Cost of Living in Bulawayo - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $583 (excluding rent), and $761 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,314 (excluding rent), and $1,777 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$4.43 ZWL 111

$3.44 ZWL 86.6

$6.89 ZWL 173

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$29.47 ZWL 741

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$5.65 ZWL 142

$5.14 ZWL 129

$6.16 ZWL 155

Cappuccino

$2.41 ZWL 60.6

$1.01 ZWL 25.46

$3.04 ZWL 76.4

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

$0.51 ZWL 12.89

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.41 ZWL 10.23

$0.24 ZWL 6.09

$0.48 ZWL 12.17

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.72 ZWL 43.34

$0.98 ZWL 24.77

$1.97 ZWL 49.53

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.43 ZWL 61.1

$1.46 ZWL 36.65

$2.91 ZWL 73.3

Milk (1 liter)

$1.52 ZWL 38.36

$0.99 ZWL 24.91

$1.68 ZWL 42.35

White Bread (500g)

$1.01 ZWL 25.41

$0.61 ZWL 15.29

$1.08 ZWL 27.13

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.77 ZWL 44.44

$1.01 ZWL 25.40

$3.03 ZWL 76.2

Eggs

$1.82 ZWL 45.75

$1.23 ZWL 31.02

$2.05 ZWL 51.7

Local Cheese (1kg)

$10.41 ZWL 262

$8.05 ZWL 203

$12.08 ZWL 304

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$4.00 ZWL 101

$3.59 ZWL 90.4

$4.31 ZWL 108

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$4.36 ZWL 110

$3.96 ZWL 99.7

$5.15 ZWL 130

Apples (1kg)

$1.52 ZWL 38.30

$1.01 ZWL 25.53

$2.03 ZWL 51.1

Banana (1kg)

$1.52 ZWL 38.35

$1.02 ZWL 25.57

$2.24 ZWL 56.2

Oranges (1kg)

$2.32 ZWL 58.3

$1.02 ZWL 25.67

$4.50 ZWL 113

Tomato (1kg)

$1.12 ZWL 28.24

$1.02 ZWL 25.67

$1.22 ZWL 30.80

Potato (1kg)

$1.20 ZWL 30.29

$0.51 ZWL 12.94

$2.06 ZWL 51.8

Onion (1kg)

$1.38 ZWL 34.73

$0.91 ZWL 22.82

$2.22 ZWL 55.8

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.02 ZWL 25.78

$0.51 ZWL 12.89

$1.54 ZWL 38.68

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.04 ZWL 26.21

$0.51 ZWL 12.72

$1.52 ZWL 38.17

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$1.49 ZWL 37.41

$0.99 ZWL 24.94

$1.98 ZWL 49.87

Wine (Bottle)

$4.93 ZWL 124

$3.94 ZWL 99.2

$5.92 ZWL 149

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.54 ZWL 38.72

$1.02 ZWL 25.64

$2.31 ZWL 58.2

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.11 ZWL 53.2

$0.97 ZWL 24.49

$2.43 ZWL 61.2

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.52 ZWL 12.96

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$30.45 ZWL 766

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.06 ZWL 77.0

$2.04 ZWL 51.3

$10.20 ZWL 257

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.26 ZWL 56.9

$2.02 ZWL 50.8

$2.51 ZWL 63.2

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$4.86 ZWL 122

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.67 ZWL 41.94

$1.43 ZWL 36.10

$1.92 ZWL 48.30

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

$71.4 ZWL 1,796

$34.03 ZWL 856

$100 ZWL 2,518

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

$18.44 ZWL 464

$15.09 ZWL 380

$20.12 ZWL 506

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$134 ZWL 3,364

$50.1 ZWL 1,262

$201 ZWL 5,046

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$24.95 ZWL 628

$19.96 ZWL 502

$29.94 ZWL 753

Cinema Ticket

$9.92 ZWL 250

$14.88 ZWL 374

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

$141 ZWL 3,558

$101 ZWL 2,541

$202 ZWL 5,083

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$21.99 ZWL 553

$7.10 ZWL 179

$25.37 ZWL 638

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$13.50 ZWL 340

$10.13 ZWL 255

$15.19 ZWL 382

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$68.7 ZWL 1,728

$15.07 ZWL 379

$90.4 ZWL 2,275

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$54.3 ZWL 1,365

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$187 ZWL 4,698

$153 ZWL 3,844

$255 ZWL 6,407

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$110 ZWL 2,767

$80.0 ZWL 2,013

$150 ZWL 3,774

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$463 ZWL 11.6K

$397 ZWL 9,983

$595 ZWL 15.0K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$405 ZWL 10.2K

$295 ZWL 7,413

$589 ZWL 14.8K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,074 ZWL 52.2K

$842 ZWL 21.2K

$3,305 ZWL 83.2K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,055 ZWL 51.7K

$303 ZWL 7,634

$3,807 ZWL 95.8K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$305 ZWL 7,663

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

Last update: April 11, 2026

Bulawayo Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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.