Living in Kigali is becoming more expensive, and for many young people, this is becoming harder to ignore. The cost of food, transport, housing, electricity and other everyday needs continues to put pressure on people’s incomes.
While Kigali remains a city full of opportunities, many young people are finding that their salaries are not increasing as quickly as their expenses.
Recent figures from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) show just how serious the situation has become. In August 2026, Rwanda’s annual inflation rate reached 15.7% compared with the same month in 2025. Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels increased by 20.4%, while transport costs increased by 24.2%, Food and non-alcoholic beverages also increased by 16.3%, Restaurants and Hotels increased by 15.6%.
For a young person earning a monthly salary, these increases can have a big effect.
Rent is one of the biggest challenges. Many young people move to Kigali because of work, school or better opportunities. But finding a decent and affordable place to live can be difficult. When rent takes a large part of someone’s salary, there is little left for food, transport, savings, emergencies and personal needs.
Transport is another problem. A young worker may spend money every day travelling to and from work. When transport prices rise, that extra cost can quietly take away a large part of the monthly income.
Food is also becoming a major concern. Going to the market and buying the same things that were bought a few months ago can now require more money. For young people who are living alone or supporting family members, this can make budgeting even harder.
The problem is not simply that things are becoming expensive. It is that many young people’s incomes are not growing at the same speed.
A young person may receive a salary increase and still feel financially stuck because the cost of living has increased too. Someone who once managed to save money every month may now use that money to cover basic expenses.
This can also affect important life plans.
Young people want to save for homes, start businesses, continue their education, get married, support their families and prepare for the future. But when most of their income goes toward basic needs, these goals can feel further away.
There is also a social side to the problem.
Young people in Kigali are often expected to take part in birthdays, weddings, baby showers, bridal showers, dinners and other social events. These moments are important, but they also require money. When combined with rent, transport, food, phone bills and other responsibilities, social spending can become another source of financial pressure.
At the same time, social media can make the situation feel even harder. Young people constantly see others travelling, eating at restaurants, buying new clothes, moving into better homes or enjoying expensive lifestyles. This can create pressure to spend money simply to keep up.
But not every young person can afford that lifestyle.
This is why financial planning is becoming more important. Young people need to understand where their money is going, separate needs from wants and avoid taking loans simply to maintain a certain lifestyle.
There is also a bigger question for employers, businesses and policymakers: how can young people’s incomes and opportunities grow alongside the rising cost of living?
Kigali is growing, and growth brings opportunities. But a city can only feel affordable when the people living and working in it can meet their basic needs and still have something left for their future.
The rising cost of living should therefore not only be seen as a personal problem. It is an issue that affects the ability of young people to build stable and independent lives.
For young people, the goal should not simply be to earn more. It should also be to build financial habits that protect them when prices rise. Saving, budgeting, avoiding unnecessary debt and making careful spending choices can help.
But individual effort alone cannot solve everything.
As Kigali continues to develop, making sure that young people can afford to live, work and build their future in the city will remain an important challenge.
A growing city should also be a city where young people can afford to build a life.
Brenna AKARABO
RADIOTV10