Cost of Living in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) 2025

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a resource-rich country in Central Africa with a unique cost-of-living structure. Whether you're an expat, a traveler, or a local resident, understanding daily expenses is crucial for financial planning. In this guide, we break down the key costs associated with living in the DRC, focusing on cities like Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, and Goma.

Housing Costs

Housing prices vary depending on the city, location, and amenities. The capital, Kinshasa, has some of the highest rental prices, particularly in areas favored by expats.

• Apartment (1-bedroom) in the city center: $600 - $1,500 per month
• Apartment (1-bedroom) outside the center: $300 - $800 per month
• 3-bedroom apartment in the city center: $1,500 - $3,000 per month
• Basic house in a local neighborhood: $200 - $500 per month

💡 Tip: Renting from private landlords can be cheaper than going through agencies.

Utilities and Internet

Utility costs in the DRC can be high, especially in major cities where electricity supply is inconsistent, leading to reliance on generators.

• Electricity, water, and garbage disposal: $100 - $300 per month
• High-speed internet: $50 - $200 per month (depending on provider and speed)
• Mobile data (10GB): $10 - $30

💡 Tip: Power outages are common, so having a generator or backup power supply is essential.

Food and Grocery Prices

Food expenses depend on whether you shop at local markets or supermarkets. Imported goods tend to be expensive, while locally produced items are more affordable.

Grocery Prices (Average Costs in USD):

• 1 liter of milk: $2 - $3
• 1 kg of rice: $1 - $2
• 1 kg of beef: $8 - $15
• 1 kg of potatoes: $1 - $2
• 12 eggs: $3 - $5
• Bread (loaf): $1 - $2
• Water (1.5L bottle): $1 - $2

💡 Tip: Local markets are significantly cheaper than supermarkets for fresh produce.

Dining and Eating Out

Restaurants in Kinshasa and other major cities cater to both budget-conscious individuals and luxury seekers.

• Local meal at a street vendor: $2 - $5
• Mid-range restaurant meal: $10 - $25
• High-end restaurant meal: $30 - $80
• Fast food (burger, fries, drink): $8 - $15
• Coffee at a café: $2 - $5

💡 Tip: Street food like fufu, pondu (cassava leaves), and grilled fish is both delicious and affordable.

Transportation Costs

Public transport in the DRC consists of shared taxis, buses, and motorbikes. Most expats prefer private vehicles for convenience and security.

• Taxi ride within Kinshasa: $5 - $15
• Public minibus fare: $0.50 - $2
• Fuel price (per liter): $1.50 - $2.50
• Car rental (per month): $800 - $2,000

💡 Tip: If staying long-term, consider purchasing a vehicle to reduce transport costs.

Healthcare Costs

The DRC's healthcare system varies greatly, with public hospitals being less equipped compared to private clinics. Expats usually opt for private healthcare or medical evacuation insurance.

• Doctor consultation: $20 - $50
• Hospital stay (per day in a private hospital): $100 - $300
• Health insurance (private, per month): $100 - $500

💡 Tip: International health insurance is highly recommended for expats.

Education Costs (For Families with Children)

If you're moving with children, international schools are the best option but can be expensive.

• International school tuition (per year): $5,000 - $25,000
• Local private school tuition (per year): $500 - $3,000

💡 Tip: Some employers provide education allowances for expat employees.

Entertainment and Leisure

The cost of leisure activities depends on your lifestyle.

• Gym membership: $50 - $150 per month
• Movie ticket: $8 - $15
• Nightclub entry: $10 - $30
• Sports clubs (e.g., golf, tennis): $100 - $500 per month

💡 Tip: Local parks and nature reserves offer free or low-cost outdoor activities.

Salaries and Average Income

Salaries in the DRC vary widely depending on the industry and position. The minimum wage is relatively low, but expat salaries are typically higher.

• Minimum wage: $3 - $5 per day
• Average salary (local worker): $300 - $800 per month
• Expat salary (managerial roles): $2,000 - $10,000 per month

💡 Tip: If negotiating an expat contract, request housing and transportation allowances.

The Cost of Living in Kinshasa

Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), is one of Africa’s largest and most expensive cities for expats. The cost of living here is influenced by factors like housing, food, utilities, transportation, and entertainment. While living in Kinshasa can be pricey, understanding the costs and making smart choices can help you manage expenses effectively.

