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

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends $135 per month in Zimba vs $206 in Livingstone, rent included.

A couple spends around $211 per month in Zimba vs $380 in Livingstone, rent included.

A family of three spends $286 per month in Zimba vs $554 in Livingstone, rent included.

Zimba is about 34% cheaper than Livingstone, driven mainly by Eating Out.

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

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$7.62 ZMW 149

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$31.80 ZMW 621

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$3.10 ZMW 60.6

$9.33 ZMW 182

-66.77%

Cappuccino

$1.59 ZMW 31.12

$5.27 ZMW 103

-69.83%

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

$0.81 ZMW 15.89

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.38 ZMW 7.49

$0.35 ZMW 6.93

8.57%

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$0.82 ZMW 15.92

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.03 ZMW 20.12

White Bread (500g)

$1.02 ZMW 19.96

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.53 ZMW 29.91

Eggs

$1.34 ZMW 26.25

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$3.59 ZMW 70.1

Apples (1kg)

$1.81 ZMW 35.29

Banana (1kg)

$1.53 ZMW 29.85

Oranges (1kg)

$3.18 ZMW 62.1

Tomato (1kg)

$0.79 ZMW 15.49

Onion (1kg)

$0.75 ZMW 14.68

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.85 ZMW 16.63

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.53 ZMW 10.41

Wine (Bottle)

$6.11 ZMW 119

$20.53 ZMW 401

-70.24%

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$0.76 ZMW 14.85

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.07 ZMW 20.84

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.59 ZMW 50.7

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

Last update for Zimba: September 13, 2026

Last update for Livingstone: September 13, 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: $135 in Zimba, $206 in Livingstone – roughly 53% apart. Livingstone costs more across the board, with Eating Out showing the biggest gap.

For a comfortable life, plan on about $203 per month in Zimba and $310 in Livingstone. That covers rent, food, utilities, transport, and enough left over to feel settled – not just surviving.

Monthly expenses with rent come to $135 in Zimba and $206 in Livingstone. The difference isn't just one category – it shows up across housing, food, transport, and services.

Interestingly, groceries are about 136% 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 $135 in Zimba and $206 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.