Cost of Living in Harare - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $991 monthly including rent, or $728 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,659 with rent, or $1,137 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,327 including rent, or $1,546 for daily expenses alone.

Harare sits 18–26% below the global median across household types. Within Africa, costs are close to average – just 4% lower.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$10.14 ZWL 272
$4.56 ZWL 122
$20.27 ZWL 544
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$50.2 ZWL 1,347
$40.13 ZWL 1,077
$120 ZWL 3,232
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$7.03 ZWL 189
$5.02 ZWL 135
$8.03 ZWL 216
Cappuccino
$2.89 ZWL 77.7
$0.97 ZWL 26.17
$4.87 ZWL 131
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.67 ZWL 17.95
$0.48 ZWL 13.01
$1.94 ZWL 52.0
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.47 ZWL 12.67
$0.31 ZWL 8.45
$1.05 ZWL 28.16
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.47 ZWL 39.53
$0.98 ZWL 26.35
$2.94 ZWL 79.1
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.06 ZWL 55.2
$1.54 ZWL 41.43
$3.09 ZWL 82.9
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.63 ZWL 43.68
$1.02 ZWL 27.47
$2.05 ZWL 54.9
White Bread (500g)
$1.03 ZWL 27.54
$1.03 ZWL 27.54
$1.23 ZWL 33.04
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.89 ZWL 50.7
$0.99 ZWL 26.55
$2.97 ZWL 79.7
Eggs
$2.16 ZWL 58.0
$1.53 ZWL 41.06
$3.06 ZWL 82.1
Local Cheese (1kg)
$10.78 ZWL 289
$2.96 ZWL 79.6
$29.65 ZWL 796
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.24 ZWL 168
$3.31 ZWL 88.8
$9.72 ZWL 261
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$6.24 ZWL 168
$4.39 ZWL 118
$10.76 ZWL 289
Apples (1kg)
$2.97 ZWL 79.9
$1.51 ZWL 40.61
$4.03 ZWL 108
Banana (1kg)
$1.64 ZWL 44.15
$0.99 ZWL 26.60
$2.97 ZWL 79.8
Oranges (1kg)
$2.28 ZWL 61.3
$1.02 ZWL 27.48
$3.78 ZWL 101
Tomato (1kg)
$1.66 ZWL 44.55
$0.99 ZWL 26.52
$2.96 ZWL 79.6
Potato (1kg)
$1.51 ZWL 40.67
$0.49 ZWL 13.29
$2.97 ZWL 79.7
Onion (1kg)
$1.99 ZWL 53.3
$0.98 ZWL 26.41
$2.95 ZWL 79.2
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.98 ZWL 26.22
$0.49 ZWL 13.24
$1.97 ZWL 53.0
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.97 ZWL 26.01
$0.49 ZWL 13.27
$1.48 ZWL 39.81
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$1.12 ZWL 29.98
$1.02 ZWL 27.26
$2.03 ZWL 54.5
Wine (Bottle)
$9.18 ZWL 247
$5.10 ZWL 137
$10.20 ZWL 274
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.18 ZWL 31.79
$1.03 ZWL 27.65
$1.54 ZWL 41.47
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.71 ZWL 45.84
$0.98 ZWL 26.20
$2.93 ZWL 78.6
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.97 ZWL 26.15
$0.49 ZWL 13.08
$0.97 ZWL 26.15
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$43.15 ZWL 1,159
$25.38 ZWL 682
$60.9 ZWL 1,636
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$4.89 ZWL 131
$2.93 ZWL 78.7
$9.77 ZWL 262
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$2.05 ZWL 55.1
$2.05 ZWL 55.1
$3.08 ZWL 82.6
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$4.95 ZWL 133
$4.95 ZWL 133
$4.95 ZWL 133
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.57 ZWL 42.13
$1.48 ZWL 39.73
$1.64 ZWL 44.00
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$19.8K ZWL 530.5K
$17.8K ZWL 477.5K
$24.7K ZWL 663.2K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$23.9K ZWL 640.7K
$22.4K ZWL 602.4K
$25.5K ZWL 684.5K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$58.6 ZWL 1,573
$40.17 ZWL 1,079
$100 ZWL 2,696
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$17.79 ZWL 478
$15.09 ZWL 405
$25.16 ZWL 675
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$93.2 ZWL 2,501
$60.4 ZWL 1,622
$201 ZWL 5,406
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$53.5 ZWL 1,437
$25.09 ZWL 674
$80.3 ZWL 2,156
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$14.20 ZWL 381
$5.01 ZWL 135
$20.04 ZWL 538
Cinema Ticket
$9.93 ZWL 267
$5.96 ZWL 160
$19.85 ZWL 533
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$283 ZWL 7,599
$204 ZWL 5,472
$509 ZWL 13.7K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$7,356 ZWL 197.5K
$3,018 ZWL 81.0K
$15.1K ZWL 405.2K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$19.00 ZWL 510
$9.81 ZWL 263
$29.42 ZWL 790
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$21.04 ZWL 565
$9.85 ZWL 264
$49.25 ZWL 1,322
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$34.77 ZWL 934
$25.14 ZWL 675
$50.3 ZWL 1,350
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$40.05 ZWL 1,075
$19.85 ZWL 533
$59.5 ZWL 1,599
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$403 ZWL 10.8K
$254 ZWL 6,817
$812 ZWL 21.8K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$280 ZWL 7,527
$151 ZWL 4,053
$453 ZWL 12.2K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$941 ZWL 25.3K
$589 ZWL 15.8K
$1,768 ZWL 47.5K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$688 ZWL 18.5K
$397 ZWL 10.7K
$1,289 ZWL 34.6K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$899 ZWL 24.1K
$495 ZWL 13.3K
$1,041 ZWL 27.9K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$390 ZWL 10.5K
$349 ZWL 9,368
$422 ZWL 11.3K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$393 ZWL 10.6K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
13.31
10
18

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

Last update: May 30, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $403 for a central one-bedroom, or $280 outside the center. At 103% of the average salary ($393), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $393, while typical expenses reach $991. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $219 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $50.0 for two – above the African average of $42.00.

Public transport is priced at around $43.15 per month – above the African average of $29.00.

Cost Highlights

Preschool or kindergarten, full day, private, 1 child is more expensive than 96% of cities in Africa

Monthly cost (excluding rent) is more expensive than 96% of cities in Africa

Internet is more expensive than 94% of cities in Africa

Harare Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
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 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 $991 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 $991 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 $393 take-home, most residents in Harare can cover the $991 monthly cost of living. Those earning $1,486 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 $280 to $403, 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 $43.15, 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 $283 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 $991. 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 $991 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 $991, so putting money aside takes more than $1,486 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 $991 for residents – backpackers can do less with some planning.

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