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

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends $111 per month in Zimba vs $175 in Livingstone, rent included.

A couple spends around $173 per month in Zimba vs $318 in Livingstone, rent included.

A family of three spends $235 per month in Zimba vs $461 in Livingstone, rent included.

Zimba is about 37% cheaper than Livingstone, driven mainly by Eating Out.

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

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$6.29 ZMW 110

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$24.95 ZMW 436

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$2.43 ZMW 42.52

$7.07 ZMW 124

-65.63%

Cappuccino

$1.22 ZMW 21.39

$4.19 ZMW 73.3

-70.88%

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

$0.60 ZMW 10.42

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.28 ZMW 4.85

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$0.63 ZMW 11.05

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.85 ZMW 14.86

White Bread (500g)

$0.84 ZMW 14.68

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.26 ZMW 21.99

Eggs

$1.06 ZMW 18.44

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$2.88 ZMW 50.4

Apples (1kg)

$1.49 ZMW 26.02

Banana (1kg)

$1.22 ZMW 21.39

Oranges (1kg)

$2.56 ZMW 44.80

Tomato (1kg)

$0.64 ZMW 11.26

Onion (1kg)

$0.59 ZMW 10.37

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.73 ZMW 12.75

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.42 ZMW 7.35

Wine (Bottle)

$6.87 ZMW 120

$22.51 ZMW 394

-69.48%

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$0.64 ZMW 11.20

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.86 ZMW 15.09

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.76 ZMW 30.84

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

Last update for Zimba: June 8, 2026

Last update for Livingstone: June 7, 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

Zimba vs Livingstone: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions

Monthly costs with rent: $111 in Zimba, $175 in Livingstone – roughly 58% apart. Livingstone costs more across the board, with Eating Out showing the biggest gap.

For a comfortable life, plan on about $166 per month in Zimba and $262 in Livingstone. That covers rent, food, utilities, transport, and enough left over to feel settled – not just surviving.

Monthly expenses with rent come to $111 in Zimba and $175 in Livingstone. The difference isn't just one category – it shows up across housing, food, transport, and services.

Interestingly, groceries are about 83% 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 $111 in Zimba and $175 in Livingstone, 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.