Cost of Living: Burundi vs United Kingdom

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Burundi and United Kingdom.

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Burundi is 84.4% cheaper than United Kingdom. The biggest difference is in Other Expenses, where costs are 88.0% lower. This means that for every $100 you spend in United Kingdom, you would spend about $16 in Burundi for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Other Expenses 88.0%

Burundi is 88.0% cheaper

Rent Per Month 84.7%

Burundi is 84.7% cheaper

Salaries And Financing 81.1%

Burundi is 81.1% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 84.4%

Burundi is 84.4% cheaper than United Kingdom

Most Expensive Categories

  • Transportation +6.1%

Is Burundi cheaper than United Kingdom?

Yes, Burundi is cheaper than United Kingdom

Overall, living costs in Burundi are 84.4% lower than in United Kingdom.

Where Burundi is cheaper:

  • Other Expenses 88.0% cheaper
  • Rent Per Month 84.7% cheaper
  • Salaries And Financing 81.1% cheaper

Where Burundi is more expensive:

  • Transportation 6.1% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Burundi: 1.84 $ United Kingdom: 20.35 $
91.0% cheaper in Burundi

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Burundi: 212.67 $ United Kingdom: 1,411.39 $
84.9% cheaper in Burundi

Monthly public transport pass

Burundi: 30.00 $ United Kingdom: 94.95 $
68.4% cheaper in Burundi

1 liter of milk

Burundi: 0.95 $ United Kingdom: 1.69 $
43.8% cheaper in Burundi

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Burundi is indeed cheaper than United Kingdom. You would save approximately 84.4% on living expenses by choosing Burundi over United Kingdom. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

84.4%

Burundi is 84.4% cheaper than United Kingdom

Restaurants

60.9%

Burundi is 60.9% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Markets

49.6%

Burundi is 49.6% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Other Expenses

88.0%

Burundi is 88.0% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Transportation

6.1%

Burundi is 6.1% more expensive than United Kingdom in this category

Mobile and Internet

56.0%

Burundi is 56.0% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Childcare

52.1%

Burundi is 52.1% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Rent Per Month

84.7%

Burundi is 84.7% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Property Prices

55.6%

Burundi is 55.6% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Salaries And Financing

81.1%

Burundi is 81.1% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Burundi United Kingdom Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 1.84 $ 20.35 $ 91.0%
Burundi is 91.0% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 33.90 $ 88.17 $ 61.6%
Burundi is 61.6% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 3.85 $ 10.17 $ 62.1%
Burundi is 62.1% cheaper
Regular Cappuccino 3.43 $ 4.62 $ 25.8%
Burundi is 25.8% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 1.70 $ 2.41 $ 29.5%
Burundi is 29.5% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 1.04 $ 1.72 $ 39.5%
Burundi is 39.5% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 1.66 $ 1.53 $ 8.5%
Burundi is 8.5% more expensive
Imported Beer (330ml) 3.47 $ 1.17 $ 196.6%
Burundi is 196.6% more expensive
Milk (1L) 0.95 $ 1.69 $ 43.8%
Burundi is 43.8% cheaper
Fresh Bread (500g) 1.14 $ 1.67 $ 31.7%
Burundi is 31.7% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 1.66 $ 2.21 $ 24.9%
Burundi is 24.9% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 3.40 $ 4.03 $ 15.6%
Burundi is 15.6% cheaper
Local Cheese (1kg) 10.30 $ 9.73 $ 5.9%
Burundi is 5.9% more expensive
Chicken Breast (1kg) 9.86 $ 8.96 $ 10.0%
Burundi is 10.0% more expensive
Beef (1kg) 10.05 $ 16.31 $ 38.4%
Burundi is 38.4% cheaper
Apples (1kg) 5.87 $ 2.97 $ 97.6%
Burundi is 97.6% more expensive
Bananas (1kg) 0.55 $ 1.64 $ 66.5%
Burundi is 66.5% cheaper
Oranges (1kg) 1.73 $ 2.88 $ 39.9%
Burundi is 39.9% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 1.10 $ 3.54 $ 68.9%
Burundi is 68.9% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 0.42 $ 1.65 $ 74.5%
Burundi is 74.5% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 0.50 $ 1.55 $ 67.7%
Burundi is 67.7% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 0.49 $ 1.14 $ 57.0%
Burundi is 57.0% cheaper
Monthly Transit Pass 30.00 $ 94.95 $ 68.4%
Burundi is 68.4% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 2.43 $ 20.33 $ 88.0%
Burundi is 88.0% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 1.02 $ 3.26 $ 68.7%
Burundi is 68.7% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 6.75 $ 5.43 $ 24.3%
Burundi is 24.3% more expensive
Taxi per Kilometer 3.51 $ 2.41 $ 45.6%
Burundi is 45.6% more expensive
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 30.00 $ 27.13 $ 10.6%
Burundi is 10.6% more expensive
Gasoline (1L) 1.35 $ 1.95 $ 30.8%
Burundi is 30.8% cheaper
New Economy Car ? 38,367.32 $ N/A
New Mid-Range Car ? 40,488.21 $ N/A
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) ? 322.47 $ N/A
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 6.30 $ 17.46 $ 63.9%
Burundi is 63.9% cheaper
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 20.00 $ 42.38 $ 52.8%
Burundi is 52.8% cheaper
Gym Membership ? 46.25 $ N/A
Tennis Court (Weekend) ? 15.82 $ N/A
Movie Ticket ? 13.56 $ N/A
Private Preschool (Full Day) 105.93 $ 1,710.49 $ 93.8%
Burundi is 93.8% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 10,592.87 $ 20,621.65 $ 48.6%
Burundi is 48.6% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans ? 90.04 $ N/A
1 Summer Dress ? 44.62 $ N/A
1 Pair of Running Shoes ? 101.31 $ N/A
1 Pair of Business Shoes ? 103.43 $ N/A
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 212.67 $ 1,411.39 $ 84.9%
Burundi is 84.9% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 80.92 $ 1,145.39 $ 92.9%
Burundi is 92.9% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 469.43 $ 2,337.19 $ 79.9%
Burundi is 79.9% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 267.33 $ 1,852.21 $ 85.6%
Burundi is 85.6% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 2,737.96 $ 6,334.38 $ 56.8%
Burundi is 56.8% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 2,322.02 $ 5,062.78 $ 54.1%
Burundi is 54.1% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 597.69 $ 3,229.12 $ 81.5%
Burundi is 81.5% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 14.17 5.75 146.4%
Burundi is 146.4% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to United Kingdom. Enter your monthly expenses in Burundi 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 Burundi and United Kingdom 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 Burundi vs United Kingdom

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

Cultural Cost Differences

Burundi

United Kingdom

  • Lower grocery costs suggest different shopping and consumption patterns.
  • 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.