CityCost App
Cost of living in 8000+ cities on the go.

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.
Currency
Do you live in Bulawayo? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
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
$30.49 ZWL 784
$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
$0.48 ZWL 12.39
$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
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
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
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.48 ZWL 12.45
$0.48 ZWL 12.45
$0.48 ZWL 12.45
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$30.18 ZWL 776
$30.18 ZWL 776
$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
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
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
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$24.80 ZWL 638
$19.84 ZWL 510
$29.76 ZWL 766
Cinema Ticket
$9.91 ZWL 255
$9.91 ZWL 255
$14.86 ZWL 382
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$138 ZWL 3,557
$98.8 ZWL 2,541
$198 ZWL 5,081
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
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
$54.8 ZWL 1,408
$54.8 ZWL 1,408
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
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
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
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

Download
273.79
Mbps
Upload
21.36
Mbps
Latency
24
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
45.06
Mbps
Upload
13.10
Mbps
Latency
35
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
City tags:
Cost of Living in Bulawayo - Frequently Asked Questions
Is the city generally affordable for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who tends to find value here?
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.
What does daily life look like in Bulawayo, including housing, food options, transport, and errands?
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.
What quality-of-life considerations, budgeting approaches, and seasonal factors should you weigh to settle in?
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.

Similar cities

Join the CityCost newsletter – low traffic, no spam, and easy to unsubscribe. Your email stays private.