Abidjan Cost Guide: How Expensive Is Abidjan for Travelers?

As one of the major economic centers in the CFA Franc (XOF) region, Abidjan is often considered one of the more expensive cities in West Africa, especially in upscale neighborhoods. However, the actual cost of visiting Abidjan largely depends on whether you live like an expat in Biétry or a local in Yopougon.

This guide focuses on realistic price ranges, local‑style options, and how to combine activities with your wallet in mind.

Daily Budget Ranges for Visitors

Research and travel‑cost platforms show that:

Budget travelers can expect around $50–70 USD per day if they stay in simple guesthouses, eat local street food, and use shared transport.

Mid‑range tourists (comfortable hotels, some restaurants, and guided activities) often spend roughly $80–150 USD per day.

Luxury or long‑stay expats may see $1,200–2,000 USD per month as a comfortable living cost, not counting high‑end villas or imported‑style lifestyles.

For a typical one‑week trip, total costs for a solo traveler commonly fall between about $1,100 and $2,500 USD, depending on flights, hotel star rating, and how much you eat out and tour.

Is Abidjan, the Ivory Coast’s largest city, expensive to visit?

Is Abidjan Expensive for Travelers?

Abidjan is considered moderately expensive by African standards, especially in upscale areas like Cocody and Plateau. However, you can still travel comfortably on a mid-range or even budget plan.

Here is a breakdown of what you’ll actually spend in the economic capital of Côte d’Ivoire.

1. Accommodation: The Big Split

Housing will be your largest expense. Mid-range options exist, but they are less common than budget or high-end stays.

High-End (Cocody/Zone 4)
Expect to pay 120,000 – 200,000 CFA ($200–$330) per night for international brands like the Sofitel, Radisson Blu, or Noom.

Mid-Range / Boutique Hotels
Comfortable, safe hotels in areas like Riviera 3 or Marcory go for 45,000 – 75,000 CFA ($75–$125).

The Budget Reality
You can find "Residences Meublées" (furnished apartments) for 25,000 CFA ($40), but these are often not listed on Booking.com and require local contacts or Airbnb.

2. Eating Out: From Maquis to Fine Dining

Food costs in Abidjan are a choice between local flavors and imported luxuries.

The Maquis (Local Eatery):
A plate of Garba (attiéké and tuna) on the street costs roughly 1,000 – 2,000 CFA ($1.50–$3). A full meal of Poisson Braisé (grilled fish) with a large Bock beer will run you about 5,000 – 8,000 CFA ($8–$13).

Expat Restaurants (Zone 4/Vallon):
If you want French steak, sushi, or Italian, expect European prices. A main course is usually 15,000 – 25,000 CFA ($25–$40), excluding drinks.

Supermarkets:
Shopping at Casino or Super U for imported cheese or wine is expensive—often 30% higher than in France. Stick to the Marché de Cocody for produce to save significantly.

3. Transportation: Yango vs. Woro-Woro

Transport is where savvy travelers save the most.

Yango & Uber
A common choice for comfort and convenience. A cross-town trip from Plateau to Marcory costs about 2,500 – 4,500 CFA ($4–$7).

Orange Taxis (Compteurs)
Always negotiate or insist on the meter.

Woro-Woro (Communal Taxis)
These are color-coded by commune (Green for Marcory, Yellow for Cocody). A seat on a fixed route costs 200 – 500 CFA ($0.30–$0.80). It’s the ultimate local way to travel if you know the routes.

Airport Transfer
A private car from Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International (ABJ) to Cocody is usually a flat 10,000 – 15,000 CFA ($16–$25).

Explore public transport and taxi costs in Abidjan in our detailed guide.

4. Nightlife & Socializing

Abidjan is known for its nightlife, but costs can add up quickly.
Beer: A local Flag or Gazelle at a maquis is 1,000 CFA. In a club in Deux Plateaux, it’s 3,000 – 5,000 CFA.
Cocktails/Wine: Very expensive due to import taxes. Expect 7,000+ CFA per drink.
Cover Charges: Most high-end clubs in Zone 4 don’t have a cover charge but expect you to buy a bottle (starting at 50,000 CFA).

5. Attractions and Activities

Most attractions in Abidjan are inexpensive.
Museums and cultural sites: $2 – $10
Guided tours: $20 – $50
Beach trips (Grand-Bassam nearby): $10 – $30

6. Extra Costs to Consider

SIM card & data: $5 – $15
Souvenirs: $5 – $50+
Tips: Not mandatory, but appreciated

Typical Trip Cost Examples

Putting it together, some common patterns emerge:

Budget 7‑day trip (solo) – Around $600–1,400 USD total, including basic flights, cheap accommodation, local food, and a few small activities.

Mid‑range 7‑day trip (couple) – Roughly $1,800–3,500 USD, with comfortable hotels, more restaurants, tours to Cocody, the lagoon, and local markets.

Luxury or business‑style stay – Some travelers report spending $3,000–8,000 USD or more for one week, depending on first‑class flights, top hotels, and many guided experiences.

These ranges are useful for planning, but you can usually trim costs by choosing cheaper neighborhoods, eating more local‑style food, and using public transport where possible.

A coffee shop in Abidjan

Money Tips for Saving in Abidjan

To make the cost for travelers work in your favor:

Book in advance: Flights and hotels often rise closer to peak seasons, so locking in early helps avoid last‑minute markups.

Cash is widely used in daily transactions: While malls and hotels take Visa/Mastercard, the soul of Abidjan (and its best prices) runs on CFA cash. EUR and USD are accepted in some places, but using XOF usually gives better rates and fewer extra fees.

Mix local and tourist spots: Eating at markets and local grills while staying in a mid‑range hotel keeps the balance between comfort and cost.

Limit late‑night taxis: Short, daylight‑time trips are cheaper and safer; late‑night travel can add unexpected taxi costs.

Tipping: Not mandatory at maquis, but in upscale restaurants, a 1,000 – 2,000 CFA tip for good service is standard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Abidjan expensive for tourists?
Compared to other West African cities, yes. Compared to the US or Europe, no. Daily budgets typically range from $50 to $150, depending on your travel style. Food and transport are cheap. Hotels can be pricey in peak season.

How much money do I need per day in Abidjan?
$42–$130 per day, depending on your travel style. Mid-range travelers should budget around $90 per day.

Is Abidjan cheaper than Accra?
Abidjan is generally more expensive than Accra based on cost-of-living comparisons (45.7 vs 36.8).

What is the cheapest month to visit Abidjan?
November has the lowest hotel rates ($165/night average). May–July also offers good deals due to the rainy season.

How much is a beer in Abidjan?
Local beer costs $1.00–2.00 for 500ml. Imported beer runs about $1.40.

Do I need to tip in Abidjan?
Not required, but small tips (5–10% at restaurants, rounding up taxi fares) are appreciated by tourism workers.

Is Abidjan safe for budget travelers?
Yes, with standard precautions. Stick to well-lit areas at night, use ride-hailing apps after dark, and keep valuables secure. Cocody and Plateau are generally safe.

Final Thoughts

Your total cost in Abidjan will mainly depend on where you stay, eat, and how you get around. While it’s one of the more expensive cities in the Ivory Coast, it still offers great value—especially if you mix local experiences with smart budgeting.

With the right plan, Abidjan can be both affordable and unforgettable.