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Cost of Living in Eswatini - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $437 (excluding rent), and $656 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,048 (excluding rent), and $1,469 including rent.
Currency
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$1.73 SZL 29.47
$1.04 SZL 17.72
$5.19 SZL 88.4
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$28.51 SZL 486
$19.96 SZL 340
$34.24 SZL 584
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$2.38 SZL 40.65
$2.27 SZL 38.75
$2.64 SZL 44.98
Cappuccino
$1.63 SZL 27.77
$1 SZL 17.1
$2.5 SZL 42.67
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.81 SZL 13.82
$0.65 SZL 11.16
$1.09 SZL 18.65
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.48 SZL 8.17
$0.37 SZL 6.38
$0.64 SZL 10.95
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.47 SZL 25
$1 SZL 17.06
$2.22 SZL 37.83
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.65 SZL 28.11
$0.99 SZL 16.9
$2.75 SZL 46.86
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.06 SZL 18.13
$0.92 SZL 15.69
$1.43 SZL 24.4
White Bread (500g)
$0.74 SZL 12.61
$0.51 SZL 8.68
$0.86 SZL 14.74
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.28 SZL 21.84
$0.64 SZL 10.83
$1.72 SZL 29.36
Eggs
$1.55 SZL 26.38
$0.75 SZL 12.75
$4.4 SZL 74.9
Local Cheese (1kg)
$8.86 SZL 151
$6.64 SZL 113
$9.96 SZL 170
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$3.9 SZL 66.5
$2.78 SZL 47.36
$6.67 SZL 114
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$4.43 SZL 75.5
$1.63 SZL 27.86
$5.72 SZL 97.5
Apples (1kg)
$1.36 SZL 23.16
$0.91 SZL 15.56
$1.7 SZL 29.04
Banana (1kg)
$0.79 SZL 13.51
$0.29 SZL 4.98
$0.88 SZL 14.94
Oranges (1kg)
$1.14 SZL 19.45
$0.51 SZL 8.76
$1.44 SZL 24.53
Tomato (1kg)
$1.41 SZL 23.96
$0.46 SZL 7.81
$1.71 SZL 29.17
Potato (1kg)
$0.9 SZL 15.27
$0.53 SZL 9.1
$1.33 SZL 22.75
Onion (1kg)
$1.04 SZL 17.69
$0.46 SZL 7.88
$1.5 SZL 25.57
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.52 SZL 8.94
$0.37 SZL 6.34
$0.8 SZL 13.65
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.78 SZL 13.25
$0.63 SZL 10.81
$0.86 SZL 14.65
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$2.77 SZL 47.14
$2.59 SZL 44.16
$2.88 SZL 49.07
Wine (Bottle)
$4.71 SZL 80.3
$3.22 SZL 54.9
$11.92 SZL 203
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.04 SZL 17.68
$0.57 SZL 9.8
$1.5 SZL 25.55
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.42 SZL 24.29
$0.74 SZL 12.66
$1.71 SZL 29.15
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.92 SZL 15.66
$0.57 SZL 9.74
$1.26 SZL 21.4
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$29.02 SZL 495
$27.63 SZL 471
$30.4 SZL 518
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.27 SZL 55.7
$2.72 SZL 46.42
$3.81 SZL 65
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$2.78 SZL 47.44
$1.39 SZL 23.63
$3.89 SZL 66.3
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$3.28 SZL 55.9
-
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.21 SZL 20.69
$1.17 SZL 19.99
$1.32 SZL 22.43
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$17.1K SZL 292.1K
$17.1K SZL 292.1K
$17.1K SZL 292.1K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$18.7K SZL 318.7K
$18.7K SZL 318.7K
$22.2K SZL 378.6K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$74 SZL 1,262
$55.9 SZL 953
$117 SZL 2,000
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$26.96 SZL 460
$11.15 SZL 190
$55.8 SZL 951
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$28.22 SZL 481
$28.22 SZL 481
$28.22 SZL 481
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$27.92 SZL 476
$13.96 SZL 238
$27.92 SZL 476
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$4.94 SZL 84.1
$2.74 SZL 46.74
$5.48 SZL 93.5
Cinema Ticket
$3.34 SZL 56.9
$3.34 SZL 56.9
$5.56 SZL 94.8
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$105 SZL 1,796
$49.92 SZL 851
$161 SZL 2,742
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$4,519 SZL 77K
$3,251 SZL 55.4K
$5,786 SZL 98.6K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$41.82 SZL 713
$19.53 SZL 333
$44.62 SZL 761
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$26.37 SZL 449
$14.12 SZL 241
$28.25 SZL 482
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$63.8 SZL 1,088
$34.04 SZL 580
$96.5 SZL 1,644
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$73 SZL 1,245
$44.1 SZL 752
$105 SZL 1,785
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$240 SZL 4,091
$169 SZL 2,888
$409 SZL 6,978
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$141 SZL 2,401
$82.9 SZL 1,412
$166 SZL 2,824
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$429 SZL 7,320
$335 SZL 5,704
$558 SZL 9,506
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$331 SZL 5,644
$257 SZL 4,379
$400 SZL 6,812
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$354 SZL 6,034
$236 SZL 4,022
$472 SZL 8,045
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$265 SZL 4,510
$176 SZL 3,007
$353 SZL 6,013
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$538 SZL 9,169
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
9.12
7.25
16

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

Last update: November 29, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
Cost of Living in Eswatini - Frequently Asked Questions
How does the cost of living for travelers and expats compare in Eswatini, and who tends to get the best value?
Cost of Living in Eswatini varies by city and lifestyle, but many travelers, digital nomads, and budget-minded expats find it a favorable value compared with more developed destinations. Local markets offer affordable produce, and housing outside major centers often yields good value. In urban hubs you’ll encounter a mix of budget guesthouses and mid-range rentals, with options that suit short stays or longer setups. Utilities, transport, and everyday services are generally manageable, though prices can rise for imported goods or Western-framed amenities. Identify your priorities – short commutes, local services, or Western comforts – and tailor your arrangements accordingly. Tip: Start with a neighborhood-first approach to anchor your daily costs.
What does a practical day-to-day look like in Eswatini in terms of housing search, dining, transport, coworking, and errands?
When you search for housing, focus on Mbabane, Manzini, or smaller towns, where options range from simple homes to shared spaces. Use local listings and word-of-mouth from communities you visit, and consider longer stays to test neighborhoods. For groceries, mix local markets with supermarkets to balance price and variety; seasonal produce can stretch a budget. Transport commonly relies on minibus taxis and occasional car rentals, which keeps you flexible without owning a car; in many places, ride-sharing is limited, so plan travel in advance. For work, look for coworking spaces or cafes with reliable Wi‑Fi, quiet corners, and power outlets. Errands are doable with cash on hand and a little patience for slower service. Knowing Eswatini living cost helps you budget meals, transit, and daily tasks. Tip: Build a weekly routine that balances work blocks with local exploration.
What factors influence quality of life and budgeting in Eswatini, and how should you pick a neighborhood that fits your pace and lifestyle?
Quality of life in Eswatini tends to improve when you structure your budget around core categories: housing, food, transport, and leisure. Create a simple framework: identify a preferred neighborhood with easy access to groceries and coworking, set a flexible dining plan that blends local staples with occasional treats, and use public transport or car-sharing to keep travel costs predictable. Seasonality influences outdoor activities and market availability, so align plans with harvests and community events. To pick a neighborhood, visit at different times, check safety, and observe walkability. Tip: Map a rough weekly template that balances work, rest, and exploration while staying mindful of costs.
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