Cost of Living in Bulawayo - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $581 (excluding rent), and $759 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,093 (excluding rent), and $1,758 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$4.51 ZWL 116

$3.51 ZWL 90.4

$7.02 ZWL 181

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$30.28 ZWL 780

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$5.65 ZWL 145

$5.13 ZWL 132

$6.16 ZWL 159

Cappuccino

$2.37 ZWL 61.0

$0.99 ZWL 25.61

$2.98 ZWL 76.8

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.48 ZWL 12.41

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.43 ZWL 11.15

$0.26 ZWL 6.64

$0.52 ZWL 13.28

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.70 ZWL 43.81

$0.97 ZWL 25.03

$1.94 ZWL 50.1

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.57 ZWL 66.2

$1.54 ZWL 39.72

$3.08 ZWL 79.4

Milk (1 liter)

$1.55 ZWL 39.96

$1.01 ZWL 25.95

$1.71 ZWL 44.11

White Bread (500g)

$1.01 ZWL 26.14

$0.61 ZWL 15.74

$1.08 ZWL 27.92

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.71 ZWL 44.07

$0.98 ZWL 25.18

$2.93 ZWL 75.5

Eggs

$1.75 ZWL 45.14

$1.19 ZWL 30.60

$1.98 ZWL 51.0

Local Cheese (1kg)

$10.20 ZWL 263

$7.89 ZWL 203

$11.84 ZWL 305

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$3.88 ZWL 99.9

$3.48 ZWL 89.7

$4.18 ZWL 108

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$4.36 ZWL 112

$3.97 ZWL 102

$5.16 ZWL 133

Apples (1kg)

$1.51 ZWL 38.91

$1.01 ZWL 25.94

$2.01 ZWL 51.9

Banana (1kg)

$1.47 ZWL 37.97

$0.98 ZWL 25.31

$2.16 ZWL 55.7

Oranges (1kg)

$2.22 ZWL 57.1

$0.98 ZWL 25.17

$4.31 ZWL 111

Tomato (1kg)

$1.08 ZWL 27.72

$0.98 ZWL 25.20

$1.17 ZWL 30.24

Potato (1kg)

$1.15 ZWL 29.74

$0.49 ZWL 12.71

$1.97 ZWL 50.8

Onion (1kg)

$1.38 ZWL 35.63

$0.91 ZWL 23.41

$2.22 ZWL 57.2

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.01 ZWL 26.15

$0.51 ZWL 13.07

$1.52 ZWL 39.22

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.01 ZWL 26.00

$0.49 ZWL 12.62

$1.47 ZWL 37.87

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$1.52 ZWL 39.17

$1.01 ZWL 26.12

$2.03 ZWL 52.2

Wine (Bottle)

$4.98 ZWL 128

$3.99 ZWL 103

$5.98 ZWL 154

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.54 ZWL 39.61

$1.02 ZWL 26.23

$2.31 ZWL 59.6

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.15 ZWL 55.5

$0.99 ZWL 25.56

$2.48 ZWL 63.9

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.48 ZWL 12.37

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$29.80 ZWL 768

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.07 ZWL 79.0

$2.05 ZWL 52.7

$10.23 ZWL 263

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.17 ZWL 56.0

$1.94 ZWL 49.99

$2.42 ZWL 62.2

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$5.14 ZWL 132

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.61 ZWL 41.53

$1.39 ZWL 35.74

$1.86 ZWL 47.82

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$71.2 ZWL 1,835

$33.95 ZWL 875

$99.9 ZWL 2,572

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$18.16 ZWL 468

$14.86 ZWL 383

$19.82 ZWL 511

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$134 ZWL 3,453

$50.3 ZWL 1,295

$201 ZWL 5,180

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$25.33 ZWL 653

$20.26 ZWL 522

$30.40 ZWL 783

Cinema Ticket

$10.18 ZWL 262

$15.27 ZWL 393

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$137 ZWL 3,541

$98.2 ZWL 2,530

$196 ZWL 5,059

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$21.90 ZWL 564

$7.07 ZWL 182

$25.26 ZWL 651

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$13.44 ZWL 346

$10.08 ZWL 260

$15.12 ZWL 389

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$68.3 ZWL 1,759

$14.99 ZWL 386

$90.0 ZWL 2,317

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$55.1 ZWL 1,420

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$181 ZWL 4,650

$148 ZWL 3,805

$246 ZWL 6,341

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$108 ZWL 2,780

$78.5 ZWL 2,022

$147 ZWL 3,790

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$473 ZWL 12.2K

$405 ZWL 10.4K

$608 ZWL 15.7K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$418 ZWL 10.8K

$304 ZWL 7,822

$607 ZWL 15.6K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,108 ZWL 54.3K

$856 ZWL 22.1K

$3,360 ZWL 86.6K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,029 ZWL 52.3K

$300 ZWL 7,717

$3,759 ZWL 96.8K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$306 ZWL 7,882

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: February 28, 2026

Bulawayo Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌍 Africa

Cost of Living in Bulawayo - Frequently Asked Questions

Bulawayo generally feels more affordable than many regional capitals, with a slower pace that helps stretch a daily budget. Cost of Living in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe tends to be lean for basic groceries, local meals, and public transport, while some imported goods and premium services can carry higher prices. You’ll often find good value in older, well-established neighborhoods and in shared coworking spaces that offer flexible terms. If you compare with Harare or tourist hubs, expect noticeable savings on housing and everyday needs, but fewer upscale options. Tip: test several neighborhoods on short-term stays to gauge heat, noise, and safety before settling in.

Housing options range from compact central flats to larger family-style units in the suburbs, with short-term leases that let you test areas before committing. Food choices span bustling markets, local eateries, and supermarket pivots; cooking at home usually stretches your budget. For transport, you can rely on minibuses, ride-hailing services, and walking in compact districts. Co-working spaces, cafés, and libraries provide work-friendly options for remote work. Errands are straightforward in town centers, though evenings can surge with shoppers. Understanding Bulawayo, Zimbabwe living cost helps you set a practical monthly plan. Tip: start with a neighborhood tour to compare safety, amenities, and noise.

A good quality of life often hinges on neighborhood fit, safety, and access to services. For budgeting, consider a simple split: essentials (rent, utilities, groceries) and discretionary (eating out, fitness, social activities). Use a buffer for seasonal shifts in energy or transport costs. In Bulawayo you’ll notice different vibes: central areas offer walkability and nightlife density, while outlying districts tend to be calmer and cheaper. Transit remains the lifeline for urban explorers; a mix of walking, ride-hailing, and bus routes keeps options flexible. Tip: visit a few neighborhoods at different times to sense daily rhythms and noise levels.