Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Ivory Coast Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Ivory Coast Property Pack
If you're looking to rent or invest in rental property in Ivory Coast, understanding what tenants actually pay is essential.
This guide breaks down current rental prices in Ivory Coast by apartment size, neighborhood, and tenant type, so you know exactly what to expect in 2026.
We update this blog post regularly to reflect the latest market conditions in Abidjan and other Ivorian cities.
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 Ivory Coast.
Insights
- Rents in Abidjan's prime neighborhoods like Cocody Riviera can reach 1,800,000 XOF per month for a 2-bedroom, which is roughly 4 to 5 times higher than similar apartments in regional cities like Bouaké or San-Pédro.
- Ivory Coast's housing deficit continues to push Abidjan rents up by 5% to 9% year-over-year in 2026, outpacing the country's general inflation rate.
- Backup power and water storage are the top rent boosters in Abidjan, often adding 15% to 25% to monthly rent because electricity reliability remains a real concern for tenants.
- About 70% of Ivory Coast's formal rental market activity concentrates in just three Abidjan communes: Cocody, Marcory, and Plateau.
- Young professionals in Abidjan increasingly prioritize apartments near the Metro Line 1 corridor, which runs from Abobo to Port-Bouët, to cut commute times.
- Furnished apartments in expat-heavy areas like Zone 4 or Riviera Golf command a 30% to 50% premium over unfurnished units in the same buildings.
- Vacancy rates in prime Abidjan submarkets hover around 4% to 7%, meaning well-priced properties rarely sit empty for long.
- Peak rental demand in Ivory Coast hits between August and October, driven by school years and job relocations, which means landlords can negotiate higher rents during this window.
What are typical rents in Ivory Coast as of 2026?
What's the average monthly rent for a studio in Ivory Coast as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a studio in Ivory Coast ranges from 150,000 to 250,000 XOF (about $250 to $415 USD or €230 to €380 EUR) in Abidjan, where most rental activity happens.
The realistic range stretches wider when you include all options: basic studios outside Abidjan start around 60,000 XOF ($100 USD / €90 EUR), while furnished studios in prime Abidjan neighborhoods like Cocody Riviera can reach 600,000 XOF ($1,000 USD / €915 EUR) or more.
The main factors that cause studio rents to vary in Ivory Coast are location (Abidjan versus regional cities), whether the unit is furnished or unfurnished, and whether it includes amenities like backup power or security.
What's the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in Ivory Coast as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Ivory Coast is around 250,000 to 450,000 XOF ($415 to $750 USD or €380 to €685 EUR) in Abidjan's typical neighborhoods.
The full range spans from about 120,000 XOF ($200 USD / €185 EUR) in regional cities like Bouaké or Yamoussoukro up to 1,200,000 XOF ($2,000 USD / €1,830 EUR) for premium 1-bedrooms with generator backup and security in Cocody Riviera or Marcory Zone 4.
For 1-bedroom apartments in Ivory Coast, the cheapest rents are found in neighborhoods like Abobo or Yopougon in Abidjan (or in regional cities), while the highest rents concentrate in Cocody Riviera Golf, Deux-Plateaux, and Marcory Biétry.
What's the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom in Ivory Coast as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Ivory Coast is typically 450,000 to 800,000 XOF ($750 to $1,330 USD or €685 to €1,220 EUR) in Abidjan's mid-market neighborhoods.
The realistic range for 2-bedroom apartments extends from about 200,000 XOF ($335 USD / €305 EUR) in regional cities up to 1,800,000 XOF ($3,000 USD / €2,750 EUR) or more for family-friendly buildings in prime Abidjan areas with backup power and security.
In Ivory Coast, the most affordable 2-bedroom rents are found in Yopougon, Abobo, or cities like San-Pédro, while the most expensive 2-bedrooms cluster in Cocody Riviera Palmeraie, Riviera Golf, and select parts of Marcory Zone 4.
By the way, you will find much more detailed rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Ivory Coast.
What's the average rent per square meter in Ivory Coast as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average rent per square meter in Ivory Coast is roughly 3,500 to 6,000 XOF ($6 to $10 USD or €5 to €9 EUR) per month for mid-market apartments in Abidjan.
The realistic range varies significantly: outside Abidjan you'll find rents around 1,500 to 3,500 XOF per square meter ($2.50 to $6 USD / €2.30 to €5.35 EUR), while prime Abidjan zones like Cocody Riviera or Zone 4 reach 7,000 to 12,000 XOF per square meter ($12 to $20 USD / €11 to €18 EUR).
