Cost of Living in Lusaka - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $654 (excluding rent), and $851 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,391 (excluding rent), and $2,059 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$7.35 ZMW 141

$3.88 ZMW 74.3

$14.60 ZMW 279

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$25.43 ZMW 487

$20.88 ZMW 399

$50.1 ZMW 959

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$3.70 ZMW 70.7

$3.57 ZMW 68.2

$3.87 ZMW 73.9

Cappuccino

$1.93 ZMW 36.94

$0.94 ZMW 17.91

$2.99 ZMW 57.3

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.69 ZMW 13.18

$0.46 ZMW 8.85

$1.06 ZMW 20.34

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.36 ZMW 6.92

$0.24 ZMW 4.55

$0.53 ZMW 10.09

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$0.89 ZMW 17.03

$0.67 ZMW 12.91

$1.78 ZMW 34.06

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.81 ZMW 34.56

$1.17 ZMW 22.40

$2.34 ZMW 44.79

Milk (1 liter)

$1.26 ZMW 24.17

$0.75 ZMW 14.31

$1.77 ZMW 33.83

White Bread (500g)

$0.74 ZMW 14.17

$0.48 ZMW 9.20

$0.91 ZMW 17.48

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.59 ZMW 30.35

$0.98 ZMW 18.74

$4.22 ZMW 80.8

Eggs

$1.82 ZMW 34.85

$1.02 ZMW 19.44

$3.56 ZMW 68.2

Local Cheese (1kg)

$7.93 ZMW 152

$3.75 ZMW 71.7

$16.46 ZMW 315

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$3.83 ZMW 73.2

$1.79 ZMW 34.26

$6.32 ZMW 121

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$4.61 ZMW 88.2

$3.23 ZMW 61.8

$6.98 ZMW 134

Apples (1kg)

$2.61 ZMW 49.95

$1.12 ZMW 21.43

$3.79 ZMW 72.6

Banana (1kg)

$1.61 ZMW 30.78

$0.74 ZMW 14.25

$3.43 ZMW 65.6

Oranges (1kg)

$2.69 ZMW 51.5

$0.89 ZMW 17.11

$6.69 ZMW 128

Tomato (1kg)

$1.12 ZMW 21.45

$0.31 ZMW 6.02

$1.97 ZMW 37.63

Potato (1kg)

$1.88 ZMW 35.99

$0.42 ZMW 7.98

$5.26 ZMW 101

Onion (1kg)

$1.39 ZMW 26.56

$0.75 ZMW 14.36

$3.55 ZMW 67.9

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.94 ZMW 18.05

$0.41 ZMW 7.82

$1.38 ZMW 26.48

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.52 ZMW 9.88

$0.31 ZMW 5.93

$1.17 ZMW 22.33

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.52 ZMW 48.29

$2.08 ZMW 39.76

$3.91 ZMW 74.9

Wine (Bottle)

$7.48 ZMW 143

$5.51 ZMW 105

$13.63 ZMW 261

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.14 ZMW 21.82

$0.70 ZMW 13.37

$1.56 ZMW 29.88

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.56 ZMW 29.94

$0.92 ZMW 17.69

$2.63 ZMW 50.4

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.95 ZMW 18.25

$0.54 ZMW 10.33

$2.95 ZMW 56.4

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$38.75 ZMW 741

$30.81 ZMW 589

$53.8 ZMW 1,029

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.77 ZMW 53.0

$1.84 ZMW 35.23

$3.10 ZMW 59.2

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.15 ZMW 21.92

$0.49 ZMW 9.45

$1.67 ZMW 31.93

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$9.03 ZMW 173

$4.55 ZMW 87.1

$10.78 ZMW 206

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.20 ZMW 22.89

$1.14 ZMW 21.75

$1.29 ZMW 24.59

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$8,118 ZMW 155.3K

$6,919 ZMW 132.4K

$9,317 ZMW 178.2K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$28.1K ZMW 536.8K

