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Freetown, Sierra Leone
Capital City

Follows Sierra Leone Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$1,050
Retiree Score
75.0
Safety Index
32.4
Healthcare
14 facilities

With a population of just 853,651, Freetown is hardly the bustling metropolis its name suggests. This Sierra Leonean capital is a diverse city, home to a mix of ethnic groups, but the bureaucracy is a persistent headache. The tropical climate brings heavy rainfall from May through November, while the Harmattan winds offer a brief respite in the cooler months. Freetown's economy revolves around its harbor, but safety concerns linger after the devastation of the civil war. Overall, this city is best suited for those seeking an authentic West African experience, but not the faint of heart.

Can I afford Freetown?

$

Freetown

You could save

1,950/mo

Savings Rate65%

Monthly Costs

Rent $600
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$450

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
65/100
Retiree Score
(i)
75/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
50/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Sierra Leone Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
32
Safety
14
Healthcare
100
Walkability
20
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $2
Bread (loaf) *$1
Eggs (12) $2
Rice (1kg) *$1
Chicken (1kg) *$3

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$3
Meal (Mid-range) $20
Cappuccino $2
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $144
Mobile Plan (mo) $10
Gym (mo) *$50
Cinema Ticket *$5

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $600
1BR Outside (mo) *$1,262
3BR Center (mo) $1,300
3BR Outside (mo) *$100

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Widely Spoken
Expat Community
Small
Top Neighborhoods
Aberdeen, Lumley, Juba
Best For
NGO workers

Expat Life Notes

Freetown is a high-energy coastal capital. The expat community is small but tight, primarily involved in mining and aid.

Pros

  • ✓ Friendly people and beaches
  • ✓ Official English language
  • ✓ Vibrant nightlife

Cons

  • ✗ Very poor infrastructure
  • ✗ Health and sanitation risks
  • ✗ Unreliable electricity and water

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
23°C°C - 30°C°C
Annual Rainfall
2859 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Also Consider

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Freetown

Click any question to expand the answer.

Freetown has a population of approximately 853,651 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $1,500 per month in Freetown, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $600/month.

The nearest airport to Freetown is FNA, approximately 15km away.

Freetown is considered a higher-crime area that requires caution, with a safety index of 32.4. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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