Togo cost of living index: 40/100 (NYC=100). Monthly budget: $320–$480. GNI: $2,700 PPP. Small French-speaking West African nation with Lomé as a vibrant coastal capital offering direct beach access. CFA franc (pegged to EUR) provides monetary stability. Growing logistics hub for West Africa with relatively safe and stable political environment, attractive for expats seeking West African roots with fewer bureaucratic challenges.
Sources: Numbeo 2025 (NYC base = 100); World Bank NY.GNP.PCAP.PP.CD 2024.
Key Data at a Glance
| Indicator | Value | vs New York City | Source | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 40 | 60% cheaper | Numbeo | 2025 |
| Rent Index | 13 | 87% cheaper | Numbeo | 2025 |
| Groceries Index | 41 | 59% cheaper | Numbeo | 2025 |
| Restaurant Index | 24 | 76% cheaper | Numbeo | 2025 |
| GNI per capita (PPP) | $2,700 | — | World Bank | 2024 |
| Inflation (CPI) | 3.0% | — | World Bank | 2024 |
| Expat Value Score | 2.3x NYC | — | GlobalCostData | 2025 |
Housing Costs in Togo
Lomé offers 1-bedroom apartments for CFA 150,000–250,000 (~$250–$420/month) in residential neighborhoods, CFA 300,000–500,000 (~$500–$840) in upscale beach zones (Plateau, Commune Lomé). Furnished apartments command 15–20% premiums. Sokodé and Kara (interior towns) are 30–40% cheaper on rent. Most expat housing is in Plateau or near the beach; utilities (electricity, water) add CFA 25,000–50,000 (~$40–$80).
Food & Groceries
Monthly groceries cost CFA 100,000–150,000 (~$165–$250) for one person. Local markets (Grand Marché in Lomé) offer excellent produce at lowest prices; supermarkets (like Utile) stock imported goods at 20–30% premiums. Local dishes (fufu, sauce graine, akume) are extremely cheap. Eating out: street food $1–$2, local restaurants $2–$5, mid-range cafes $5–$10. Fresh seafood is abundant and affordable in Lomé.
Transport
Public minibus transport in Lomé costs CFA 500–1,000 (~$0.80–$1.65) per ride. Taxis and Uber-style services are inexpensive ($1–$3). Motos (motorcycle taxis) are $0.50–$1.50 per ride. Car ownership ($2,000–$5,000 used vehicle) is common among longer-term expats; fuel is ~CFA 900/liter (~$1.50). Inter-city minibuses to Kara, Sokodé cost CFA 5,000–10,000 (~$8–$16).
Healthcare
Public healthcare exists but is limited; expats use private clinics ($15–$40 for GP consultation). Private medical insurance costs CFA 40,000–100,000/month (~$65–$165). Lomé has modern private clinics with French-speaking doctors (typical legacy of French colonization). Pharmacies stock medications at affordable prices. Dental care is inexpensive ($20–$70 per procedure).
Monthly Budget Breakdown
| Lifestyle | Monthly Budget (USD) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Budget traveler | $320–$400 | Shared room/basic 1BR local, local food, minibus transport |
| Comfortable expat | $600–$880 | 1BR apartment (Plateau area), mix local/imported, own transport |
| Western lifestyle | $1,120+ | Furnished apartment near beach, vehicle, restaurants, leisure |
Explore Cities in Togo
- Cost of Living in Lomé
- Cost of Living in Sokodé
- Cost of Living in Kara
- Cost of Living in Palimé
- Cost of Living in Tsévié
Key Insight for Expats
Togo is West Africa’s best-kept secret for expats: low costs, 3% inflation (the region’s lowest), beach lifestyle in Lomé, and a CFA franc peg that eliminates currency volatility. French-speaking expats thrive here; English speakers should expect to learn basic French, but the trade-off is unmatched stability and value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Togo affordable for expats?
Yes, highly affordable. At 60% cheaper than NYC across the board, expats live comfortably on $600–$880/month including housing, food, and transport. Low inflation (3%) ensures purchasing power remains stable long-term.
What is the average cost of living in Togo per month?
Budget travelers: $320–$400; comfortable expats: $600–$880; Western lifestyle: $1,120+. Lomé is priciest but still remarkably affordable; interior cities (Sokodé, Kara) offer 30–40% savings on housing.
Can you live well in Togo on $700/month?
Absolutely. Budget: 1BR apartment ($200–$300), groceries ($120–$150), dining out ($80–$120), transport ($40–$60), leisure ($80–$120), with room for savings or unexpected costs.
What is the cheapest city to live in Togo?
Sokodé and Kara offer lowest costs ($150–$250/month for 1BR). Tsévié (near Lomé) is affordable and convenient ($180–$280). Lomé commands expat premiums but beach lifestyle and urban infrastructure justify the cost premium.
How does Togo compare to Ghana and Benin?
Togo is 10–15% cheaper on housing than Ghana (Accra especially), offers superior political stability, and has lower inflation. Benin is comparable in cost but less developed infrastructure. All three are French-influenced West African hubs; Togo punches above its weight on safety and economic predictability.
Explore Further
Related West African Countries
Rankings & Hubs
Tax & Finance
Data: Numbeo Cost of Living Index 2025 (NYC = 100); World Bank GNI per capita PPP 2024. All budgets in USD. Last updated April 2026.