Compared to other major cities in West Africa, Abidjan's per-square-meter rents in prime areas are competitive with Lagos and Accra but remain lower than top-tier neighborhoods in those cities.
In Ivory Coast, properties that push rent per square meter above average typically feature backup power, air-conditioning, secure parking, and controlled-access security in well-maintained buildings.
How much have rents changed year-over-year in Ivory Coast in 2026?
As of early 2026, rents in Ivory Coast have increased by an estimated 5% to 9% year-over-year in Abidjan, while regional cities have seen more modest growth of 2% to 5%.
The main factors driving rent increases in Ivory Coast this year are the persistent housing deficit in Abidjan, continued population growth, and strong demand from corporate and expat tenants in prime neighborhoods.
This year's rent growth in Ivory Coast is similar to 2025's trend, as the structural shortage of quality housing continues to outpace new supply, especially in high-demand areas like Cocody and Marcory.
What's the outlook for rent growth in Ivory Coast in 2026?
As of early 2026, rent growth in Ivory Coast is projected to continue at a mid-single-digit pace (around 5% to 8%) in Abidjan, with steadier growth of 2% to 4% in other cities.
The key factors likely to influence rent growth in Ivory Coast over the coming year include Abidjan's fast urban population growth, the ongoing housing deficit, and the progress of major transit projects like Metro Line 1 and the BRT corridor.
In Ivory Coast, the neighborhoods expected to see the strongest rent growth are those along transit corridors (Plateau, Treichville, Marcory) and premium family areas in Cocody like Riviera Golf and Deux-Plateaux.
Risks that could cause rent growth in Ivory Coast to differ from projections include a slowdown in economic growth, delays in infrastructure projects, or a sudden increase in new housing supply from build-to-rent developments.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Ivory Coast. 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 Ivory Coast as of 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest rents in Ivory Coast as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three neighborhoods with the highest average rents in Ivory Coast are Cocody Riviera Golf (averaging 1,200,000+ XOF / $2,000+ USD / €1,830+ EUR for a 2-bedroom), Marcory Zone 4 (around 900,000 to 1,500,000 XOF / $1,500 to $2,500 USD / €1,370 to €2,290 EUR), and Cocody Deux-Plateaux (similar to Zone 4).
What makes these Ivory Coast neighborhoods command premium rents is a combination of reliable infrastructure, security, proximity to international schools and embassies, and the presence of well-maintained buildings with backup power.
The tenant profile that typically rents in these high-rent Ivory Coast neighborhoods includes corporate executives, diplomats, expats working for international organizations, and wealthy Ivorian families seeking top-tier amenities.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Ivory Coast.
Where do young professionals prefer to rent in Ivory Coast right now?
The top three neighborhoods where young professionals prefer to rent in Ivory Coast are Plateau (Abidjan's central business district), Marcory Zone 4 (restaurants and offices nearby), and Cocody Angré (more residential but still well-connected).
Young professionals in these Ivory Coast neighborhoods typically pay between 200,000 and 500,000 XOF ($335 to $835 USD or €305 to €765 EUR) per month for a studio or 1-bedroom apartment.
What attracts young professionals to these Ivory Coast neighborhoods is the short commute to major employers, vibrant nightlife and dining options, and good access to the Metro Line 1 corridor running through the city.
By the way, you will find a detailed tenant analysis in our property pack covering the real estate market in Ivory Coast.
Where do families prefer to rent in Ivory Coast right now?
The top three neighborhoods where families prefer to rent in Ivory Coast are Cocody Riviera Palmeraie, Cocody Deux-Plateaux, and Bingerville (offering more space at better value).
Families renting 2 to 3 bedroom apartments in these Ivory Coast neighborhoods typically pay between 600,000 and 1,500,000 XOF ($1,000 to $2,500 USD or €915 to €2,290 EUR) per month, depending on building quality and amenities.
What makes these Ivory Coast neighborhoods attractive to families includes quieter streets, larger apartment sizes, good security, and proximity to reputable schools.
Top-rated schools near these family-friendly Ivory Coast neighborhoods include Lycée Français Blaise Pascal, International Community School of Abidjan (ICSA), and several well-regarded private bilingual schools in Cocody.
Which areas near transit or universities rent faster in Ivory Coast in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three areas near transit or universities that rent fastest in Ivory Coast are Cocody near Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Plateau along the Metro Line 1 corridor, and Marcory near the Treichville-Marcory transit axis.
