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: $340 in Chingola versus $214 in Kitwe.

Estimated couple costs with rent: $580 in Chingola versus $354 in Kitwe.

Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $820 in Chingola versus $494 in Kitwe.

Living in Chingola is roughly 59% more expensive than Kitwe, driven mainly by Clothing & Footwear.

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

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$12.64 ZMW 226

$2.91 ZMW 51.9

334.36%

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$20.63 ZMW 368

Cappuccino

$1.43 ZMW 25.53

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

$0.39 ZMW 6.99

$0.56 ZMW 10.04

-30.36%

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.30 ZMW 5.37

$0.39 ZMW 6.96

-23.08%

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$0.52 ZMW 9.23

$0.84 ZMW 15.02

-38.10%

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.03 ZMW 18.38

$1.48 ZMW 26.48

-30.41%

Milk (1 liter)

$1.03 ZMW 18.41

$0.85 ZMW 15.17

21.18%

White Bread (500g)

$0.83 ZMW 14.76

$1.21 ZMW 21.51

-31.40%

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.13 ZMW 38.01

$3.61 ZMW 64.5

-41.00%

Eggs

$1.09 ZMW 19.39

$1.84 ZMW 32.83

-40.76%

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$2.02 ZMW 36.09

$6.88 ZMW 123

-70.64%

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$3.74 ZMW 66.8

$6.52 ZMW 116

-42.64%

Apples (1kg)

$1.62 ZMW 28.83

$2.99 ZMW 53.4

-45.82%

Banana (1kg)

$1.63 ZMW 29.17

$1.15 ZMW 20.52

41.74%

Oranges (1kg)

$1.70 ZMW 30.39

$1.17 ZMW 20.81

45.30%

Tomato (1kg)

$1.61 ZMW 28.77

$1.20 ZMW 21.47

34.17%

Potato (1kg)

$2.43 ZMW 43.30

$2.96 ZMW 52.9

-17.91%

Onion (1kg)

$1.20 ZMW 21.50

$2.40 ZMW 42.79

-50.00%

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.20 ZMW 21.47

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.74 ZMW 13.13

$0.56 ZMW 10.06

32.14%

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$1.26 ZMW 22.47

$1.79 ZMW 32.00

-29.61%

Wine (Bottle)

$5.43 ZMW 97.0

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$0.51 ZMW 9.17

$0.79 ZMW 14.06

-35.44%

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.60 ZMW 10.63

$1.45 ZMW 25.81

-58.62%

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.44 ZMW 7.91

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$8.40 ZMW 150

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.22 ZMW 21.77

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

$42.04 ZMW 750

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$8.23 ZMW 147

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$16.28 ZMW 291

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$10.28 ZMW 184

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$41.08 ZMW 733

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$62.3 ZMW 1,111

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$16.2K ZMW 289.3K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$121 ZMW 2,161

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

Last update for Chingola: May 31, 2026

Last update for Kitwe: May 31, 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 59% gap adds up to real monthly savings that compound significantly over time.

You'd need roughly $511 in Chingola and $321 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 $340 per month in Chingola versus $214 in Kitwe – a 59% 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 59% less than in Chingola. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.