Cost of Living Comparison Between Livingstone and Zimba Cost of Living Comparison Between Livingstone and Zimba

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends $176 per month in Livingstone vs $113 in Zimba, rent included.

A couple spends around $316 per month in Livingstone vs $176 in Zimba, rent included.

A family of three spends $457 per month in Livingstone vs $239 in Zimba, rent included.

Livingstone costs about 55% more than Zimba, driven mainly by Eating Out.

Both Livingstone and Zimba are more affordable than the global median – Livingstone 87% lower, Zimba 92% lower.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$6.11 ZMW 109

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$24.45 ZMW 436

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.40 ZMW 132

$2.48 ZMW 44.24

198.39%

Cappuccino

$4.20 ZMW 75.1

$1.25 ZMW 22.33

236.00%

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

$0.63 ZMW 11.33

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.28 ZMW 4.95

$0.30 ZMW 5.40

-6.67%

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$0.60 ZMW 10.70

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.80 ZMW 14.27

White Bread (500g)

$0.85 ZMW 15.21

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.27 ZMW 22.73

Eggs

$1.11 ZMW 19.85

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$2.88 ZMW 51.4

Apples (1kg)

$1.48 ZMW 26.34

Banana (1kg)

$1.26 ZMW 22.50

Oranges (1kg)

$2.42 ZMW 43.16

Tomato (1kg)

$0.60 ZMW 10.68

Onion (1kg)

$0.61 ZMW 10.89

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.74 ZMW 13.18

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.39 ZMW 6.97

Wine (Bottle)

$21.62 ZMW 386

$6.58 ZMW 117

228.57%

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$0.61 ZMW 10.82

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.82 ZMW 14.64

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 Zimba: May 30, 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 Zimba: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions

Monthly costs with rent: $176 in Livingstone, $113 in Zimba – roughly 55% apart. Livingstone costs more across the board, with Eating Out showing the biggest gap.

For a comfortable life, plan on about $264 per month in Livingstone and $170 in Zimba. 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 $113 in Zimba. The difference isn't just one category – it shows up across housing, food, transport, and services.

Interestingly, groceries are about 87% cheaper in Livingstone – one category where the pricier city actually offers better value, probably thanks to stronger retail competition or local farming.

$800 covers both cities comfortably – all-in costs are $176 in Livingstone and $113 in Zimba, leaving budget for savings and extras in both cases.

Families tend to lean toward Zimba – 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 Zimba. If higher salaries, better infrastructure, or specific career opportunities are the priority, Livingstone makes more sense. Both are solid long-term options with distinct trade-offs.