Cost of Living Comparison Between Kitwe and Chingola Cost of Living Comparison Between Kitwe and Chingola

Monthly Cost of Living

Monthly costs for one person with rent: $214 in Kitwe versus $340 in Chingola.

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

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

Living in Kitwe costs roughly 37% less than in Chingola, driven mainly by Clothing & Footwear.

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

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$2.91 ZMW 51.9

$12.64 ZMW 226

-76.98%

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)

$0.56 ZMW 10.04

$0.39 ZMW 6.99

43.59%

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.39 ZMW 6.96

$0.30 ZMW 5.37

30.00%

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$0.84 ZMW 15.02

$0.52 ZMW 9.23

61.54%

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.48 ZMW 26.48

$1.03 ZMW 18.38

43.69%

Milk (1 liter)

$0.85 ZMW 15.17

$1.03 ZMW 18.41

-17.48%

White Bread (500g)

$1.21 ZMW 21.51

$0.83 ZMW 14.76

45.78%

Rice (white) (1kg)

$3.61 ZMW 64.5

$2.13 ZMW 38.01

69.48%

Eggs

$1.84 ZMW 32.83

$1.09 ZMW 19.39

68.81%

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$6.88 ZMW 123

$2.02 ZMW 36.09

240.59%

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$6.52 ZMW 116

$3.74 ZMW 66.8

74.33%

Apples (1kg)

$2.99 ZMW 53.4

$1.62 ZMW 28.83

84.57%

Banana (1kg)

$1.15 ZMW 20.52

$1.63 ZMW 29.17

-29.45%

Oranges (1kg)

$1.17 ZMW 20.81

$1.70 ZMW 30.39

-31.18%

Tomato (1kg)

$1.20 ZMW 21.47

$1.61 ZMW 28.77

-25.47%

Potato (1kg)

$2.96 ZMW 52.9

$2.43 ZMW 43.30

21.81%

Onion (1kg)

$2.40 ZMW 42.79

$1.20 ZMW 21.50

100.00%

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.20 ZMW 21.47

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.56 ZMW 10.06

$0.74 ZMW 13.13

-24.32%

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$1.79 ZMW 32.00

$1.26 ZMW 22.47

42.06%

Wine (Bottle)

$5.43 ZMW 97.0

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$0.79 ZMW 14.06

$0.51 ZMW 9.17

54.90%

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.45 ZMW 25.81

$0.60 ZMW 10.63

141.67%

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 Kitwe: May 31, 2026

Last update for Chingola: 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

Kitwe vs Chingola: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions

Kitwe is cheaper overall, especially in Eating Out, Getting Around, Clothing & Footwear, Sport & Entertainment. The 59% gap adds up to real monthly savings that compound significantly over time.

You'd need roughly $321 in Kitwe and $511 in Chingola 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 $214 per month in Kitwe versus $340 in Chingola – 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.