Cost of Living: Cameroon vs United States

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Cameroon and United States.

Data updated: September 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Cameroon is 58.7% cheaper than United States. The biggest difference is in Salaries And Financing, where costs are 95.9% lower. This means that for every $100 you spend in United States, you would spend about $41 in Cameroon for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Salaries And Financing 95.9%

Cameroon is 95.9% cheaper

Childcare 83.8%

Cameroon is 83.8% cheaper

Other Expenses 82.6%

Cameroon is 82.6% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 58.7%

Cameroon is 58.7% cheaper than United States

Most Expensive Categories

  • Clothing And Shoes +33.0%
  • Mobile and Internet +18.8%
  • Restaurants +8.9%

Is Cameroon cheaper than United States?

Yes, Cameroon is cheaper than United States

Overall, living costs in Cameroon are 58.7% lower than in United States.

Where Cameroon is cheaper:

  • Salaries And Financing 95.9% cheaper
  • Childcare 83.8% cheaper
  • Other Expenses 82.6% cheaper

Where Cameroon is more expensive:

  • Clothing And Shoes 33.0% more expensive
  • Mobile and Internet 18.8% more expensive
  • Restaurants 8.9% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Cameroon: 5.21 $ United States: 20.00 $
73.9% cheaper in Cameroon

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Cameroon: 776.10 $ United States: 1,746.65 $
55.6% cheaper in Cameroon

Monthly public transport pass

Cameroon: 17.35 $ United States: 65.00 $
73.3% cheaper in Cameroon

1 liter of milk

Cameroon: 2.67 $ United States: 1.06 $
151.9% more expensive in Cameroon

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Cameroon is indeed cheaper than United States. You would save approximately 58.7% on living expenses by choosing Cameroon over United States. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

