Cost of Living in Angola

The Angolan capital of Luanda is perhaps not as affordable as expats might think. Just a few years ago, Luanda’s cost of living ranked alongside or even above that of global economic giants such as Singapore and Tokyo. Fortunately, that’s no longer the case and Luanda’s living costs are much gentler these days, though still not cheap.

The 2022 Mercer Cost of Living Survey ranks Luanda as the 64th most expensive city to live in out of the 227 cities surveyed. Although, a number of African cities, such as Bangui in the Central African Republic and Libreville in Gabon, rank much higher than Luanda.

The highest expenses facing expats and parents will likely be accommodation and private schooling. Luckily, those moving to Angola for work often have these costs either partially or fully subsidised by their employer. Expats without such an arrangement should budget carefully to ensure they can afford these essentials.

Cost of accommodation in Angola

The high cost of accommodation in Angola is due to a notable gulf between supply and demand. Low supply and a lack of secure housing have driven up rental prices. Nevertheless, most expats will have their accommodation provided and paid for by their employer. If not, it’s important to factor this cost in during the salary negotiations.

Cost of food in Angola

The amount of money an expat will spend on food will generally depend on their tastes and preferences. Fresh local produce is readily available at reasonable prices, but most expats shop at the bigger supermarkets where many of the products are imported and more expensive. Eating out is also quite pricey and is not a regular pastime for most people.

Cost of schooling in Angola

For expats with children, the cost of living in Angola rises significantly. As the standard of local public and private schools is generally considered inadequate, outrageously-priced international schools are the only remaining option. Annual tuition fees often also don't include essentials such as textbooks, uniforms and extra-curricular activities, so these will need to be budgeted for.

Transportation costs in Angola

Personal transport costs must also be considered in Angola, as there is a lack of good quality public transport in the country. Many expats choose to hire a driver, as this is quite affordable in Angola.

Cost of living in Angola chart