Kenema, Sierra Leone
Kenema is a major city in Sierra Leone with a population of 200,000.
Below Average vs Sierra Leone Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Kenema vs Sierra Leone Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 15.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: Le 14,400,000
- Unemployment: 5.0%
- Population: 200,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 260/year
- Summer High: 84°F
- Winter Low: 70°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7b
Housing
- Median Home: Le300,000
- 1BR Rent: Le800/mo
Cost of Living
Kenema's cost of living index is 68 (Sierra Leone average = 100).
| Category | Kenema | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 68 | 100 | -32.0% |
| Housing | 72 | 100 | -28.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | Le300,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | Le800/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | Le1,000/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | Le200 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Kenema:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | Le500 | |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | Le28 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | Le200 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | Le500 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | Le1228 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Kenema scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Kenema has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 90°F | 70°F | 2.5" |
| April | 69°F | 85°F | 2.8" |
| July | 84°F | 59°F | 1.5" |
| October | 64°F | 88°F | 2.2" |
Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Kenema 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: 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
Academic Schedule
British-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 Kenema, Sierra Leone?
The cost of living index in Kenema is 68, which is Lower the Sierra Leone national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Kenema?
The median home price in Kenema is Le300,000. The housing index is 72.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Kenema is approximately Le800/mo.
Does Kenema, Eastern have income tax?
Kenema is in Eastern, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Kenema?
Kenema enjoys approximately 260 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 84°F, while winter lows can drop to around 70°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.