Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Cameroon Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Cameroon Property Pack
Cameroon offers retirees an affordable cost of living, with housing prices and daily expenses significantly lower than in Western countries.
This guide covers current housing prices in Cameroon and real monthly costs, which we constantly update to keep the data fresh for 2026.
We also explore practical visa options, healthcare budgets, and whether buying property makes sense for foreign retirees in Cameroon.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Cameroon.
How much money do I need to retire in Cameroon right now?
What's the absolute minimum monthly budget to survive in Cameroon?
The absolute minimum monthly budget for a foreign retiree to survive in Cameroon in 2026 is around 510,000 XAF, which equals approximately $900 USD or €850 EUR.
At this level, you cover basic rent in a modest neighborhood outside city centers, utilities with occasional power outages, local food, minimal transportation by shared taxis, and a small healthcare buffer for routine needs.
Living on this minimum budget in Cameroon means accepting significant trade-offs, including no backup generator during frequent power cuts, limited access to imported goods, reliance on public healthcare, and very little room for leisure or unexpected expenses.
What lifestyle do I get with $2,000/month in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, a budget of $2,000 per month (about 1.13 million XAF or €1,880 EUR) gives you a comfortable "local-plus" lifestyle in major cities like Douala or Yaoundé, with reliable housing and access to private healthcare.
With this budget, you can rent a clean one-bedroom apartment in safe, expat-friendly neighborhoods like Bonapriso or Bonamoussadi in Douala for around 450,000 to 550,000 XAF ($800 to $970 USD, €750 to €910 EUR) per month, including neighborhoods with security guards and backup water.
At $2,000 per month in Cameroon, you can enjoy regular restaurant meals, gym memberships, occasional weekend trips to coastal towns like Kribi or Limbe, and a mix of local and imported groceries without constant budget stress.
The main limitation at this budget level is that you will still need to be mindful of imported goods and premium services, as these costs add up quickly in Cameroon, and a serious medical event could still strain your finances without strong insurance.
What lifestyle do I get with $3,000/month in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, a budget of $3,000 per month (about 1.70 million XAF or €2,820 EUR) provides a very comfortable lifestyle in Cameroon's big cities and an upper-tier standard of living in smaller coastal areas.
At this budget, you can afford a spacious two-bedroom apartment in prime Douala neighborhoods like Bonanjo or Akwa for around 600,000 to 800,000 XAF ($1,060 to $1,415 USD, €990 to €1,320 EUR) per month, or a very nice one-bedroom in the most desirable streets with reliable infrastructure.
With $3,000 per month in Cameroon, dining at quality restaurants multiple times per week becomes routine, you can hire a part-time driver or use ride-hailing regularly, and weekend trips to Mount Cameroon, Kribi beaches, or Limbe become easy to budget for.
The key upgrade compared to $2,000 per month is financial breathing room for backup power systems, a comprehensive private health insurance plan, and the freedom to buy imported products without constant mental accounting.
What lifestyle do I get with $5,000/month in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, a budget of $5,000 per month (about 2.83 million XAF or €4,700 EUR) delivers an executive expat lifestyle in Cameroon, while $10,000 per month (about 5.65 million XAF or €9,400 EUR) provides a no-compromises luxury existence.
At $5,000 per month, you can rent a premium apartment or small villa in Douala's Bonapriso or Yaoundé's Bastos neighborhood for 1.2 to 1.8 million XAF ($2,120 to $3,185 USD, €1,980 to €2,975 EUR), while $10,000 opens doors to large villas with gardens, swimming pools, and full-time security in the most exclusive streets.
At the $5,000 to $10,000 per month range in Cameroon, you can afford household staff including a cook and cleaner, top-tier international health insurance with medical evacuation coverage, a personal vehicle with driver, frequent domestic and international travel, and imported goods without any budget concerns.
How much for a "comfortable" retirement in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, a comfortable retirement in Cameroon requires approximately 1.41 million XAF per month, which equals about $2,500 USD or €2,350 EUR.
