Cost of Living in Bulawayo - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $658 (excluding rent), and $775 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,455 (excluding rent), and $1,746 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$4.39 ZWL 112

$3.41 ZWL 87.4

$6.83 ZWL 175

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$29.73 ZWL 761

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$5.52 ZWL 141

$5.02 ZWL 129

$6.03 ZWL 154

Cappuccino

$2.31 ZWL 59.3

$0.97 ZWL 24.90

$2.92 ZWL 74.7

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

$0.49 ZWL 12.53

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.44 ZWL 11.26

$0.26 ZWL 6.70

$0.52 ZWL 13.40

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.70 ZWL 43.64

$0.97 ZWL 24.94

$1.95 ZWL 49.87

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.49 ZWL 63.8

$1.49 ZWL 38.26

$2.99 ZWL 76.5

Milk (1 liter)

$1.52 ZWL 38.96

$0.99 ZWL 25.30

$1.68 ZWL 43.01

White Bread (500g)

$1.01 ZWL 25.82

$0.61 ZWL 15.54

$1.08 ZWL 27.57

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.77 ZWL 45.22

$1.01 ZWL 25.84

$3.03 ZWL 77.5

Eggs

$1.79 ZWL 45.91

$1.22 ZWL 31.12

$2.03 ZWL 51.9

Local Cheese (1kg)

$10.36 ZWL 265

$8.01 ZWL 205

$12.02 ZWL 308

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$3.87 ZWL 99.1

$3.47 ZWL 88.9

$4.17 ZWL 107

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$4.45 ZWL 114

$4.05 ZWL 104

$5.26 ZWL 135

Apples (1kg)

$1.53 ZWL 39.09

$1.02 ZWL 26.06

$2.03 ZWL 52.1

Banana (1kg)

$1.54 ZWL 39.51

$1.03 ZWL 26.34

$2.26 ZWL 57.9

Oranges (1kg)

$2.23 ZWL 57.0

$0.98 ZWL 25.13

$4.33 ZWL 111

Tomato (1kg)

$1.08 ZWL 27.71

$0.98 ZWL 25.19

$1.18 ZWL 30.23

Potato (1kg)

$1.18 ZWL 30.26

$0.50 ZWL 12.93

$2.02 ZWL 51.7

Onion (1kg)

$1.34 ZWL 34.21

$0.88 ZWL 22.48

$2.15 ZWL 54.9

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.98 ZWL 25.20

$0.49 ZWL 12.60

$1.48 ZWL 37.79

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.04 ZWL 26.65

$0.51 ZWL 12.94

$1.52 ZWL 38.81

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$1.47 ZWL 37.64

$0.98 ZWL 25.09

$1.96 ZWL 50.2

Wine (Bottle)

$4.85 ZWL 124

$3.88 ZWL 99.4

$5.82 ZWL 149

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.55 ZWL 39.66

$1.03 ZWL 26.26

$2.33 ZWL 59.6

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.21 ZWL 56.5

$1.02 ZWL 26.03

$2.54 ZWL 65.1

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.51 ZWL 13.15

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$29.43 ZWL 754

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.98 ZWL 76.3

$1.99 ZWL 50.9

$9.93 ZWL 254

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.22 ZWL 56.9

$1.98 ZWL 50.8

$2.47 ZWL 63.3

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$5.11 ZWL 131

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.67 ZWL 42.75

$1.44 ZWL 36.79

$1.92 ZWL 49.23

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

$72.3 ZWL 1,852

$34.47 ZWL 883

$101 ZWL 2,596

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

$18.28 ZWL 468

$14.96 ZWL 383

$19.95 ZWL 511

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$135 ZWL 3,452

$50.6 ZWL 1,294

$202 ZWL 5,178

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$25.39 ZWL 650

$20.31 ZWL 520

$30.46 ZWL 780

Cinema Ticket

$9.93 ZWL 254

$14.90 ZWL 382

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

$141 ZWL 3,606

$101 ZWL 2,576

$201 ZWL 5,152

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$21.70 ZWL 556

$7.01 ZWL 180

$25.04 ZWL 641

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$13.09 ZWL 335

$9.82 ZWL 251

$14.73 ZWL 377

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$69.1 ZWL 1,770

$15.17 ZWL 388

$91.0 ZWL 2,331

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$56.0 ZWL 1,434

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$184 ZWL 4,718

$151 ZWL 3,860

$251 ZWL 6,434

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$111 ZWL 2,839

$80.6 ZWL 2,065

$151 ZWL 3,872

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$473 ZWL 12.1K

$405 ZWL 10.4K

$608 ZWL 15.6K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$419 ZWL 10.7K

$305 ZWL 7,812

$610 ZWL 15.6K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,128 ZWL 54.5K

$864 ZWL 22.1K

$3,392 ZWL 86.9K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,040 ZWL 52.2K

$301 ZWL 7,712

$3,778 ZWL 96.8K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$297 ZWL 7,613

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

Last update: January 13, 2026

Bulawayo Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

210

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.