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

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends $208 per month in Livingstone vs $136 in Zimba, rent included.

A couple spends around $391 per month in Livingstone vs $217 in Zimba, rent included.

A family of three spends $573 per month in Livingstone vs $299 in Zimba, rent included.

Livingstone costs about 53% more than Zimba, driven mainly by Eating Out.

Both Livingstone and Zimba are more affordable than the global median – Livingstone 85% lower, Zimba 90% lower.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$7.79 ZMW 149

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$31.81 ZMW 609

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$9.16 ZMW 175

$3.12 ZMW 59.8

193.59%

Cappuccino

$5.40 ZMW 103

$1.61 ZMW 30.81

235.40%

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

$0.76 ZMW 14.58

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.35 ZMW 6.76

$0.36 ZMW 6.85

-2.78%

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$0.76 ZMW 14.64

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.03 ZMW 19.71

White Bread (500g)

$1.07 ZMW 20.51

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.55 ZMW 29.72

Eggs

$1.36 ZMW 26.02

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$3.78 ZMW 72.3

Apples (1kg)

$1.87 ZMW 35.73

Banana (1kg)

$1.57 ZMW 30.01

Oranges (1kg)

$3.25 ZMW 62.2

Tomato (1kg)

$0.83 ZMW 15.81

Onion (1kg)

$0.82 ZMW 15.74

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.86 ZMW 16.53

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.51 ZMW 9.78

Wine (Bottle)

$20.89 ZMW 400

$6.24 ZMW 120

234.78%

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$0.82 ZMW 15.67

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.07 ZMW 20.51

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.65 ZMW 50.8

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

Last update for Livingstone: August 30, 2026

Last update for Zimba: August 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 Zimba: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions

Monthly costs with rent: $208 in Livingstone, $136 in Zimba – roughly 53% apart. Livingstone costs more across the board, with Eating Out showing the biggest gap.

For a comfortable life, plan on about $312 per month in Livingstone and $204 in Zimba. That covers rent, food, utilities, transport, and enough left over to feel settled – not just surviving.

Monthly expenses with rent come to $208 in Livingstone and $136 in Zimba. The difference isn't just one category – it shows up across housing, food, transport, and services.

Interestingly, groceries are about 138% 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 $208 in Livingstone and $136 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.