Cost of Living in Bulawayo - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $590 (excluding rent), and $784 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,243 (excluding rent), and $1,763 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$4.62 ZWL 125

$3.6 ZWL 97

$7.19 ZWL 194

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$30.41 ZWL 820

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$5.37 ZWL 145

$4.88 ZWL 132

$5.86 ZWL 158

Cappuccino

$2.32 ZWL 62.6

$0.98 ZWL 26.32

$2.93 ZWL 79

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

$0.52 ZWL 14.01

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.43 ZWL 11.69

$0.26 ZWL 6.96

$0.52 ZWL 13.92

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.73 ZWL 46.77

$0.99 ZWL 26.73

$1.98 ZWL 53.5

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.46 ZWL 66.3

$1.47 ZWL 39.75

$2.95 ZWL 79.5

Milk (1 liter)

$1.52 ZWL 41.02

$0.99 ZWL 26.64

$1.68 ZWL 45.28

White Bread (500g)

$1.05 ZWL 28.25

$0.63 ZWL 17.01

$1.12 ZWL 30.17

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.73 ZWL 46.74

$0.99 ZWL 26.71

$2.97 ZWL 80.1

Eggs

$1.73 ZWL 46.73

$1.17 ZWL 31.68

$1.96 ZWL 52.8

Local Cheese (1kg)

$10.45 ZWL 282

$8.09 ZWL 218

$12.13 ZWL 327

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$3.98 ZWL 107

$3.58 ZWL 96.4

$4.29 ZWL 116

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$4.38 ZWL 118

$3.98 ZWL 107

$5.18 ZWL 140

Apples (1kg)

$1.47 ZWL 39.62

$0.98 ZWL 26.41

$1.96 ZWL 52.8

Banana (1kg)

$1.53 ZWL 41.28

$1.02 ZWL 27.52

$2.25 ZWL 60.6

Oranges (1kg)

$2.26 ZWL 60.9

$0.99 ZWL 26.83

$4.39 ZWL 118

Tomato (1kg)

$1.11 ZWL 30.04

$1.01 ZWL 27.31

$1.21 ZWL 32.77

Potato (1kg)

$1.2 ZWL 32.44

$0.51 ZWL 13.86

$2.06 ZWL 55.5

Onion (1kg)

$1.38 ZWL 37.35

$0.91 ZWL 24.54

$2.22 ZWL 60

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.98 ZWL 26.34

$0.49 ZWL 13.17

$1.47 ZWL 39.51

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.06 ZWL 28.54

$0.51 ZWL 13.85

$1.54 ZWL 41.56

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$1.54 ZWL 41.64

$1.03 ZWL 27.76

$2.06 ZWL 55.5

Wine (Bottle)

$4.98 ZWL 134

$3.98 ZWL 107

$4.98 ZWL 134

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.5 ZWL 40.35

$0.99 ZWL 26.72

$2.25 ZWL 60.7

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.22 ZWL 60

$1.02 ZWL 27.64

$2.56 ZWL 69.1

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.49 ZWL 13.12

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$29.45 ZWL 794

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.95 ZWL 79.6

$1.97 ZWL 53.1

$9.84 ZWL 265

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.27 ZWL 61.2

$2.03 ZWL 54.7

$2.52 ZWL 68.1

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$4.89 ZWL 132

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.62 ZWL 43.72

$1.4 ZWL 37.63

$1.87 ZWL 50.4

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

$71.7 ZWL 1,933

$34.17 ZWL 921

$100 ZWL 2,710

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

$18.1 ZWL 488

$14.81 ZWL 399

$19.75 ZWL 533

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$134 ZWL 3,604

$50.1 ZWL 1,352

$200 ZWL 5,407

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$25.19 ZWL 679

$20.15 ZWL 544

$30.23 ZWL 815

Cinema Ticket

$10.05 ZWL 271

$15.08 ZWL 407

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

$139 ZWL 3,744

$99.2 ZWL 2,674

$198 ZWL 5,348

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$21.55 ZWL 581

$6.96 ZWL 188

$24.86 ZWL 670

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$13.16 ZWL 355

$9.87 ZWL 266

$14.81 ZWL 399

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$68.9 ZWL 1,858

$15.13 ZWL 408

$90.8 ZWL 2,448

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$55.7 ZWL 1,502

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$181 ZWL 4,882

$148 ZWL 3,994

$247 ZWL 6,657

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$109 ZWL 2,943

$79.4 ZWL 2,141

$149 ZWL 4,014

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$458 ZWL 12.3K

$392 ZWL 10.6K

$589 ZWL 15.9K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$408 ZWL 11K

$297 ZWL 8,011

$594 ZWL 16K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,078 ZWL 56.1K

$844 ZWL 22.8K

$3,313 ZWL 89.3K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$3,743 ZWL 100.9K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$263 ZWL 7,099

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

City tags:

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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.