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: $340 in Chingola versus $113 in Zimba.

Estimated couple costs with rent: $580 in Chingola versus $176 in Zimba.

Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $820 in Chingola versus $239 in Zimba.

Living in Chingola is roughly 200% more expensive than Zimba, driven mainly by Eating Out.

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

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$12.64 ZMW 226

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$20.63 ZMW 368

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$2.48 ZMW 44.24

Cappuccino

$1.25 ZMW 22.33

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

$0.39 ZMW 6.99

$0.63 ZMW 11.33

-38.10%

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.30 ZMW 5.37

$0.30 ZMW 5.40

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$0.52 ZMW 9.23

$0.60 ZMW 10.70

-13.33%

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.03 ZMW 18.38

$0.80 ZMW 14.27

28.75%

Milk (1 liter)

$1.03 ZMW 18.41

White Bread (500g)

$0.83 ZMW 14.76

$0.85 ZMW 15.21

-2.35%

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.13 ZMW 38.01

$1.27 ZMW 22.73

67.72%

Eggs

$1.09 ZMW 19.39

$1.11 ZMW 19.85

-1.80%

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$2.02 ZMW 36.09

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$3.74 ZMW 66.8

$2.88 ZMW 51.4

29.86%

Apples (1kg)

$1.62 ZMW 28.83

$1.48 ZMW 26.34

9.46%

Banana (1kg)

$1.63 ZMW 29.17

$1.26 ZMW 22.50

29.37%

Oranges (1kg)

$1.70 ZMW 30.39

$2.42 ZMW 43.16

-29.75%

Tomato (1kg)

$1.61 ZMW 28.77

$0.60 ZMW 10.68

168.33%

Potato (1kg)

$2.43 ZMW 43.30

Onion (1kg)

$1.20 ZMW 21.50

$0.61 ZMW 10.89

96.72%

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.74 ZMW 13.18

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.74 ZMW 13.13

$0.39 ZMW 6.97

89.74%

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$1.26 ZMW 22.47

Wine (Bottle)

$5.43 ZMW 97.0

$6.58 ZMW 117

-17.48%

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$0.51 ZMW 9.17

$0.61 ZMW 10.82

-16.39%

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.60 ZMW 10.63

$0.82 ZMW 14.64

-26.83%

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 Zimba: May 30, 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 200% gap adds up to real monthly savings that compound significantly over time.

You'd need roughly $511 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 47% higher in Chingola. For households that cook at home regularly, that difference adds up over a month.

All in, you'll spend $340 per month in Chingola versus $113 in Zimba – a 200% 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 200% less than in Chingola. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.