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: $455 in Chingola versus $136 in Zimba.

Estimated couple costs with rent: $776 in Chingola versus $217 in Zimba.

Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $1,097 in Chingola versus $299 in Zimba.

Living in Chingola is roughly 234% more expensive than in Zimba, driven mainly by Eating Out.

Both cities sit below the global median: Chingola 67% lower, Zimba 90% lower.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$16.07 ZMW 307

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$25.85 ZMW 494

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$3.12 ZMW 59.7

Cappuccino

$1.61 ZMW 30.73

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

$0.54 ZMW 10.37

$0.76 ZMW 14.54

-28.95%

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.38 ZMW 7.30

$0.36 ZMW 6.83

5.56%

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$0.65 ZMW 12.35

$0.76 ZMW 14.61

-14.47%

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.30 ZMW 24.90

$1.03 ZMW 19.66

26.21%

Milk (1 liter)

$1.88 ZMW 35.94

White Bread (500g)

$1.28 ZMW 24.37

$1.07 ZMW 20.45

19.63%

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.58 ZMW 49.35

$1.55 ZMW 29.64

66.45%

Eggs

$1.93 ZMW 36.95

$1.36 ZMW 25.95

41.91%

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$5.16 ZMW 98.5

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$4.85 ZMW 92.7

$3.78 ZMW 72.1

28.31%

Apples (1kg)

$2.08 ZMW 39.72

$1.87 ZMW 35.64

11.23%

Banana (1kg)

$2.15 ZMW 40.98

$1.57 ZMW 29.93

36.94%

Oranges (1kg)

$2.07 ZMW 39.60

$3.25 ZMW 62.0

-36.31%

Tomato (1kg)

$2.15 ZMW 41.11

$0.83 ZMW 15.77

159.04%

Potato (1kg)

$3.13 ZMW 59.8

Onion (1kg)

$1.59 ZMW 30.44

$0.82 ZMW 15.70

93.90%

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.86 ZMW 16.48

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.88 ZMW 16.85

$0.51 ZMW 9.76

72.55%

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$1.54 ZMW 29.42

Wine (Bottle)

$5.34 ZMW 102

$6.24 ZMW 119

-14.42%

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$0.65 ZMW 12.49

$0.82 ZMW 15.63

-20.73%

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.81 ZMW 15.56

$1.07 ZMW 20.46

-24.30%

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.60 ZMW 11.45

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 Zimba: August 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 Zimba: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions

Zimba is cheaper overall, especially in Groceries & Markets, Eating Out, Clothing & Footwear, Sport & Entertainment, Getting Around. The 234% gap adds up to real monthly savings that compound significantly over time.

You'd need roughly $682 in Chingola and $204 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 72% higher in Chingola. For households that cook at home regularly, that difference adds up over a month.

All in, you'll spend $455 per month in Chingola versus $136 in Zimba – a 234% 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 234% less than in Chingola. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.