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's rental market in 2026 is shaped by two main cities: Douala, the economic hub, and Yaoundé, the administrative capital.
We update this blog post regularly to give you the freshest rent data and trends for Cameroon.
Below, you will find everything you need to know about current rents, top neighborhoods, tenant preferences, and landlord costs 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.
Insights
- Studios in Cameroon rent for around 200,000 XAF per month in 2026, but properties with reliable backup power can command 30% to 50% more than units without it.
- Douala consistently prices higher than Yaoundé for similar apartments, making it Cameroon's most expensive rental market in 2026.
- The rent CPI sub-index from Cameroon's National Institute of Statistics shows a steady 3% year-over-year increase, which is modest compared to general inflation.
- Bastos in Yaoundé and Bonapriso in Douala remain the top expat neighborhoods, where furnished apartments can exceed 700,000 XAF per month.
- Water storage and pump systems are among the top rent-boosting amenities in Cameroon, often adding 15% to 25% to monthly rent.
- Vacancy rates in Cameroon's big cities sit around 8% overall, but drop to just 4% to 7% for well-maintained units with good utilities.
- Properties near Yaoundé I University or the University of Douala rent within 10 to 25 days, much faster than the 30-day average.
- Landlords in Cameroon typically budget 1.5% of property value per year for maintenance, but older buildings can require 2% to 3%.
What are typical rents in Cameroon as of 2026?
What's the average monthly rent for a studio in Cameroon as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a studio in Cameroon's main cities is around 200,000 XAF, which is about $330 USD or €305 EUR.
The realistic range for studio rents in Cameroon spans from 150,000 XAF ($250 USD / €230 EUR) for basic units to 300,000 XAF ($500 USD / €460 EUR) for furnished studios in prime areas.
What causes this range is mainly the neighborhood's security level, whether the unit has reliable power and water, and whether it comes furnished or unfurnished.
What's the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in Cameroon as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Cameroon is approximately 250,000 XAF, which equals about $415 USD or €380 EUR.
The realistic range for 1-bedroom rents in Cameroon runs from 180,000 XAF ($300 USD / €275 EUR) in peripheral areas to 450,000 XAF ($750 USD / €685 EUR) in Douala's most sought-after neighborhoods.
In terms of location, neighborhoods like Deido and Mvan offer more affordable 1-bedroom options, while Bonapriso in Douala and Bastos in Yaoundé sit at the top of the price scale.
What's the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom in Cameroon as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Cameroon is around 390,000 XAF, which translates to approximately $650 USD or €595 EUR.
The realistic range for 2-bedroom apartments in Cameroon stretches from 280,000 XAF ($465 USD / €425 EUR) for simpler units to 650,000 XAF ($1,080 USD / €990 EUR) for properties with generators, water storage, and security.
For more affordable 2-bedroom options, look toward Logpom or Odza, while premium 2-bedroom apartments concentrate in Bonapriso, Bonanjo, and Bastos.
By the way, you will find much more detailed rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Cameroon.
What's the average rent per square meter in Cameroon as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average rent per square meter in Cameroon's main cities is approximately 5,500 XAF, which is about $9 USD or €8.40 EUR per square meter per month.
The realistic range runs from around 3,000 XAF ($5 USD / €4.60 EUR) per square meter in standard Yaoundé neighborhoods to 13,000 XAF ($22 USD / €20 EUR) per square meter in prime Douala locations.
Compared to other Central African cities, Cameroon's rent per square meter sits in the middle range, with Douala pricing closer to regional capitals while Yaoundé offers better value for space.
Properties that command above-average rent per square meter in Cameroon typically feature backup generators, water reserves, secure parking, and fiber internet readiness.
How much have rents changed year-over-year in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, rents in Cameroon have increased by approximately 3% compared to the same period last year.
The main factors driving rent changes in Cameroon this year include ongoing urban migration, a persistent housing shortage in Douala and Yaoundé, and increased demand for units with reliable utilities.
This 3% increase is consistent with the trend from previous years, where Cameroon's rent growth has remained in the low single digits, slower than general inflation but steady.
What's the outlook for rent growth in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, we project rent growth in Cameroon to land between 3% and 6% over the full year, with Douala likely outperforming Yaoundé.
The key factors supporting this outlook include Cameroon's structural housing deficit, continued rural-to-urban migration, and a 2026 budget that signals higher public spending and economic activity.
Neighborhoods expected to see the strongest rent growth in Cameroon include Bonapriso and Bonamoussadi in Douala, as well as Bastos and Nsimeyong in Yaoundé, where demand for quality housing exceeds supply.
The main risks that could push rent growth below projections include a squeeze on household purchasing power or security concerns that push tenants toward cheaper peripheral areas.
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.
