😐Monthly costs for one person with rent: $604 in Chilanga versus $208 in Livingstone.
😐Estimated couple costs with rent: $958 in Chilanga versus $388 in Livingstone.
😐Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $1,311 in Chilanga versus $569 in Livingstone.
🌍Living in Chilanga is roughly 191% more expensive than in Livingstone, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.
📊Both cities sit below the global median: Chilanga56% lower, Livingstone85% lower.
Currency
🍽 Eating Out
Chilanga
Livingstone
Difference
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$5.64ZMW 109
$7.91ZMW 152
-28.70%
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$30.78ZMW 593
$31.86ZMW 613
-3.39%
Fast Food Meal(McDonalds, etc)
$5.14ZMW 98.9
$9.33ZMW 180
-44.91%
Cappuccino
$3.02ZMW 58.1
$5.34ZMW 103
-43.45%
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite(0.33 liter bottle)
$0.80ZMW 15.37
-
-
Water(0.33 liter bottle)
$0.47ZMW 9.05
$0.38ZMW 7.36
23.68%
Local Beer(0.5 liter draught)
$1.28ZMW 24.60
-
-
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
$2.30ZMW 44.21
-
-
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Chilanga
Livingstone
Difference
Milk(1 liter)
$1.77ZMW 34.03
-
-
White Bread(500g)
$1.27ZMW 24.43
-
-
Rice(white)(1kg)
$2.09ZMW 40.15
-
-
Eggs
$1.99ZMW 38.28
-
-
Local Cheese(1kg)
$10.67ZMW 205
-
-
Chicken Fillets(1kg)
$6.70ZMW 129
-
-
Beef Round Steak(1kg)
$6.67ZMW 128
-
-
Apples(1kg)
$3.46ZMW 66.7
-
-
Banana(1kg)
$2.55ZMW 49.18
-
-
Oranges(1kg)
$3.70ZMW 71.3
-
-
Tomato(1kg)
$1.64ZMW 31.52
-
-
Potato(1kg)
$2.73ZMW 52.5
-
-
Onion(1kg)
$1.94ZMW 37.27
-
-
Lettuce(1 head)
$1.15ZMW 22.12
-
-
Water(1.5 liter bottle)
$0.78ZMW 15.01
-
-
Cigarettes 20 Pack(Marlboro, Camel)
$3.15ZMW 60.7
-
-
Wine(Bottle)
$10.32ZMW 199
$21.07ZMW 406
-51.02%
Local Beer(0.5 liter bottle)
$1.51ZMW 29.06
-
-
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
$2.31ZMW 44.45
-
-
🚌 Getting Around
Chilanga
Livingstone
Difference
Taxi Start(Normal Tariff)
$2.64ZMW 50.8
-
-
Taxi(Normal Tariff)(1km)
$1.60ZMW 30.84
$2.57ZMW 49.53
-37.74%
Taxi 1hour Waiting(Normal Tariff)
$5.26ZMW 101
-
-
Gasoline(1 liter)
$1.56ZMW 30.06
-
-
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l(Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$7,747ZMW 149.1K
-
-
Compact Sedan 1.6l(Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$27.5KZMW 529.7K
-
-
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Chilanga
Livingstone
Difference
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$84.5ZMW 1,627
-
-
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$10.67ZMW 205
-
-
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$56.4ZMW 1,086
-
-
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Chilanga
Livingstone
Difference
Cinema Ticket
$6.36ZMW 122
-
-
🧸 Childcare & Education
Chilanga
Livingstone
Difference
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
$145ZMW 2,782
-
-
International Primary School, 1 Child(Yearly)
$16.6KZMW 319.3K
-
-
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Chilanga
Livingstone
Difference
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$24.25ZMW 467
-
-
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
$15.96ZMW 307
-
-
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$47.71ZMW 918
-
-
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$74.6ZMW 1,435
-
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Chilanga
Livingstone
Difference
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate(Annual %)
29
0
-
CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update for Chilanga: September 5, 2026
Last update for Livingstone: September 7, 2026
Cost Breakdown
🛒Dining out: $31.00 in Chilanga vs $32.00 in Livingstone. Groceries flip the comparison at $247 vs $42.00, with Livingstone cheaper for home cooking.
City Median Internet Speeds Comparison (Updated April 2026)
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
Chilanga vs Livingstone: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total cost difference between living in Chilanga and in Livingstone?
Chilanga and Livingstone differ by about 191% in total monthly costs ($604 vs $208 including rent). Livingstone is meaningfully more affordable – a gap that matters a lot on a fixed or modest income.
What salary covers living expenses in Chilanga compared to Livingstone?
You'd need roughly $906 in Chilanga and $312 in Livingstone to live well. The gap comes down to housing and overall price levels. Both cities are liveable on less, but these numbers represent actual comfort.
Which city has cheaper restaurants?
Dining out is cheaper in Livingstone – a meal for two runs $32.00 versus $31.00 in Chilanga. If you eat out regularly, this makes a real dent in your monthly spending.
Which city is more expensive overall: Chilanga or Livingstone?
All in, you'll spend $604 per month in Chilanga versus $208 in Livingstone – a 191% gap that adds up to real savings over time for anyone picking the cheaper option.
How far does $1,200 go in Chilanga compared to Livingstone?
Either city works on $1,200 a month, though Livingstone gives you more room to save. At this income level, the choice is more about lifestyle than financial pressure.
How does quality of life compare between Chilanga and Livingstone?
Both cities offer a good standard of living with different trade-offs. Neither is objectively better – the right pick depends on what matters most: affordability, career, cultural scene, or climate.
Where should expats move: Chilanga or Livingstone?
Expats usually find Livingstone gentler on the wallet – expenses run 191% less than in Chilanga. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.