Cost of Living Comparison Between Kitwe and Livingstone Cost of Living Comparison Between Kitwe and Livingstone

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends $212 per month in Kitwe vs $175 in Livingstone, rent included.

A couple spends around $352 per month in Kitwe vs $319 in Livingstone, rent included.

A family of three spends $493 per month in Kitwe vs $462 in Livingstone, rent included.

Kitwe costs about 21% more than Livingstone, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.

Both Kitwe and Livingstone are more affordable than the global median – Kitwe 84% lower, Livingstone 87% lower.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$3.00 ZMW 54.5

$6.20 ZMW 113

-51.61%

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$25.23 ZMW 459

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.36 ZMW 134

Cappuccino

$1.43 ZMW 26.10

$4.05 ZMW 73.7

-64.69%

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

$0.58 ZMW 10.48

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.43 ZMW 7.78

$0.30 ZMW 5.53

43.33%

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$0.84 ZMW 15.35

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.48 ZMW 27.00

Milk (1 liter)

$0.90 ZMW 16.33

White Bread (500g)

$1.19 ZMW 21.69

Rice (white) (1kg)

$3.78 ZMW 68.9

Eggs

$1.87 ZMW 34.04

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$6.94 ZMW 126

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$6.57 ZMW 120

Apples (1kg)

$2.90 ZMW 52.8

Banana (1kg)

$1.21 ZMW 21.94

Oranges (1kg)

$1.16 ZMW 21.13

Tomato (1kg)

$1.16 ZMW 21.10

Potato (1kg)

$2.91 ZMW 53.0

Onion (1kg)

$2.33 ZMW 42.44

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.20 ZMW 21.88

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.60 ZMW 10.97

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$1.81 ZMW 32.89

Wine (Bottle)

$22.63 ZMW 412

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$0.74 ZMW 13.48

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.44 ZMW 26.23

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.74 ZMW 31.72

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

Last update for Kitwe: July 11, 2026

Last update for Livingstone: July 14, 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 Livingstone: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions

Monthly costs with rent: $212 in Kitwe, $175 in Livingstone – roughly 21% apart. Kitwe costs more across the board, with Groceries & Markets showing the biggest gap.

For a comfortable life, plan on about $317 per month in Kitwe and $262 in Livingstone. That covers rent, food, utilities, transport, and enough left over to feel settled – not just surviving.

Monthly expenses with rent come to $212 in Kitwe and $175 in Livingstone. The difference isn't just one category – it shows up across housing, food, transport, and services.

Groceries cost about 258% more in Kitwe, though it depends on what you buy. Local produce may be comparable; imported and premium items show the biggest price gap.

$1,200 covers both cities comfortably – all-in costs are $212 in Kitwe and $175 in Livingstone, leaving budget for savings and extras in both cases.

Families tend to lean toward Livingstone – lower housing and cheaper childcare make a real difference, especially on a single income or when paying for private education.

If budget matters most, go with Livingstone. If higher salaries, better infrastructure, or specific career opportunities are the priority, Kitwe makes more sense. Both are solid long-term options with distinct trade-offs.