Which neighborhoods rent best in Cameroon as of 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest rents in Cameroon as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the three neighborhoods with the highest average rents in Cameroon are Bonapriso in Douala (averaging 450,000 XAF / $750 USD / €685 EUR for a 1-bedroom), Bastos in Yaoundé (around 400,000 XAF / $665 USD / €610 EUR), and Bonanjo in Douala (approximately 380,000 XAF / $630 USD / €580 EUR).
What makes these neighborhoods command premium rents is their combination of security, reliable utilities, proximity to business districts and embassies, and better road infrastructure compared to other areas.
The tenant profiles in these high-rent Cameroon neighborhoods typically include corporate executives, embassy staff, NGO workers, and well-established expats who prioritize safety and convenience over price.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Cameroon.
Where do young professionals prefer to rent in Cameroon right now?
The top three neighborhoods where young professionals prefer to rent in Cameroon are Akwa in Douala, Nlongkak in Yaoundé, and Bonamoussadi in Douala.
Young professionals in these Cameroon neighborhoods typically pay between 180,000 XAF and 300,000 XAF per month ($300 to $500 USD / €275 to €460 EUR) for 1-bedroom apartments.
What attracts young professionals to these areas is the balance of reasonable commute times, access to public transport, good internet connectivity, and a lively atmosphere with restaurants and services nearby.
By the way, you will find a detailed tenant analysis in our property pack covering the real estate market in Cameroon.
Where do families prefer to rent in Cameroon right now?
The top three neighborhoods where families prefer to rent in Cameroon are Makepe in Douala, Nsimeyong in Yaoundé, and Bonamoussadi in Douala.
Families renting 2 to 3 bedroom apartments in these Cameroon neighborhoods typically pay between 350,000 XAF and 600,000 XAF per month ($580 to $1,000 USD / €535 to €915 EUR).
These neighborhoods attract families because they offer more space, quieter streets, secure compounds, reliable water supply, and proximity to good schools.
Top educational options near these family-friendly Cameroon neighborhoods include the American School of Yaoundé near Bastos, Collège Adventiste de Yaoundé near Nsimeyong, and several bilingual schools in the Makepe-Bonamoussadi corridor in Douala.
Which areas near transit or universities rent faster in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three areas that rent fastest in Cameroon are the Ngoa-Ekellé corridor near Yaoundé I University, the Logbessou area near the University of Douala, and central Akwa in Douala along main transport routes.
Properties in these high-demand Cameroon areas typically stay listed for just 10 to 25 days, compared to the 30-day average for the broader market.
The rent premium for properties within walking distance of transit hubs or universities in Cameroon ranges from 20,000 to 50,000 XAF per month ($35 to $85 USD / €30 to €75 EUR) above comparable units farther away.
Which neighborhoods are most popular with expats in Cameroon right now?
The top three neighborhoods most popular with expats in Cameroon are Bastos in Yaoundé, Bonapriso in Douala, and the Golf-Club Hippique area in Yaoundé.
Expats renting in these Cameroon neighborhoods typically pay between 400,000 XAF and 800,000 XAF per month ($665 to $1,330 USD / €610 to €1,220 EUR) for furnished apartments with good amenities.
What makes these neighborhoods attractive to expats is the concentration of embassy compounds, international schools, secure housing with backup power and water, and easy access to expatriate services.
The expat communities most represented in these Cameroon neighborhoods include French nationals, other Europeans working for NGOs and development organizations, and corporate assignees from multinational companies in oil, telecoms, and logistics.
And if you are also an expat, you may want to read our exhaustive guide for expats in Cameroon.
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Who rents, and what do tenants want in Cameroon right now?
What tenant profiles dominate rentals in Cameroon?
The top three tenant profiles that dominate the rental market in Cameroon are local salaried households, civil servants (especially in Yaoundé), and corporate tenants working in logistics, telecoms, or extractives (especially in Douala).
In terms of market share, local salaried households represent roughly 50% of Cameroon's rental demand, civil servants account for about 25%, and corporate or expat tenants make up the remaining 25%.
Local households typically seek 1 to 2 bedroom apartments in mid-market areas, civil servants often look for 2 to 3 bedrooms near administrative centers, and corporate tenants prioritize furnished units with security and reliable utilities.
If you want to optimize your cashflow, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Cameroon.
Do tenants prefer furnished or unfurnished in Cameroon?
In Cameroon, approximately 70% of tenants prefer unfurnished rentals, while around 30% opt for furnished apartments.
The rent premium for furnished apartments in Cameroon typically ranges from 50,000 to 150,000 XAF per month ($85 to $250 USD / €75 to €230 EUR) above comparable unfurnished units.
The tenant profiles that prefer furnished rentals in Cameroon include expats on short-term assignments, corporate tenants whose companies cover housing, and young professionals who value move-in convenience over long-term cost savings.
Which amenities increase rent the most in Cameroon?
