Introduction:
If you are on holiday or a business visitor coming to
The Gambia for the first time you may ask yourself how
much do things cost in UK British pounds, Euros, Dollars
or even in Dalasis? On the whole prices of everyday
products are cheaper than in Europe, but some items,
particularly imported supermarket products, can be a
lot higher. Below are prices and ranges in Sterling
for goods and services in Greater Banjul.
Costs of Daily Goods in Shops:
| Products |
Average
Street Prices |
 |
|
| • Beer (300ml local) |
£1.20 |
| • Can of soft drink |
£0.71 |
| • Building
materials |
Various |
| • Fuel Petrol - litre |
£1 - £1.40 |
| • Fuel Diesel - litre |
£1 - £1.40 |
| • Half size French bread
- Senfurr |
£18 |
| • Mineral water
1.5 litres |
£0.53 |
| • Milk small tin - Peak |
£0.50 |
| • Milk carton skimmed 1.5L |
£1.40 |
| • Newspaper |
£0.50 |
| • Rice Bag - 50kilo |
£30 - £50 |
| • Soap bar - bathing |
£0.90 |
| • Toothpaste - large |
£1.70 |
Hotel Room Rates:
 Note
that room rates for hotels in Gambia do vary according
to the season, with lower prices being charged between
May to September when demand for hotel rooms is much
lower. The other factor to consider is the fluctuating
exchange rate which can lead to an increase or decrease
in the charge of boarding.
However, the price level for hotel room reservations
is usually set at the start of the winter holiday season
in mid-October, and usually remains valid until around
mid April of the following year.
Food Costs in Restaurants:
| Ranges |
Main meal |
|
|
| • Budget |
£3-5 per person |
| • Middle-range |
£6-17 per person |
| • Top-range |
£18+ per person |
 Your
bill can vary significantly depending on which of the
many restaurants
you are eating out in. Basic, locally cooked food on
a plate can be as little as £1.50 with fish and chips
starting at around £4.
 If
you are on a really tight budget and have a strong stomach
you could try the local takeaways, which are located
to the east of the resorts, where you can get what in
Gambia is called a "plaate" which is basically
the "dish of the day" for about £1.50.
Renting A House:
 A
typical 3 bedroom bungalow not too far from the coastal
resorts of Kololi, Kotu, Bijilo and Kerr Serign is between
£3,000 - £8,000 per year.
Location is the biggest determining factor when looking
for houses for
rent in Greater Banjul.
What is The Cost of Living in The Gambia?:
If you are living in your own house and own a car then
you can have a good standard of living for about £150
per week. This figure can be lower or higher depending
on your lifestyle, how much you like to go out, services
provided, maintenance etc. |
