Skyline of Bamako
Cost of Living: 100 2,500,000

Bamako, Mali

Bamako is a major city in Mali with a population of 2,500,000.

Updated August 30, 2026

Overview

Bamako is a city in Bamako with a population of 2,500,000. Bamako is a major city in Mali with a population of 2,500,000. Housing costs are close to the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 7b growing zone supports Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees. A relatively small share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with about 280 sunny days a year. The population skews young, with a median age of 16.0.

Last updated: August 30, 2026

Cost of Living 100

Below Average vs Mali Avg (100)

Housing Index 110

Above Average

Median Income CFA 1,800,000

Household income

Unemployment 5.0%

Job market health

Bamako vs Mali Average

Cost of Living
Bamako: 100
Mali Avg: 100
Housing Index
Bamako: 110
Mali Avg: 100

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: None
  • Sales Tax: 18.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: CFA 1,800,000
  • Unemployment: 5.0%
  • Population: 2,500,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 280/year
  • Summer High: 95°F
  • Winter Low: 65°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7b

Housing

  • Median Home: CFA50,000,000
  • 1BR Rent: CFA200000/mo

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Cost of Living

Bamako's cost of living index is 100 (Mali average = 100).

CategoryBamakoNational AverageDifference
Overall1001000.0%
Housing110100+10.0%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home PriceCFA50,000,000
Median Rent (1BR)CFA200000/mo
Median Rent (2BR)CFA250,000/mo
Price per Sq FtCFA33,333

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

CFA
%
$90,000 down
%
%
CFA

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Bamako:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
ElectricityCFA30000
Heating & CoolingN/AEstimated based on local climate.
Cooling (AC)CFA64Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
WaterCFA10000Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)CFA20000Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total UtilitiesCFA60064Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Remote Work Score

Bamako scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
— 100
Rent
— CFA200000
Sunny Days
— 280
Tax
— None
Unemployment
— 5.0%
Climate
— 95°F / 65°F
Safety
— 8.0 homicides/100k
Population
— 2,500,000
Internet Speed
— 8 Mbps

Climate

Bamako has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January85°F65°F2.5"
April80°F80°F2.8"
July95°F70°F1.5"
October75°F83°F2.2"
USDA Zone 7b

Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees

Natural Hazards

Bamako faces the following natural hazards:

Drought Extreme Risk

Sahel region with extreme drought conditions.

Heat Wave Extreme Risk

Extreme summer heat in the Sahel.

Sandstorm High Risk

Frequent sandstorms.

Earthquake Moderate Risk

Moderate seismic activity with occasional earthquakes.

Flood Moderate Risk

Niger River flooding.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 0% (None)
  • Sales Tax: 18%
  • Property Tax: ~0.1% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.0%.

Schools & Education

Total Schools

Academic Schedule

School Hours 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Academic Year October to July
Term System Trimester — 1st (Oct-Dec), 2nd (Jan-Apr), 3rd (May-Jul)
Summer Break July to October (12 weeks)
Winter Break December to January (2 weeks)
Spring Break Eid al-Fitr break (1-2 weeks)

French-influenced education system.

Universities & Higher Education

1
Universities
#1938
Top University Rank

Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database

Demographics

The population of Bamako is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.

Ethnicity

Bambara
34.0%
Fulani
14.0%
Other
43.0%
Soninke
9.0%

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
10.0%
High school graduate
20.0%
Less than high school
60.0%
Some college
10.0%

Religion

Christian
3.0%
Folk
2.0%
Muslim
95.0%

City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.

Data source: Institut National de la Statistique (2009)

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Bamako, Mali?

The cost of living index in Bamako is 100, which is Lower the Mali national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Bamako?

The median home price in Bamako is CFA50,000,000. The housing index is 110.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Bamako is approximately CFA200000/mo.

Does Bamako, Bamako have income tax?

Bamako is in Bamako, which has no income tax.

What is the climate like in Bamako?

Bamako enjoys approximately 280 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 95°F, while winter lows can drop to around 65°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
  • Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.