Costs in the Republic of the Congo

For a household budget in the Republic of the Congo, start with housing, water, electricity or backup energy, food, mobility and communication. Health care, education, clothing and support for relatives are added regularly or as needed. Deposits, advance payments, agency fees, connections, moving and appliances create one-time expenses. There is no central body with a binding total flat rate for all households. The National Institute of Statistics (Institut national de la statistique (INS)) measures price developments using the national harmonized consumer price index (INHPC). It covers 635 goods and services at 2,331 observation points in five economic zones and is updated monthly. The 2022 household survey (EHCVM-C) describes household structures and financial shocks. For more recent market prices, ongoing market-price surveys (RTFP) provide data from 13 markets. Available primary data do not provide a uniform national amount for a basic-needs basket; a realistic budget therefore requires current prices at the relevant place of residence and work. For formal rental housing in Brazzaville, simple two- to three-room apartments often cost about 100,000 to 250,000 XAF per month. In peripheral or informal areas, two-room accommodations with a living room often cost approximately 80,000 to 120,000 XAF, while higher-end six-room apartments can reach about 1,700,000 XAF per month. Shared toilets, showers, water or electricity connections change ongoing costs. Deposits, advance payments and brokerage typically amount to two to four months' rent. More than 90 percent of the housing stock is self-built; formal social-housing options remain limited. Residential tenancy law is governed, among other instruments, by Law No. 37-2012 (Loi n°37-2012). The water utility (LCDE) calculates water charges using a fixed component and a consumption-based component. For 0 to 55 m³, the rate is 130 XAF per m³; above that, it is 151.80 XAF per m³. A new connection costs 75,000 or 94,000 XAF in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire, depending on whether it is a DN15 or DN20 connection; in other centers, the costs are 58,000 or 70,000 XAF. The national electricity provider (E2C) supplies electricity. Low-voltage bills are usually issued every two months, consumption may be measured or estimated, and the prepaid system (Pelisa) is available only in parts of Brazzaville. No reliable current kWh tariff is available for this research and it should not be estimated. With an urban electricity-access rate of about 67 percent and a rural rate of about 12.4 percent, generators, solar systems, batteries or additional charging arrangements can increase the budget. Food prices respond to transport and fuel shortages as well as power outages. According to WFP data, approximately one third of the population is affected by food insecurity. A food budget should therefore account for seasonal fluctuations, the specific market location and household size instead of adopting a uniform national amount. For urban transport, the official fare is 150 XAF per bus ride and 1,000 XAF per taxi ride. In practice, route, distance, fuel shortages and shortened journeys can cause deviations. Motorcycle taxis are permitted in outlying and rural areas under the 2024 decree. The regulated 2025 price ceilings are 775 XAF per liter of premium gasoline, 625 XAF per liter of diesel and 320 XAF per liter of kerosene; prices and subsidies may be adjusted monthly. There is no reliable nationwide flat rate for intercity and rural routes. Health-care expenses are still often paid directly out of pocket. The CAMU health insurance scheme (CAMU) and the RAMU health insurance scheme (RAMU) provide for mandatory insurance and access to benefits in kind, but implementation and coverage do not automatically mean that all costs are free. The contribution is 2.27 percent for public- or private-sector employees, 3.79 percent for self-employed people and liberal professions, and 11,764 XAF per year for students. Free special arrangements include, among other things, antimalarial medicines for pregnant women and children aged 0 to 15, tuberculosis treatment, antiretroviral treatment, routine vaccinations and certain obstetric and neonatal emergencies. Medicines, diagnostics, transport, uncovered services and private treatment can create additional expenses; in rural areas, longer distances also matter. Public school fees were abolished by Order No. 278/2008 (Arrêté n°278/2008), and basic schoolbooks are free. Families nevertheless often pay school insurance, examination and competition fees, uniforms, transport, food, preschool, private schools or higher education. Material costs may arise outside the free basic provision. The education framework provides for school attendance for children aged 6 to 16. Private and higher-education institutions set their fees according to the market and the institution. Under the National Social Protection Fund (PNFS), the former social-protection structure (Lisungi) was replaced; its program ended in February 2024. For 2025, planned measures include conditional payments for households with school-age children, people with disabilities or older people. Access and selection are handled through the Unified Social Registry (Registre Social Unique) and the social card (Carte sociale), also known as CAS. Registration and notification are free, and intermediaries should not be paid. Benefits depend on the target group and available funds and should therefore not be included in a basic budget until eligibility has been confirmed. MTN and Airtel dominate the mobile market, whose offers are largely prepaid. Reference prices include 2,000 XAF for 60 minutes to all networks for seven days, 5,000 XAF for 10 GB for 30 days and 500 XAF for 100 SMS for seven days. Devices, charging, power outages, batteries, backup energy and, where applicable, fixed-line internet add to the cost. There is no reliable national price index for leisure, restaurants, culture and sports; these expenses vary greatly by city, supply and income.