The top five amenities that increase rent the most in Cameroon are backup power (generator or inverter), water storage with pump, 24-hour security, dedicated parking, and fiber internet readiness.
In terms of rent premiums, backup power adds 40,000 to 80,000 XAF per month ($65 to $130 USD / €60 to €120 EUR), water systems add 25,000 to 50,000 XAF ($40 to $85 USD / €40 to €75 EUR), security adds 30,000 to 60,000 XAF ($50 to $100 USD / €45 to €90 EUR), parking adds 20,000 to 40,000 XAF ($35 to $65 USD / €30 to €60 EUR), and internet readiness adds 15,000 to 30,000 XAF ($25 to $50 USD / €25 to €45 EUR).
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Cameroon, we cover what are the best investments a landlord can make.
What renovations get the best ROI for rentals in Cameroon?
The top five renovations that get the best ROI for rental properties in Cameroon are power backup installation (inverter or solar-ready wiring), water tank and pump systems, security upgrades (gates, lighting, reinforced doors), kitchen and bathroom modernization, and ventilation improvements (fans or AC readiness).
For costs and returns, power backup installation runs 500,000 to 1,500,000 XAF ($830 to $2,500 USD / €760 to €2,285 EUR) and can boost rent by 50,000 to 80,000 XAF monthly; water systems cost 300,000 to 800,000 XAF ($500 to $1,330 USD / €460 to €1,220 EUR) for a 30,000 to 50,000 XAF monthly increase; security upgrades run 200,000 to 600,000 XAF ($330 to $1,000 USD / €305 to €915 EUR) for 30,000 to 50,000 XAF more per month.
Renovations that tend to have poor ROI in Cameroon include luxury finishes that exceed the neighborhood's price ceiling, swimming pools in non-premium areas, and extensive landscaping that adds maintenance burden without proportional rent increase.
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.
How strong is rental demand in Cameroon as of 2026?
What's the vacancy rate for rentals in Cameroon as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated vacancy rate for rental properties in Cameroon's main cities is around 8%.
The realistic range of vacancy rates across Cameroon neighborhoods spans from 4% to 7% for well-maintained units with reliable utilities to 10% to 15% for older stock with weaker infrastructure.
Compared to historical averages, the current vacancy rate in Cameroon remains relatively tight due to the ongoing structural housing shortage and continued urban migration.
Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in Cameroon.
How many days do rentals stay listed in Cameroon as of 2026?
As of early 2026, rentals in Cameroon stay listed for an average of approximately 30 days before being leased.
The realistic range spans from 10 to 25 days for well-priced prime units to 45 to 90 days for overpriced properties or those with infrastructure issues.
Compared to one year ago, the days-on-market figure in Cameroon has remained relatively stable, reflecting consistent demand that absorbs quality supply quickly while weaker properties linger.
Which months have peak tenant demand in Cameroon?
The peak months for tenant demand in Cameroon are August through October and January through February.
These peaks are driven by the school and university calendar (August-October sees family relocations and student moves) and the new-year job market cycle (January-February brings administrative transfers, especially in Yaoundé).
The months with the lowest tenant demand in Cameroon are typically April through June, when fewer relocations occur and the leasing market slows down.
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What will my monthly costs be in Cameroon as of 2026?
What property taxes should landlords expect in Cameroon as of 2026?
As of early 2026, landlords in Cameroon should expect to pay approximately 80,000 XAF per year ($130 USD / €120 EUR) in property tax for a typical mid-range rental property valued around 80 million XAF.
The realistic range of annual property taxes in Cameroon spans from 30,000 XAF ($50 USD / €45 EUR) for lower-value properties to 200,000 XAF ($330 USD / €305 EUR) or more for premium real estate.
Property taxes in Cameroon are calculated as 0.1% of the declared value of land and buildings (known as Taxe Foncière), payable annually by June 30th to the Direction Générale des Impôts.
Please note that, in our property pack covering the real estate market in Cameroon, we cover what exemptions or deductions may be available to reduce property taxes for landlords.
What maintenance budget per year is realistic in Cameroon right now?
A realistic annual maintenance budget for a typical rental property in Cameroon is around 1.2 million XAF ($2,000 USD / €1,830 EUR) for a property valued at 80 million XAF.
The realistic range spans from 0.8% to 1.2% of property value per year for newer buildings to 2% to 3% for older stock that needs regular plumbing, roofing, generator servicing, and security repairs.
Landlords in Cameroon typically set aside 10% to 15% of rental income for maintenance, which accounts for the higher wear-and-tear common in properties without consistent utility infrastructure.
What utilities do landlords often pay in Cameroon right now?
The utilities landlords most commonly pay on behalf of tenants in Cameroon are common-area electricity, compound security services, and sometimes generator maintenance (though fuel is often negotiated separately).
