Cost of Living: Benin vs Germany

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Benin and Germany.

Data updated: September 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Benin is 78.8% cheaper than Germany. The biggest difference is in Salaries And Financing, where costs are 92.4% lower. This means that for every $100 you spend in Germany, you would spend about $21 in Benin for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Salaries And Financing 92.4%

Benin is 92.4% cheaper

Other Expenses 89.1%

Benin is 89.1% cheaper

Rent Per Month 77.5%

Benin is 77.5% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 78.8%

Benin is 78.8% cheaper than Germany

Most Expensive Categories

  • Mobile and Internet +14.6%

Is Benin cheaper than Germany?

Yes, Benin is cheaper than Germany

Overall, living costs in Benin are 78.8% lower than in Germany.

Where Benin is cheaper:

  • Salaries And Financing 92.4% cheaper
  • Other Expenses 89.1% cheaper
  • Rent Per Month 77.5% cheaper

Where Benin is more expensive:

  • Mobile and Internet 14.6% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Benin: 3.47 $ Germany: 17.07 $
79.7% cheaper in Benin

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Benin: 189.44 $ Germany: 1,014.84 $
81.3% cheaper in Benin

Monthly public transport pass

Benin: 7.55 $ Germany: 62.61 $
87.9% cheaper in Benin

1 liter of milk

Benin: 2.07 $ Germany: 1.26 $
64.3% more expensive in Benin

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Benin is indeed cheaper than Germany. You would save approximately 78.8% on living expenses by choosing Benin over Germany. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

78.8%

Benin is 78.8% cheaper than Germany

Restaurants

58.4%

Benin is 58.4% cheaper than Germany in this category

Markets

68.7%

Benin is 68.7% cheaper than Germany in this category

Other Expenses

89.1%

Benin is 89.1% cheaper than Germany in this category

Transportation

34.0%

Benin is 34.0% cheaper than Germany in this category

Household Utilities

51.3%

Benin is 51.3% cheaper than Germany in this category

Mobile and Internet

14.6%

Benin is 14.6% more expensive than Germany in this category

Sports And Leisure

32.1%

Benin is 32.1% cheaper than Germany in this category

Childcare

56.7%

Benin is 56.7% cheaper than Germany in this category

Clothing And Shoes

77.1%

Benin is 77.1% cheaper than Germany in this category

Rent Per Month

77.5%

Benin is 77.5% cheaper than Germany in this category

Property Prices

46.7%

Benin is 46.7% cheaper than Germany in this category

Salaries And Financing

92.4%

Benin is 92.4% cheaper than Germany in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Benin Germany Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 3.47 $ 17.07 $ 79.7%
Benin is 79.7% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 26.03 $ 73.99 $ 64.8%
Benin is 64.8% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 6.07 $ 11.38 $ 46.7%
Benin is 46.7% cheaper
Regular Cappuccino 4.51 $ 3.99 $ 13.0%
Benin is 13.0% more expensive
Soft Drink (330ml) 0.99 $ 3.28 $ 69.8%
Benin is 69.8% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 0.97 $ 2.95 $ 67.1%
Benin is 67.1% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 1.06 $ 1.07 $ 0.9%
Benin is 0.9% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml) 2.94 $ 5.69 $ 48.3%
Benin is 48.3% cheaper
Imported Beer (330ml) 4.68 $ 1.74 $ 169.0%
Benin is 169.0% more expensive
Mid-Range Wine 3.53 $ 9.11 $ 61.3%
Benin is 61.3% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 0.74 $ 1.98 $ 62.6%
Benin is 62.6% cheaper
Milk (1L) 2.07 $ 1.26 $ 64.3%
Benin is 64.3% more expensive
Fresh Bread (500g) 1.02 $ 2.19 $ 53.4%
Benin is 53.4% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 1.98 $ 3.33 $ 40.5%
Benin is 40.5% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 2.25 $ 3.79 $ 40.6%
Benin is 40.6% cheaper
Local Cheese (1kg) 9.26 $ 14.58 $ 36.5%
Benin is 36.5% cheaper
Chicken Breast (1kg) 4.54 $ 13.95 $ 67.5%
Benin is 67.5% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 5.32 $ 19.57 $ 72.8%
Benin is 72.8% cheaper
Apples (1kg) 2.71 $ 3.16 $ 14.2%
Benin is 14.2% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 1.21 $ 1.81 $ 33.1%
Benin is 33.1% cheaper
Oranges (1kg) 0.90 $ 2.25 $ 60.0%
Benin is 60.0% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 1.54 $ 4.77 $ 67.7%
Benin is 67.7% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 1.11 $ 1.56 $ 28.8%
Benin is 28.8% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 1.11 $ 1.59 $ 30.2%
Benin is 30.2% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 0.65 $ 1.86 $ 65.1%
Benin is 65.1% cheaper
Monthly Transit Pass 7.55 $ 62.61 $ 87.9%
Benin is 87.9% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 1.04 $ 9.56 $ 89.1%
Benin is 89.1% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 1.74 $ 3.64 $ 52.2%
Benin is 52.2% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 1.56 $ 5.58 $ 72.0%
Benin is 72.0% cheaper
Taxi per Kilometer 1.74 $ 2.85 $ 38.9%
Benin is 38.9% cheaper
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 1.74 $ 37.56 $ 95.4%
Benin is 95.4% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 1.04 $ 1.97 $ 47.2%
Benin is 47.2% cheaper
New Economy Car ? 30,939.70 $ N/A
New Mid-Range Car 24,295.14 $ 36,770.68 $ 33.9%
Benin is 33.9% cheaper
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 167.75 $ 344.76 $ 51.3%
Benin is 51.3% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 27.77 $ 27.11 $ 2.4%
Benin is 2.4% more expensive
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 61.61 $ 50.88 $ 21.1%
Benin is 21.1% more expensive
Gym Membership 41.65 $ 39.89 $ 4.4%
Benin is 4.4% more expensive
Tennis Court (Weekend) 5.21 $ 24.36 $ 78.6%
Benin is 78.6% cheaper
Movie Ticket 6.07 $ 13.66 $ 55.6%
Benin is 55.6% cheaper
Private Preschool (Full Day) 185.11 $ 465.43 $ 60.2%
Benin is 60.2% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 6,363.01 $ 14,669.30 $ 56.6%
Benin is 56.6% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 17.35 $ 91.97 $ 81.1%
Benin is 81.1% cheaper
1 Summer Dress 8.68 $ 43.30 $ 80.0%
Benin is 80.0% cheaper
1 Pair of Running Shoes 17.35 $ 100.63 $ 82.8%
Benin is 82.8% cheaper
1 Pair of Business Shoes 40.49 $ 130.63 $ 69.0%
Benin is 69.0% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 189.44 $ 1,014.84 $ 81.3%
Benin is 81.3% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 138.83 $ 764.76 $ 81.8%
Benin is 81.8% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 520.61 $ 1,887.97 $ 72.4%
Benin is 72.4% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 299.97 $ 1,429.32 $ 79.0%
Benin is 79.0% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² ? 6,242.76 $ N/A
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 2,603.05 $ 4,879.58 $ 46.7%
Benin is 46.7% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 245.84 $ 3,276.32 $ 92.5%
Benin is 92.5% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 5.00 3.98 25.6%
Benin is 25.6% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Germany. Enter your monthly expenses in Benin to see the equivalent costs.

