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Zimbabwe flagCost of Living Guide · Zimbabwe

Cost of Living Guide in Zimbabwe

Complete pricing for housing, food, transportation, and everyday expenses

Zimbabwe offers a low cost of living compared to global standards, with overall costs including rent about 12% cheaper than the Africa average and consumer prices excluding rent 7% below the regional benchmark. It stands out as more affordable than the African average, particularly for rent which is 23% lower, making it attractive for expats and digital nomads seeking value in Africa. No home country comparison available.

Estimated Monthly Budget

Frugal
$300–$600 USD (local food, shared/modest housing, public transport)
Comfortable
$800–$1,500 USD (decent apartment, mix of local/imported food, occasional dining out)
Family of four
$1,800–$2,800 USD (family housing, groceries, transport, schooling)

Zimbabwe delivers excellent value for money, being about 12% cheaper overall than the Africa average with even greater savings on rent at 23% below regional norms. It's ideal for expats stretching budgets further without home country data for direct comparison.

Economic & Living Costs in Zimbabwe
Food & Dining Costs

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

3-20 $
Avg: 11.5 $
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant (3-course)

30-120 $
Avg: 75 $
-3.2% vs 3 months ago

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

5-8 $
Avg: 6.5 $
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Domestic Beer (0.5L draught)

1-3 $
Avg: 2 $
0.0% vs 3 months ago
Housing & Real Estate Costs

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

190-600 $
Avg: 395 $
+14.5% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside Centre

100-416 $
Avg: 258 $
-0.8% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

500-1500 $
Avg: 1000 $
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside Centre

300-1200 $
Avg: 750 $
0.0% vs 3 months ago
Transportation Costs

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

0.5-1 $
Avg: 0.75 $
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

3.5-8 $
Avg: 5.75 $
-11.5% vs 3 months ago

Monthly Transport Pass

30-60 $
Avg: 45 $
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Gasoline (1L)

1.46-1.8 $
Avg: 1.63 $
+3.2% vs 3 months ago
Utilities & Communications Costs

Utilities for 85m² Apartment

34-100 $
Avg: 67 $
+3.1% vs 3 months ago

Internet (60 Mbps+, Unlimited)

45-158 $
Avg: 101.5 $
-18.8% vs 3 months ago

Mobile Plan (10GB+ Data)

13-30 $
Avg: 21.5 $
+7.5% vs 3 months ago
Grocery Costs

Milk (1L)

1-2 $
Avg: 1.5 $
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

0.72-1.2 $
Avg: 0.96 $
-29.4% vs 3 months ago

Eggs (12)

1.44-3.6 $
Avg: 2.52 $
1.0% vs 3 months ago

Local Cheese (1kg)

5-20 $
Avg: 12.5 $
-24.2% vs 3 months ago
Entertainment & Sports Costs

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee

20-90 $
Avg: 55 $
+10.0% vs 3 months ago

Tennis Court (1 hour, weekend)

5-30 $
Avg: 17.5 $
+59.1% vs 3 months ago

Cinema Ticket

7-20 $
Avg: 13.5 $
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Preschool / Kindergarten (monthly, private)

200-692.17 $
Avg: 446.08 $
+43.9% vs 3 months ago
Last updated: 2026-04-03

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