Typical monthly costs for these landlord-paid utilities in Cameroon range from 20,000 to 50,000 XAF ($35 to $85 USD / €30 to €75 EUR) for common-area lighting and 30,000 to 80,000 XAF ($50 to $130 USD / €45 to €120 EUR) for shared security services.
The common practice in Cameroon is for tenants to pay their own electricity, water, and internet, while landlords cover shared building costs and often the maintenance (though not fuel) of backup power systems.
How is rental income taxed in Cameroon as of 2026?
As of early 2026, rental income in Cameroon is taxed as personal income, with landlords able to deduct either a standard allowance or documented actual expenses before calculating their tax liability.
The main deductions landlords can claim against rental income in Cameroon include property maintenance costs, loan interest, property taxes paid, and depreciation on the building.
A common tax mistake specific to landlords in Cameroon is failing to properly document expenses or misunderstanding the withholding requirements when renting to corporate tenants, which can lead to unexpected tax bills or penalties.
We cover these mistakes, among others, in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Cameroon.
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cameroon National Institute of Statistics (INS) | It's official CPI data produced by Cameroon's national statistics office. | We used this rent-specific CPI sub-index to anchor how rents are moving rather than guessing from listings. We then extrapolated cautiously into early 2026 using the recent trend and macro inflation forecasts. |
| Numbeo - Douala | It's a large, long-running global database with consistent rent fields across cities. | We used the Douala 1BR and 3BR rent benchmarks as the best transparent, city-level price sheet available publicly. We then converted those into studio and 2BR estimates with a fixed size and bedroom mapping. |
| Numbeo - Yaoundé | Same methodology as Douala, which makes Douala vs Yaoundé directly comparable. | We used Yaoundé 1BR and 3BR rents to represent the other core demand hub after Douala. We then blended Douala and Yaoundé into a big-city Cameroon typical rent estimate. |
| Direction Générale des Impôts (DGI) - Taxe Foncière | This is the official taxpayer guidance from Cameroon's tax authority. | We used it to state the headline rate, tax base, and payment timing for property tax. We then translated that into a simple annual XAF rule of thumb for landlords. |
| DGI - Code Général des Impôts 2025 | It's the official, consolidated tax code publication from the DGI. | We used it as the legal backbone for rental-income taxation, covering what category it falls under and how it's collected. We cross-checked practical interpretation with PwC's summary guide. |
| PwC - Cameroon Tax Facts and Figures 2025 | PwC is a top-tier global tax advisory firm and publishes structured, citable tax summaries. | We used it to simplify how rental income is treated, including deductions, withholding logic, and common compliance steps. We used it to cross-check against the CGI so we're not relying on one source. |
| Centre for Affordable Housing Finance in Africa (CAHF) | CAHF is a recognized pan-African housing research organization with documented sources. | We used it to ground the demand story covering urbanization, housing conditions, and structural shortage that drives rents. We used it to justify why certain neighborhoods and unit types rent faster. |
| Reuters - Cameroon 2026 Budget | Reuters is a global wire service with rigorous editorial standards and source attribution. | We used it to anchor the near-term 2026 macro backdrop covering growth and spending that tends to support household formation and migration to cities. We used it only for macro context, not for rent levels. |
| UN-Habitat - Annual Report 2024 | UN-Habitat is the UN agency focused on cities and housing, so it's a high-trust reference. | We used it to frame Cameroon within the broader housing constraints common in fast-urbanizing countries. We used it to keep the outlook section grounded in housing fundamentals, not hype. |
| UN-Habitat - 2025 Annual Report | It's an official UN publication with stable definitions and careful language. | We used it to support the idea that housing gaps are a global structural issue, not just a local anecdote. We used it to validate our supply-constraint assumptions when projecting rent growth. |
| Cameroon Ministry of Finance (MINFI) | It's the government source for fiscal policy and official budget communication. | We used it to triangulate the public-finance context behind 2026 covering spending priorities and economic direction. We used it as a sanity check alongside Reuters so we're not leaning on media alone. |
| BEAC (Central Bank of Central African States) | BEAC is the central bank for CEMAC and the most authoritative monetary-policy voice for Cameroon's currency zone. | We used it to frame inflation and financial conditions that typically pass through into housing costs with a lag. We used it only for macro conditions, not neighborhood rent levels. |
| Global Property Guide - Cameroon | It's an established international property research site that summarizes tax treatment with clear assumptions. | We used it as a cross-check on the direction and magnitude of rental income tax burdens for individuals. We used it only as a secondary confirmation behind the CGI and PwC. |
| BUCREP (Cameroon Census Bureau) | BUCREP is the official census and population studies body, useful for who-rents and where-demand-is. | We used it to support the demographic logic behind rental demand covering urban concentration and migration. We used it to keep tenant-profile claims consistent with national demographic realities. |
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