Given Cameroon's infrastructure challenges and healthcare realities, you should add a 25% buffer to your target budget, meaning an extra 350,000 XAF ($620 USD, €580 EUR) per month set aside for unexpected power backup costs, medical emergencies, or price fluctuations on imported goods.
A comfortable retirement budget in Cameroon covers what a basic budget does not: reliable backup power through a generator or inverter system, comprehensive private health insurance, a decent leisure fund for travel and dining, and enough flexibility to handle bureaucratic costs like visa renewals and document processing.
How much for a "luxury" retirement in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, a luxury retirement in Cameroon requires approximately 3.67 million XAF per month, which equals about $6,500 USD or €6,100 EUR.
A luxury budget in Cameroon covers premium housing with robust security, a dedicated generator and water backup system, household staff, a personal vehicle with driver, top-tier international health insurance including medevac coverage, and frequent travel, all costing between 2.5 and 4 million XAF ($4,425 to $7,080 USD, €4,130 to €6,610 EUR) monthly depending on your exact choices.
The most popular neighborhoods for luxury-seeking retirees in Cameroon include Bonapriso and Bonanjo in Douala, and Bastos and Quartier du Lac in Yaoundé, all of which offer proximity to embassies, international schools, premium restaurants, and high-end medical facilities.
The main advantage of a luxury budget beyond comfort in Cameroon is genuine peace of mind: you can handle medical emergencies with immediate evacuation options, weather infrastructure failures without stress, and enjoy the country's natural beauty from Kribi's beaches to Mount Cameroon without financial anxiety.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Cameroon. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
What are the real monthly expenses for retirees in Cameroon in 2026?
What is a realistic monthly budget breakdown by category in Cameroon?
A realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single retiree in Cameroon at the comfortable level (around $2,500 USD or €2,350 EUR) includes housing at 30 to 35%, utilities and backup power at 12 to 15%, food at 15 to 20%, transport at 7 to 12%, healthcare and insurance at 15 to 20%, and leisure and miscellaneous at 10 to 15%.
Housing typically consumes the largest share in Cameroon, with rent in good Douala neighborhoods running 450,000 to 740,000 XAF ($800 to $1,310 USD, €745 to €1,225 EUR) per month for a one-bedroom, representing roughly one-third of a comfortable budget.
Food and groceries in Cameroon generally take up 250,000 to 450,000 XAF ($440 to $800 USD, €415 to €745 EUR) per month depending on how much imported food you buy, which represents about 15 to 20% of a comfortable retirement budget.
The budget category that varies most by personal lifestyle in Cameroon is healthcare, since some retirees manage with minimal local clinic visits while others invest heavily in comprehensive international insurance and regular private care.
What fees surprise foreigners most after moving to Cameroon?
The top three hidden or overlooked fees that surprise foreigners in Cameroon are backup power costs (generator fuel and maintenance can run 50,000 to 150,000 XAF or $90 to $265 USD monthly), upfront healthcare payments (clinics often require cash before treatment), and recurring visa and residency paperwork costs including photos, certified copies, and processing fees.
When first arriving in Cameroon, foreigners should budget 300,000 to 600,000 XAF ($530 to $1,060 USD, €495 to €990 EUR) for one-time setup and administrative fees including visa processing, initial rent deposits (often two to three months upfront), utility connection fees, and basic household equipment like a generator or inverter.
What's the average rent for a 1-bedroom or a 2-bedroom in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Cameroon's major cities ranges from 329,000 to 514,000 XAF ($580 to $910 USD, €545 to €850 EUR), while a two-bedroom typically costs 470,000 to 785,000 XAF ($830 to $1,390 USD, €775 to €1,300 EUR) depending on location and quality.
