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: $175 in Livingstone versus $343 in Chingola.

Estimated couple costs with rent: $318 in Livingstone versus $580 in Chingola.

Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $461 in Livingstone versus $817 in Chingola.

Living in Livingstone costs roughly 49% less than in Chingola, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.

Both cities sit below the global median: Livingstone 87% lower, Chingola 74% lower.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$6.29 ZMW 110

$12.27 ZMW 215

-48.74%

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$24.95 ZMW 436

$20.70 ZMW 362

20.53%

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.07 ZMW 124

Cappuccino

$4.19 ZMW 73.3

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

$0.40 ZMW 6.99

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.28 ZMW 4.85

$0.30 ZMW 5.31

-6.67%

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$0.48 ZMW 8.32

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.06 ZMW 18.60

Milk (1 liter)

$1.00 ZMW 17.45

White Bread (500g)

$0.81 ZMW 14.08

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.12 ZMW 37.01

Eggs

$1.10 ZMW 19.20

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$2.12 ZMW 36.99

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$3.72 ZMW 64.9

Apples (1kg)

$1.63 ZMW 28.49

Banana (1kg)

$1.62 ZMW 28.35

Oranges (1kg)

$1.64 ZMW 28.63

Tomato (1kg)

$1.62 ZMW 28.37

Potato (1kg)

$2.56 ZMW 44.72

Onion (1kg)

$1.22 ZMW 21.36

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.70 ZMW 12.16

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$1.26 ZMW 22.08

Wine (Bottle)

$22.51 ZMW 394

$5.58 ZMW 97.5

303.41%

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$0.52 ZMW 9.05

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.64 ZMW 11.14

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.76 ZMW 30.84

$0.42 ZMW 7.29

319.05%

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$8.06 ZMW 141

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.23 ZMW 21.54

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

$41.81 ZMW 731

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$8.51 ZMW 149

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$16.57 ZMW 290

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$10.29 ZMW 180

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$41.41 ZMW 724

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$62.2 ZMW 1,088

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$17.3K ZMW 301.7K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$125 ZMW 2,189

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

Last update for Livingstone: June 7, 2026

Last update for Chingola: June 7, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Dining out: $25.00 in Livingstone vs $21.00 in Chingola. Groceries flip the comparison at $45.00 vs $119, 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 96% gap adds up to real monthly savings that compound significantly over time.

You'd need roughly $262 in Livingstone and $514 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 163% 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 $25.00 versus $21.00 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 96% less than in Chingola. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.