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 $324 per month in Manzini vs $152 in Big Bend, rent included.

A couple spends around $485 per month in Manzini vs $286 in Big Bend, rent included.

A family of three spends $645 per month in Manzini vs $420 in Big Bend, rent included.

Manzini costs about 113% 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 89% lower.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$1.71 SZL 28.08

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$19.38 SZL 319

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$3.87 SZL 63.7

Cappuccino

$1.36 SZL 22.42

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

$0.70 SZL 11.49

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.40 SZL 6.61

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.15 SZL 18.89

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.02 SZL 16.84

Milk (1 liter)

$1.17 SZL 19.31

White Bread (500g)

$0.88 SZL 14.52

$0.81 SZL 13.26

8.64%

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.72 SZL 28.39

Eggs

$1.06 SZL 17.40

$2.18 SZL 35.90

-51.38%

Local Cheese (1kg)

$6.82 SZL 112

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$2.74 SZL 45.04

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$1.69 SZL 27.86

Apples (1kg)

$1.23 SZL 20.20

Banana (1kg)

$0.59 SZL 9.66

Oranges (1kg)

$0.71 SZL 11.70

Tomato (1kg)

$0.46 SZL 7.63

Potato (1kg)

$0.54 SZL 8.96

Onion (1kg)

$0.46 SZL 7.59

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.37 SZL 6.17

$0.87 SZL 14.36

-57.47%

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.63 SZL 10.43

$0.86 SZL 14.18

-26.74%

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.77 SZL 45.66

Wine (Bottle)

$3.38 SZL 55.7

$3.69 SZL 60.8

-8.40%

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$0.53 SZL 8.77

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.71 SZL 11.66

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.58 SZL 9.62

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.26 SZL 20.67

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

$15.7K SZL 258.6K

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

$14.7K SZL 241.9K

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

$67.3 SZL 1,108

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

$11.36 SZL 187

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$27.52 SZL 453

Cinema Ticket

$3.39 SZL 55.9

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$33.02 SZL 544

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$22.42 SZL 369

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$34.22 SZL 564

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$50.7 SZL 835

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$154 SZL 2,533

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$97.2 SZL 1,601

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$338 SZL 5,574

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$251 SZL 4,128

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$197 SZL 3,237

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$143 SZL 2,356

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$398 SZL 6,559

$782 SZL 12.9K

-49.06%

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: July 11, 2026

Last update for Big Bend: July 12, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Salaries run about 96% 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: $324 in Manzini, $152 in Big Bend – roughly 113% apart. Manzini costs more across the board, with Groceries & Markets showing the biggest gap.

For a comfortable life, plan on about $487 per month in Manzini and $228 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 $324 in Manzini and $152 in Big Bend. The difference isn't just one category – it shows up across housing, food, transport, and services.

Groceries cost about 185% 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 $324 in Manzini and $152 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.