58.7%

Cameroon is 58.7% cheaper than United States

Restaurants

8.9%

Cameroon is 8.9% more expensive than United States in this category

Markets

54.7%

Cameroon is 54.7% cheaper than United States in this category

Other Expenses

82.6%

Cameroon is 82.6% cheaper than United States in this category

Transportation

18.4%

Cameroon is 18.4% cheaper than United States in this category

Household Utilities

31.0%

Cameroon is 31.0% cheaper than United States in this category

Mobile and Internet

18.8%

Cameroon is 18.8% more expensive than United States in this category

Sports And Leisure

60.2%

Cameroon is 60.2% cheaper than United States in this category

Childcare

83.8%

Cameroon is 83.8% cheaper than United States in this category

Clothing And Shoes

33.0%

Cameroon is 33.0% more expensive than United States in this category

Rent Per Month

55.0%

Cameroon is 55.0% cheaper than United States in this category

Property Prices

49.1%

Cameroon is 49.1% cheaper than United States in this category

Salaries And Financing

95.9%

Cameroon is 95.9% cheaper than United States in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Cameroon United States Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 5.21 $ 20.00 $ 73.9%
Cameroon is 73.9% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 117.14 $ 75.00 $ 56.2%
Cameroon is 56.2% more expensive
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 5.21 $ 11.50 $ 54.7%
Cameroon is 54.7% cheaper
Regular Cappuccino 1.77 $ 5.24 $ 66.2%
Cameroon is 66.2% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 1.49 $ 2.56 $ 41.8%
Cameroon is 41.8% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 0.69 $ 2.09 $ 67.0%
Cameroon is 67.0% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 0.73 $ 2.23 $ 67.3%
Cameroon is 67.3% cheaper
Imported Beer (330ml) 1.72 $ 4.38 $ 60.7%
Cameroon is 60.7% cheaper
Milk (1L) 2.67 $ 1.06 $ 151.9%
Cameroon is 151.9% more expensive
Fresh Bread (500g) 0.65 $ 3.63 $ 82.1%
Cameroon is 82.1% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 1.58 $ 4.61 $ 65.7%
Cameroon is 65.7% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 1.90 $ 4.29 $ 55.7%
Cameroon is 55.7% cheaper
Local Cheese (1kg) 14.97 $ 12.93 $ 15.8%
Cameroon is 15.8% more expensive
Chicken Breast (1kg) 6.03 $ 12.20 $ 50.6%
Cameroon is 50.6% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 5.81 $ 10.78 $ 46.1%
Cameroon is 46.1% cheaper
Apples (1kg) 3.38 $ 5.28 $ 36.0%
Cameroon is 36.0% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 1.53 $ 1.68 $ 8.9%
Cameroon is 8.9% cheaper
Oranges (1kg) 1.63 $ 4.50 $ 63.8%
Cameroon is 63.8% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 1.37 $ 4.91 $ 72.1%
Cameroon is 72.1% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 1.89 $ 2.94 $ 35.7%
Cameroon is 35.7% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 1.59 $ 3.08 $ 48.4%
Cameroon is 48.4% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 0.69 $ 2.20 $ 68.6%
Cameroon is 68.6% cheaper
Monthly Transit Pass 17.35 $ 65.00 $ 73.3%
Cameroon is 73.3% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 1.74 $ 10.00 $ 82.6%
Cameroon is 82.6% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 0.78 $ 2.50 $ 68.8%
Cameroon is 68.8% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 0.52 $ 3.75 $ 86.1%
Cameroon is 86.1% cheaper
Taxi per Kilometer 0.52 $ 1.74 $ 70.1%
Cameroon is 70.1% cheaper
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 6.07 $ 30.00 $ 79.8%
Cameroon is 79.8% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 1.35 $ 0.93 $ 45.2%
Cameroon is 45.2% more expensive
New Economy Car 30,368.93 $ 30,000.00 $ 1.2%
Cameroon is 1.2% more expensive
New Mid-Range Car 15,347.88 $ 25,982.09 $ 40.9%
Cameroon is 40.9% cheaper
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 143.88 $ 208.61 $ 31.0%
Cameroon is 31.0% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 22.56 $ 57.38 $ 60.7%
Cameroon is 60.7% cheaper
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 130.69 $ 71.66 $ 82.4%
Cameroon is 82.4% more expensive
Gym Membership 21.69 $ 46.22 $ 53.1%
Cameroon is 53.1% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 4.69 $ 21.94 $ 78.6%
Cameroon is 78.6% cheaper
Movie Ticket 6.51 $ 14.44 $ 54.9%
Cameroon is 54.9% cheaper
Private Preschool (Full Day) 519.16 $ 1,372.78 $ 62.2%
Cameroon is 62.2% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 3,356.60 $ 22,512.19 $ 85.1%
Cameroon is 85.1% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 67.68 $ 52.18 $ 29.7%
Cameroon is 29.7% more expensive
1 Summer Dress 59.74 $ 42.56 $ 40.4%
Cameroon is 40.4% more expensive
1 Pair of Running Shoes 137.49 $ 89.93 $ 52.9%
Cameroon is 52.9% more expensive
1 Pair of Business Shoes 131.64 $ 113.60 $ 15.9%
Cameroon is 15.9% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 776.10 $ 1,746.65 $ 55.6%
Cameroon is 55.6% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 461.58 $ 1,440.62 $ 68.0%
Cameroon is 68.0% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,730.13 $ 2,896.11 $ 40.3%
Cameroon is 40.3% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 855.00 $ 2,403.74 $ 64.4%
Cameroon is 64.4% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 2,052.74 $ 3,233.83 $ 36.5%
Cameroon is 36.5% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 976.67 $ 2,715.21 $ 64.0%
Cameroon is 64.0% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 160.02 $ 4,329.01 $ 96.3%
Cameroon is 96.3% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 19.04 6.51 192.5%
Cameroon is 192.5% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to United States. Enter your monthly expenses in Cameroon 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 Cameroon 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 Cameroon 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

Cameroon

  • 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 Cameroon Cost of living in United States

Related comparisons