$6,017 ZMW 115.1K

$31.4K ZMW 601.5K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$90.3 ZMW 1,727

$37.90 ZMW 725

$198 ZMW 3,787

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$52.0 ZMW 994

$5.60 ZMW 107

$98.8 ZMW 1,890

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$127 ZMW 2,433

$44.24 ZMW 846

$203 ZMW 3,885

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$44.62 ZMW 854

$23.91 ZMW 457

$57.1 ZMW 1,092

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$13.95 ZMW 267

$9.41 ZMW 180

$19.09 ZMW 365

Cinema Ticket

$4.14 ZMW 79.2

$2.25 ZMW 42.99

$4.95 ZMW 94.7

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$176 ZMW 3,358

$59.6 ZMW 1,140

$304 ZMW 5,816

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$9,737 ZMW 186.3K

$4,063 ZMW 77.7K

$20.3K ZMW 388.6K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$19.25 ZMW 368

$13.87 ZMW 265

$23.12 ZMW 442

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$17.30 ZMW 331

$8.17 ZMW 156

$37.05 ZMW 709

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$84.4 ZMW 1,614

$45.17 ZMW 864

$110 ZMW 2,102

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$74.4 ZMW 1,423

$32.97 ZMW 631

$92.5 ZMW 1,770

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$225 ZMW 4,303

$190 ZMW 3,640

$794 ZMW 15.2K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$123 ZMW 2,360

$77.1 ZMW 1,475

$181 ZMW 3,466

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,056 ZMW 20.2K

$508 ZMW 9,716

$2,032 ZMW 38.9K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$583 ZMW 11.2K

$263 ZMW 5,034

$1,471 ZMW 28.1K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,942 ZMW 37.2K

$1,888 ZMW 36.1K

$1,969 ZMW 37.7K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$3,863 ZMW 73.9K

$704 ZMW 13.5K

$16.3K ZMW 311.5K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$348 ZMW 6,666

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.5

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

Last update: March 1, 2026

Lusaka Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌍 Africa

Cost of Living in Lusaka - Frequently Asked Questions

In many respects Lusaka offers a mix: you can find a range of neighborhoods from leafy, established areas to buzzing commercial hubs. For longer stays, dining and basic services are accessible without the premium you might expect in bigger capitals, while higher-end options sit above the baseline. The city rewards thrifty planning, with opportunities to share housing, use local markets, and choose affordable transport modes. Overall, Cost of Living in Lusaka, Zambia reflects a balanced picture: value comes from choosing the right neighborhood and lifestyle. Tip: Start with a couple of trial stays in different areas to gauge where costs align with your daily needs.

On a day-to-day basis, you’ll mix street markets, casual cafes, and modern supermarkets. When searching for housing, prioritize proximity to work or transit links, security, and access to services; neighborhoods near the city center or university corridors are common hubs for expats and digital nomads. Food options range from markets with fresh produce to affordable eateries and international chains for quick meals. For getting around, ride-hailing, ride-sharing, minibuses, and good pedestrian paths make short trips easy, while some neighborhoods are better for co-working and quiet work days. Lusaka, Zambia living cost can shift by area, so map your lifestyle to a few neighborhoods before signing. Tip:

Quality of life in Lusaka blends outdoor-friendly days with city conveniences. Build a simple budgeting framework around core categories – housing, food, transport, and utilities – then add flexible allowances for activities and travel. Saving tips include sharing housing, cooking at home, using public transit when practical, and shopping at local markets. Seasonality is gentle but noticeable: rains can slow some errands, while dry periods tend to bring smoother commutes and plenty of outdoor options. To find the best fit, sample neighborhoods by walking tours, note morning and evening routines, and prioritize safety, access to amenities, and a sense of community. Tip: Maintain a flexible plan that lets you adjust as you discover your preferred pace and spaces.