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

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends $218 per month in Kitwe vs $175 in Livingstone, rent included.

A couple spends around $350 per month in Kitwe vs $318 in Livingstone, rent included.

A family of three spends $482 per month in Kitwe vs $461 in Livingstone, rent included.

Kitwe costs about 25% 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

$3.02 ZMW 52.8

$6.29 ZMW 110

-51.99%

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$24.95 ZMW 436

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.07 ZMW 124

Cappuccino

$1.45 ZMW 25.41

$4.19 ZMW 73.3

-65.39%

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

$0.60 ZMW 10.56

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.40 ZMW 6.93

$0.28 ZMW 4.85

42.86%

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$0.91 ZMW 15.93

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.48 ZMW 25.88

Milk (1 liter)

$0.84 ZMW 14.71

White Bread (500g)

$1.16 ZMW 20.19

Rice (white) (1kg)

$3.72 ZMW 65.1

Eggs

$1.91 ZMW 33.38

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$6.98 ZMW 122

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$6.54 ZMW 114

Apples (1kg)

$2.87 ZMW 50.2

Banana (1kg)

$1.15 ZMW 20.18

Oranges (1kg)

$1.20 ZMW 21.01

Tomato (1kg)

$1.15 ZMW 20.17

Potato (1kg)

$3.01 ZMW 52.6

Onion (1kg)

$2.36 ZMW 41.30

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.15 ZMW 20.06

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.57 ZMW 9.88

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$1.74 ZMW 30.44

Wine (Bottle)

$22.51 ZMW 394

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$0.75 ZMW 13.10

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.49 ZMW 26.11

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.76 ZMW 30.84

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

Last update for Kitwe: June 6, 2026

Last update for Livingstone: June 7, 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: $218 in Kitwe, $175 in Livingstone – roughly 25% apart. Kitwe costs more across the board, with Groceries & Markets showing the biggest gap.

For a comfortable life, plan on about $327 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 $218 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 257% 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 $218 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.