Cost of Living: Burkina Faso vs United States

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Burkina Faso and United States.

Data updated: September 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Burkina Faso is 69.6% cheaper than United States. The biggest difference is in Property Prices, where costs are 94.3% lower. This means that for every $100 you spend in United States, you would spend about $30 in Burkina Faso for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Property Prices 94.3%

Burkina Faso is 94.3% cheaper

Salaries And Financing 84.2%

Burkina Faso is 84.2% cheaper

Other Expenses 82.6%

Burkina Faso is 82.6% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 69.6%

Burkina Faso is 69.6% cheaper than United States

Most Expensive Categories

  • Transportation +31.7%

Is Burkina Faso cheaper than United States?

Yes, Burkina Faso is cheaper than United States

Overall, living costs in Burkina Faso are 69.6% lower than in United States.

Where Burkina Faso is cheaper:

  • Property Prices 94.3% cheaper
  • Salaries And Financing 84.2% cheaper
  • Other Expenses 82.6% cheaper

Where Burkina Faso is more expensive:

  • Transportation 31.7% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Burkina Faso: 5.21 $ United States: 20.00 $
73.9% cheaper in Burkina Faso

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Burkina Faso: 433.84 $ United States: 1,746.65 $
75.2% cheaper in Burkina Faso

1 liter of milk

Burkina Faso: 2.54 $ United States: 1.06 $
139.6% more expensive in Burkina Faso

1 liter of gasoline

Burkina Faso: 1.48 $ United States: 0.93 $
59.1% more expensive in Burkina Faso

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Burkina Faso is indeed cheaper than United States. You would save approximately 69.6% on living expenses by choosing Burkina Faso over United States. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

