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

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends $110 per month in Zimba vs $176 in Livingstone, rent included.

A couple spends around $172 per month in Zimba vs $316 in Livingstone, rent included.

A family of three spends $234 per month in Zimba vs $456 in Livingstone, rent included.

Zimba is about 38% 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

$6.19 ZMW 115

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$25.36 ZMW 473

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$2.45 ZMW 45.74

$7.32 ZMW 137

-66.53%

Cappuccino

$1.26 ZMW 23.42

$4.11 ZMW 76.6

-69.34%

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

$0.64 ZMW 11.97

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.28 ZMW 5.20

$0.30 ZMW 5.65

-6.67%

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$0.60 ZMW 11.23

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.85 ZMW 15.78

White Bread (500g)

$0.81 ZMW 15.12

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.26 ZMW 23.48

Eggs

$1.05 ZMW 19.67

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$2.95 ZMW 55.0

Apples (1kg)

$1.42 ZMW 26.52

Banana (1kg)

$1.20 ZMW 22.47

Oranges (1kg)

$2.56 ZMW 47.72

Tomato (1kg)

$0.64 ZMW 11.88

Onion (1kg)

$0.60 ZMW 11.27

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.72 ZMW 13.46

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.43 ZMW 7.97

Wine (Bottle)

$6.38 ZMW 119

$21.43 ZMW 400

-70.23%

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$0.63 ZMW 11.79

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.82 ZMW 15.27

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.83 ZMW 34.16

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

Last update for Zimba: July 28, 2026

Last update for Livingstone: July 26, 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: $110 in Zimba, $176 in Livingstone – roughly 60% apart. Livingstone costs more across the board, with Eating Out showing the biggest gap.

For a comfortable life, plan on about $165 per month in Zimba and $263 in Livingstone. That covers rent, food, utilities, transport, and enough left over to feel settled – not just surviving.

Monthly expenses with rent come to $110 in Zimba and $176 in Livingstone. The difference isn't just one category – it shows up across housing, food, transport, and services.

Interestingly, groceries are about 88% 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 $110 in Zimba and $176 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.