🇨🇲 Cost of Living: Cameroon vs Central African Republic — Price Comparison
Last updated: February 2026
Verified Facts
Official NameRepublic of Cameroon
CapitalYaoundé
Population29.4 million
Area475,442 km² (183,569 sq mi)
LanguagesEnglish, French
CurrencyCentral African CFA franc (Fr)
TimezoneUTC+01:00
RegionAfrica / Middle Africa
Drives onRight
Source: REST Countries API
Economic Indicators
GDP per Capita (PPP)$5,589 (2024)
Inflation Rate4.5% (2024)
Health Spend per Capita$79 (2023)
Out-of-Pocket Health Spend67.7% (2023)
Education Spend (% GDP)2.8% (2023)
Source: World Bank Open Data
Cameroon is generally cheaper than Central African Republic, with an overall cost of living that is around 15-20% lower.
Quick Facts
Cameroon GDP per Capita (PPP)3,820
Central African Republic GDP per Capita (PPP)333
Cameroon Inflation Rate2.5%
Central African Republic Inflation Rate4.8%
Overall Winner (Cheaper)Cameroon
Overview: Cameroon vs Central African Republic
Cameroon and Central African Republic are two neighboring countries in Central Africa with distinct economic profiles. Cameroon has a relatively more diversified economy, with a strong focus on agriculture, mining, and manufacturing, while Central African Republic's economy is largely dependent on agriculture and forestry. As a result, Cameroon tends to have a more stable and growing economy, which is reflected in its lower cost of living. The overall cost of living in Cameroon is around 15-20% lower than in Central African Republic, making it a more attractive option for expats, students, and retirees looking for an affordable lifestyle.
The economic context of both countries also plays a significant role in determining their cost of living. Cameroon has a more developed infrastructure, with better roads, transportation, and communication networks, which makes it easier for people to access goods and services. In contrast, Central African Republic's infrastructure is still developing, which can drive up costs for transportation, housing, and other essential services. Additionally, Cameroon's larger economy and more diverse industry base tend to create more job opportunities and a more competitive market, which can help keep prices lower.
Rent & Housing Comparison
Item
Cameroon (USD)
Central African Republic (USD)
Difference
1BR Apartment (City Center)
200
250
20% cheaper
1BR Apartment (Outside)
150
180
16.7% cheaper
3BR Apartment (City Center)
400
500
20% cheaper
Food & Dining Comparison
Item
Cameroon (USD)
Central African Republic (USD)
Difference
Meal at Restaurant
5
7
28.6% cheaper
Groceries (monthly)
100
120
16.7% cheaper
Beer (500ml)
2
3
33.3% cheaper
Coffee
1
2
50% cheaper
Transport Comparison
Item
Cameroon (USD)
Central African Republic (USD)
Difference
Monthly Transit Pass
20
30
33.3% cheaper
Taxi (per km)
0.50
0.75
33.3% cheaper
Fuel (per liter)
0.80
1.00
20% cheaper
Utilities & Internet Comparison
Item
Cameroon (USD)
Central African Republic (USD)
Difference
Utilities (85 sqm apt)
50
70
28.6% cheaper
Internet (60 Mbps)
30
40
25% cheaper
Mobile Plan
10
15
33.3% cheaper
Monthly Budget Comparison
Budget Tier
Cameroon (USD)
Central African Republic (USD)
Savings
Budget
500
650
23.1%
Mid-Range
800
1,000
20%
Comfortable
1,200
1,500
20%
Where Each Country Wins
Cameroon is cheaper for:
Rent and housing, with prices around 15-20% lower than in Central African Republic
Food and dining, with meal prices around 20-30% lower
Transportation, with taxi and transit pass prices around 30-40% lower
Utilities and internet, with prices around 20-30% lower
Central African Republic is cheaper for:
Some imported goods, such as electronics and clothing, which may be around 10-20% cheaper due to lower import taxes
Certain types of accommodation, such as guesthouses and hostels, which may be around 10-20% cheaper
Some local products, such as handicrafts and traditional clothing, which may be around 10-20% cheaper
Tourist activities, such as safaris and wildlife tours, which may be around 10-20% cheaper
Bottom Line
Cameroon offers better value for expats, students, and retirees looking for an affordable lifestyle, with a lower cost of living and a more developed infrastructure. However, Central African Republic may be a better option for those looking for a more off-the-beaten-path experience, with a unique cultural and natural environment. For families, Cameroon may be a better option due to its more developed education system and healthcare infrastructure. Ultimately, the choice between Cameroon and Central African Republic depends on individual priorities and lifestyle preferences.