Skyline of Banjul
Cost of Living: 100 500,000

Banjul, Gambia

Banjul is a major city in Gambia with a population of 500,000.

Updated August 30, 2026

Overview

Banjul is a city in Banjul with a population of 500,000. Banjul is a major city in Gambia with a population of 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 270 sunny days a year. The population skews young, with a median age of 18.0.

Last updated: August 30, 2026

Cost of Living 100

Below Average vs Gambia Avg (100)

Housing Index 110

Above Average

Median Income D 60,000

Household income

Unemployment 5.0%

Job market health

Banjul vs Gambia Average

Cost of Living
Banjul: 100
Gambia Avg: 100
Housing Index
Banjul: 110
Gambia Avg: 100

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: None
  • Sales Tax: 15.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: D 60,000
  • Unemployment: 5.0%
  • Population: 500,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 270/year
  • Summer High: 88°F
  • Winter Low: 65°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7b

Housing

  • Median Home: D2,000,000
  • 1BR Rent: D5000/mo

Not sure this is the right city?

Take our 2-minute quiz to discover the best cities for your lifestyle and budget.

Take the Quiz

Cost of Living

Banjul's cost of living index is 100 (Gambia average = 100).

CategoryBanjulNational AverageDifference
Overall1001000.0%
Housing110100+10.0%

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

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home PriceD2,000,000
Median Rent (1BR)D5000/mo
Median Rent (2BR)D6,250/mo
Price per Sq FtD1,333

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

D
%
$90,000 down
%
%
D

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Banjul:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
ElectricityD500
Heating & CoolingN/AEstimated based on local climate.
Cooling (AC)D19Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
WaterD200Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)D500Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total UtilitiesD1219Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

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

Remote Work Score

Banjul scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
— 100
Rent
— D5000
Sunny Days
— 270
Tax
— None
Unemployment
— 5.0%
Climate
— 88°F / 65°F
Safety
— 3.0 homicides/100k
Population
— 500,000
Internet Speed
— 10 Mbps

Climate

Banjul has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January85°F65°F2.5"
April73°F80°F2.8"
July88°F63°F1.5"
October68°F83°F2.2"
USDA Zone 7b

Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees

Natural Hazards

Banjul faces the following natural hazards:

Heat Wave High Risk

Extreme summer heat.

Earthquake Moderate Risk

Moderate seismic activity with occasional earthquakes.

Flood Moderate Risk

River Gambia flooding.

Drought Moderate Risk

Sahel region with periodic droughts.

Sandstorm Moderate Risk

Dust storms.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 0% (None)
  • Sales Tax: 15%
  • 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 September to July
Term System Trimester — 1st (Sep-Dec), 2nd (Jan-Apr), 3rd (May-Jul)
Summer Break July to September (8 weeks)
Winter Break December to January (4 weeks)
Spring Break Easter holiday in March/April (2 weeks)

British-influenced education system.

Demographics

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

Ethnicity

Fula
22.0%
Mandinka
34.0%
Other
33.0%
Wolof
11.0%

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
15.0%
High school graduate
20.0%
Less than high school
55.0%
Some college
10.0%

Religion

Christian
4.0%
Muslim
96.0%

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: Gambia Bureau of Statistics (2013)

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 Banjul, Gambia?

The cost of living index in Banjul is 100, which is Lower the Gambia national average of 100.

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

The median home price in Banjul is D2,000,000. The housing index is 110.

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

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Banjul is approximately D5000/mo.

Does Banjul, Banjul have income tax?

Banjul is in Banjul, which has no income tax.

What is the climate like in Banjul?

Banjul enjoys approximately 270 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 88°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.