expensive country to live in?
No. The Gambia is more expensive than 8% of countries worldwide and ranks 38th of 53 in Africa by cost of living.
What currency is used in the Gambia?
The Gambia uses the Gambian Dalasi (GMD). Amounts on this page are shown in it; the currency switcher converts them.
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Living in the Gambia
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