For a one-bedroom in Cameroon, rents range from budget options at around 225,000 XAF ($400 USD, €370 EUR) in outer neighborhoods to upscale apartments in Douala's Bonapriso or Yaoundé's Bastos at 740,000 XAF ($1,310 USD, €1,225 EUR) or more with modern finishes and reliable infrastructure.
For a two-bedroom in Cameroon, budget neighborhoods offer options starting around 350,000 XAF ($620 USD, €580 EUR), while prime areas with security and backup systems can reach 1,000,000 XAF ($1,770 USD, €1,655 EUR) or higher for well-maintained properties.
Retirees seeking affordable rent with reasonable quality in Cameroon should explore neighborhoods like Bonamoussadi and Makepe in Douala, or Odza and Mvan in Yaoundé, which offer lower prices than embassy-core areas while still providing access to shops, clinics, and transport.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the latest rent data in Cameroon.
What do utilities cost monthly in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, the total monthly utilities cost for a typical retiree apartment in Cameroon (including backup power considerations) ranges from 180,000 to 320,000 XAF ($320 to $565 USD, €300 to €530 EUR) in Douala and 120,000 to 200,000 XAF ($210 to $355 USD, €200 to €330 EUR) in Yaoundé.
Basic electricity and water in Douala cost around 95,000 XAF ($170 USD, €160 EUR) monthly for an 85-square-meter apartment, while in Yaoundé these run closer to 47,000 XAF ($85 USD, €80 EUR), with gas for cooking adding a relatively small amount since many kitchens use bottled gas.
Internet service in Cameroon typically costs 30,000 to 105,000 XAF ($55 to $185 USD, €50 to €175 EUR) per month depending on speed and provider, while mobile phone plans with data run 10,000 to 30,000 XAF ($18 to $55 USD, €17 to €50 EUR) monthly for adequate coverage.
What's the monthly food and transportation budget for one person in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, the combined monthly food and transportation budget for one person in Cameroon ranges from 350,000 to 750,000 XAF ($620 to $1,325 USD, €580 to €1,240 EUR) depending on lifestyle choices, with food taking the larger share.
A single retiree cooking mostly at home with local ingredients in Cameroon can manage on 150,000 to 250,000 XAF ($265 to $440 USD, €250 to €415 EUR) monthly for groceries, while those who buy imported products regularly should budget 300,000 to 450,000 XAF ($530 to $800 USD, €495 to €745 EUR).
Dining out in Cameroon costs significantly more than cooking at home, with restaurant meals at mid-range establishments running 5,000 to 15,000 XAF ($9 to $27 USD, €8 to €25 EUR) each, meaning a retiree who eats out frequently could easily spend an extra 150,000 to 300,000 XAF ($265 to $530 USD, €250 to €495 EUR) monthly.
Transportation in Cameroon via shared taxis and moto-taxis costs 50,000 to 100,000 XAF ($90 to $175 USD, €85 to €165 EUR) monthly for regular use, while owning and operating a vehicle including fuel, insurance, and maintenance can run 200,000 to 400,000 XAF ($355 to $710 USD, €330 to €660 EUR) or more.
Get fresh and reliable information about the market in Cameroon
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Can I retire in Cameroon if I want to buy property in 2026?
What's the average home price in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average home price in Cameroon varies widely by city and location, with a typical 70 to 100 square meter apartment in Douala costing between 39.5 million and 117 million XAF ($70,000 to $207,000 USD, €65,000 to €193,000 EUR) depending on whether it is in the city center or outskirts.
Home prices in Cameroon range from affordable at around 350,000 XAF per square meter ($620 USD, €580 EUR) in Yaoundé's outer areas to premium at 1.17 million XAF per square meter ($2,070 USD, €1,935 EUR) in Douala's city center neighborhoods like Bonanjo.
For retirees in Cameroon, apartments generally offer better value than standalone houses because they often come with shared security, maintenance, and sometimes backup power infrastructure, which reduces the burden of managing these systems independently in a country with infrastructure challenges.
Please note that you will find all the information you need in our pack about properties in Cameroon.
