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

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends $214 per month in Kitwe vs $176 in Livingstone, rent included.

A couple spends around $354 per month in Kitwe vs $316 in Livingstone, rent included.

A family of three spends $494 per month in Kitwe vs $457 in Livingstone, rent included.

Kitwe costs about 22% 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

$2.91 ZMW 51.9

$6.11 ZMW 109

-52.37%

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$24.45 ZMW 436

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.40 ZMW 132

Cappuccino

$1.43 ZMW 25.53

$4.20 ZMW 75.1

-65.95%

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

$0.56 ZMW 10.04

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.39 ZMW 6.96

$0.28 ZMW 4.95

39.29%

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$0.84 ZMW 15.02

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.48 ZMW 26.48

Milk (1 liter)

$0.85 ZMW 15.17

White Bread (500g)

$1.21 ZMW 21.51

Rice (white) (1kg)

$3.61 ZMW 64.5

Eggs

$1.84 ZMW 32.83

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$6.88 ZMW 123

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$6.52 ZMW 116

Apples (1kg)

$2.99 ZMW 53.4

Banana (1kg)

$1.15 ZMW 20.52

Oranges (1kg)

$1.17 ZMW 20.81

Tomato (1kg)

$1.20 ZMW 21.47

Potato (1kg)

$2.96 ZMW 52.9

Onion (1kg)

$2.40 ZMW 42.79

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.20 ZMW 21.47

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.56 ZMW 10.06

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$1.79 ZMW 32.00

Wine (Bottle)

$21.62 ZMW 386

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$0.79 ZMW 14.06

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.45 ZMW 25.81

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.77 ZMW 31.55

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

Last update for Kitwe: May 31, 2026

Last update for Livingstone: June 1, 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: $214 in Kitwe, $176 in Livingstone – roughly 22% apart. Kitwe costs more across the board, with Groceries & Markets showing the biggest gap.

For a comfortable life, plan on about $321 per month in Kitwe and $264 in Livingstone. That covers rent, food, utilities, transport, and enough left over to feel settled – not just surviving.

Monthly expenses with rent come to $214 in Kitwe and $176 in Livingstone. The difference isn't just one category – it shows up across housing, food, transport, and services.

Groceries cost about 272% 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 $214 in Kitwe and $176 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.