Cost of Living Comparison Between Livingstone and Chingola Cost of Living Comparison Between Livingstone and Chingola

Monthly Cost of Living

Monthly costs for one person with rent: $208 in Livingstone versus $435 in Chingola.

Estimated couple costs with rent: $388 in Livingstone versus $744 in Chingola.

Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $569 in Livingstone versus $1,052 in Chingola.

Living in Livingstone costs roughly 52% less than in Chingola, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.

Both cities sit below the global median: Livingstone 85% lower, Chingola 68% lower.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$7.91 ZMW 153

$15.80 ZMW 305

-49.94%

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$31.86 ZMW 615

$25.58 ZMW 494

24.55%

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$9.33 ZMW 180

Cappuccino

$5.34 ZMW 103

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

$0.54 ZMW 10.33

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.38 ZMW 7.38

$0.36 ZMW 6.92

5.56%

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$0.65 ZMW 12.52

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.32 ZMW 25.52

Milk (1 liter)

$1.87 ZMW 36.14

White Bread (500g)

$1.25 ZMW 24.07

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.56 ZMW 49.32

Eggs

$1.84 ZMW 35.46

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$5.27 ZMW 102

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$4.56 ZMW 88.1

Apples (1kg)

$2.07 ZMW 39.92

Banana (1kg)

$2.08 ZMW 40.13

Oranges (1kg)

$2.12 ZMW 40.95

Tomato (1kg)

$2.04 ZMW 39.34

Potato (1kg)

$3.18 ZMW 61.3

Onion (1kg)

$1.58 ZMW 30.53

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.92 ZMW 17.81

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$1.55 ZMW 29.98

Wine (Bottle)

$21.07 ZMW 407

$5.10 ZMW 98.4

313.14%

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$0.64 ZMW 12.36

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.81 ZMW 15.65

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.57 ZMW 49.66

$0.66 ZMW 12.68

289.39%

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$10.61 ZMW 205

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.41 ZMW 27.17

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$52.2 ZMW 1,008

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$10.32 ZMW 199

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$20.85 ZMW 402

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$12.98 ZMW 251

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$51.3 ZMW 990

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$78.0 ZMW 1,506

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$15.8K ZMW 305.5K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$116 ZMW 2,239

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

Last update for Livingstone: September 7, 2026

Last update for Chingola: September 7, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Dining out: $32.00 in Livingstone vs $26.00 in Chingola. Groceries flip the comparison at $42.00 vs $169, with Livingstone cheaper for home cooking.

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

Livingstone vs Chingola: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions

Livingstone is cheaper overall, especially in Groceries & Markets, Clothing & Footwear, Sport & Entertainment. The 109% gap adds up to real monthly savings that compound significantly over time.

You'd need roughly $312 in Livingstone and $653 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.

Supermarket bills run roughly 301% higher in Chingola. For households that cook at home regularly, that difference adds up over a month.

Dining out is cheaper in Livingstone – a meal for two runs $32.00 versus $26.00 in Chingola. If you eat out regularly, this makes a real dent in your monthly spending.

Either city works on $1,200 a month, though Livingstone 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 Livingstone gentler on the wallet – expenses run 109% less than in Chingola. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.