Last update: Oct 2026 Botswana 100.1K

Cost of Living in Francistown

For one person, living costs in Francistown are estimated at $1,036 a month, including rent and utilities – 22% above the national average. Rent and utilities take more than two thirds of the total.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Francistown

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Francistown actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

A single person spends around $1,036 per month with rent, or $310 for everyday expenses alone.

$1,036 /mo

A couple spends around $868 per month with rent, or $505 for everyday expenses alone.

$868 /mo

A family of three spends around $700 per month with rent, or $700 without housing.

$700 /mo

Overall, Francistown is 24–75% below the global median across household types. Within Africa, costs are slightly above average (15%) – still relatively affordable for the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.45 P 19.33
-
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.26 P 16.88
$1.22 P 16.35
$1.29 P 17.28
White Bread (500g)
$0.65 P 8.66
-
Eggs
$1.79 P 23.89
-
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.13 P 81.9
-
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$6.27 P 83.7
-
Apples (1kg)
$1.07 P 14.26
-
Banana (1kg)
$1.42 P 18.97
-
Oranges (1kg)
$1.49 P 19.87
-
Tomato (1kg)
$1.37 P 18.31
$1.29 P 17.26
$1.44 P 19.24
Potato (1kg)
$1.62 P 21.71
-
Onion (1kg)
$1.50 P 20.05
-
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.94 P 12.50
$0.90 P 12.09
$0.98 P 13.05
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.78 P 10.36
-
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$5.45 P 72.8
-
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.49 P 19.90
-
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.56 P 7.43
-
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$29.71 P 397
-
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$108 P 1,448
-
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$1,757 P 23.5K
-
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$57.6 P 769
-
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$32.83 P 439
-
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$110 P 1,468
-
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$110 P 1,473
-
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$727 P 9,713
-
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$414 P 5,537
$259 P 3,458
$570 P 7,616

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

Last update: October 19, 2026

Cost Highlights

Francistown has the 9th most expensive 1-bedroom apartment, outside city center in Africa

Francistown is cheaper than 66% globally but more expensive than 81% within Africa.

Good to know
🕒 Local time
18:09 6:09 PM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
100,079
💱 Currency
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to BWP – Botswana Pula Converter

Botswana Pula exchange rates as of October 20, 2026: 1 USD = 13.36 BWP (100 BWP = 7.48 USD). 1 EUR = 15.02 BWP (100 BWP = 6.66 EUR).

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Francistown Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Francistown - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Francistown generally affordable for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who tends to find good value here?
Francistown tends to feel approachable for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, with a mix of practical options and steady services. The Cost of Living in Francistown remains moderate for the region, and value shows where you prioritize housing, groceries, and transport. Those who travel light, rely on public transit, and pick neighborhoods with easy access to markets often stretch their budget without sacrificing comfort. In comparison to larger cities, you’ll find fewer luxury choices but steadier prices for basics. Tip: spend a few days scouting markets and short-term stays before locking into longer leases.
What does daily life look like for someone settling in – housing search, food options, transport, co-working, and errands?
Daily life centers on practical routines: housing search favors areas with easy market access, safe streets, and reliable internet; furnished units offer flexibility. The Francistown living cost shows in weekly groceries and utilities, so plan a lean budget and build in a small buffer for heat and thunderstorms. Food options range from local markets to affordable eateries and basic Western staples. For transport, walking and dependable taxis or a light car share are common; some neighborhoods have shuttle links to business hubs. Co-working spaces exist with solid connectivity; errands are straightforward near markets, banks, and clinics. Tip: do a quick two- or three-neighborhood trial to gauge vibe and commute times.
How should you budget for life in Francistown and choose a neighborhood that fits your pace and work style?
Adopt a simple budgeting framework that separates essentials, flexible spending, and buffer savings. Prioritize housing in areas with safety, decent internet, and access to markets; test different blocks to see where your commute fits your work style. Seasonality in Botswana means heat management and occasional rain; plan cooling options and water use accordingly. Quality of life grows where you find a balance between quiet streets and social or coworking spaces, plus reliable services like clinics and shops. Tip: start with two or three neighborhoods for short stays, note daily rhythms, then decide where you feel most productive and comfortable.
What are the monthly living expenses in Francistown as of 2026?
For 2026, a single person in Francistown should plan on about $1,036 per month with rent, or $310 without housing. That covers a moderate lifestyle – food, utilities, transport, and some leisure – at current local prices.
Is Francistown a cheap city to live in for foreigners?
By most standards, Francistown is a budget-friendly place to live. Total monthly costs with rent usually land around $1,036, and both housing and daily expenses fall below global averages. It's a solid pick for remote workers, long-term travelers, or anyone watching their spending.
What income do you need to cover all expenses in Francistown?
You'll want at least $1,555 per month after taxes to live comfortably in Francistown. That covers a decent apartment, groceries, utilities, transport, and enough left over for dining out occasionally. Families or people wanting a central location should budget higher.
How much is a monthly gym pass in Francistown?
A gym membership in Francistown runs about $29.71 per month – affordable by regional standards. Most gyms include basic equipment, group classes, and locker rooms. Boutique studios and personal training cost more, but the baseline is budget-friendly.
How expensive is preschool in Francistown per month?
Private kindergarten in Francistown costs about $108 per month – a big number for families. Prices vary by curriculum and whether you go local or international. Public options are cheaper where they exist, but waitlists can be long.
Does $1,200 cover living expenses in Francistown?
$1,200 a month in Francistown? Very doable. Average costs with rent come to just $1,036, which leaves real room to save, eat out, and enjoy the city without watching every dollar.
What is expat life like in Francistown?
Francistown has an established expat community and is welcoming to foreigners. vibrant nightlife, clean air, great local cuisine smooth the transition, and English-speaking landlords, expat-focused healthcare, and international services are all reasonably accessible. Monthly costs average $1,036 including housing.
Is Francistown budget-friendly for long-term stays?
Francistown is affordable by most measures, which is why it appeals to long-term travelers, remote workers, and budget-conscious residents. At $1,036 per month with rent, it sits well below the global average for cities of similar size.
How much does a backpacker need per day in Francistown?
Francistown is great for backpackers. All-in costs average just $1,036 monthly, and even short-term visitors on tight budgets can stretch their money. Cheap hostels, affordable street food, budget transport, and free attractions make it easy to explore without overspending.

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