What down payment do foreigners usually need in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreign retirees looking to buy property in Cameroon should plan on a down payment of 50% to 100% of the purchase price, meaning for a 60 million XAF ($106,000 USD, €99,000 EUR) apartment, you would need 30 to 60 million XAF ($53,000 to $106,000 USD, €49,500 to €99,000 EUR) in cash.
Foreigners in Cameroon typically face much higher effective down payment requirements than locals because traditional mortgage access is limited for non-residents, bank documentation requirements are stringent, and published mortgage rates can exceed 19% annually, making financing impractical for most retirees.
We have a document entirely dedicated to the mortgage process in our pack about properties in Cameroon.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Cameroon.
What's the all-in monthly cost to own in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, the all-in monthly cost to own a typical property in Cameroon (after buying with cash) ranges from 150,000 to 400,000 XAF ($265 to $710 USD, €250 to €660 EUR) depending on the building's infrastructure and your neighborhood's service requirements.
The all-in monthly ownership cost in Cameroon includes utilities and backup power (100,000 to 200,000 XAF), maintenance and repairs (30,000 to 80,000 XAF), security services or guard fees if applicable (50,000 to 100,000 XAF), and property-related administrative costs, totaling roughly $265 to $710 USD (€250 to €660 EUR).
Property taxes in Cameroon are relatively low compared to Western countries, typically running 50,000 to 150,000 XAF ($90 to $265 USD, €85 to €250 EUR) annually, while condominium or maintenance fees in managed buildings can add 30,000 to 100,000 XAF ($55 to $175 USD, €50 to €165 EUR) monthly.
The hidden ownership cost that catches new buyers off guard in Cameroon is the ongoing investment required for reliable power and water, including generator maintenance, fuel, inverter batteries, and sometimes private water storage or borehole systems, which can easily add 50,000 to 150,000 XAF ($90 to $265 USD) monthly.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing the property taxes and fees in Cameroon.
Is buying cheaper than renting in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, buying with cash in Cameroon can produce monthly costs of 150,000 to 400,000 XAF ($265 to $710 USD, €250 to €660 EUR) versus renting a similar property for 400,000 to 700,000 XAF ($710 to $1,240 USD, €660 to €1,160 EUR), making ownership appear cheaper on paper, but financing changes this calculation dramatically.
The typical break-even point where buying becomes cheaper than renting in Cameroon is difficult to calculate because most retirees must buy with cash, meaning your break-even depends on what your capital would have earned elsewhere, but rough estimates suggest 8 to 12 years assuming stable property values and no major repairs.
The key factors that make buying less attractive than renting for retirees in Cameroon include the high upfront cash requirement, legal complexity around foreign ownership and title verification, infrastructure management burden (you become responsible for your own generator and water systems), and limited liquidity if you need to sell quickly in a market with few international buyers.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Cameroon versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What visas, taxes, and healthcare costs should I plan for in Cameroon in 2026?
What retirement visa options exist in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, Cameroon does not offer a dedicated retirement visa, so most foreign retirees use a long-stay visa valid for up to 12 months, which costs 150,000 XAF ($265 USD, €250 EUR) for ordinary processing or 200,000 XAF ($355 USD, €330 EUR) for express processing through the official e-visa system.
Cameroon does not publish specific income or savings thresholds for long-stay visas the way some retirement-friendly countries do, but applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds for their stay through bank statements and may need a letter of invitation or proof of accommodation to support their application.
The typical annual visa renewal cost in Cameroon runs 150,000 to 200,000 XAF ($265 to $355 USD, €250 to €330 EUR) for the visa itself, plus additional costs for photos, certified documents, and potential residence permit processing if you establish longer-term status.
The most common visa mistake foreign retirees make in Cameroon is relying on unofficial "visa agents" who charge excessive fees or provide incorrect information, when the official e-visa portal and government ministry offer clear, documented processes that protect you legally.
