Skyline of Port Loko
Cost of Living: 60 80,000

Port Loko, Sierra Leone

Port Loko is a major city in Sierra Leone with a population of 80,000.

Updated August 11, 2026
Cost of Living 60

Below Average vs Sierra Leone Avg (100)

Housing Index 62

Affordable

Median Income Le 9,600,000

Household income

Unemployment 5.0%

Job market health

Port Loko vs Sierra Leone Average

Cost of Living
Port Loko: 60
Sierra Leone Avg: 100
Housing Index
Port Loko: 62
Sierra Leone Avg: 100

Taxes

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

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: Le 9,600,000
  • Unemployment: 5.0%
  • Population: 80,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 260/year
  • Summer High: 86°F
  • Winter Low: 72°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7b

Housing

  • Median Home: Le180,000
  • 1BR Rent: Le500/mo

Cost of Living

Port Loko's cost of living index is 60 (Sierra Leone average = 100).

CategoryPort LokoNational AverageDifference
Overall60100-40.0%
Housing62100-38.0%

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

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home PriceLe180,000
Median Rent (1BR)Le500/mo
Median Rent (2BR)Le625/mo
Price per Sq FtLe120

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

Le
%
$90,000 down
%
%
Le

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Port Loko:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
ElectricityLe500
Heating & CoolingN/AEstimated based on local climate.
Cooling (AC)Le51Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
WaterLe200Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)Le500Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total UtilitiesLe1251Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

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

Remote Work Score

Port Loko scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
60
Rent
Le500
Sunny Days
260
Tax
None
Unemployment
5.0%
Climate
86°F / 72°F
Safety
3.5 homicides/100k
Population
80,000
Internet Speed
5 Mbps

Climate

Port Loko has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January92°F72°F2.5"
April71°F87°F2.8"
July86°F61°F1.5"
October66°F90°F2.2"
USDA Zone 7b

Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees

Natural Hazards

Port Loko 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 and coastal flooding.

Drought Moderate Risk

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

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.

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 Port Loko, Sierra Leone?

The cost of living index in Port Loko is 60, which is Lower the Sierra Leone national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Port Loko?

The median home price in Port Loko is Le180,000. The housing index is 62.

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

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Port Loko is approximately Le500/mo.

Does Port Loko, North West have income tax?

Port Loko is in North West, which has no income tax.

What is the climate like in Port Loko?

Port Loko enjoys approximately 260 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 86°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.