MigrantoCost of living in Rwanda
What a month costs, how prices compare with other countries
Monthly cost in Rwanda
Spending runs from RWF 32,300 a month in the poorest fifth to RWF 209,000 in the richest
Per person, whole country
RWF 66,100
what a typical person spends in a month
Spending across the population
RWF 32,300richest 20%
RWF 209,000
Ask Migo
Tap a question — our AI assistant answers it in chat
Key facts
The cost of living in Rwanda in numbers
Among the cheapest countries in the world
Cheaper than 93% of countries. A basket that costs RWF 1,470,000 at world-middle prices costs RWF 903,000 here.
Typical spending takes 88% of the average wage
A typical person spends RWF 66,100 a month while the average take-home wage is RWF 74,900, so 12% of an average wage sits above what a typical person spends.
How living costs in Rwanda compare
Neighbours, region and the world on the same monthly figure
What things cost here
How much the same goods and services cost in Rwanda against other countries
Cheaper than 93% of countries
Where Rwanda sits when every country is lined up from cheapest to most expensive
Pakistanmost expensive
Bermuda
middle
A basket of goods and services that costs RWF 1,470,000 at world-middle prices costs RWF 903,000 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 Rwanda
Tell us what you earn and spend today — we'll estimate what the same lifestyle would cost in Rwanda 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 Rwanda
RWF 32,300/mo
vs RWF 1,170,000 in your country
Take-home
RWF 92,800
vs RWF 1,760,000 in your country
Potential savings
RWF 60,500
more than in your country
Standard of living
Under a minute, no sign-up
Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of living in Rwanda?
A typical person in Rwanda spends about RWF 66,100 a month — around RWF 793,000 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 Rwanda?
By spending, Rwanda ranks #174 of 185 countries. A typical person spends about RWF 66,100 a month, the poorest 20% about RWF 32,300 and the richest 20% about RWF 209,000. The gap between them shows how unevenly people live.
What is the cost of living in Rwanda in US dollars?
The cost of living in Rwanda is about $45 a month, or roughly $540 a year per person.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Rwanda?
It all depends on your standard of living. A modest budget runs about RWF 32,300 a month per person, a typical one around RWF 66,100, and a comfortable life around RWF 85,200. In big cities and for a family, costs are usually higher.
Is the average salary in Rwanda enough to live on?
In most cases yes, but without much of a cushion. Average spending is about RWF 66,100 a month, while the average take-home pay in Rwanda is about RWF 74,900. For more on incomes, see salaries in Rwanda.
Is Rwanda an expensive country to live in?
No. Rwanda is more expensive than 6% of countries worldwide and ranks 42nd of 53 in Africa by cost of living.
What currency is used in Rwanda?
Rwanda uses the Rwandan Franc (RWF). 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 Rwanda
See the full country overview