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Living in Liberia: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in Liberia | Expat Exchange
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Living in Liberia

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Mar 08, 2024

Summary: The approximate population of Liberia is 4.9 million people. The largest cities in Liberia are Monrovia (the capital), Gbarnga, Kakata, and Bensonville. Expats love living in Liberia for its friendly people, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture. People describe life in Liberia as relaxed and laid-back, with a strong sense of community. Popular foods in Liberia include jollof rice, cassava leaf, and fufu. The cons of living in Liberia include a lack of infrastructure, limited access to healthcare, and a high crime rate. The average cost of living for an expat is around $1,500 to $2,000 per month in US dollars. This includes rent, food, transportation, and other basic necessities.

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What do I need to know about living in Liberia?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Liberia, they said:

"Expats considering retiring in Liberia should be aware that the country is still recovering from a long civil war and the infrastructure is still in the process of being rebuilt. It is important to research the security situation in the area you plan to live in and to take necessary precautions. Expats should also be aware that the cost of living in Liberia is relatively low, but the availability of goods and services may be limited. It is important to research the availability of healthcare and other services before making the move. Finally, expats should be aware that the climate in Liberia is tropical and can be hot and humid," explained one expat living in Liberia.

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How do I meet people in Liberia?

When we asked people living in Liberia about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"Expats in Liberia often join clubs and activities such as the Monrovia International Women's Club, the Monrovia International Club, and the Monrovia Yacht Club. Expats can also meet people by attending local events such as festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions. Additionally, expats can join local sports teams or take classes at the local universities. Finally, expats can meet people by attending church services or volunteering with local charities," said one expat who made the move to Liberia.

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What is life like in Liberia?

When we asked people living in Liberia what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Liberia can be both exciting and challenging. The country is known for its friendly people, beautiful beaches, and lush rainforests, making it an attractive destination for those looking to explore a new culture. However, the infrastructure is still developing, and the cost of living is relatively high. Expats and digital nomads should be prepared to face some difficulties in terms of finding reliable internet access, transportation, and housing. Despite these challenges, many expats and digital nomads find Liberia to be a great place to live and work, with plenty of opportunities to explore the country's unique culture and natural beauty," said one expat in Liberia.

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Is there a lot of crime in Liberia?

We asked people if there is a lot of crime. They answered:

"Yes, crime is a major problem in Liberia. Violent crime, such as armed robbery, is common, particularly in urban areas. Kidnapping and extortion are also widespread. In addition, there is a high rate of sexual and gender-based violence, including rape and domestic abuse. The lack of a strong police force and judicial system has made it difficult to effectively combat crime in Liberia," remarked one expat who made the move to Liberia.

Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Liberia accepting of differences?

"Yes, there is a lot of diversity in Liberia. The population is made up of 16 different ethnic groups, each with their own distinct culture and language. People in Liberia are generally accepting of differences and strive to maintain a peaceful and harmonious society. The government has also taken steps to promote tolerance and acceptance of diversity, such as passing laws to protect the rights of minority groups," wrote one member in Liberia.

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What are the schools in Liberia like?

"The American International School of Monrovia (AISM) is one of the best international schools in Liberia. It is a private, non-profit, co-educational day school offering an American-style education to students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. AISM offers a rigorous academic program, with a strong emphasis on English language instruction, and a wide range of extracurricular activities. The school also offers a variety of sports and clubs, as well as a range of cultural activities. The International Christian Academy (ICA) is a bilingual school in Liberia offering a Christian-based education to students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. ICA offers a comprehensive curriculum, with a strong emphasis on English language instruction, and a wide range of extracurricular activities. The school also offers a variety of sports and clubs, as well as a range of cultural activities. The Liberia International Christian College (LICC) is a private, non-profit, co-educational day school offering a Christian-based education to students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. LICC offers a comprehensive curriculum, with a strong emphasis on English language instruction, and a wide range of extracurricular activities. The school also offers a variety of sports and clubs, as well as a range of cultural activities," commented one expat when asked about in Liberia.

Is the cost of living in Liberia high?

