Cost of Living in Rwanda
Where prices rose
| Urban spending category | Weight in the index | Change over 12 months |
|---|---|---|
| Food and non-alcoholic drinks | 27 % | 20.9 % |
| Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels | 21 % | 18.3 % |
| Transport | 12 % | 22.4 % |
| Restaurants and hotels | 9 % | 18.9 % |
| Education | 3 % | 8.6 % |
| Health | 1 % | 1.3 % |
The weights show how a typical urban household spends its budget. They come from the national household living conditions survey.
How inflation built up in 2026
Annual urban inflation was 8.9 % in January, 13.0 % in April, 15.7 % in August and 17.2 % in September 2026. Prices rose 2.7 % in September alone, led by fresh food. NISR publishes a new index around the tenth of each month.
Prices you can check
Some household costs are set by regulators and published. Electricity, water and fuel prices have their own pages on this site, with the official tariffs. Health cover under the community scheme costs from RWF 4,000 to RWF 20,000 a person a year, depending on income.
What is not published
There are no official figures for residential rents or for international school fees in Rwanda. Ask landlords and schools directly, and get quotes in writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is inflation in Rwanda?
Urban inflation was 17.2 % in September 2026 on a year earlier. Underlying inflation, excluding fresh food and energy, was 11.4 %.
How much have food prices risen?
Urban food prices rose by 20.9 % over the year to September 2026.
Where do the cost of living figures come from?
From the consumer price index of the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR). Average urban inflation over the last twelve months was 11.5 %.
Sources
- National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda: Consumer Price Index, September 2026 (PDF)
- National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda: Consumer Price Index, August 2026 (PDF)
- Rwanda Social Security Board: Community-based health insurance (Mutuelle de Santé)
Figures checked 8 November 2026. Prepared by InvestRwanda.com for general information. It is not investment, tax or legal advice; please confirm details with a qualified adviser before acting.