Properties in these high-demand Ivory Coast areas typically stay listed for only 15 to 25 days, compared to 30 to 45 days in less connected neighborhoods.
The typical rent premium for properties within walking distance of transit or universities in Ivory Coast is around 10% to 20% (roughly 30,000 to 80,000 XOF / $50 to $135 USD / €45 to €120 EUR per month) compared to similar units farther away.
Which neighborhoods are most popular with expats in Ivory Coast right now?
The top three neighborhoods most popular with expats in Ivory Coast are Cocody Riviera Golf, Marcory Zone 4, and Cocody Riviera Palmeraie.
Expats renting in these Ivory Coast neighborhoods typically pay between 800,000 and 1,800,000 XOF ($1,330 to $3,000 USD or €1,220 to €2,750 EUR) per month for furnished 2 to 3 bedroom apartments.
What makes these Ivory Coast neighborhoods attractive to expats is the reliable backup power, 24-hour security, international-standard building quality, and proximity to embassies, international schools, and upscale restaurants.
The expat communities most represented in these Ivory Coast neighborhoods include French nationals (the largest group), Lebanese businesspeople, other West African professionals, and employees of international organizations like the UN and World Bank.
And if you are also an expat, you may want to read our exhaustive guide for expats in Ivory Coast.
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Who rents, and what do tenants want in Ivory Coast right now?
What tenant profiles dominate rentals in Ivory Coast?
The top three tenant profiles that dominate the rental market in Ivory Coast are local middle-class households (the largest group by far), young workers relocating to Abidjan for jobs, and corporate or expat tenants.
In terms of market share, local middle-class households represent roughly 60% to 70% of Ivory Coast's rental demand, young workers account for about 20% to 25%, and corporate or expat tenants make up around 10% to 15% but drive the highest rents.
Each of these Ivory Coast tenant profiles seeks different property types: local households prioritize affordable 2 to 3 bedrooms, young workers look for studios or 1-bedrooms near work, and corporate or expat tenants want furnished units with backup power and security in prime neighborhoods.
If you want to optimize your cashflow, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Ivory Coast.
Do tenants prefer furnished or unfurnished in Ivory Coast?
In Ivory Coast, roughly 70% to 80% of tenants prefer unfurnished rentals (to reduce monthly costs), while 20% to 30% seek furnished apartments, primarily in expat-heavy neighborhoods.
The typical rent premium for furnished apartments compared to unfurnished in Ivory Coast is around 30% to 50%, which translates to roughly 100,000 to 300,000 XOF ($165 to $500 USD or €150 to €460 EUR) extra per month depending on the unit size and location.
In Ivory Coast, the tenant profiles that tend to prefer furnished rentals are expats on short-term assignments, corporate transferees, and young professionals who don't yet own furniture and want move-in-ready convenience.
Which amenities increase rent the most in Ivory Coast?
The top five amenities that increase rent the most in Ivory Coast are backup power (generator or inverter), water storage tanks with pumps, air-conditioning, secure parking, and 24-hour security with controlled access.
Each of these amenities typically commands a rent premium in Ivory Coast: backup power adds 15% to 25% (roughly 50,000 to 150,000 XOF / $85 to $250 USD / €75 to €230 EUR), water reliability adds 5% to 10%, air-conditioning adds 10% to 15%, and security plus parking together can add another 10% to 20%.
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Ivory Coast, we cover what are the best investments a landlord can make.
What renovations get the best ROI for rentals in Ivory Coast?
The top five renovations that get the best ROI for rental properties in Ivory Coast are installing a water tank with pump, adding an inverter or small generator, upgrading the kitchen, modernizing bathrooms, and improving ventilation with efficient air-conditioning.
For these Ivory Coast renovations, typical costs and expected rent increases are: water reliability upgrades cost 300,000 to 800,000 XOF ($500 to $1,330 USD / €460 to €1,220 EUR) and can boost rent by 5% to 10%; inverter or generator installation costs 500,000 to 1,500,000 XOF ($835 to $2,500 USD / €765 to €2,290 EUR) and can boost rent by 15% to 25%; kitchen and bathroom upgrades cost 400,000 to 1,200,000 XOF ($665 to $2,000 USD / €610 to €1,830 EUR) combined and can boost rent by 10% to 15%.
