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The cost of living in Angola can be higher than you might expect. Your highest expenses will likely be accommodation and private schooling, whereas local produce and some activities are generally affordable. Luckily, if you are moving to Angola for work, employers will often subsidise housing, schooling, and health insurance costs. If you don’t have such an arrangement, you’ll have to budget carefully to ensure you can afford the essentials.
Cost of accommodation in Angola
The cost of renting accommodation in Angola is high, thanks to a notable gulf between supply and demand. Most expats live in the capital, Luanda, where the limited availability of secure housing has driven up rental prices. Nevertheless, most expats will have their accommodation provided and paid for by their employers. If not, it is essential to factor in this cost during your salary negotiation.
Renting Expat Accommodation in Angola
Cost of transport in Angola
While public transport in Angola is affordable, the system is not without issues: overcrowding and irregular service make it an unattractive option for most expats.
Using private taxis or hiring a personal driver is a more comfortable, albeit pricier, alternative. Road conditions are generally poor – if you opt for a private vehicle, it should come with high ground clearance and four-wheel drive. Maintenance and operating costs for these types of vehicles can add up quickly.
Transport and Driving in Angola
Cost of groceries in Angola
Shopping for groceries in Angola can be surprisingly pricey, especially for imported goods. Local markets are a popular choice for fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats, which tend to be reasonably priced. Quality can vary, though – make sure that your groceries are fresh.
If you are accustomed to Western-brand products, you may find these significantly costlier due to import taxes and logistical challenges.
Cost of entertainment and eating out in Angola
The cost of entertainment and eating out in Angola is a mixed bag. High-end restaurants and bars in Luanda can be quite expensive and rival those in major Western cities. On the other hand, budget-friendly local eateries offer a taste of traditional Angolan cuisine at a fraction of the cost.
When it comes to entertainment, costs can also vary. Cultural attractions like museums and galleries are generally affordable, while tickets for concerts or theatre shows can be pricey. As a rule, you should expect to pay a premium for activities and venues that cater to a more international audience.
Cost of education in Angola
If you have children, the cost of living in Angola rises significantly. As the standard of education in local public and private schools is widely considered inadequate, expensive international schools are the only remaining option for most expats. Annual tuition fees often don’t include essentials such as textbooks, uniforms, and extracurricular activities, so you’ll need to include these in your budget as well.
Education and Schools in Angola
Best International Schools in Angola
Cost of healthcare in Angola
Healthcare in Angola is another area where costs can escalate quickly. While there is a public healthcare system, it is frequently under-resourced and understaffed, and many expats seek private healthcare instead. That said, private medical facilities typically charge steep fees for their services.
Besides these direct costs, comprehensive health insurance is a must, which can also add significantly to your monthly budget. Consequently, we recommend securing a health allowance or health insurance coverage from your employer as part of your relocation package.
Cost of living in Angola chart
Prices are in Angolan kwanzas (AOA) and may vary depending on the product and service provider. The list below shows average prices for Luanda in September 2026.
| Accommodation (monthly rent) | |
| Three-bedroom apartment in the city centre | AOA 2,200,000 |
| Three-bedroom apartment outside the city centre | AOA 1,100,000 |
| One-bedroom apartment in the city centre | AOA 450,000 |
| One-bedroom apartment outside the city centre | AOA 250,000 |
| Food and drink | |
| Eggs (dozen) | AOA 1,900 |
| Milk (1 litre) | AOA 1,800 |
| Rice (1kg) | AOA 1,500 |
| Loaf of white bread | AOA 1,000 |
| Chicken breasts (1kg) | AOA 5,000 |
| Cheese (500g) | AOA 4,700 |
| Eating out | |
| Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | AOA 45,000 |
| Big Mac Meal | AOA 6,500 |
| Coca-Cola (330ml) | AOA 1,500 |
| Cappuccino | AOA 3,000 |
| Local draft beer (500ml) | AOA 1,400 |
| Utilities/household | |
| Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and data | AOA 17,500 |
| Internet (uncapped ADSL or cable – average per month) | AOA 80,000 |
| Basic utilities (average per month for a standard household) | AOA 95,000 |
| Transportation | |
| Taxi rate (per kilometre) | AOA 1,000 |
| Bus/train fare in the city centre | AOA 500 |
| Gasoline/Petrol (per litre) | AOA 300 |