Bolama, Guinea-Bissau
Bolama is a major city in Guinea-Bissau with a population of 30,000.
Below Average vs Guinea-Bissau Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Bolama vs Guinea-Bissau Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 18.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: CFA 360,000
- Unemployment: 5.0%
- Population: 30,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 270/year
- Summer High: 88°F
- Winter Low: 72°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7b
Housing
- Median Home: CFA10,000,000
- 1BR Rent: CFA40000/mo
Cost of Living
Bolama's cost of living index is 60 (Guinea-Bissau average = 100).
| Category | Bolama | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 60 | 100 | -40.0% |
| Housing | 62 | 100 | -38.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | CFA10,000,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | CFA40000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | CFA50,000/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | CFA6,666 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Bolama:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | CFA10000 | |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | CFA64 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | CFA3000 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | CFA10000 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | CFA23064 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Bolama scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Bolama has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 92°F | 72°F | 2.5" |
| April | 73°F | 87°F | 2.8" |
| July | 88°F | 63°F | 1.5" |
| October | 68°F | 90°F | 2.2" |
Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Bolama faces the following natural hazards:
Extreme summer heat.
Moderate seismic activity with occasional earthquakes.
Coastal and river flooding.
Savanna wildfires.
Periodic drought conditions.
Hilly terrain with landslides.
Dust storms.
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
Academic Schedule
Portuguese-influenced education system.
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 Bolama, Guinea-Bissau?
The cost of living index in Bolama is 60, which is Lower the Guinea-Bissau national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Bolama?
The median home price in Bolama is CFA10,000,000. The housing index is 62.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Bolama is approximately CFA40000/mo.
Does Bolama, Bolama have income tax?
Bolama is in Bolama, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Bolama?
Bolama enjoys approximately 270 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 88°F, while winter lows can drop to around 72°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: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.