Chad: cost of living

What is the poverty rate in Chad?

44.8% of Chad's population lived below the national poverty line in 2022, according to the World Bank, based on the ECOSIT5 household survey by the National Institute of Statistics (INSEED). On the international extreme poverty line, the rate was 39.5%.

The national line is based on the cost of basic needs in Chad, while the international line is a fixed daily amount in purchasing power parity terms, so the two rates differ. The earlier ECOSIT4 survey of 2018 put national poverty at 42.3%, with 49.7% in rural areas and 19.3% in urban areas, according to INSEED key indicators.

Official sources: World Bank: Poverty headcount at national poverty lines, Chad · World Bank: Poverty headcount at international poverty line, Chad · INSEED: Key indicators with latest observations (JSON)

Are food prices rising in Chad?

Food and non-alcoholic drink prices in Chad were 4.2% lower in August 2026 than a year earlier, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INSEED) consumer price index. They rose 0.9% between July and August and 6.2% over three months.

Food and non-alcoholic drinks make up about 47% of the index weights, which come from household spending in the ECOSIT5 survey of 2022. INSEED publishes average retail prices of cereals, meat, vegetables and energy products by town in its national statistical yearbook.

Official sources: INSEED: Consumer price index bulletin, August 2026 (PDF) · INSEED: National Statistical Yearbook of Chad 2024 (PDF)

What is the inflation rate in Chad?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2025, is -3.9%. The peak was 10.8% in 2023 and the low -9.0% in 2007. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 3.4%; Chad is 38th highest of 39. Worldwide: 163rd of 165.

How much do people in Chad spend?

According to the World Bank, household consumption per person in Chad was $570 in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from $554 (2024) to $667 (2010). It is 29th highest of 37 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is $840. World rank, highest first: 116th of 124.

How many people in Chad live on under $3 a day?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2022, is 39.5%. It was 45.2% in 2011. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 41.8%, and Chad placed 5th highest of 7. Of 72 countries with 2022 data, 5th highest.

How many people in Chad are poor?

44.8%: that is the share of people below the national poverty line in Chad for 2022, according to the World Bank. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 53.0%; Chad is 6th highest of 8. World rank, highest first: 6th of 52.

How unequal are incomes in Chad?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2022, is 37.4. That compares with 43.3 in 2011. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 38.5, and Chad placed 6th highest of 7. Worldwide: 24th of 72.

How many people in Chad face food insecurity?

According to the FAO, moderate or severe food insecurity in Chad was 65.0% in 2024. No year since 2015 has been lower. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 60.5%; Chad is 13th highest of 34. Worldwide: 16th of 135.