Housing

Food & Dining

Transportation

Other Expenses

Our Methodology

Our cost of living comparisons are based on a robust methodology that combines multiple data sources and regular updates to ensure accuracy:

Data Collection

  • Regular price surveys conducted in major cities
  • Official government statistics and economic indicators
  • User-contributed data from expatriates and local residents
  • Real estate market reports and rental price indices
  • Consumer price indices and inflation data

Calculation Methods

  • Prices are normalized to USD for consistent comparison
  • Exchange rates are updated monthly
  • Regional price variations are weighted by population
  • Seasonal fluctuations are accounted for in the averages
  • Quality of life factors are considered in the overall assessment

Quality Assurance

  • Data is verified by local experts
  • Regular cross-checking with multiple sources
  • User feedback is incorporated into updates
  • Statistical outliers are identified and reviewed
  • Methodology is reviewed quarterly

Note: While we strive for accuracy, cost of living data can vary significantly within countries and cities. These comparisons should be used as a general guide, and we recommend conducting additional research for specific locations.

Lifestyle Impact

Understanding the cost of living differences between Benin and Germany goes beyond just numbers. Here's how these differences might affect your daily life:

Daily Living

  • Grocery shopping habits and meal planning
  • Public transportation usage vs. car ownership
  • Frequency of dining out and entertainment
  • Healthcare access and insurance coverage
  • Housing choices and neighborhood selection

Long-term Planning

  • Savings and investment strategies
  • Retirement planning considerations
  • Education costs for children
  • Property ownership opportunities
  • Business and career development

Quality of Life Considerations

While cost of living is important, it's just one aspect of quality of life. Consider also:

  • Healthcare system quality and accessibility
  • Education system standards
  • Public safety and security
  • Environmental quality
  • Cultural and recreational opportunities
  • Work-life balance norms

Making the Most of Your Budget

Tips for adapting to cost of living differences:

  • Research local shopping habits and markets
  • Learn about public transportation options
  • Understand local tax systems and benefits
  • Explore community resources and discounts
  • Network with locals for insider tips

Local Insights for Benin vs Germany

While both countries have similar overall costs, there are nuanced differences in how money is spent on daily necessities.

Cultural Cost Differences

Benin

  • Basic groceries tend to be more expensive, suggesting different shopping patterns.

Germany

  • Lower fuel costs indicate different transportation infrastructure.

Seasonal Cost Variations

Both countries experience moderate seasonal variations in living costs, with prices typically higher during peak tourist seasons and major holidays.

Explore more

Cost of living in Benin Cost of living in Germany

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