Cost of Living in Harare - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $1,022 monthly including rent, or $669 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,680 with rent, or $1,131 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,338 including rent, or $1,592 for daily expenses alone.

Harare sits 20–25% below the global median across household types. Within Africa, costs are slightly above average (11%) – still relatively affordable for the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$10.02 ZWL 267
$4.26 ZWL 113
$20.05 ZWL 533
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$44.35 ZWL 1,179
$29.57 ZWL 786
$78.8 ZWL 2,096
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$5.94 ZWL 158
$4.95 ZWL 132
$9.90 ZWL 263
Cappuccino
$3.17 ZWL 84.4
$1.54 ZWL 40.83
$8.19 ZWL 218
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.94 ZWL 25.01
$0.51 ZWL 13.59
$2.04 ZWL 54.4
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.53 ZWL 14.15
$0.34 ZWL 9.15
$1.04 ZWL 27.74
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.47 ZWL 39.10
$0.88 ZWL 23.46
$2.94 ZWL 78.2
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.06 ZWL 54.7
$1.54 ZWL 41.00
$3.08 ZWL 82.0
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.53 ZWL 40.58
$1.52 ZWL 40.31
$2.02 ZWL 53.8
White Bread (500g)
$0.98 ZWL 25.95
$0.98 ZWL 25.95
$1.17 ZWL 31.15
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.77 ZWL 47.10
$1.03 ZWL 27.38
$2.57 ZWL 68.5
Eggs
$1.97 ZWL 52.4
$1.63 ZWL 43.40
$2.69 ZWL 71.6
Local Cheese (1kg)
$11.78 ZWL 313
$4.90 ZWL 130
$29.42 ZWL 782
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$5.69 ZWL 151
$4.08 ZWL 108
$7.14 ZWL 190
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$6.51 ZWL 173
$4.86 ZWL 129
$8.74 ZWL 232
Apples (1kg)
$2.98 ZWL 79.2
$1.19 ZWL 31.58
$4.95 ZWL 132
Banana (1kg)
$1.59 ZWL 42.38
$0.97 ZWL 25.84
$1.94 ZWL 51.7
Oranges (1kg)
$2.00 ZWL 53.2
$1.01 ZWL 26.73
$2.51 ZWL 66.8
Tomato (1kg)
$1.54 ZWL 41.02
$0.92 ZWL 24.34
$2.06 ZWL 54.7
Potato (1kg)
$1.74 ZWL 46.25
$1.02 ZWL 27.09
$2.06 ZWL 54.7
Onion (1kg)
$1.72 ZWL 45.79
$0.98 ZWL 26.02
$2.94 ZWL 78.1
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.16 ZWL 30.72
$0.49 ZWL 13.13
$1.98 ZWL 52.5
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.03 ZWL 27.46
$0.51 ZWL 13.46
$1.52 ZWL 40.38
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$1.96 ZWL 52.1
$0.98 ZWL 26.06
$2.94 ZWL 78.2
Wine (Bottle)
$9.38 ZWL 250
$3.95 ZWL 105
$9.88 ZWL 263
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.33 ZWL 35.40
$0.98 ZWL 26.03
$1.49 ZWL 39.56
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.98 ZWL 52.7
$1.02 ZWL 27.18
$3.07 ZWL 81.5
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.02 ZWL 27.20
$1.02 ZWL 27.20
$1.53 ZWL 40.81
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$59.6 ZWL 1,584
$29.78 ZWL 792
$59.6 ZWL 1,584
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$4.54 ZWL 121
$3.03 ZWL 80.5
$5.04 ZWL 134
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$2.03 ZWL 54.1
$1.53 ZWL 40.58
$3.05 ZWL 81.2
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$5.12 ZWL 136
$5.12 ZWL 136
$15.36 ZWL 408
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.82 ZWL 48.47
$1.50 ZWL 39.98
$2.27 ZWL 60.3
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$22.3K ZWL 592.5K
$20.3K ZWL 538.6K
$25.3K ZWL 673.3K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$27.2K ZWL 723.7K
$22.8K ZWL 605.3K
$35.6K ZWL 947.4K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$53.1 ZWL 1,412
$39.32 ZWL 1,045
$98.3 ZWL 2,614
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$21.70 ZWL 577
$12.04 ZWL 320
$50.2 ZWL 1,334
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$65.8 ZWL 1,748
$44.24 ZWL 1,176
$98.3 ZWL 2,614
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$49.48 ZWL 1,316
$19.96 ZWL 531
$99.8 ZWL 2,653
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$22.39 ZWL 595
$9.95 ZWL 265
$29.85 ZWL 794
Cinema Ticket
$9.99 ZWL 266
$6.99 ZWL 186
$19.97 ZWL 531
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$464 ZWL 12.3K
$201 ZWL 5,340
$954 ZWL 25.4K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$8,950 ZWL 238.0K
$4,958 ZWL 131.8K
$20.8K ZWL 553.7K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$24.36 ZWL 648
$10.14 ZWL 270
$50.7 ZWL 1,348
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$21.92 ZWL 583
$10.10 ZWL 269
$30.30 ZWL 806
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$37.97 ZWL 1,010
$24.84 ZWL 660
$59.6 ZWL 1,585
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$41.06 ZWL 1,092
$20.12 ZWL 535
$80.5 ZWL 2,140
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$407 ZWL 10.8K
$197 ZWL 5,232
$639 ZWL 17.0K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$323 ZWL 8,579
$204 ZWL 5,419
$424 ZWL 11.3K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$905 ZWL 24.1K
$508 ZWL 13.5K
$1,524 ZWL 40.5K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$713 ZWL 19.0K
$443 ZWL 11.8K
$1,378 ZWL 36.6K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$913 ZWL 24.3K
$493 ZWL 13.1K
$1,036 ZWL 27.6K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$394 ZWL 10.5K
$352 ZWL 9,368
$426 ZWL 11.3K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$405 ZWL 10.8K
-
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: August 9, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $407 for a central one-bedroom, or $323 outside the center. At 101% of the average salary ($405), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $405, while typical expenses reach $1,022. 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 $44.00 for two – broadly in line with the African average.

Public transport is priced at around $59.6 per month – above the African average of $30.00.

Cost Highlights

Harare has the 8th most expensive gasoline in Africa

Public transport monthly pass is more expensive than 94% of cities in Africa

Preschool or kindergarten, full day, private, 1 child is more expensive than 93% 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 $1,022 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 $1,022 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 $405 take-home, most residents in Harare can cover the $1,022 monthly cost of living. Those earning $1,533 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 $323 to $407, 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 $59.6, 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 $464 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 $1,022. 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 $1,022 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 $1,022, so putting money aside takes more than $1,533 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 $1,022 for residents – backpackers can do less with some planning.

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