We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Liberia, they wrote:

"The cost of living in Liberia is generally considered to be relatively low compared to other countries in the region. Basic necessities such as food, housing, and transportation are generally affordable, although prices can vary depending on the location. The cost of utilities, such as electricity and water, is also relatively low. In addition, the cost of entertainment and leisure activities is generally quite affordable," remarked one expat who made the move to Liberia.

"The cost of living in Liberia is generally low, with basic goods and services being relatively inexpensive. However, the cost of living in the capital city of Monrovia is higher than in other parts of the country. A nice 1 bedroom apartment in Monrovia can cost around $500 USD per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment can cost around $700 USD per month. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Monrovia can cost around $10 USD per person," wrote one expat living in Liberia.

What type of recreational facilities are in Liberia?

When we asked people living in Liberia about recreational activities, they mentioned:

"Residents of Liberia enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, including beaches, parks, and sports complexes. The beaches offer a great opportunity to relax and enjoy the sun and surf, while the parks provide a peaceful setting for picnics and outdoor activities. Sports complexes provide a place for residents to play basketball, soccer, and other sports. Additionally, there are a number of cultural attractions, such as museums, galleries, and theaters, that offer a variety of entertainment options," commented one expat living in Liberia.

What is the weather like in Liberia?

"The climate in Liberia is tropical with a rainy season from May to October and a dry season from November to April. The average temperature is around 27°C (80°F) throughout the year. The humidity is high, especially during the rainy season. Liberia experiences heavy rainfall, with an average of about 4,000 mm (157 inches) per year," mentioned an expat living in Liberia.

Are there good restaurants in Liberia?

"One of the most popular restaurants in Liberia is the Monrovia Restaurant. Located in the heart of Monrovia, this restaurant serves a variety of traditional Liberian dishes, including jollof rice, cassava leaves, and fried plantains. The restaurant also offers a selection of international dishes, such as pizza and burgers. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, and the staff is friendly and attentive. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g293983-d12455090-Reviews-Monrovia_Restaurant-Monrovia_Montserrado_County.html Another popular restaurant in Liberia is the Bamboo Restaurant. Located in the city of Gbarnga, this restaurant serves a variety of traditional Liberian dishes, including fufu, cassava leaves, and fried plantains. The restaurant also offers a selection of international dishes, such as pizza and burgers. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, and the staff is friendly and attentive. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g293983-d12455090-Reviews-Bamboo_Restaurant-Gbarnga_Bong_County.html The third popular restaurant in Liberia is the Palm Tree Restaurant. Located in the city of Buchanan, this restaurant serves a variety of traditional Liberian dishes, including jollof rice, cassava leaves, and fried plantains. The restaurant also offers a selection of international dishes, such as pizza and burgers. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, and the staff is friendly and attentive. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g293983-d12455090-Reviews-Palm_Tree_Restaurant-Buchanan_Grand_Bassa_County.html," said one expat.

Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Liberia?

"People living in Liberia typically buy groceries and do other shopping at local markets, roadside stalls, and small shops. Supermarkets and larger stores are also available in some of the larger cities. Shopping can also be done online, with many stores offering delivery services," said one expat.

What are the visa & residency requirements in Liberia?

"To apply for a visa to Liberia, travelers must submit an application form, a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, and proof of sufficient funds to cover the duration of their stay. The visa application must be accompanied by a letter of invitation from a Liberian citizen or a company based in Liberia. Once the application is approved, the visa will be issued and must be presented upon arrival in Liberia. To apply for residency in Liberia, applicants must submit an application form, a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, and proof of sufficient funds to cover the duration of their stay. The application must also include a letter of invitation from a Liberian citizen or a company based in Liberia. The application must be accompanied by a valid work permit, if applicable. Once the application is approved, the residency permit will be issued and must be presented upon arrival in Liberia," mentioned an expat living in Liberia.

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Liberia?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Liberia are generally considered to be expensive. The cost of medical care is high, and the quality of care is often inadequate. Health insurance is not widely available, and those who do have it often find that the coverage is inadequate. Additionally, the cost of health insurance is often prohibitively expensive for many people. As a result, many people in Liberia are unable to access the healthcare they need," said one expat.

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Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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