Overview of Cost of Living in Mali
Mali, a landlocked West African country using the CFA franc (XOF), presents a relatively moderate cost of living compared to international standards, but with significant disparities between urban and rural areas. The guaranteed minimum interprofessional wage (SMIG) is set at 28,460 FCFA per month according to decree n° 2019-0746/P-RM of October 9, 2019.
Key Economic Indicators
- GDP per capita: approximately 900 USD (2023)
- Inflation rate: 3.1% (2023, to verify)
- Cost of living index: 35-40% lower than Paris
- Urban population: 44% of total
Housing and Real Estate
Rental Prices in Bamako
The capital concentrates the highest real estate prices in the country. Here are price ranges for different types of housing:
- Studio/one-room apartment: 25,000 - 75,000 FCFA/month
- 2-room apartment: 50,000 - 150,000 FCFA/month
- 3-room apartment: 100,000 - 300,000 FCFA/month
- 4+ room villa: 200,000 - 800,000 FCFA/month
Neighborhoods and Price Variations
High-end residential neighborhoods like ACI 2000, Hamdallaye, and Badalabougou show rents 2 to 3 times higher than popular neighborhoods like Magnambougou or Kalaban-Coura.
Average Rental Charges
- Electricity (EDM): 15,000 - 45,000 FCFA/month depending on consumption
- Running water: 3,000 - 12,000 FCFA/month
- Security guard: 15,000 - 25,000 FCFA/month
- ADSL/Fiber Internet: 25,000 - 50,000 FCFA/month
Transport and Mobility
Public Transportation
Mali's public transport system relies mainly on informal transport:
- Sotrama (minibus): 125 - 200 FCFA per trip
- Communal taxi: 200 - 500 FCFA per short ride
- Motorcycle taxi (jakarta): 300 - 1,000 FCFA depending on distance
- Private taxi: 2,000 - 5,000 FCFA per ride
Vehicle Ownership Costs
For a standard used vehicle:
- Fuel: 645 FCFA/liter (gasoline), 590 FCFA/liter (diesel) (2024 prices, to verify)
- Car insurance: 25,000 - 80,000 FCFA/year
- Vehicle registration: 5,000 - 15,000 FCFA/year depending on engine size
- Technical inspection: 10,000 FCFA/year
Food and Current Consumption
Basic Products and Cereals
Food prices vary according to seasons and regions:
- Local rice: 350 - 450 FCFA/kg
- Imported rice: 450 - 600 FCFA/kg
- Millet/Sorghum: 250 - 350 FCFA/kg
- Corn: 200 - 300 FCFA/kg
- Bread (baguette): 150 - 175 FCFA
Proteins and Animal Products
- Beef: 2,500 - 3,500 FCFA/kg
- Mutton: 3,000 - 4,000 FCFA/kg
- Local chicken: 1,800 - 2,500 FCFA/kg
- Fresh fish: 1,500 - 3,000 FCFA/kg
- Eggs: 100 - 125 FCFA/piece
Fruits, Vegetables and Condiments
- Tomatoes: 500 - 800 FCFA/kg (highly seasonal)
- Onions: 300 - 600 FCFA/kg
- Potatoes: 400 - 600 FCFA/kg
- Mangoes: 100 - 300 FCFA/kg (in season)
- Vegetable oil: 800 - 1,000 FCFA/liter
Services and Leisure
Telecommunications
The telecom sector is dominated by Orange Mali, Telecel Mali and Moov Africa Mali:
- Phone credit: from 200 FCFA
- Mobile internet package (2GB): 2,500 - 3,500 FCFA
- Mobile internet package (10GB): 8,000 - 12,000 FCFA
- Fixed phone subscription: 15,000 - 25,000 FCFA/month
Healthcare
Average costs in the Malian health system:
- Public general consultation: 1,000 - 2,500 FCFA
- Private consultation: 10,000 - 25,000 FCFA
- Specialist consultation: 15,000 - 40,000 FCFA
- Hospitalization (per day): 5,000 - 50,000 FCFA depending on facility
Purchasing Power and Social Disparities
Income Distribution
Mali's salary structure shows strong disparities:
- Minimum wage (SMIG): 28,460 FCFA/month
- Average public sector salary: 80,000 - 150,000 FCFA/month
- Average formal private sector salary: 100,000 - 300,000 FCFA/month
- Informal income: highly variable (15,000 - 100,000+ FCFA/month)
Typical Urban Household Budget
For a 4-person family in Bamako:
- Housing (rent + charges): 80,000 - 120,000 FCFA (35-40%)
- Food: 60,000 - 100,000 FCFA (30-35%)
- Transport: 20,000 - 35,000 FCFA (10-12%)
- Health/Education: 15,000 - 30,000 FCFA (8-10%)
- Other expenses: 15,000 - 25,000 FCFA (8-10%)
Regional Comparisons
Cost of living variations by region:
- Bamako: reference 100%
- Sikasso, Ségou, Mopti: 70-80% of Bamako's cost
- Kayes, Koulikoro: 60-70% of Bamako's cost
- Gao, Timbuktu, Kidal: 80-90% (transport and security issues)
Note: Price data may vary according to sources and periods. It is recommended to verify current prices locally, especially for food products subject to strong seasonality.