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

Monthly Cost of Living

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

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

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

Livingstone is about 18% cheaper than Kitwe, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.

Both Livingstone and Kitwe are more affordable than the global median – Livingstone 87% lower, Kitwe 84% lower.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$6.11 ZMW 109

$2.91 ZMW 51.9

109.97%

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$24.45 ZMW 436

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.40 ZMW 132

Cappuccino

$4.20 ZMW 75.1

$1.43 ZMW 25.53

193.71%

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

$0.56 ZMW 10.04

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.28 ZMW 4.95

$0.39 ZMW 6.96

-28.21%

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 Livingstone: June 1, 2026

Last update for Kitwe: May 31, 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

Livingstone vs Kitwe: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions

Monthly costs with rent: $176 in Livingstone, $214 in Kitwe – roughly 22% apart. Kitwe costs more across the board, with Groceries & Markets showing the biggest gap.

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

Monthly expenses with rent come to $176 in Livingstone and $214 in Kitwe. 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 $176 in Livingstone and $214 in Kitwe, 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.