Cost of Living: Sierra Leone vs Singapore

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Sierra Leone and Singapore.

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Sierra Leone is 68.7% cheaper than Singapore. The biggest difference is in Property Prices, where costs are 94.3% lower. This means that for every $100 you spend in Singapore, you would spend about $31 in Sierra Leone for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Property Prices 94.3%

Sierra Leone is 94.3% cheaper

Transportation 86.2%

Sierra Leone is 86.2% cheaper

Other Expenses 85.2%

Sierra Leone is 85.2% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 68.7%

Sierra Leone is 68.7% cheaper than Singapore

Most Expensive Categories

  • Mobile and Internet +63.7%

Is Sierra Leone cheaper than Singapore?

Yes, Sierra Leone is cheaper than Singapore

Overall, living costs in Sierra Leone are 68.7% lower than in Singapore.

Where Sierra Leone is cheaper:

  • Property Prices 94.3% cheaper
  • Transportation 86.2% cheaper
  • Other Expenses 85.2% cheaper

Where Sierra Leone is more expensive:

  • Mobile and Internet 63.7% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Sierra Leone: 3.00 $ Singapore: 10.90 $
72.5% cheaper in Sierra Leone

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Sierra Leone: 1,321.25 $ Singapore: 3,140.74 $
57.9% cheaper in Sierra Leone

Monthly public transport pass

Sierra Leone: 0.00 $ Singapore: 93.46 $
100.0% cheaper in Sierra Leone

1 liter of milk

Sierra Leone: 2.42 $ Singapore: 3.01 $
19.6% cheaper in Sierra Leone

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Sierra Leone is indeed cheaper than Singapore. You would save approximately 68.7% on living expenses by choosing Sierra Leone over Singapore. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

68.7%

Sierra Leone is 68.7% cheaper than Singapore

Restaurants

41.9%

Sierra Leone is 41.9% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Markets

65.9%

Sierra Leone is 65.9% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Other Expenses

85.2%

Sierra Leone is 85.2% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Transportation

86.2%

Sierra Leone is 86.2% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Household Utilities

8.8%

Sierra Leone is 8.8% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Mobile and Internet

63.7%

Sierra Leone is 63.7% more expensive than Singapore in this category

Sports And Leisure

60.9%

Sierra Leone is 60.9% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Clothing And Shoes

75.2%

Sierra Leone is 75.2% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Rent Per Month

68.7%

Sierra Leone is 68.7% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Property Prices

94.3%

Sierra Leone is 94.3% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Salaries And Financing

