Cost of Living Comparison Between Chingola and Zimba Cost of Living Comparison Between Chingola and Zimba

Monthly Cost of Living

Monthly costs for one person with rent: $338 in Chingola versus $113 in Zimba.

Estimated couple costs with rent: $579 in Chingola versus $174 in Zimba.

Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $821 in Chingola versus $235 in Zimba.

Living in Chingola is roughly 198% more expensive than in Zimba, driven mainly by Eating Out.

Both cities sit below the global median: Chingola 75% lower, Zimba 92% lower.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$12.20 ZMW 222

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$21.15 ZMW 385

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$2.43 ZMW 44.19

Cappuccino

$1.28 ZMW 23.22

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

$0.40 ZMW 7.22

$0.64 ZMW 11.74

-37.50%

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.30 ZMW 5.48

$0.30 ZMW 5.52

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$0.48 ZMW 8.66

$0.63 ZMW 11.47

-23.81%

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.02 ZMW 18.50

$0.85 ZMW 15.44

20.00%

Milk (1 liter)

$1.00 ZMW 18.12

White Bread (500g)

$0.82 ZMW 14.89

$0.80 ZMW 14.54

2.50%

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.11 ZMW 38.40

$1.20 ZMW 21.90

75.83%

Eggs

$1.14 ZMW 20.66

$1.05 ZMW 19.18

8.57%

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$2.04 ZMW 37.20

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$3.65 ZMW 66.4

$2.93 ZMW 53.4

24.57%

Apples (1kg)

$1.68 ZMW 30.53

$1.43 ZMW 25.98

17.48%

Banana (1kg)

$1.67 ZMW 30.45

$1.27 ZMW 23.04

31.50%

Oranges (1kg)

$1.64 ZMW 29.94

$2.43 ZMW 44.15

-32.51%

Tomato (1kg)

$1.69 ZMW 30.79

$0.63 ZMW 11.48

168.25%

Potato (1kg)

$2.53 ZMW 46.04

Onion (1kg)

$1.22 ZMW 22.21

$0.63 ZMW 11.53

93.65%

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.69 ZMW 12.47

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.69 ZMW 12.50

$0.39 ZMW 7.13

76.92%

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$1.27 ZMW 23.05

Wine (Bottle)

$5.66 ZMW 103

$6.62 ZMW 121

-14.50%

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$0.48 ZMW 8.81

$0.64 ZMW 11.63

-25.00%

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.60 ZMW 10.95

$0.85 ZMW 15.45

-29.41%

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 Zimba: 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 Zimba: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions

Zimba is cheaper overall, especially in Groceries & Markets, Eating Out, Clothing & Footwear, Sport & Entertainment, Getting Around. The 198% gap adds up to real monthly savings that compound significantly over time.

You'd need roughly $506 in Chingola and $170 in Zimba 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 48% higher in Chingola. For households that cook at home regularly, that difference adds up over a month.

All in, you'll spend $338 per month in Chingola versus $113 in Zimba – a 198% gap that adds up to real savings over time for anyone picking the cheaper option.

Either city works on $800 a month, though Zimba 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 Zimba gentler on the wallet – expenses run 198% less than in Chingola. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.