Cost of Living in Bulawayo - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $658 (excluding rent), and $771 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,250 (excluding rent), and $1,766 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$4.41 ZWL 113

$3.43 ZWL 88.3

$6.86 ZWL 176

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$30.49 ZWL 784

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$5.54 ZWL 143

$5.04 ZWL 130

$6.05 ZWL 156

Cappuccino

$2.42 ZWL 62.2

$1.02 ZWL 26.11

$3.05 ZWL 78.3

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

$0.48 ZWL 12.39

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.40 ZWL 10.36

$0.24 ZWL 6.17

$0.48 ZWL 12.34

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.70 ZWL 43.73

$0.97 ZWL 24.99

$1.94 ZWL 49.97

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.43 ZWL 62.4

$1.46 ZWL 37.44

$2.91 ZWL 74.9

Milk (1 liter)

$1.52 ZWL 39.20

$0.99 ZWL 25.46

$1.68 ZWL 43.28

White Bread (500g)

$1.00 ZWL 25.76

$0.60 ZWL 15.50

$1.07 ZWL 27.51

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.70 ZWL 43.76

$0.97 ZWL 25.00

$2.92 ZWL 75.0

Eggs

$1.81 ZWL 46.63

$1.23 ZWL 31.62

$2.05 ZWL 52.7

Local Cheese (1kg)

$10.19 ZWL 262

$7.88 ZWL 203

$11.82 ZWL 304

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$3.94 ZWL 101

$3.53 ZWL 90.9

$4.24 ZWL 109

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$4.32 ZWL 111

$3.93 ZWL 101

$5.11 ZWL 131

Apples (1kg)

$1.48 ZWL 38.12

$0.99 ZWL 25.41

$1.98 ZWL 50.8

Banana (1kg)

$1.46 ZWL 37.59

$0.97 ZWL 25.06

$2.14 ZWL 55.1

Oranges (1kg)

$2.33 ZWL 60.0

$1.03 ZWL 26.43

$4.53 ZWL 117

Tomato (1kg)

$1.11 ZWL 28.59

$1.01 ZWL 25.99

$1.21 ZWL 31.19

Potato (1kg)

$1.14 ZWL 29.24

$0.49 ZWL 12.49

$1.94 ZWL 49.97

Onion (1kg)

$1.38 ZWL 35.54

$0.91 ZWL 23.35

$2.22 ZWL 57.1

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.97 ZWL 25.02

$0.49 ZWL 12.51

$1.46 ZWL 37.53

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.06 ZWL 27.28

$0.51 ZWL 13.24

$1.54 ZWL 39.73

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$1.49 ZWL 38.25

$0.99 ZWL 25.50

$1.98 ZWL 51.0

Wine (Bottle)

$4.90 ZWL 126

$3.92 ZWL 101

$5.88 ZWL 151

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.48 ZWL 38.06

$0.98 ZWL 25.21

$2.22 ZWL 57.2

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.20 ZWL 56.7

$1.01 ZWL 26.11

$2.54 ZWL 65.3

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.48 ZWL 12.45

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$30.18 ZWL 776

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.95 ZWL 75.8

$1.96 ZWL 50.5

$9.82 ZWL 253

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.26 ZWL 58.2

$2.02 ZWL 52.0

$2.52 ZWL 64.7

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$5.10 ZWL 131

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.63 ZWL 41.86

$1.40 ZWL 36.03

$1.87 ZWL 48.20

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

$71.7 ZWL 1,844

$34.17 ZWL 879

$101 ZWL 2,585

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

$18.30 ZWL 471

$14.97 ZWL 385

$19.96 ZWL 513

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$131 ZWL 3,368

$49.11 ZWL 1,263

$196 ZWL 5,053

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$24.80 ZWL 638

$19.84 ZWL 510

$29.76 ZWL 766

Cinema Ticket

$9.91 ZWL 255

$14.86 ZWL 382

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

$138 ZWL 3,557

$98.8 ZWL 2,541

$198 ZWL 5,081

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$21.71 ZWL 558

$7.01 ZWL 180

$25.04 ZWL 644

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$13.32 ZWL 343

$9.99 ZWL 257

$14.99 ZWL 385

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$69.6 ZWL 1,790

$15.28 ZWL 393

$91.7 ZWL 2,358

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$54.8 ZWL 1,408

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$182 ZWL 4,685

$149 ZWL 3,833

$248 ZWL 6,388

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$112 ZWL 2,885

$81.6 ZWL 2,098

$153 ZWL 3,934

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$473 ZWL 12.2K

$406 ZWL 10.4K

$608 ZWL 15.6K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$410 ZWL 10.5K

$298 ZWL 7,664

$596 ZWL 15.3K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,052 ZWL 52.8K

$833 ZWL 21.4K

$3,271 ZWL 84.1K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,012 ZWL 51.7K

$297 ZWL 7,639

$3,726 ZWL 95.8K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$303 ZWL 7,791

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

Last update: January 5, 2026

Bulawayo Median Internet Speeds (Updated September 2025)

Mobile

273.79

Mbps

21.36

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

45.06

Mbps

13.10

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.