Last update: Oct 2026 Zimbabwe ⭐ Capital 1.6M

Cost of Living in Harare

For one person, living costs in Harare are estimated at $1,021 a month, including rent and utilities – 21% above the national average. Rent and utilities take about a third of the total.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Harare

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

Living costs for one person come to about $1,021 monthly including rent, or $657 excluding housing.

$1,021 /mo

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,695 with rent, or $1,119 without housing.

$1,695 /mo

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,368 including rent, or $1,581 for daily expenses alone.

$2,368 /mo

Harare sits 16–24% below the global median across household types. Within Africa, costs are slightly above average (13%) – still relatively affordable for the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$9.96 ZWL 265
$2.99 ZWL 79.5
$19.93 ZWL 530
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$45.84 ZWL 1,220
$30.56 ZWL 813
$81.5 ZWL 2,169
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$5.87 ZWL 156
$5.10 ZWL 136
$10.21 ZWL 272
Cappuccino
$3.07 ZWL 81.7
$1.54 ZWL 40.85
$6.14 ZWL 163
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.93 ZWL 24.65
$0.48 ZWL 12.84
$1.93 ZWL 51.4
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.49 ZWL 13.10
$0.31 ZWL 8.36
$1.05 ZWL 27.86
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.28 ZWL 34.04
$0.92 ZWL 24.51
$3.07 ZWL 81.7
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.97 ZWL 52.4
$1.48 ZWL 39.33
$2.96 ZWL 78.7
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.50 ZWL 39.90
$1.49 ZWL 39.64
$1.99 ZWL 52.9
White Bread (500g)
$0.97 ZWL 25.89
$0.97 ZWL 25.89
$1.17 ZWL 31.06
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.70 ZWL 45.34
$1.01 ZWL 26.99
$3.04 ZWL 81.0
Eggs
$1.89 ZWL 50.3
$1.57 ZWL 41.68
$2.35 ZWL 62.5
Local Cheese (1kg)
$11.40 ZWL 303
$4.97 ZWL 132
$29.83 ZWL 794
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$5.58 ZWL 148
$3.09 ZWL 82.2
$7.20 ZWL 192
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$6.35 ZWL 169
$4.86 ZWL 129
$8.75 ZWL 233
Apples (1kg)
$2.98 ZWL 79.3
$1.98 ZWL 52.7
$4.95 ZWL 132
Banana (1kg)
$1.63 ZWL 43.27
$0.97 ZWL 25.91
$1.95 ZWL 51.8
Oranges (1kg)
$2.08 ZWL 55.2
$1.13 ZWL 30.19
$2.56 ZWL 68.0
Tomato (1kg)
$1.52 ZWL 40.46
$0.87 ZWL 23.23
$1.96 ZWL 52.2
Potato (1kg)
$1.69 ZWL 44.88
$0.97 ZWL 25.83
$1.96 ZWL 52.2
Onion (1kg)
$1.75 ZWL 46.51
$0.99 ZWL 26.43
$2.98 ZWL 79.3
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.30 ZWL 34.48
$0.77 ZWL 20.53
$2.06 ZWL 54.7
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.95 ZWL 25.26
$0.49 ZWL 13.02
$1.47 ZWL 39.06
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$2.04 ZWL 54.4
$1.23 ZWL 32.61
$3.06 ZWL 81.5
Wine (Bottle)
$8.12 ZWL 216
$2.99 ZWL 79.6
