Cost of Living in Benguela
Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Benguela helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
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Can I live in Benguela on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Benguela for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. The cost of living in Angola is quite high, especially when it comes to housing and imported goods. To make it work, you'll have to be smart about where you live and how you spend your money.First, let's talk about housing. You'll want to avoid the more expensive neighborhoods like Restinga and Baía Azul, as rents there can be quite high. Instead, consider looking for a place in neighborhoods like Chivonde or Bela Vista, where you can find more affordable housing options. Keep in mind that you might have to compromise on the quality of the apartment or house, as well as the availability of modern amenities.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on food and other necessities. Imported goods can be quite expensive, so try to stick to local products whenever possible. Shopping at local markets and smaller grocery stores can help you save money on food. Eating out can also be pricey, so consider cooking at home more often.Transportation can be another significant expense, so try to use public transportation or share a ride with coworkers whenever possible. Owning a car can be costly, especially with the high price of fuel in Angola.Finally, be prepared to cut back on entertainment and leisure activities. Going out to bars, clubs, and restaurants can quickly eat into your budget, so try to find more affordable ways to enjoy your free time. There are plenty of beautiful beaches and natural attractions in Benguela that you can explore without spending a lot of money.In conclusion, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Benguela is possible, but you'll have to make some sacrifices and be smart about your spending. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, being mindful of your spending on food and transportation, and finding low-cost ways to enjoy your free time, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Benguela.
Can I live in Benguela on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Benguela for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. The cost of living in Angola is quite high, especially when it comes to housing and imported goods. To make it work, you'll have to be smart about your spending and be willing to adapt to the local lifestyle.First, let's talk about housing. If you want to live in a more affordable neighborhood, I'd recommend looking into places like Lobito or Catumbela. These areas are a bit further from the city center, but they offer more reasonable rent prices. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more upscale neighborhood, you might want to consider Baía Farta or Restinga. However, keep in mind that these areas can be quite expensive, so you might have to cut back on other expenses to afford living there.When it comes to utilities and internet, you'll find that they can be quite expensive as well. To save on these costs, try to conserve electricity and water as much as possible, and consider getting a local SIM card for your phone instead of relying on a home internet connection.Groceries can also be pricey, especially if you're used to buying imported goods. To save money, try shopping at local markets and buying fresh produce, meats, and fish. You'll find that the quality is often better than what you'd find in a supermarket, and the prices are much more affordable.Eating out can be another significant expense, so try to cook at home as much as possible. If you do want to treat yourself to a meal out, look for local restaurants that offer more affordable prices. You'll find that the local cuisine is delicious and can be quite budget-friendly if you know where to look.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Instead of relying on taxis or renting a car, consider using public transportation or even walking when possible. This will not only save you money but also give you a chance to explore the city and get to know the local culture.In summary, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Benguela, Angola is possible, but you'll have to make some sacrifices and be smart about your spending. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, shopping at local markets, and cutting back on utilities and transportation costs, you can make it work and enjoy your time in this beautiful city," said one expat living in Benguela.
Can I live in Benguela on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Benguela for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, there are some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget. First, you'll need to be mindful of where you choose to live. Some neighborhoods in Benguela are more expensive than others, so you'll want to avoid areas like Restinga and Baía Azul, which are known for their high-end properties and luxury accommodations. Instead, consider more affordable neighborhoods like Chivonde, Bela Vista, or Compão. These areas still offer decent housing options, but at a more reasonable price.In terms of transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to the high cost of fuel and maintenance. I'd recommend using public transportation, such as buses and shared taxis, which are more affordable and widely available throughout the city. You can also consider renting a car occasionally if you need to travel outside of Benguela.When it comes to dining out, you'll find that there are plenty of affordable local restaurants and street food vendors where you can enjoy delicious Angolan cuisine without breaking the bank. However, if you're craving international or high-end dining options, you'll need to be prepared to pay a premium for those experiences.Another area where you might need to make some sacrifices is in your entertainment and leisure activities. While there are some modern amenities available in Benguela, such as shopping malls, movie theaters, and sports facilities, they can be quite expensive compared to what you might be used to. Instead, consider taking advantage of the beautiful natural surroundings and outdoor activities that the region has to offer, such as visiting the beaches, hiking, or exploring local markets.Lastly, you'll need to be prepared for the occasional power outage or water shortage, as the infrastructure in Angola can be unreliable at times. Investing in a generator or water storage tank can help mitigate these issues, but it's important to be prepared for these inconveniences as part of your daily life in Benguela.Overall, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Benguela is achievable, but it will require some adjustments and sacrifices in terms of your housing, transportation, and lifestyle choices. By being mindful of your spending and embracing the local culture and way of life, you can make the most of your experience in this unique and vibrant city," commented an expat living in Benguela.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.