Cost of Living Comparison Between Manzini and Big Bend Cost of Living Comparison Between Manzini and Big Bend

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends $319 per month in Manzini vs $157 in Big Bend, rent included.

A couple spends around $472 per month in Manzini vs $284 in Big Bend, rent included.

A family of three spends $625 per month in Manzini vs $411 in Big Bend, rent included.

Manzini costs about 103% more than Big Bend, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.

Both Manzini and Big Bend are more affordable than the global median – Manzini 76% lower, Big Bend 88% lower.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$1.72 SZL 27.87

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$19.68 SZL 320

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$4.00 SZL 64.9

Cappuccino

$1.44 SZL 23.40

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

$0.70 SZL 11.30

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.40 SZL 6.53

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.10 SZL 17.82

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.98 SZL 15.93

Milk (1 liter)

$1.13 SZL 18.31

White Bread (500g)

$0.89 SZL 14.51

$0.75 SZL 12.25

18.67%

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.70 SZL 27.65

Eggs

$1.11 SZL 18.02

$2.16 SZL 35.09

-48.61%

Local Cheese (1kg)

$6.70 SZL 109

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$2.82 SZL 45.86

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$1.70 SZL 27.68

Apples (1kg)

$1.23 SZL 19.98

Banana (1kg)

$0.54 SZL 8.82

Oranges (1kg)

$0.70 SZL 11.39

Tomato (1kg)

$0.44 SZL 7.07

Potato (1kg)

$0.58 SZL 9.43

Onion (1kg)

$0.44 SZL 7.10

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.38 SZL 6.15

$0.88 SZL 14.25

-56.82%

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.59 SZL 9.65

$0.86 SZL 14.04

-31.40%

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.74 SZL 44.50

Wine (Bottle)

$3.38 SZL 54.8

$3.65 SZL 59.3

-7.40%

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$0.53 SZL 8.65

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.75 SZL 12.11

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.58 SZL 9.41

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.21 SZL 19.58

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$16.0K SZL 259.3K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$14.9K SZL 241.2K

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

$67.4 SZL 1,094

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$11.17 SZL 181

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$27.54 SZL 447

Cinema Ticket

$3.46 SZL 56.2

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$33.93 SZL 551

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$22.20 SZL 361

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$34.01 SZL 552

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$51.0 SZL 827

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$153 SZL 2,488

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$99.2 SZL 1,611

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$341 SZL 5,533

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$251 SZL 4,082

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$198 SZL 3,212

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$142 SZL 2,299

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$407 SZL 6,614

$812 SZL 13.2K

-49.86%

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

11.11%

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

Last update for Manzini: June 2, 2026

Last update for Big Bend: June 1, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Salaries run about 99% higher in Big Bend, which reinforces the cost advantage – you earn more and spend less. Purchasing power leans clearly in its favor.

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

Manzini vs Big Bend: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions

Monthly costs with rent: $319 in Manzini, $157 in Big Bend – roughly 103% apart. Manzini costs more across the board, with Groceries & Markets showing the biggest gap.

For a comfortable life, plan on about $478 per month in Manzini and $235 in Big Bend. That covers rent, food, utilities, transport, and enough left over to feel settled – not just surviving.

Monthly expenses with rent come to $319 in Manzini and $157 in Big Bend. The difference isn't just one category – it shows up across housing, food, transport, and services.

Groceries cost about 187% more in Manzini, 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 $319 in Manzini and $157 in Big Bend, leaving budget for savings and extras in both cases.

Families tend to lean toward Big Bend – lower housing and cheaper childcare make a real difference, especially on a single income or when paying for private education.

Both have safer and rougher neighborhoods, but overall safety is comparable to other large cities. Neighborhood choice matters more than the city-level comparison – central, well-trafficked areas feel secure in both.

If budget matters most, go with Big Bend. If higher salaries, better infrastructure, or specific career opportunities are the priority, Manzini makes more sense. Both are solid long-term options with distinct trade-offs.