Key Cost of Living Data
| Category | Index | Est. USD | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living | 39.0 | 61% cheaper than NYC | Cheap |
| Rent (1-bed city) | 12.0 | $385/mo/mo est. | Cheap |
| Groceries | 40.0 | $170/mo/mo est. | Moderate |
| Restaurants | 22.0 | $4/meal est. | Cheap |
| Local Purch. Power | 6.93 | ×2.56 expat stretch | |
| GNI per Capita | $3.1k | World Bank PPP | |
| Inflation Rate | 3.77% | Annual 2026 |
Housing & Rent
Rent in Guinea-Bissau is well below the NYC baseline (Rent Index 12.0). A 1-bedroom apartment in a major city centre costs around $385/month, dropping to $250/month outside the centre. Three-bedroom apartments typically run $660+/month centrally.
| Type | USD / month | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed, city centre | $385/mo | Capital city avg. |
| 1-bed, suburbs | $250/mo | Outside centre |
| 3-bed, city centre | $660/mo | Family / shared |
| Utilities (85m²) | $60/mo | Electricity, gas, water |
Food & Dining
Food in Guinea-Bissau is budget-friendly. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs around $4/person; a mid-range dinner for two runs $36. Monthly grocery spending for one person averages $170.
| Item | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Meal, inexpensive restaurant | $4 | Per person |
| Meal for 2, mid-range | $18 | 3-course |
| Monthly groceries (single) | $170/mo | Estimated |
| Beer (0.5L, restaurant) | $0.98 | Local brand |
| Coffee / espresso | $1.36 | Local café |
Transport
A monthly public transport pass in Guinea-Bissau costs roughly $50. Taxis and ride-hailing are very cheap, making day-to-day mobility a minor budget item.
| Type | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly transit pass | $39/mo | Public transport |
| Taxi per km | $0.78/km | Avg. rate |
| Petrol (1L) | $0.62/L | Regular fuel |
| Internet speed | 1.0 Mbps | Slow |
Healthcare & Quality of Life
Key Insight
Guinea-Bissau's CoL Index of 39.0 paired with a Local Purchasing Power Index of 6.9 signals limited purchasing power for local earners. Expats on foreign incomes benefit significantly here. Current inflation is moderate at 3.8%, keeping costs relatively stable.
Our Verdict for Guinea-Bissau
Guinea-Bissau is one of the most affordable destinations globally, with a CoL Index of 39.0 — less than half of New York City. Expats on Western incomes enjoy exceptional purchasing power here.
Best for
- Digital nomads & remote workers on foreign income
- Budget-conscious expats maximising lifestyle quality
May not suit
- Those requiring Western-standard amenities everywhere
Free resource
Planning a move to Guinea-Bissau?
Get our Expat Budget Calculator — personalised monthly cost estimate for your lifestyle and city.
Monthly Budget Estimates
Monthly Budget Estimator
Cost of living in —
10-Year Economic Trend
Country vs Region Average
Regional cost comparison
Frequently Asked Questions
Comparisons