Do I pay tax on foreign income in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, Cameroon taxes residents on their worldwide income, meaning if you become a tax resident (generally by spending more than 183 days per year in Cameroon), your foreign pensions and investment income may be subject to Cameroonian taxation at progressive rates from 11% to 38.5%.
Foreign pensions may be taxable in Cameroon if you are a tax resident, while investment income like dividends and interest is typically taxed at 16.5%, though the specific treatment depends on your residency status and the nature of the income, with some exemptions for interest on long-term foreign loans.
Cameroon has tax treaties with several countries including France, Canada, and other nations that may reduce or eliminate double taxation, so checking whether your home country has an agreement with Cameroon is essential before making residency decisions.
The single most important tax rule foreign retirees should understand before moving to Cameroon is that tax residency triggers worldwide taxation, so careful planning around the 183-day threshold and consultation with a qualified tax advisor can significantly affect your total tax burden.
What health insurance do retirees need in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, most foreign retirees in Cameroon need private international health insurance costing 120,000 to 300,000 XAF ($210 to $530 USD, €200 to €495 EUR) per month, depending on coverage level, age, and whether medical evacuation is included.
Foreigners can technically access Cameroon's public healthcare facilities, but quality and waiting times vary dramatically, so most expats and retirees rely on private clinics where they often must pay upfront in cash and seek reimbursement from their insurer later.
A realistic total annual healthcare budget for a retiree in Cameroon, including insurance premiums, out-of-pocket costs, and medications, ranges from 2.5 to 5 million XAF ($4,425 to $8,850 USD, €4,130 to €8,260 EUR), with the higher end reflecting comprehensive coverage and regular private care.
Buying real estate in Cameroon can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Cameroon, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| INS Cameroon | Cameroon's official national statistics office publishing poverty and consumption data. | We used INS poverty thresholds to anchor the absolute "survival floor" for local cost of living. We then added expat-specific costs for housing and healthcare on top. |
| Numbeo Douala | Widely used cost index with transparent, itemized pricing and regular updates. | We pulled rent, utility, and grocery prices directly from this dataset. We also used it to benchmark the "comfortable" and "luxury" lifestyle tiers. |
| Numbeo Yaoundé | Same transparent methodology as Douala, covering Cameroon's capital city. | We used it for rent and utility comparisons in Yaoundé. We treated its lower figures as a baseline, knowing expat-standard housing often costs more. |
| MINREX Cameroon | The official Ministry of External Relations page detailing visa rules and fees. | We sourced all visa fee estimates from this official schedule. We also used it to verify that the e-visa program is active and legitimate. |
| World Bank Health Data | International dataset tracking out-of-pocket health spending by country. | We used this data to justify budgeting for cash medical payments even with insurance. We built our healthcare buffer recommendation around this reality. |
| World Health Organization | Global health authority with detailed country reports on healthcare financing. | We used WHO reports to explain why private care dominates for foreigners. We also referenced their Cameroon health system context for insurance guidance. |
| APRIL International | Established international insurer specializing in expat health coverage. | We used their guidance to estimate realistic monthly insurance costs. We also referenced their coverage norms to define what "private insurance" means in practice. |
| DGI Cameroon | The official tax authority under Cameroon's Ministry of Finance. | We anchored all tax information to this official source. We cross-checked professional summaries against the official code to avoid errors. |
| PwC Tax Summaries | Respected global accounting firm with detailed country tax guides. | We used PwC's Cameroon tax summary to verify income tax rates and residency rules. We also referenced their guidance on foreign income taxation. |
| European Central Bank | Central bank reference for EUR/USD exchange rates used globally. | We used ECB rates to convert CFA franc amounts to USD consistently. We maintained all figures in January 2026 dollars for comparability. |
| Knight Frank | Major global real estate consultancy with recognized market expertise. | We used Knight Frank for high-level market context on where demand concentrates. We did not rely on them alone for prices, triangulating with itemized data instead. |
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Cameroon compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
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