69.6%

Burkina Faso is 69.6% cheaper than United States

Restaurants

63.9%

Burkina Faso is 63.9% cheaper than United States in this category

Markets

16.0%

Burkina Faso is 16.0% cheaper than United States in this category

Other Expenses

82.6%

Burkina Faso is 82.6% cheaper than United States in this category

Transportation

31.7%

Burkina Faso is 31.7% more expensive than United States in this category

Household Utilities

40.7%

Burkina Faso is 40.7% cheaper than United States in this category

Mobile and Internet

35.0%

Burkina Faso is 35.0% cheaper than United States in this category

Sports And Leisure

5.4%

Burkina Faso is 5.4% cheaper than United States in this category

Childcare

27.4%

Burkina Faso is 27.4% cheaper than United States in this category

Rent Per Month

68.2%

Burkina Faso is 68.2% cheaper than United States in this category

Property Prices

94.3%

Burkina Faso is 94.3% cheaper than United States in this category

Salaries And Financing

84.2%

Burkina Faso is 84.2% cheaper than United States in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Burkina Faso United States Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 5.21 $ 20.00 $ 73.9%
Burkina Faso is 73.9% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 23.43 $ 75.00 $ 68.8%
Burkina Faso is 68.8% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 7.81 $ 11.50 $ 32.1%
Burkina Faso is 32.1% cheaper
Regular Cappuccino 1.74 $ 5.24 $ 66.8%
Burkina Faso is 66.8% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 0.81 $ 2.56 $ 68.4%
Burkina Faso is 68.4% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 0.56 $ 2.09 $ 73.2%
Burkina Faso is 73.2% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 0.87 $ 2.23 $ 61.0%
Burkina Faso is 61.0% cheaper
Imported Beer (330ml) 4.00 $ 4.38 $ 8.7%
Burkina Faso is 8.7% cheaper
Milk (1L) 2.54 $ 1.06 $ 139.6%
Burkina Faso is 139.6% more expensive
Fresh Bread (500g) 1.04 $ 3.63 $ 71.3%
Burkina Faso is 71.3% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 0.99 $ 4.61 $ 78.5%
Burkina Faso is 78.5% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 2.53 $ 4.29 $ 41.0%
Burkina Faso is 41.0% cheaper
Local Cheese (1kg) 19.15 $ 12.93 $ 48.1%
Burkina Faso is 48.1% more expensive
Chicken Breast (1kg) 13.88 $ 12.20 $ 13.8%
Burkina Faso is 13.8% more expensive
Beef (1kg) 10.07 $ 10.78 $ 6.6%
Burkina Faso is 6.6% cheaper
Apples (1kg) 3.61 $ 5.28 $ 31.6%
Burkina Faso is 31.6% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 1.25 $ 1.68 $ 25.6%
Burkina Faso is 25.6% cheaper
Oranges (1kg) 1.04 $ 4.50 $ 76.9%
Burkina Faso is 76.9% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 2.40 $ 4.91 $ 51.1%
Burkina Faso is 51.1% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 1.68 $ 2.94 $ 42.9%
Burkina Faso is 42.9% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 1.37 $ 3.08 $ 55.5%
Burkina Faso is 55.5% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 0.72 $ 2.20 $ 67.3%
Burkina Faso is 67.3% cheaper
Monthly Transit Pass ? 65.00 $ N/A
Cigarettes (20 pack) 1.74 $ 10.00 $ 82.6%
Burkina Faso is 82.6% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 0.17 $ 2.50 $ 93.2%
Burkina Faso is 93.2% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 0.52 $ 3.75 $ 86.1%
Burkina Faso is 86.1% cheaper
Taxi per Kilometer 1.74 $ 1.74 $ 0.0%
Burkina Faso is 0.0% more expensive
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate ? 30.00 $ N/A
Gasoline (1L) 1.48 $ 0.93 $ 59.1%
Burkina Faso is 59.1% more expensive
New Economy Car 37,310.40 $ 30,000.00 $ 24.4%
Burkina Faso is 24.4% more expensive
New Mid-Range Car 36,442.71 $ 25,982.09 $ 40.3%
Burkina Faso is 40.3% more expensive
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 123.79 $ 208.61 $ 40.7%
Burkina Faso is 40.7% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 34.71 $ 57.38 $ 39.5%
Burkina Faso is 39.5% cheaper
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 49.11 $ 71.66 $ 31.5%
Burkina Faso is 31.5% cheaper
Gym Membership 60.74 $ 46.22 $ 31.4%
Burkina Faso is 31.4% more expensive
Tennis Court (Weekend) 8.68 $ 21.94 $ 60.4%
Burkina Faso is 60.4% cheaper
Movie Ticket 8.68 $ 14.44 $ 39.9%
Burkina Faso is 39.9% cheaper
Private Preschool (Full Day) 130.15 $ 1,372.78 $ 90.5%
Burkina Faso is 90.5% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 17,202.16 $ 22,512.19 $ 23.6%
Burkina Faso is 23.6% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans ? 52.18 $ N/A
1 Summer Dress ? 42.56 $ N/A
1 Pair of Running Shoes ? 89.93 $ N/A
1 Pair of Business Shoes ? 113.60 $ N/A
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 433.84 $ 1,746.65 $ 75.2%
Burkina Faso is 75.2% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 271.87 $ 1,440.62 $ 81.1%
Burkina Faso is 81.1% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,243.68 $ 2,896.11 $ 57.1%
Burkina Faso is 57.1% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 751.99 $ 2,403.74 $ 68.7%
Burkina Faso is 68.7% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 227.67 $ 3,233.83 $ 93.0%
Burkina Faso is 93.0% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 113.83 $ 2,715.21 $ 95.8%
Burkina Faso is 95.8% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 682.58 $ 4,329.01 $ 84.2%
Burkina Faso is 84.2% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate ? 6.51 N/A

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to United States. Enter your monthly expenses in Burkina Faso 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 Burkina Faso and United States 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 Burkina Faso vs United States

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

Cultural Cost Differences

Burkina Faso

  • Basic groceries tend to be more expensive, suggesting different shopping patterns.
  • Higher fuel costs indicate different transportation preferences.

United States

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 Burkina Faso Cost of living in United States

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