Cost of Living in Bulawayo - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $523 (excluding rent), and $771 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,172 (excluding rent), and $1,743 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$4.6 ZWL 121

$3.58 ZWL 93.8

$7.16 ZWL 188

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$30.37 ZWL 795

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$5.45 ZWL 143

$4.95 ZWL 130

$5.94 ZWL 156

Cappuccino

$2.43 ZWL 63.6

$1.02 ZWL 26.7

$3.06 ZWL 80.1

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

$0.49 ZWL 12.73

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.44 ZWL 11.52

$0.26 ZWL 6.86

$0.52 ZWL 13.72

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.78 ZWL 46.71

$1.02 ZWL 26.69

$2.04 ZWL 53.4

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.45 ZWL 64.1

$1.47 ZWL 38.43

$2.93 ZWL 76.9

Milk (1 liter)

$1.57 ZWL 41

$1.02 ZWL 26.62

$1.73 ZWL 45.26

White Bread (500g)

$1.01 ZWL 26.53

$0.61 ZWL 15.97

$1.08 ZWL 28.34

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.76 ZWL 46.19

$1.01 ZWL 26.39

$3.02 ZWL 79.2

Eggs

$1.82 ZWL 47.72

$1.24 ZWL 32.35

$2.06 ZWL 53.9

Local Cheese (1kg)

$10.52 ZWL 275

$8.14 ZWL 213

$12.2 ZWL 320

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$3.94 ZWL 103

$3.54 ZWL 92.6

$4.24 ZWL 111

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$4.47 ZWL 117

$4.07 ZWL 107

$5.29 ZWL 138

Apples (1kg)

$1.53 ZWL 40.15

$1.02 ZWL 26.77

$2.04 ZWL 53.5

Banana (1kg)

$1.48 ZWL 38.76

$0.99 ZWL 25.84

$2.17 ZWL 56.9

Oranges (1kg)

$2.23 ZWL 58.3

$0.98 ZWL 25.69

$4.33 ZWL 113

Tomato (1kg)

$1.09 ZWL 28.45

$0.99 ZWL 25.87

$1.19 ZWL 31.04

Potato (1kg)

$1.14 ZWL 29.92

$0.49 ZWL 12.79

$1.95 ZWL 51.2

Onion (1kg)

$1.35 ZWL 35.25

$0.88 ZWL 23.16

$2.16 ZWL 56.6

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.97 ZWL 25.5

$0.49 ZWL 12.75

$1.46 ZWL 38.25

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.01 ZWL 26.36

$0.49 ZWL 12.79

$1.47 ZWL 38.38

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$1.47 ZWL 38.52

$0.98 ZWL 25.68

$1.96 ZWL 51.4

Wine (Bottle)

$4.89 ZWL 128

$3.91 ZWL 102

$5.87 ZWL 154

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.54 ZWL 40.42

$1.02 ZWL 26.77

$2.32 ZWL 60.8

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.14 ZWL 56

$0.98 ZWL 25.8

$2.46 ZWL 64.5

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.48 ZWL 12.5

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$30.43 ZWL 797

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.97 ZWL 77.9

$1.98 ZWL 51.9

$9.91 ZWL 260

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.2 ZWL 57.6

$1.96 ZWL 51.4

$2.44 ZWL 64

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$4.9 ZWL 128

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.63 ZWL 42.75

$1.4 ZWL 36.79

$1.88 ZWL 49.23

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

$70.6 ZWL 1,849

$33.66 ZWL 882

$99 ZWL 2,593

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

$18.59 ZWL 487

$15.21 ZWL 398

$20.29 ZWL 531

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$136 ZWL 3,560

$51 ZWL 1,335

$204 ZWL 5,340

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$25.49 ZWL 668

$20.39 ZWL 534

$30.59 ZWL 801

Cinema Ticket

$9.91 ZWL 259

$14.86 ZWL 389

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

$141 ZWL 3,696

$101 ZWL 2,640

$202 ZWL 5,280

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$21.9 ZWL 574

$7.07 ZWL 185

$25.26 ZWL 662

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$13.5 ZWL 353

$10.13 ZWL 265

$15.19 ZWL 398

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$68.6 ZWL 1,797

$15.06 ZWL 394

$90.4 ZWL 2,366

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$54.7 ZWL 1,434

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$185 ZWL 4,833

$151 ZWL 3,954

$252 ZWL 6,590

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$112 ZWL 2,922

$81.1 ZWL 2,125

$152 ZWL 3,984

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$462 ZWL 12.1K

$396 ZWL 10.4K

$594 ZWL 15.5K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$420 ZWL 11K

$305 ZWL 7,994

$610 ZWL 16K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,118 ZWL 55.5K

$860 ZWL 22.5K

$3,375 ZWL 88.4K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,013 ZWL 52.7K

$297 ZWL 7,783

$3,729 ZWL 97.7K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$301 ZWL 7,889

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

Last update: November 25, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

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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.