Bamenda, Cameroon
Bamenda is a major city in Cameroon with a population of 500,000.
Overview
Bamenda is a city in Northwest with a population of 500,000. Bamenda is a major city in Cameroon with a population of 500,000. Housing is more affordable than the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 7a growing zone supports Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees. Reported crime rates are relatively low. The population skews young, with a median age of 19.0.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Below Average vs Cameroon Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Bamenda vs Cameroon Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 19.2%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: FCFA 1,200,000
- Unemployment: 5.0%
- Population: 500,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 230/year
- Summer High: 80°F
- Winter Low: 62°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7a
Housing
- Median Home: FCFA20,000,000
- 1BR Rent: FCFA80000/mo
Cost of Living
Bamenda's cost of living index is 72 (Cameroon average = 100).
| Category | Bamenda | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 72 | 100 | -28.0% |
| Housing | 78 | 100 | -22.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | FCFA20,000,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | FCFA80000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | FCFA100,000/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | FCFA13,333 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Bamenda:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | FCFA15000 | |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | FCFA5000 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | FCFA15000 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | FCFA35000 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Bamenda scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Bamenda has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 82°F | 62°F | 2.5" |
| April | 65°F | 77°F | 2.8" |
| July | 80°F | 55°F | 1.5" |
| October | 60°F | 80°F | 2.2" |
Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Bamenda faces the following natural hazards:
Extreme summer heat.
Moderate seismic activity with occasional earthquakes.
River flooding.
Northern Cameroon experiences drought.
Dust storms in northern regions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 0% (None)
- Sales Tax: 19.25%
- 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
Academic Schedule
Dual English and French education systems.
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Bamenda is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
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 (2005)
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 Bamenda, Cameroon?
The cost of living index in Bamenda is 72, which is Lower the Cameroon national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Bamenda?
The median home price in Bamenda is FCFA20,000,000. The housing index is 78.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Bamenda is approximately FCFA80000/mo.
Does Bamenda, Northwest have income tax?
Bamenda is in Northwest, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Bamenda?
Bamenda enjoys approximately 230 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 80°F, while winter lows can drop to around 62°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.