I've spent a total of ~2 months in Kigali. Pros: very safe, pretty affordable, very pretty, hospitable people, great coffee. Cons: a bit dull, culture is very insular (respectful but quite conservative), food is bad, police state vibes are kind of weird. A certain kind of person who doesn't care about nightlife at all, is open to experiencing a foreign culture that's more inward-oriented, and wants to live a really chill lifestyle in a green, pleasant city would really like it. I personally need some more action and didn't vibe with the reservedness of the people there, lovely as they are.
Nomad Guide of Kigali
Explore Kigali like a local with our comprehensive nomad guide. Find the best places to work, live, and play, all tailored to the digital nomad lifestyle. Stay connected and make the most of your time in Kigali with our insider tips and recommendations.
Stay updated on the weather in Kigali with our reliable data source. Plan ahead for changing conditions and make the most of your time in the city. Check the forecast and stay prepared for any weather events.
Cost of Living in Kigali
Discover the cost of living in Kigali with our data source. Compare expenses for housing, food, transportation, and more to make informed decisions about your budget. Stay informed and make the most of your money in Kigali.
Cost of Living for Expats :
$1,358/mo
Cost of Living for Nomads :
$1,924/mo
Cost of Living for Families :
$3,233/mo
Cost of Living for Local :
$924/mo
Cost of coffee :
$1.00
Rent for 1 bedroom :
$842/mo
Dinner:
$6.91
Beer :
$2.81
Coca Cola :
$0.69
Tax for 50k income :
$
Tax for 100k income :
$
Tax for 250k income :
$
Pros and Cons Living in Kigali
Like many other cities Kigali have a lot of advantages to offer its residents and visitors, but it also has its fair share of drawbacks. We have made this pros and cons table to help you better vizualize them.
Pros
✅ Affordable to live
✅ Pretty safe
✅ Warm now
✅ Warm all year round
✅ Good air quality on average
✅ Spacious and not crowded
✅ Very easy to do business
✅ Very safe for women
✅ Very friendly to LGBTQ+
✅ Not many people smoke tobacco
Cons
❌ No freedom of speech
❌ No democracy
❌ Very slow internet
❌ Not much to do
❌ Quality of education is low
❌ Hospitals are not that great
❌ Roads can be dangerous
❌ People don't speak English well
❌ Not family friendly
Quality of Life in Kigali
No Data for now.
Visa Requirements in Kigali
No Data for now.
Security and Crime in Kigali
Stay informed on security and crime in Kigali with updated information on crime rates, types of crimes and measures being taken. Ensure personal safety by staying informed and taking steps to protect yourself and loved ones. Help keep Kigali safe.
Low Crime rate
High Security Index
Polution and Air Quality in Kigali
Stay informed about the air quality and pollution levels in Kigali. Our data source provides up-to-date information on various pollutants and their effects on health and the environment. By monitoring the air quality in Kigali, you can take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from the harmful effects of pollution.
Similar cities to Kigali
Discover cities that are similar to Kigali in terms of attractions and amenities. Our hand-picked list includes locations with similar cultural settings, recreational activities, and high-quality lodgings. These cities are worth visiting if you're looking for a place with a similar atmosphere or just a change of scenery. Plan your next urban journey by visiting these similar cities.
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Cities near Kigali to visit
There are several cities and places close to Kigali worth your visit. In addition to sightseeing in Kigali, spare some time to discover the surroundings of the city. You can discover Nairobi, Mombasa, Kampala, Kisangani, and Lubumbashi, who are a few kilometres away either by car or public transport.
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Air Quality
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Mbps
FEELS 25°
25°
$1,641/mo
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WiFi
Fun
Safety
Trending
Mombasa
Kenya
#380
Air Quality
Moderate
8
Mbps
FEELS 35°
29°
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Overall
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Safety
Trending
Kampala
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#383
Air Quality
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2
Mbps
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#753
Air Quality
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0
Mbps
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Lubumbashi
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Air Quality
Unknown
1
Mbps
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0
Mbps
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#1113
Air Quality
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1
Mbps
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Fun
Safety
Reviews of Kigali - Feedback from travelers
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Discussion (2)
0
I've spent a total of ~2 months in Kigali. Pros: very safe, pretty affordable, very pretty, hospitable people, great coffee. Cons: a bit dull, culture is very insular (respectful but quite conservative), food is bad, police state vibes are kind of weird. A certain kind of person who doesn't care about nightlife at all, is open to experiencing a foreign culture that's more inward-oriented, and wants to live a really chill lifestyle in a green, pleasant city would really like it. I personally need some more action and didn't vibe with the reservedness of the people there, lovely as they are.
0
Spent 1 month here with my girlfriend. The place has potential, but is not quite there yet. Pollution can be pretty bad. Otherwise it's very pretty and the people are helpful. You can find workable Internet, but not everywhere. Try Nyarutarama, which has a lot of embassies. Not extremely cheap, but affordable. Definitely take a trip to Lake Kivu and Volcanoes National Park in the North. Food isn't that great. The most common and cheapest way of getting around is by mototaxi, but beware, they can be very careless - we had an accident on day 1 that required medical attention. You need to haggle with taxi drivers, otherwise they'll rip you off. Car rentals could be cheaper for what you get. Malaria is not that much of an issue in the capital. Otherwise, Kigali is very safe for an African capital, you are mostly free to walk around at night. Very hilly, so be prepared for that. Hospital care was OK, although lacking - needed to go to a different hospital for an X-Ray machine that worked, but the doctors were very professional and care was cheap ($10 for an X-Ray at King Faizal hospital, rebandaging and wound cleaning between $8 to $12 each time).All in all, I'm happy we went and will probably be back at some point - lots of growth potential.
