What is the cost of living in Kigali?

The cost of living in Kigali is 81.0% cheaper than New York City (index: 19.0). Groceries are 75.0% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 74.8% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately RWF 983,540 per month. Local purchasing power index is 24.3 (NYC = 100).

🇷🇼 Rwanda · #514 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Kigali?

Q: Should I move to Kigali?

Kigali, Rwanda has a cost of living 81.0% cheaper than New York City (index: 19.0). It is ranked #514 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is very weak (index: 24.3 vs NYC = 100). Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

81.0% cheaper to live here than in New York City.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-81.0%

vs NYC

RWF 983,540

1-BR, city centre

24.3

Purchasing Power

Very weak

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to Kigali?

Cost breakdown: Kigali

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

19.0 Affordable

Rent

15.2 Very affordable

Groceries

25.0 Very affordable

Restaurants

25.2 Very affordable

Purchasing Power

24.3 Very weak

Rent in Kigali

1-BR, city centre RWF 983,540/mo

1-BR, outside centre RWF 611,407/mo

3-BR, city centre RWF 2,039,175/mo

3-BR, outside centre RWF 1,257,386/mo

Save by going outside centre 38% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

Considering alternatives?

Cities in the same country or region with a comparable cost of living.

🇰🇪 Nairobi

Kenya

CoL index 19.5

Compare Nairobi vs Kigali →

🇲🇦 Marrakech

Morocco

CoL index 19.7

Compare Marrakech vs Kigali →

🇹🇿 Dar es Salaam

Tanzania

CoL index 20.0

Compare Dar es Salaam vs Kigali →

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