Cost of Living in Chingola - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $287 (excluding rent), and $335 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $760 (excluding rent), and $800 including rent.
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$12.22 ZMW 301
-
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$20.51 ZMW 505
-
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.39 ZMW 9.61
-
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.3 ZMW 7.38
-
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$0.48 ZMW 11.79
-
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.03 ZMW 25.27
-
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.05 ZMW 25.77
$0.6 ZMW 14.65
$1.49 ZMW 36.63
White Bread (500g)
$0.77 ZMW 19.05
$0.73 ZMW 18.08
$0.81 ZMW 20.01
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.1 ZMW 51.7
-
Eggs
$1.14 ZMW 27.96
$1.01 ZMW 24.96
$1.26 ZMW 30.95
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$2.09 ZMW 51.5
-
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$3.71 ZMW 91.4
-
Apples (1kg)
$1.68 ZMW 41.42
-
Banana (1kg)
$1.64 ZMW 40.33
-
Oranges (1kg)
$1.71 ZMW 41.95
-
Tomato (1kg)
$1.63 ZMW 40.11
-
Potato (1kg)
$2.56 ZMW 62.9
-
Onion (1kg)
$1.21 ZMW 29.83
-
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.68 ZMW 16.69
-
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$1.25 ZMW 30.78
-
Wine (Bottle)
$4.03 ZMW 99.2
-
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.51 ZMW 12.55
-
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.59 ZMW 14.52
-
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.44 ZMW 10.84
-
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$8.14 ZMW 200
-
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.21 ZMW 29.85
-
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$41.54 ZMW 1,022
-
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$8.44 ZMW 208
-
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$16.32 ZMW 402
-
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$10.31 ZMW 254
-
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$41.96 ZMW 1,032
-
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$61 ZMW 1,500
-
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$12.3K ZMW 302.9K
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$92.5 ZMW 2,274
-
Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
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Cost of Living in Chingola - Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Cost of Living in Chingola, Zambia favorable for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and how does it compare to similar places?
Chingola offers a straightforward and often manageable daily rhythm, with essential goods and services accessible without the price pressure of larger capitals. For many travelers and long-stay expats, the appeal lies in a slower pace, closer proximity to nature, and practical access to local markets and casual eateries. The value shows up in housing options near the town center or quieter residential belts, where longer leases can help you manage costs while keeping convenient access to work or daily errands. Transport stays reasonable, and internet access is reliable enough for remote work in guesthouses and cafés. Cost of Living in Chingola, Zambia reflects a balanced contrast with bigger cities in the region. Tip: Start with a simple monthly budget focusing on housing and transport, then adjust as needed.
What does daily life look like here, from housing search to food options and getting around?
Daily life in Chingola is practical and approachable for your routine. Housing options range from compact apartments near the town center to larger homes in quieter outskirts, often with longer-term leases that help stabilize costs. Local groceries come from markets and some supermarkets, with fresh produce available seasonally. For getting around, minibuses and taxis cover the main routes; walking can work for short trips in central areas, and rides are affordable enough to plan occasional visits to surrounding towns. Co-working spaces or cafés with reliable Wi-Fi support remote work, but reliability can vary by time of day. Chingola, Zambia living cost provides a useful yardstick to compare neighborhoods and plan errands. Tip: Map a few nearby areas before committing to a long lease.
How can you optimize quality of life, budgeting, and neighborhood fit while staying flexible to seasonality and local rhythms?
Quality of life in Chingola can be comfortable with a simple budgeting framework and a focus on neighborhood fit. Start with fixed costs like housing and utilities, then plan flexible expenses for food, transport, and social activities. Seasonality matters: the dry season brings more predictable travel, while the rainy period can affect travel times and market hours. To maximize value, choose neighborhoods that balance safety, access to shops, and quieter streets for rest, then test a few scenarios – short stays in each area before committing long-term. Seasonal events and weekend markets can add color and cost-saving opportunities through buying fresh produce directly from farmers. Tip: Keep a small buffer for unexpected costs and prefer longer, verified rental agreements.
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