Monrovia, Liberia Report of what it's like to live there - 11/14/25
Personal Experiences from Monrovia, Liberia
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No, have lived in various countries around the world.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
United States, East Coast. It's a long trip, usually transfer through Brussels or Casa Blanca.
Travel in country is fairly challenging, especially during the rainy season. That said, there is not much travelling around in country I want to do anyway.
The road to the airport is getting better all the time, and the time to airport from city has been greatly reduced.
3. What years did you live here?
2025
4. How long have you lived here?
Several months
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
My housing is great. Large apartment with enough storage, and I have a really nice view of the ocean. Easy parking, functional elevator, and my commute is a five minute walk to the embassy. Mamba Point housing is located within walking distance to the embassy. Some housing has pools and gyms, but if it doesn't, these are available nearby at the Old Embassy compound for the diplomatic community. I can walk to a grocery store, restaurants, and the movie theatre.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
You can get most things here, but groceries are expensive. Everything is imported, including vegetables. Supply chain is inconsistent, so stores may carry something and then it's gone for a while. Some days the produce in the grocery stores is in bad condition, other days it's fine. The produce you can buy on the street is often a lot fresher. Most stores are owned by Lebanese, or Indian,, so lots of ingredients available for those cuisines.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
I mostly shipped cleaning products, things like Dawn dish soap, and things that are particularly expensive. Olive oil is not a bad price here, though I shipped that. Anything niche. Basic canned tomatoes and corn for example is reasonable price, but a can of something like artichoke hearts would be very expensive. I do eat more frozen vegetables than normal here, because things like fresh mushrooms or Brussel sprouts are either unavailable or very expensive.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
There are plenty of restaurants available, and some do delivery. Pizza, burger, seafood and Lebanese are everywhere. Also, a good Chinese restaurant and some good brunch options. They are not cheap though.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
I have seen no insects in my housing, not even ants or mosquitos.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Pouch (no DPO). Ordering stuff via pouch is pretty fast.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Live out is normal, around $300 a month. Most hire cleaners, cooks and or nannies. Sometimes a gardener.
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
It's very safe. I was pleasantly surprised. I am a female and walk to work and to the grocery store and for exercise, always on my own, and nobody bothers me or really pays any attention, despite alot of activity on the streets. I feel very safe. Bike riding is not particularly safe, and it's also a bit hilly, so bikes not practical.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
People run or walk outside, which easier than I expected. The embassy has a nice gym, open all the time, on the nearby old embassy compound, as well as tennis courts, a sand volleyball court, and a pool. Some housing also has gyms, game rooms, and pools.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
I have used CC at restaurants, hotels, and the main grocery stores without problem. Otherwise I use cash (usually USD)
6. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Many, I would expect.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
None
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
It would be challenging.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
We are only able to use approved taxi providers, and can't just randomly flag them down. We are not allowed to take the KKs (tuk tuks), but they are widely used by locals and convenient.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
High clearance and a car that you can get parts for and that is already dinged up. You will probably experience minor accidents, but speeds are usually low.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
We pay $100 a month for between 10 - 30 MBPS, which sounds awfully slow, but I usually have no problems doing what I want to do, streaming netflix or the Internet or video calls. If you are heavy into gaming and downloading you will want to pay for faster. The Internet has been surprisingly consistent and installation was easy and there are no plans to get locked into.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Nothing specific. Google Fi works here, though not that well.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Remote, teaching or embassy. Probably more jobs than EFMs wanting them at the embassy.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Unknown but I imagine plenty
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business casual. Not too formal
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
This post is very safe, with minimal threats beyond pick pocketing in a market, cell phone theft or minor accidents. It's pretty calm here in general.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical care is pretty limited, for anything serious you are likely to seek treatment outside the country. But routine things are fine. There are a couple of decent dental care options as well.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Surprisingly good. It's a lot less dusty and polluted than I was expecting, probably because of the housing's close proximity to the ocean. My housing has a fresh breeze all the time, and the roads don't get that much standing traffic.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Just the usual stomach ailments.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
The rainy season can be overcast a lot, but if that's an issue, there is housing available that has a lot of light, especially if it's higher level without bars on windows. Otherwise the weather is pleasant, people are pleasant, the pace of life is relaxed, and there don't seem to be a lot of issues related to mental health.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
It's hot year round, but in my opinion most days the weather is really nice. Seems to be around 80, there is often a breeze, and there is a mix of clouds and sun. It's either dry season or rainy season, so you just adapt activities accordingly. I've really been enjoying the weather actually.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Don't have school kids here, but for older kids there is a very healthy amount available for away from post schooling that some people utilize.
2. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Yes, available.
3. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Lessons, soccer, etc.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Fairly small, but morale is good. This place attracts people who generally don't sweat the small stuff and have a sense of adventure. I find the community to be overall very positive and friendly.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Make your own fun, i.e. any excuse to have a party, game night, beach trip, etc. Diplomatic community organizes reasons to get together. There is an odd but functional movie theatre in town that plays new releases, though very few people will be in the theatre. Beach bars, restaurant outings are common.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Families with younger kids, but not teenagers, singles, or couples will be best.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
I have not experienced this.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
There are some same sex couples at post. West Africa in general is not that tolerant, but it does not seem to be a big issue for those who are here and it's safe.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Nothing that stands out.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
The weather, the housing, and the overall vibe have all exceeded my expectations. The community is good, and I find enough ways to stay entertained.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
There are nice beaches for weekend day or overnight trips, waterfalls, etc. I don't travel that much, because getting anywhere is a bit of a trek on the roads.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Not really a shopping post at all, and little is produced in Liberia. They do have some excellent local flavored honey though.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
People are friendly, it's interesting to see everyone going about their daily life, the vibe is pretty relaxed and easy going, and it's safe.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Actually how expensive groceries are and the limited availability and variety of quality vegetables.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes, it has actually completely exceeded what I was expecting.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
attitude that everything is going to work well or the same way you want it to or expect it to.
4. But don't forget your:
curiosity and positive attitude.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Lots of interesting history books, this country has a fascinating history and close nexus to the United States.
6. Do you have any other comments?
Factoring in the hardship pay and the COLA that we receive, I feel like Monrovia is a little bit of a hidden gem. There is a reason a lot of people extend their tours. The number of R&Rs and the current cost construct of $3600 also helps.
