Cotonou, Benin
Cotonou is a city in Benin with a population of 700,000.
Below Average vs Benin Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Cotonou vs Benin Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 30.0%
- Sales Tax: 18.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: CFA 1,500,000
- Unemployment: 8.0%
- Population: 700,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 200/year
- Summer High: 88°F
- Winter Low: 75°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 8a
Housing
- Median Home: CFA50,000
- 1BR Rent: CFA300/mo
Cost of Living
Cotonou's cost of living index is 38 (Benin average = 100).
| Category | Cotonou | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 38 | 100 | -62.0% |
| Housing | 35 | 100 | -65.0% |
Data source: Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | CFA50,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | CFA300/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | CFA375/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | CFA33 |
Data source: Numbeo, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Cotonou:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | CFA15000 | |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | CFA83 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | CFA5000 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | CFA10000 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | CFA30083 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: National Utility Regulator, 2025
Remote Work Score
Cotonou scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Cotonou has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 95°F | 75°F | 2.5" |
| April | 73°F | 90°F | 2.8" |
| July | 88°F | 63°F | 1.5" |
| October | 68°F | 93°F | 2.2" |
Warm — citrus, avocados, tomatoes, peppers
Natural Hazards
Cotonou faces the following natural hazards:
Extreme summer heat.
Moderate seismic activity with occasional earthquakes.
River and coastal flooding.
Periodic drought conditions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 30%
- Sales Tax: 18%
- Property Tax: ~0.1% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 8.0%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Cotonou per 100,000 residents:
City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: UN Office on Drugs and Crime
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
French-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 Cotonou, Benin?
The cost of living index in Cotonou is 38, which is Lower the Benin national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Cotonou?
The median home price in Cotonou is CFA50,000. The housing index is 35.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Cotonou is approximately CFA300/mo.
Does Cotonou, Littoral have income tax?
Cotonou is in Littoral, which has an income tax rate of 30%.
What is the climate like in Cotonou?
Cotonou enjoys approximately 200 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 88°F, while winter lows can drop to around 75°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: Numbeo, 2026
- Income & Employment: National Statistics, 2024
- Utilities National Utility Regulator, 2025
Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.