69.1%

Sierra Leone is 69.1% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Sierra Leone Singapore Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 3.00 $ 10.90 $ 72.5%
Sierra Leone is 72.5% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 32.50 $ 77.88 $ 58.3%
Sierra Leone is 58.3% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 10.00 $ 7.79 $ 28.4%
Sierra Leone is 28.4% more expensive
Regular Cappuccino 1.73 $ 4.88 $ 64.5%
Sierra Leone is 64.5% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 0.94 $ 1.68 $ 44.0%
Sierra Leone is 44.0% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 0.81 $ 1.22 $ 33.6%
Sierra Leone is 33.6% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 1.40 $ 1.52 $ 7.9%
Sierra Leone is 7.9% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml) 2.34 $ 2.00 $ 17.0%
Sierra Leone is 17.0% more expensive
Imported Beer (330ml) 3.10 $ 2.49 $ 24.5%
Sierra Leone is 24.5% more expensive
Mid-Range Wine 13.35 $ 10.00 $ 33.5%
Sierra Leone is 33.5% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 2.08 $ 2.21 $ 5.9%
Sierra Leone is 5.9% cheaper
Milk (1L) 2.42 $ 3.01 $ 19.6%
Sierra Leone is 19.6% cheaper
Fresh Bread (500g) 0.49 $ 2.35 $ 79.1%
Sierra Leone is 79.1% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 0.96 $ 2.92 $ 67.1%
Sierra Leone is 67.1% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 2.01 $ 3.35 $ 40.0%
Sierra Leone is 40.0% cheaper
Local Cheese (1kg) 7.09 $ 19.37 $ 63.4%
Sierra Leone is 63.4% cheaper
Chicken Breast (1kg) 7.50 $ 11.15 $ 32.7%
Sierra Leone is 32.7% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 21.89 $ 15.21 $ 43.9%
Sierra Leone is 43.9% more expensive
Apples (1kg) 4.00 $ 4.57 $ 12.5%
Sierra Leone is 12.5% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 2.00 $ 2.97 $ 32.7%
Sierra Leone is 32.7% cheaper
Oranges (1kg) 0.71 $ 4.51 $ 84.3%
Sierra Leone is 84.3% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 5.00 $ 2.71 $ 84.5%
Sierra Leone is 84.5% more expensive
Potatoes (1kg) 2.00 $ 2.39 $ 16.3%
Sierra Leone is 16.3% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 1.63 $ 2.20 $ 25.9%
Sierra Leone is 25.9% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 1.00 $ 1.86 $ 46.2%
Sierra Leone is 46.2% cheaper
Monthly Transit Pass 0.00 $ 93.46 $ 100.0%
Sierra Leone is 100.0% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 1.93 $ 13.05 $ 85.2%
Sierra Leone is 85.2% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 0.46 $ 1.56 $ 70.5%
Sierra Leone is 70.5% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 0.75 $ 3.58 $ 79.1%
Sierra Leone is 79.1% cheaper
Taxi per Kilometer 1.25 $ 0.78 $ 60.3%
Sierra Leone is 60.3% more expensive
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 5.00 $ 16.28 $ 69.3%
Sierra Leone is 69.3% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 1.33 $ 2.22 $ 40.1%
Sierra Leone is 40.1% cheaper
New Economy Car 12,000.00 $ 140,192.38 $ 91.4%
Sierra Leone is 91.4% cheaper
New Mid-Range Car 25,000.00 $ 128,887.54 $ 80.6%
Sierra Leone is 80.6% cheaper
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 144.37 $ 158.22 $ 8.8%
Sierra Leone is 8.8% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 17.50 $ 18.54 $ 5.6%
Sierra Leone is 5.6% cheaper
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 75.00 $ 37.95 $ 97.6%
Sierra Leone is 97.6% more expensive
Gym Membership 50.00 $ 115.77 $ 56.8%
Sierra Leone is 56.8% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 0.00 $ 12.22 $ 100.0%
Sierra Leone is 100.0% cheaper
Movie Ticket ? 11.68 $ N/A
Private Preschool (Full Day) ? 1,272.43 $ N/A
International School (Yearly) ? 29,780.50 $ N/A
1 Pair of Jeans 10.00 $ 80.91 $ 87.6%
Sierra Leone is 87.6% cheaper
1 Summer Dress 8.00 $ 42.93 $ 81.4%
Sierra Leone is 81.4% cheaper
1 Pair of Running Shoes 20.00 $ 105.33 $ 81.0%
Sierra Leone is 81.0% cheaper
1 Pair of Business Shoes 50.00 $ 126.28 $ 60.4%
Sierra Leone is 60.4% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,321.25 $ 3,140.74 $ 57.9%
Sierra Leone is 57.9% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 1,261.67 $ 2,267.71 $ 44.4%
Sierra Leone is 44.4% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 2,125.00 $ 6,205.41 $ 65.8%
Sierra Leone is 65.8% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 100.00 $ 3,723.55 $ 97.3%
Sierra Leone is 97.3% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 1,081.77 $ 22,697.92 $ 95.2%
Sierra Leone is 95.2% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 1,083.57 $ 15,076.91 $ 92.8%
Sierra Leone is 92.8% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 1,283.33 $ 4,151.48 $ 69.1%
Sierra Leone is 69.1% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate ? 3.17 N/A

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Singapore. Enter your monthly expenses in Sierra Leone 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 Sierra Leone and Singapore 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 Sierra Leone vs Singapore

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

Cultural Cost Differences

Sierra Leone

Singapore

  • 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.

Explore more

Cost of living in Sierra Leone Cost of living in Singapore

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