Renovations that tend to have poor ROI in Ivory Coast include luxury finishes that exceed the neighborhood standard, swimming pools in mid-market buildings, and overly personalized design choices that limit tenant appeal.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Ivory Coast 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 Ivory Coast as of 2026?
What's the vacancy rate for rentals in Ivory Coast as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated vacancy rate for rental properties in Ivory Coast is around 6% to 10% in Abidjan overall, with prime submarkets like Cocody Riviera and Marcory Zone 4 seeing tighter vacancies of 4% to 7%.
Across different Ivory Coast neighborhoods, vacancy rates range from as low as 3% to 5% in the most desirable Abidjan areas to 10% to 15% in less connected neighborhoods and regional cities.
The current vacancy rate in Ivory Coast is below historical averages due to the persistent housing shortage in Abidjan, meaning demand continues to outstrip supply in most well-located neighborhoods.
Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in Ivory Coast.
How many days do rentals stay listed in Ivory Coast as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average number of days rentals stay listed in Ivory Coast is roughly 25 to 40 days in Abidjan for well-priced properties.
The realistic range varies by property type and neighborhood in Ivory Coast: mid-market units in good locations rent in 20 to 35 days, prime expat-targeted units take 30 to 60 days (due to more selective matching), and overpriced units can sit for 90 days or more.
Compared to one year ago, days-on-market in Ivory Coast has remained relatively stable, as strong demand continues to absorb well-priced inventory quickly while overpriced listings still struggle.
Which months have peak tenant demand in Ivory Coast?
The peak months for tenant demand in Ivory Coast are August through October, followed by a secondary peak in January and February.
The factors that drive these seasonal demand patterns in Ivory Coast include the start of the school year (August-September), university terms at Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Cocody, and new-year job relocations that create a January-February bump.
The months with the lowest tenant demand in Ivory Coast are typically April through June, when fewer relocations occur and many potential tenants wait until after the mid-year period to move.
Buying real estate in Ivory Coast 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 will my monthly costs be in Ivory Coast as of 2026?
What property taxes should landlords expect in Ivory Coast as of 2026?
As of early 2026, landlords in Ivory Coast should expect to pay property taxes (impôt foncier) that typically amount to a low single-digit percentage of annual rent, often roughly 50,000 to 200,000 XOF ($85 to $335 USD or €75 to €305 EUR) per year for a standard apartment, depending on the assessed value.
The realistic range of annual property taxes in Ivory Coast varies from under 50,000 XOF for modest properties to 500,000 XOF or more ($835 USD / €765 EUR) for high-value properties in prime Abidjan neighborhoods.
Property taxes in Ivory Coast are calculated based on the cadastral value of the property as determined by the tax administration, with rates varying by property type (residential, commercial) and location.
Please note that, in our property pack covering the real estate market in Ivory Coast, we cover what exemptions or deductions may be available to reduce property taxes for landlords.
What maintenance budget per year is realistic in Ivory Coast right now?
A realistic annual maintenance budget for a typical rental property in Ivory Coast is around 2% to 4% of the property's value, or roughly 1 to 2 months of rent set aside each year, which translates to approximately 300,000 to 1,000,000 XOF ($500 to $1,665 USD or €460 to €1,525 EUR) for a mid-market Abidjan apartment.
The realistic range of annual maintenance costs in Ivory Coast varies from about 200,000 XOF ($335 USD / €305 EUR) for newer, well-built apartments to over 1,500,000 XOF ($2,500 USD / €2,290 EUR) for older buildings or those with complex equipment like generators.
Landlords in Ivory Coast typically set aside 8% to 15% of rental income for maintenance, with those owning properties that include backup power or water systems budgeting toward the higher end.
What utilities do landlords often pay in Ivory Coast right now?
In Ivory Coast, the utilities landlords most commonly pay on behalf of tenants are limited in unfurnished rentals (tenants usually cover electricity and water), but in furnished or serviced rentals, landlords often bundle internet, generator maintenance, and sometimes water or a capped electricity arrangement.
When landlords do cover utilities in Ivory Coast, typical monthly costs are: internet at 20,000 to 40,000 XOF ($35 to $65 USD / €30 to €60 EUR), generator fuel and maintenance at 30,000 to 100,000 XOF ($50 to $165 USD / €45 to €150 EUR), and water at 10,000 to 30,000 XOF ($17 to $50 USD / €15 to €45 EUR).
The common practice in Ivory Coast is for tenants to pay electricity (billed by CIE) and water (billed by SODECI) directly, unless the rental is a furnished, expat-targeted unit where the landlord bundles these into a higher all-inclusive rent.
