Cost of Living in Lusaka - Updated Prices & Insights

40.07

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $646 (excluding rent), and $846 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,383 (excluding rent), and $2,109 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$7.35 ZMW 181

$3.88 ZMW 95.6

$14.6 ZMW 359

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$25.12 ZMW 618

$20.62 ZMW 507

$49.51 ZMW 1,218

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$3.8 ZMW 93.4

$3.66 ZMW 90.2

$3.97 ZMW 97.7

Cappuccino

$1.95 ZMW 47.9

$0.94 ZMW 23.22

$3.02 ZMW 74.3

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

$0.68 ZMW 16.83

$0.46 ZMW 11.3

$1.06 ZMW 25.96

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.36 ZMW 8.95

$0.24 ZMW 5.88

$0.53 ZMW 13.04

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$0.92 ZMW 22.71

$0.7 ZMW 17.22

$1.85 ZMW 45.42

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.74 ZMW 42.75

$1.13 ZMW 27.7

$2.25 ZMW 55.4

Milk (1 liter)

$1.29 ZMW 31.7

$0.76 ZMW 18.77

$1.8 ZMW 44.38

White Bread (500g)

$0.79 ZMW 19.51

$0.51 ZMW 12.67

$0.98 ZMW 24.07

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.59 ZMW 39.19

$0.98 ZMW 24.19

$4.24 ZMW 104

Eggs

$1.82 ZMW 44.89

$1.02 ZMW 25.05

$3.57 ZMW 87.8

Local Cheese (1kg)

$7.89 ZMW 194

$3.72 ZMW 91.6

$16.37 ZMW 403

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$3.99 ZMW 98.2

$1.87 ZMW 45.94

$6.59 ZMW 162

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$4.55 ZMW 112

$3.19 ZMW 78.4

$6.89 ZMW 169

Apples (1kg)

$2.49 ZMW 61.2

$1.07 ZMW 26.26

$3.61 ZMW 88.9

Banana (1kg)

$1.6 ZMW 39.24

$0.74 ZMW 18.17

$3.4 ZMW 83.6

Oranges (1kg)

$2.66 ZMW 65.4

$0.88 ZMW 21.73

$6.61 ZMW 163

Tomato (1kg)

$1.17 ZMW 28.78

$0.33 ZMW 8.08

$2.05 ZMW 50.5

Potato (1kg)

$1.81 ZMW 44.54

$0.4 ZMW 9.87

$5.06 ZMW 124

Onion (1kg)

$1.33 ZMW 32.73

$0.72 ZMW 17.7

$3.4 ZMW 83.6

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.94 ZMW 23.15

$0.41 ZMW 10.03

$1.38 ZMW 33.95

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.49 ZMW 12.04

$0.29 ZMW 7.22

$1.11 ZMW 27.2

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.46 ZMW 60.5

$2.02 ZMW 49.81

$3.81 ZMW 93.8

Wine (Bottle)

$6.83 ZMW 168

$5.14 ZMW 127

$9.13 ZMW 225

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.1 ZMW 26.95

$0.67 ZMW 16.51

$1.5 ZMW 36.9

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.53 ZMW 37.58

$0.9 ZMW 22.21

$2.57 ZMW 63.2

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.02 ZMW 25.1

$0.58 ZMW 14.2

$3.15 ZMW 77.6

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$39.24 ZMW 965

$31.19 ZMW 767

$54.5 ZMW 1,340

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.82 ZMW 69.3

$1.87 ZMW 46.05

$3.15 ZMW 77.4

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.14 ZMW 28.04

$0.49 ZMW 12.08

$1.66 ZMW 40.85

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$8.94 ZMW 220

$4.51 ZMW 111

$10.68 ZMW 263

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.23 ZMW 30.19

$1.17 ZMW 28.7

$1.32 ZMW 32.44

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

$7,918 ZMW 194.8K

$6,748 ZMW 166K

$9,087 ZMW 223.5K

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

$28.1K ZMW 692.1K

$6,033 ZMW 148.4K

$31.5K ZMW 775.4K

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

$90.4 ZMW 2,223

$37.95 ZMW 934

$198 ZMW 4,876

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

$52 ZMW 1,279

$5.61 ZMW 138

$98.9 ZMW 2,432

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$127 ZMW 3,136

$44.34 ZMW 1,091

$204 ZMW 5,008

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$44.32 ZMW 1,090

$23.75 ZMW 584

$56.7 ZMW 1,395

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$14.09 ZMW 347

$9.51 ZMW 234

$19.29 ZMW 474

Cinema Ticket

$4.09 ZMW 101

$2.22 ZMW 54.7

$4.9 ZMW 120

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

$177 ZMW 4,346

$60 ZMW 1,475

$306 ZMW 7,528

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$9,470 ZMW 233K

$3,952 ZMW 97.2K

$19.8K ZMW 486.1K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$19.17 ZMW 472

$13.81 ZMW 340

$23.03 ZMW 566

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$16.91 ZMW 416

$7.98 ZMW 196

$36.21 ZMW 891

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$84.2 ZMW 2,072

$45.11 ZMW 1,110

$110 ZMW 2,700

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$74.6 ZMW 1,834

$33.05 ZMW 813

$92.8 ZMW 2,282

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$230 ZMW 5,658

$195 ZMW 4,786

$812 ZMW 20K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$125 ZMW 3,075

$78.1 ZMW 1,921

$184 ZMW 4,515

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,041 ZMW 25.6K

$501 ZMW 12.3K

$2,002 ZMW 49.3K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$597 ZMW 14.7K

$270 ZMW 6,632

$1,507 ZMW 37.1K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,990 ZMW 49K

$10.7K ZMW 263.5K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$4,937 ZMW 121.4K

$2,040 ZMW 50.2K

$25.4K ZMW 624.4K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$317 ZMW 7,789

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.5

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

City tags:

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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.