Cost of living in Rwanda - 2017

Cost of living in Rwanda is nearly that of what I paid in the US (Montana) and more in some cases.

Housing is the biggest expense - if you want to live near Nyarutarama - where I work - expect to pay $1200 - 2000 per month for housing (that can be a house or an apartment).  Expect the realtor to show you a lot of different places all starting at the high end, regardless of what you tell them.  There are some nice houses further away from the center, but quality can be sketchy and transpo can be trying unless you're ok with riding the local Motos (800-1200 RWF for a ride into or from the city center to Nyarutarama by moto, 5000 RWF for a cab the same distance).  Also expect your land lord to ask for 3-6 months in advance and not be willing to refund that if you want to move out early.  Better to take your time, find a place you like and then commit.

I share a house with 2 other people and we pay about $20.00 US per week in Electricity that can be unreliable.  Water is weird because you don't pay monthly unless you get a bill.

We pay 80,000 RWF for the maid and 50,000 RWF for the guard who is also the gardener.  I've been told this is high for Kigali, but really good help (up to Western standards) gets 150,000 RWF per month.  You can get a cleaner for as cheap as 50,000 RWF but don't expect a lot for that unless you live with a Rwandan.

Unless you go to the local markets expect to pay near US prices for food and staples and luxury items are a premium (wine and alcohol go for about 2x what you can get it elsewhere and that's the low end).  At the local markets expect to pay the Muzungu (white person) price unless  you are great at bartering or send the maid to shop for you. 

Kitchen items are expensive.  Toasters for example go for around $35 USD, though if you really search around and are willing to wait months you can occasionally find cheaper.  Some 'standard' items like a can opener are very difficult to find.  I finally asked a friend to bring a can opener back from Dubai for me as I haven't been able to find one at any of the stores in the last 6 months. 

Clothing etc is near US prices though you can find the little shops that will do things like make you a pair of shoes for cheaper. 

It's all about searching around and keeping your ear to the ground to find the best deal in Kigali.  Overall though - expect to be at or near US prices for just about everything.