- Purchase the complete Expat Arrivals Angola Guide (PDF)
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
Prices may vary depending on product and service provider. The list below shows average prices for Luanda in August 2022.
Accommodation (monthly) |
|
One-bedroom apartment in city centre |
AOA 118,224 |
One-bedroom apartment outside of centre |
AOA 60,642 |
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre |
AOA 2,865,305 |
Three-bedroom apartment outside of centre |
AOA 251,099 |
Shopping |
|
Milk (1 litre) |
AOA 1,042 |
Loaf of white bread |
AOA 1,046 |
Chicken breasts (1kg) |
AOA 3,700 |
Rice (1kg) |
AOA 663 |
Dozen eggs |
AOA 1,755 |
Pack of cigarettes |
AOA 752 |
Eating out |
|
Big Mac meal |
AOA 4,296 |
Coca Cola (330ml) |
AOA 786 |
Cappuccino |
AOA 1,743 |
Bottle of local beer |
AOA 969 |
Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant |
AOA 27,600 |
Utilities |
|
Mobile-to-mobile call rate (per minute) |
AOA 71.74 |
Internet (Uncapped ADSL or Cable – average per month) |
AOA 41,668 |
Basic utilities (per month for a small apartment) |
AOA 19,331 |
Transportation |
|
Taxi rate/km |
AOA 717.42 |
Bus fare |
AOA 359 |
Petrol/gasoline (per litre) |
AOA 114.79 |
Further reading
►Learn more about managing your finances in this African country in Banking, Money and Taxes in Angola
Expat Interviews
"The cost of living in Angola is VERY expensive. Most shopping is expensive and with poor quality and choice. Most expat companies provide additional allowances to compensate for the high cost of living though."
Learn more about British expat Chris' experiences in Angola in our interview.
Are you an expat living in Angola?
Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Angola. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.
Expat Health Insurance
Cigna Global
If you’re thinking about taking out private health insurance, our trusted partner Cigna Global is very aware of all the difficulties that expats can face when it comes to healthcare in a new location, so they have created a range of international health insurance plans specifically designed for expats, which you can tailor exactly to the needs and ensure access to quality care for you and your family.
Moving Companies
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