$9.98 ZWL 265
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.32 ZWL 35.25
$0.97 ZWL 25.92
$1.48 ZWL 39.40
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.99 ZWL 52.9
$1.54 ZWL 40.93
$3.08 ZWL 81.9
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.03 ZWL 27.37
$1.03 ZWL 27.37
$1.54 ZWL 41.06
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$60.1 ZWL 1,600
$30.06 ZWL 800
$70.1 ZWL 1,866
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$4.06 ZWL 108
$3.05 ZWL 81.1
$5.08 ZWL 135
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$2.01 ZWL 53.6
$1.51 ZWL 40.19
$3.02 ZWL 80.4
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$4.85 ZWL 129
$4.85 ZWL 129
$14.55 ZWL 387
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.80 ZWL 47.89
$1.47 ZWL 39.21
$2.18 ZWL 57.9
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$21.8K ZWL 580.4K
$19.8K ZWL 527.6K
$24.8K ZWL 659.5K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$27.6K ZWL 734.5K
$23.1K ZWL 614.3K
$36.1K ZWL 961.5K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$50.8 ZWL 1,352
$29.68 ZWL 790
$98.9 ZWL 2,633
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$21.38 ZWL 569
$11.93 ZWL 318
$49.73 ZWL 1,323
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$70.3 ZWL 1,870
$45.84 ZWL 1,220
$102 ZWL 2,711
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$48.57 ZWL 1,293
$20.27 ZWL 539
$101 ZWL 2,697
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$22.24 ZWL 592
$9.88 ZWL 263
$29.65 ZWL 789
Cinema Ticket
$10.12 ZWL 269
$6.07 ZWL 162
$20.23 ZWL 538
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$428 ZWL 11.4K
$148 ZWL 3,939
$937 ZWL 24.9K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$8,559 ZWL 227.8K
$4,802 ZWL 127.8K
$21.0K ZWL 559.0K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$22.89 ZWL 609
$9.86 ZWL 262
$49.29 ZWL 1,312
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$20.95 ZWL 558
$9.91 ZWL 264
$29.72 ZWL 791
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$38.61 ZWL 1,027
$24.95 ZWL 664
$59.9 ZWL 1,594
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$39.85 ZWL 1,060
$19.74 ZWL 525
$79.0 ZWL 2,101
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$383 ZWL 10.2K
$196 ZWL 5,227
$638 ZWL 17.0K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$314 ZWL 8,350
$198 ZWL 5,275
$412 ZWL 11.0K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$830 ZWL 22.1K
$495 ZWL 13.2K
$1,484 ZWL 39.5K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$736 ZWL 19.6K
$442 ZWL 11.8K
$1,376 ZWL 36.6K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$915 ZWL 24.4K
$494 ZWL 13.1K
$1,039 ZWL 27.7K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$387 ZWL 10.3K
$346 ZWL 9,214
$418 ZWL 11.1K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$413 ZWL 11.0K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
13.69
10
19

