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: $176 in Livingstone versus $338 in Chingola.

Estimated couple costs with rent: $316 in Livingstone versus $569 in Chingola.

Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $456 in Livingstone versus $800 in Chingola.

Living in Livingstone costs roughly 48% less than in Chingola, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.

Both cities sit below the global median: Livingstone 87% lower, Chingola 75% lower.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$6.31 ZMW 119

$12.36 ZMW 233

-48.95%

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$24.79 ZMW 467

$20.38 ZMW 384

21.64%

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.38 ZMW 139

Cappuccino

$4.17 ZMW 78.5

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

$0.42 ZMW 7.98

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.28 ZMW 5.24

$0.30 ZMW 5.67

-6.67%

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$0.48 ZMW 9.00

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.06 ZMW 19.87

Milk (1 liter)

$1.05 ZMW 19.74

White Bread (500g)

$0.77 ZMW 14.57

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.01 ZMW 37.90

Eggs

$1.14 ZMW 21.40

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$2.08 ZMW 39.20

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$3.75 ZMW 70.5

Apples (1kg)

$1.71 ZMW 32.10

Banana (1kg)

$1.65 ZMW 30.98

Oranges (1kg)

$1.63 ZMW 30.70

Tomato (1kg)

$1.64 ZMW 30.80

Potato (1kg)

$2.44 ZMW 45.99

Onion (1kg)

$1.27 ZMW 23.89

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.74 ZMW 13.91

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$1.22 ZMW 22.98

Wine (Bottle)

$21.35 ZMW 402

$5.16 ZMW 97.0

313.76%

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$0.52 ZMW 9.78

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.61 ZMW 11.46

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.75 ZMW 33.01

$0.45 ZMW 8.44

288.89%

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$8.48 ZMW 160

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.19 ZMW 22.38

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

$41.69 ZMW 785

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$8.24 ZMW 155

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$16.35 ZMW 308

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$10.35 ZMW 195

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$41.97 ZMW 790

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$62.3 ZMW 1,172

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$15.9K ZMW 299.6K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$117 ZMW 2,206

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

Last update for Livingstone: April 26, 2026

Last update for Chingola: April 26, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Dining out: $25.00 in Livingstone vs $20.00 in Chingola. Groceries flip the comparison at $43.00 vs $118, 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 92% gap adds up to real monthly savings that compound significantly over time.

You'd need roughly $265 in Livingstone and $508 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 177% 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 $20.00 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 92% less than in Chingola. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.