How is rental income taxed in Ivory Coast as of 2026?
As of early 2026, rental income in Ivory Coast is treated as taxable income, with individual landlords typically facing effective tax rates that can range from 10% to 20% of net rental income depending on their total income level and declared deductions.
The main deductions landlords can claim against rental income in Ivory Coast include property-related expenses such as maintenance costs, property taxes paid (impôt foncier), insurance premiums, and depreciation on certain building components.
A common tax mistake landlords in Ivory Coast should avoid is failing to properly declare rental income to the Direction Générale des Impôts (DGI), as informal arrangements are widespread but carry increasing risk of penalties as tax enforcement modernizes.
We cover these mistakes, among others, in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Ivory Coast.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Ivory Coast 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 Ivory Coast, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Agence Nationale de la Statistique (ANStat) | It's Ivory Coast's official national statistics agency, providing ground-truth demographic and economic data. | We used it to anchor the big-picture drivers behind rent pressure like population growth and housing statistics. We also used it as a reality check when private-market numbers looked too optimistic. |
| BCEAO Economic Report | It's the regional central bank for West Africa, and its macro data is widely trusted by governments and researchers. | We used it to frame the macro backdrop affecting households, including inflation and growth trends. We then connected that context to rental affordability and landlord pricing power. |
| Knight Frank Africa Report | It's a long-established global real estate advisory with a consistent Africa research program. | We used it for a professional market map of Abidjan showing where prime leasing demand concentrates. We cross-checked its prime areas against what listing markets show in practice. |
| Knight Frank Côte d'Ivoire | It's a dedicated country brief from a major research publisher, not a blog post or opinion piece. | We used it to identify which Abidjan neighborhoods are consistently top-end for leasing (Cocody Riviera, Marcory, Plateau). We also used it to support the demand-strong, supply-catching-up narrative. |
| CIE Electricity Tariffs | It's the national electricity utility's own published tariff schedule for households. | We used it to estimate monthly running costs when electricity is tenant-paid versus bundled. We also used it to explain why air-conditioning and generator backup materially change total monthly cost. |
| ANARE-CI | It's the electricity sector regulator, providing an authoritative second source for tariffs and billing components. | We used it to cross-check the tariff structure and common line items shown in billing examples. We then translated that into simple rules of thumb for what landlords and tenants actually pay. |
| DGPE (SODECI Profile) | It's an official government portal describing the water utility's role and operations. | We used it to confirm SODECI's role in urban water distribution and billing. We used this to avoid relying on random third-party explanations of Ivory Coast's water system. |
| CABRI Sector Note | It's an international public-finance network with structured sector analysis, not a marketing page. | We used it as a benchmark for order-of-magnitude water costs per cubic meter in Ivory Coast. We then converted that into a practical monthly water budget estimate for apartments. |
| PMUA (Abidjan Mobility Project) | It's the official project site for Abidjan's major transit upgrades, backed by World Bank financing. | We used it to justify why near-corridor areas can rent faster due to commute time savings. We also used it to name the specific mobility projects shaping tenant preferences across Abidjan. |
| Housing Finance Africa | It's a specialized, region-wide housing finance research organization with formal published reports. | We used it to anchor the scale of Ivory Coast's housing deficit discussion, one of the clearest structural drivers of rent pressure. We then connected that shortage to the rent growth outlook. |
| City Population | It's a reputable data compiler that transparently references official census sources from Ivory Coast. | We used it to triangulate Abidjan's population scale and growth pressure without over-relying on a single source. We then used that demographic pressure to sanity-check rent levels and vacancy assumptions. |
| Le Monde | It's a major international newspaper with detailed on-the-ground reporting on Abidjan's housing crunch. | We used it as a ground-level cross-check on what households actually experience regarding rent burden and shortage dynamics. We did not use it as a primary source for numeric rent averages. |
| Wikipedia (UFHB) | It provides basic factual information about major institutions like Ivory Coast's largest university. | We used it to identify the location and scale of Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Cocody. We then connected this to student and staff rental demand patterns in nearby neighborhoods. |
| In Côte d'Ivoire | It's a local news source covering official government updates on major infrastructure projects. | We used it to identify the specific communes along Metro Line 1 (Abobo, Adjamé, Plateau, Treichville, Marcory, Port-Bouët). We then factored this transit access into neighborhood rental demand analysis. |
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