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

Last update: October 12, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Harare $1,021
Accommodation & Living
$314
Groceries & Markets
$213
Eating Out
$150
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$142
Getting Around
$78
Sport & Entertainment
$69
Clothing & Footwear
$55

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $383 for a central one-bedroom, or $314 outside the center. At 93% of the average salary ($413), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $413, while typical expenses reach $1,021. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $213 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $46.00 for two – broadly in line with the African average.

Public transport is priced at around $60.1 per month – above the African average of $30.00.

Cost Highlights

Gasoline is more expensive than 96% of cities in Africa

Public transport monthly pass is more expensive than 95% of cities in Africa

Internet is more expensive than 94% of cities in Africa

Good to know
🕒 Local time
12:20 12:20 PM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
1,606,000 Capital
💱 Currency
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to ZWL – Zimbabwean Dollar Converter

Zimbabwean Dollar exchange rates as of October 19, 2026: 1 USD = 26.61 ZWL (100 ZWL = 3.76 USD). 1 EUR = 29.92 ZWL (100 ZWL = 3.34 EUR).

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Harare Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Harare - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Harare compare in overall affordability for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Harare offers a favorable balance of value and lifestyle for many travelers and longer-stay visitors. The Cost of Living in Harare tends to be modest for everyday essentials like produce, local dining, and basic services, while imported goods and premium neighborhoods push costs higher. Expat packages, where available, can ease budgeting, and many digital nomads find value in short-term rentals tied to neighborhoods with good Wi‑Fi and co-working spaces. The key is choosing areas that balance safety, access to transit, and amenities, plus learning the rhythms of markets and hours. Tip: Start with a few short stays in different neighborhoods to gauge value before committing.
What does daily life look like for budgeting day-to-day in Harare, including housing search, food options, transport, coworking, and errands?
Daily life here centers on flexibility and local options. For housing, explore secure, well-connected suburbs and be prepared for a range of rental terms; short-term or shared apartments are common entry points for newcomers. Groceries come from markets and shops offering fresh produce and staples; imported items push prices up. Transport blends minibus taxis, ride-hailing, and easy walking in compact areas. Co-working spaces and cafes with reliable Wi‑Fi support remote work, though you may encounter peak-hour slowdowns. Errands flow more smoothly when you map markets, pharmacies, and banks by neighborhood. Harare living cost can shift with location, so budgeting around a couple of target areas helps you compare convenience to price. Tip: Build a simple weekly plan to corral groceries, transit, and work days.
How can you optimize your stay for quality of life, budgeting, seasonality, and neighborhood fit?
Quality of life in Harare comes from neighborhood fit, a simple budgeting framework, and seasonal awareness. Start with three core districts that match your priorities – proximity to work, safe nightlife, and access to markets – and test them across a couple of weeks. Budget hygiene: separate recurring costs (housing, food, transport) and flex with goals for savings or experiences. Seasonal patterns affect outdoor activities, power availability, and travel times; plan accordingly. Save by cooking at home, buying in-season produce, and using public transport or walking where feasible. Building a routine helps reduce impulse spending and lets you enjoy local life without overstretching. Tip: Create a rotating weekly plan to balance errands, work, and exploration.
Does Harare offer good value for money?
At around $1,021 monthly all-in, Harare offers decent value. It's not the cheapest and not the priciest – a good fit for people who want city convenience without capital-level costs.
How expensive is daily life in Harare?
Everyday life in Harare is moderately priced at about $1,021 per month, rent included. Groceries and transport stay reasonable, though dining out and entertainment can feel a bit pricier than in budget destinations.
Is the average income in Harare enough to cover living costs and save?
At $413 take-home, most residents in Harare can cover the $1,021 monthly cost of living. Those earning $1,532 or more have room to save; below-average earners will find things noticeably tighter.
What is the price of renting a flat in Harare?
Rents for a 1-bedroom flat in Harare range from $314 to $383, depending on location and condition. Central apartments sit at the top of that range; outer neighborhoods and suburbs deliver noticeably better value per square meter.
What does commuting cost in Harare?
A monthly transit pass in Harare goes for roughly $60.1, which is one of the lighter items on a monthly budget. Coverage across residential and business areas is solid, and most residents without a car rely on it daily.
What are kindergarten prices in Harare?
Childcare averages $428 monthly at a private kindergarten in Harare. For many families, this single cost rivals rent, so it's essential to factor in before making a move.
Is $1,500 a month enough for Harare?
Living on $1,500 in Harare means careful planning, since monthly costs average $1,021. It works with a cheap apartment and disciplined spending, but expect trade-offs on where you live, how often you eat out, and entertainment.
What is quality of life like in Harare?
Living in Harare means access to vibrant nightlife, great local cuisine, multilingual environment at about $1,021 per month including rent. It works for a wide range of budgets, and most residents find the lifestyle-to-cost balance appealing. Your experience will depend on priorities like climate, culture, and career.
Is it possible to save on a local salary in Harare?
Monthly expenses in Harare run around $1,021, so putting money aside takes more than $1,532 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.
How budget-friendly is Harare for travelers?
Budget travel in Harare works but takes effort. Hostels, street food, and local restaurants keep daily costs reasonable. All-in monthly expenses run about $1,021 for residents – backpackers can do less with some planning.

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