Lived in Luanda from 2002 to 2008.
Districts near Luanda airport are: Martires, Kasenda , Rocha Pinto. There is no decent infrastructure in those places and also they are very dangerous.
“Normal” districts are: Maianga, Alvalade, Miramar, Marginal. A 1 bedroom apartment rental cost is at least 1500/2000 USD (utilities are not included). Land lords require 12 months in advance cash. A house with 3-4 bedrooms costs between 15000 to 20000 USD per month (1 year in advance payment). Other decent districts are Talatona (where most of the expats compounds are located) or Nova Vida. They have better infrastructure (roads) than Luanda and also cheaper (house between 5000 to 10000 USD) not so far from the downtown BUT a trip in the mornings or evenings will take you 2 to 3 hours (each leg). Private security is required specially if you live in a house. (1500 USD per month).
Salary of local maids between 100 to 200 usd but you will have to teach them basic things like wash their hands before cooking or after using the toilet…and yes they will steal from you.
Bear in mind that they are regular blackouts in Luanda hence you would have to buy a generator (min 1500 usd). Regular water supply is also an issue so people buy water tanks and have to purchase water from the trucks. Do not drink water from the tap.
Roads are in very bad conditions and the traffic jam is terrible and getting worse.
A normal regular meal (French fries with a steak) in a decent restaurant costs 30/40 USD min. Can of coke 2 USD.
The only open space to walk is on the Marginal (waterfront) until sunset…not beautiful and sometimes smells very bad. Closed place to “walk” is the Belas (mall). Do not walk alone on the street (even during the day) and if in a car do not use your cell phone especially in the traffic jam.
Various supermarkets are available. No problem to buy the things that you usually eat in western countries but some items are very expensive, like the fruit (apples 10 usd per kilo if not more). Rump steak 15 to 20 usd per kilo.
Better do not trust on local private clinics. They are very expensive and quality not always good. Exception are the clinic of some oil companies (ie.Total fina Elf) although do not know if they are open to regular patients.
If you go with your children take also in consideration the costs of school. School for the expats kids costs generally between 500 to 1000 usd per month. Do not even think of putting your children in the local schools.
The night life is quite good. Local girls are beautiful and nice (very interested in your money).
The best option is to go to Angola under an expat contract.
Hope that the post helps. If you need more information do not hesitate to ask.