Cost of Living Comparison Between Chingola and Kitwe Cost of Living Comparison Between Chingola and Kitwe

Monthly Cost of Living

Monthly costs for one person with rent: $338 in Chingola versus $212 in Kitwe.

Estimated couple costs with rent: $579 in Chingola versus $352 in Kitwe.

Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $821 in Chingola versus $493 in Kitwe.

Living in Chingola is roughly 60% more expensive than in Kitwe, driven mainly by Clothing & Footwear.

Both cities sit below the global median: Chingola 75% lower, Kitwe 84% lower.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$12.20 ZMW 222

$3.00 ZMW 54.5

306.67%

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$21.15 ZMW 385

Cappuccino

$1.43 ZMW 26.10

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

$0.40 ZMW 7.22

$0.58 ZMW 10.48

-31.03%

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.30 ZMW 5.48

$0.43 ZMW 7.78

-30.23%

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$0.48 ZMW 8.66

$0.84 ZMW 15.35

-42.86%

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.02 ZMW 18.50

$1.48 ZMW 27.00

-31.08%

Milk (1 liter)

$1.00 ZMW 18.12

$0.90 ZMW 16.33

11.11%

White Bread (500g)

$0.82 ZMW 14.89

$1.19 ZMW 21.69

-31.09%

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.11 ZMW 38.40

$3.78 ZMW 68.9

-44.18%

Eggs

$1.14 ZMW 20.66

$1.87 ZMW 34.04

-39.04%

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$2.04 ZMW 37.20

$6.94 ZMW 126

-70.61%

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$3.65 ZMW 66.4

$6.57 ZMW 120

-44.44%

Apples (1kg)

$1.68 ZMW 30.53

$2.90 ZMW 52.8

-42.07%

Banana (1kg)

$1.67 ZMW 30.45

$1.21 ZMW 21.94

38.02%

Oranges (1kg)

$1.64 ZMW 29.94

$1.16 ZMW 21.13

41.38%

Tomato (1kg)

$1.69 ZMW 30.79

$1.16 ZMW 21.10

45.69%

Potato (1kg)

$2.53 ZMW 46.04

$2.91 ZMW 53.0

-13.06%

Onion (1kg)

$1.22 ZMW 22.21

$2.33 ZMW 42.44

-47.64%

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.20 ZMW 21.88

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.69 ZMW 12.50

$0.60 ZMW 10.97

15.00%

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$1.27 ZMW 23.05

$1.81 ZMW 32.89

-29.83%

Wine (Bottle)

$5.66 ZMW 103

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$0.48 ZMW 8.81

$0.74 ZMW 13.48

-35.14%

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.60 ZMW 10.95

$1.44 ZMW 26.23

-58.33%

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.45 ZMW 8.17

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$8.31 ZMW 151

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.22 ZMW 22.13

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

$42.20 ZMW 768

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$8.08 ZMW 147

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$16.57 ZMW 302

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$10.28 ZMW 187

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$40.97 ZMW 746

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$62.6 ZMW 1,139

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$16.9K ZMW 306.9K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$120 ZMW 2,183

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

Last update for Chingola: July 11, 2026

Last update for Kitwe: July 11, 2026

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

Chingola vs Kitwe: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions

Kitwe is cheaper overall, especially in Eating Out, Clothing & Footwear, Sport & Entertainment, Getting Around. The 60% gap adds up to real monthly savings that compound significantly over time.

You'd need roughly $506 in Chingola and $317 in Kitwe 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.

Shoppers in Chingola pay roughly 36% less for everyday groceries. It's an unusual reversal that partly offsets higher costs elsewhere.

All in, you'll spend $338 per month in Chingola versus $212 in Kitwe – a 60% gap that adds up to real savings over time for anyone picking the cheaper option.

Either city works on $1,200 a month, though Kitwe gives you more room to save. At this income level, the choice is more about lifestyle than financial pressure.

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.

Expats usually find Kitwe gentler on the wallet – expenses run 60% less than in Chingola. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.