🇸🇱 Cost of Living in Sierra Leone - Prices & Budget Guide
Last updated: February 2026
Verified Facts
Official NameRepublic of Sierra Leone
CapitalFreetown
Population9.1 million
Area71,740 km² (27,699 sq mi)
LanguagesEnglish
CurrencyLeone (Le)
TimezoneUTC
RegionAfrica / Western Africa
Drives onRight
Source: REST Countries API
Economic Indicators
GDP per Capita (PPP)$3,522 (2024)
Inflation Rate28.6% (2024)
Health Spend per Capita$36 (2023)
Out-of-Pocket Health Spend54.5% (2023)
Education Spend (% GDP)2.6% (2023)
Source: World Bank Open Data
Quick Facts
Cost LevelAffordable
Daily Budget (Backpacker)$30-50 USD
Daily Budget (Mid-Range)$50-100 USD
Daily Budget (Comfort)$100-200 USD
CurrencySLE (Leone), but USD is widely accepted
Tipping Customnot expected, but 5-10% in tourist areas
How Expensive Is Sierra Leone?
Sierra Leone is considered an affordable country to visit or live in, with a cost of living that is lower than many other countries in West Africa. Compared to its neighbors, Guinea and Liberia, Sierra Leone has a similar cost of living, but with some variations in prices for certain goods and services. The country's economy is still recovering from the civil war and the Ebola outbreak, which has kept prices relatively low. However, the cost of living in Freetown, the capital city, is higher than in other parts of the country.
The affordability of Sierra Leone makes it an attractive destination for travelers and expats, with a wide range of accommodation options, food, and activities available at reasonable prices. However, it's worth noting that prices can vary depending on the location, with Freetown and other urban areas tend to be more expensive than rural areas. Additionally, the country's infrastructure is still developing, which can affect the cost of certain goods and services, such as transportation and utilities.
Accommodation Prices
Type
Price Range (USD/night)
Notes
Hostel/Budget
$10-20
Basic rooms with shared facilities
Mid-Range Hotel
$30-60
Air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms
Luxury/Resort
$100-200
High-end hotels and resorts with amenities
Apartment Rent (monthly)
$200-500
City center, furnished, 1-2 bedrooms
Apartment Rent (monthly)
$100-300
Outside city center, furnished, 1-2 bedrooms
Food & Dining Prices
Meal Type
Price Range (USD)
Street Food / Local Eatery
$1-3
Casual Restaurant
$5-10
Mid-Range Restaurant (2 people)
$15-30
Fine Dining
$30-50
Beer (local)
$2-5
Coffee
$1-3
Water (1.5L bottle)
$1-2
Transport Costs
Transport
Cost (USD)
Local bus/metro ride
$0.50-1
Taxi (per km)
$1-2
Domestic flight
$100-200
Fuel (per liter)
$1-2
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Category
Budget ($)
Mid-Range ($)
Comfortable ($)
Rent
150
300
600
Food
150
300
600
Transport
50
100
200
Utilities
50
100
200
Entertainment
50
100
200
Total
450
900
1,800
Money-Saving Tips
Consider staying in guesthouses or hostels instead of hotels to save on accommodation costs
Eat at local restaurants or street food stalls to enjoy affordable and delicious meals
Use public transportation or walk instead of taking taxis to save on transport costs
Buy local products and avoid imported goods to save on food and other expenses
Negotiate prices when shopping at markets or from street vendors
Avoid traveling during peak season (December to February) to save on accommodation and tour prices
Overall, Sierra Leone is an affordable country to visit or live in, with a wide range of options available for accommodation, food, and activities. With some planning and research, it's possible to have a comfortable and enjoyable experience in Sierra Leone without breaking the bank.