Housing Costs in Kinshasa

Housing is the biggest expense for both locals and expats, with prices varying by location and amenities.

💡 Tips to Save on Housing:

• Consider renting outside expat areas like Gombe, Ma Campagne, and Ngaliema for lower prices.
• Negotiate rent with landlords, as prices are often quoted higher for expats.
• If working for an international company, try to secure a housing allowance as part of your contract.

Utilities and Internet Costs

Utilities can be costly, especially since power outages are frequent, requiring many people to use generators.

💡 Tips to Save on Utilities:

• Install solar panels to reduce dependency on expensive generators.
• Use local mobile data packages instead of expensive home internet providers.
• Buy a water filter to reduce spending on bottled water.

Food and Grocery Prices

Food costs in Kinshasa depend on whether you buy imported or local products. Supermarkets like Hyper Psaro, Kin Marché, and Regal stock imported goods, while local markets like Marché de la Liberté and Gambela Market offer fresh produce at lower prices.

💡 Tips to Save on Food:

• Shop at local markets instead of supermarkets.
• Buy in bulk to save on staple foods.
• Cook at home instead of eating out frequently.

Eating Out and Restaurant Prices

Dining out in Kinshasa varies widely depending on the type of restaurant.

💡 Tips to Save on Eating Out:

• Eat at local restaurants instead of expat-targeted establishments.
• Take advantage of lunch specials at mid-range restaurants.
• Enjoy street food, which is both delicious and affordable.

Transportation Costs in Kinshasa

Public transport in Kinshasa includes shared taxis, buses, and motorbikes, but many expats prefer using private drivers or personal cars due to safety and reliability concerns.

💡 Tips to Save on Transportation:

• Use shared taxis instead of private taxis.
• Carpool with colleagues or friends.
• Negotiate a monthly rate with a private driver instead of daily payments.

Healthcare Costs

Public healthcare in Kinshasa is limited, so expats usually opt for private clinics or international hospitals.

💡 Tips to Save on Healthcare:

• Get international health insurance for better coverage.
• Use local pharmacies for non-emergency medical needs.

Education Costs (For Expats with Children)

Most expats send their children to international schools, which can be expensive.

💡 Tips to Save on Education:

• If your employer offers education allowances, take advantage of them.
• Consider private local schools, which are more affordable.

Entertainment and Leisure Costs

Kinshasa has a vibrant social scene, but entertainment costs can add up quickly.

💡 Tips to Save on Entertainment:

• Attend free cultural events and festivals.
• Visit outdoor spots like Zongo Falls instead of expensive resorts.
• Host gatherings at home instead of going to bars or clubs.

The Cost of Living in Lubumbashi

Lubumbashi, the second-largest city in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), is a major economic hub, particularly due to its mining industry. While it is generally more affordable than Kinshasa, the cost of living can still be high for expats, especially when it comes to housing, utilities, and imported goods. Below is a breakdown of the major expenses in Lubumbashi.

How Much Do You Need to Live in the DRC?

Your cost of living in the DRC depends on your lifestyle:

💡 Tip: Living outside Kinshasa's upscale neighborhoods can significantly reduce costs.

DRC Local Economy & Its Impact on Daily Costs

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has a resource-rich economy, but challenges like inflation, weak infrastructure, and high import costs make daily living expensive. Prices for housing, food, transport, and utilities can fluctuate based on economic conditions. Here’s how the local economy affects everyday costs and ways to save money.

Key Economic Factors Are:

1. Mining Dominance: Copper, cobalt, and gold drive the economy but cause price fluctuations.
2. High Inflation: The Congolese franc (CDF) loses value often, raising the cost of goods.
3. Weak Infrastructure: Poor roads and electricity shortages increase daily expenses.
4. Import Dependency: Many products are imported, making them expensive.

How It Affects Daily Costs

Local economy affects the daily living cost in several ways including:

• Housing: Rent is high in major cities due to demand from expats and businesses.
• Food: Imported goods cost more; local markets are cheaper but prices vary.
• Transport: Fuel prices and bad roads make taxis and private cars expensive.
• Utilities: Power cuts mean higher costs for generators and water supply issues.

Healthcare & Education: Private hospitals and international schools charge high fees.