Cost of Living Comparison Between Chingola and Livingstone Cost of Living Comparison Between Chingola and Livingstone

Monthly Cost of Living

Monthly costs for one person with rent: $455 in Chingola versus $208 in Livingstone.

Estimated couple costs with rent: $776 in Chingola versus $391 in Livingstone.

Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $1,097 in Chingola versus $573 in Livingstone.

Living in Chingola is roughly 119% more expensive than in Livingstone, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.

Both cities sit below the global median: Chingola 67% lower, Livingstone 85% lower.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$16.07 ZMW 307

$7.79 ZMW 149

106.29%

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$25.85 ZMW 494

$31.81 ZMW 608

-18.74%

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$9.16 ZMW 175

Cappuccino

$5.40 ZMW 103

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

$0.54 ZMW 10.37

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.38 ZMW 7.30

$0.35 ZMW 6.74

8.57%

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$0.65 ZMW 12.35

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.30 ZMW 24.90

Milk (1 liter)

$1.88 ZMW 35.94

White Bread (500g)

$1.28 ZMW 24.37

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.58 ZMW 49.35

Eggs

$1.93 ZMW 36.95

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$5.16 ZMW 98.5

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$4.85 ZMW 92.7

Apples (1kg)

$2.08 ZMW 39.72

Banana (1kg)

$2.15 ZMW 40.98

Oranges (1kg)

$2.07 ZMW 39.60

Tomato (1kg)

$2.15 ZMW 41.11

Potato (1kg)

$3.13 ZMW 59.8

Onion (1kg)

$1.59 ZMW 30.44

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.88 ZMW 16.85

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$1.54 ZMW 29.42

Wine (Bottle)

$5.34 ZMW 102

$20.89 ZMW 399

-74.44%

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$0.65 ZMW 12.49

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.81 ZMW 15.56

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.60 ZMW 11.45

$2.65 ZMW 50.6

-77.36%

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$10.57 ZMW 202

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.41 ZMW 26.96

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

$53.4 ZMW 1,020

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$10.59 ZMW 202

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$21.26 ZMW 406

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$13.00 ZMW 248

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$53.4 ZMW 1,020

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$79.5 ZMW 1,518

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$15.7K ZMW 299.0K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$115 ZMW 2,192

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

Last update for Chingola: August 31, 2026

Last update for Livingstone: August 30, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Dining out: $26.00 in Chingola vs $32.00 in Livingstone. Groceries flip the comparison at $171 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

Chingola vs Livingstone: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions

Livingstone is cheaper overall, especially in Groceries & Markets, Clothing & Footwear, Sport & Entertainment. The 119% gap adds up to real monthly savings that compound significantly over time.

You'd need roughly $682 in Chingola 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.

Supermarket bills run roughly 309% higher in Chingola. For households that cook at home regularly, that difference adds up over a month.

Dining out is cheaper in Livingstone – a meal for two runs $32.00 versus $26.00 in Chingola. If you eat out regularly, this makes a real dent in your monthly spending.

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.

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 Livingstone gentler on the wallet – expenses run 119% less than in Chingola. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.