Cost of Living in Lusaka - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $639 (excluding rent), and $867 including rent.

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

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$7.08 ZMW 142

$3.74 ZMW 74.8

$14.07 ZMW 281

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$25.03 ZMW 500

$20.54 ZMW 410

$49.33 ZMW 986

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$3.64 ZMW 72.8

$3.51 ZMW 70.2

$3.81 ZMW 76.1

Cappuccino

$1.94 ZMW 38.70

$0.94 ZMW 18.76

$3.00 ZMW 60.0

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

$0.68 ZMW 13.65

$0.46 ZMW 9.16

$1.05 ZMW 21.06

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.34 ZMW 6.70

$0.22 ZMW 4.40

$0.49 ZMW 9.76

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$0.89 ZMW 17.74

$0.67 ZMW 13.45

$1.78 ZMW 35.48

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.74 ZMW 34.77

$1.13 ZMW 22.53

$2.26 ZMW 45.06

Milk (1 liter)

$1.32 ZMW 26.44

$0.78 ZMW 15.66

$1.85 ZMW 37.02

White Bread (500g)

$0.78 ZMW 15.65

$0.51 ZMW 10.16

$0.97 ZMW 19.31

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.63 ZMW 32.61

$1.01 ZMW 20.13

$4.34 ZMW 86.8

Eggs

$1.78 ZMW 35.49

$0.99 ZMW 19.81

$3.47 ZMW 69.4

Local Cheese (1kg)

$7.93 ZMW 158

$3.74 ZMW 74.8

$16.45 ZMW 329

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$3.91 ZMW 78.1

$1.83 ZMW 36.52

$6.45 ZMW 129

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$4.68 ZMW 93.5

$3.28 ZMW 65.6

$7.09 ZMW 142

Apples (1kg)

$2.49 ZMW 49.80

$1.07 ZMW 21.37

$3.62 ZMW 72.4

Banana (1kg)

$1.65 ZMW 32.99

$0.76 ZMW 15.28

$3.52 ZMW 70.3

Oranges (1kg)

$2.81 ZMW 56.2

$0.93 ZMW 18.67

$6.99 ZMW 140

Tomato (1kg)

$1.15 ZMW 23.01

$0.32 ZMW 6.46

$2.02 ZMW 40.38

Potato (1kg)

$1.90 ZMW 37.92

$0.42 ZMW 8.40

$5.30 ZMW 106

Onion (1kg)

$1.32 ZMW 26.44

$0.72 ZMW 14.29

$3.38 ZMW 67.6

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.92 ZMW 18.37

$0.40 ZMW 7.96

$1.35 ZMW 26.95

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.48 ZMW 9.53

$0.29 ZMW 5.72

$1.08 ZMW 21.53

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.42 ZMW 48.44

$2.00 ZMW 39.88

$3.76 ZMW 75.1

Wine (Bottle)

$7.40 ZMW 148

$5.45 ZMW 109

$13.49 ZMW 270

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.14 ZMW 22.74

$0.70 ZMW 13.93

$1.56 ZMW 31.13

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.59 ZMW 31.67

$0.94 ZMW 18.71

$2.67 ZMW 53.3

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.04 ZMW 20.68

$0.59 ZMW 11.70

$3.20 ZMW 63.9

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$38.21 ZMW 763

$30.38 ZMW 607

$53.0 ZMW 1,060

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.81 ZMW 56.2

$1.87 ZMW 37.31

$3.14 ZMW 62.7

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.17 ZMW 23.38

$0.50 ZMW 10.08

$1.70 ZMW 34.06

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$9.34 ZMW 187

$4.70 ZMW 94.0

$11.14 ZMW 223

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.23 ZMW 24.59

$1.17 ZMW 23.37

$1.32 ZMW 26.41

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

$8,063 ZMW 161.1K

$6,872 ZMW 137.3K

$9,254 ZMW 184.9K

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

$29.0K ZMW 579.4K

$6,218 ZMW 124.2K

$32.5K ZMW 649.2K

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

$91.3 ZMW 1,825

$38.35 ZMW 766

$200 ZMW 4,002

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

$53.3 ZMW 1,064

$5.74 ZMW 115

$101 ZMW 2,023

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$126 ZMW 2,515

$43.77 ZMW 875

$201 ZMW 4,016

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$45.32 ZMW 906

$24.29 ZMW 485

$58.0 ZMW 1,158

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$13.95 ZMW 279

$9.42 ZMW 188

$19.10 ZMW 382

Cinema Ticket

$4.13 ZMW 82.5

$2.24 ZMW 44.81

$4.94 ZMW 98.7

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

$179 ZMW 3,578

$60.8 ZMW 1,214

$310 ZMW 6,198

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$9,680 ZMW 193.4K

$4,039 ZMW 80.7K

$20.2K ZMW 403.5K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$18.79 ZMW 375

$13.54 ZMW 271

$22.57 ZMW 451

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$16.87 ZMW 337

$7.96 ZMW 159

$36.13 ZMW 722

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$85.4 ZMW 1,707

$45.75 ZMW 914

$111 ZMW 2,224

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$72.9 ZMW 1,457

$32.32 ZMW 646

$90.7 ZMW 1,813

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$230 ZMW 4,588

$194 ZMW 3,881

$811 ZMW 16.2K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$124 ZMW 2,469

$77.2 ZMW 1,543

$182 ZMW 3,627

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,032 ZMW 20.6K

$496 ZMW 9,909

$1,984 ZMW 39.6K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$598 ZMW 12.0K

$270 ZMW 5,396

$1,510 ZMW 30.2K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,935 ZMW 38.7K

$1,881 ZMW 37.6K

$1,962 ZMW 39.2K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$3,782 ZMW 75.6K

$689 ZMW 13.8K

$15.9K ZMW 318.5K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$344 ZMW 6,868

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.5

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

Last update: January 12, 2026

Lusaka Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

231

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.