Cost of Living in Lusaka - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $649 (excluding rent), and $851 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,403 (excluding rent), and $2,039 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$7.29 ZMW 167

$3.85 ZMW 88.3

$14.48 ZMW 332

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$25.21 ZMW 578

$20.7 ZMW 474

$49.7 ZMW 1,139

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$3.69 ZMW 84.6

$3.56 ZMW 81.7

$3.86 ZMW 88.5

Cappuccino

$1.94 ZMW 44.51

$0.94 ZMW 21.58

$3.01 ZMW 69

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

$0.67 ZMW 15.31

$0.45 ZMW 10.28

$1.03 ZMW 23.62

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.34 ZMW 7.69

$0.22 ZMW 5.05

$0.49 ZMW 11.21

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$0.94 ZMW 21.45

$0.71 ZMW 16.27

$1.87 ZMW 42.91

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.76 ZMW 40.42

$1.14 ZMW 26.19

$2.29 ZMW 52.4

Milk (1 liter)

$1.27 ZMW 29.16

$0.75 ZMW 17.27

$1.78 ZMW 40.83

White Bread (500g)

$0.74 ZMW 16.9

$0.48 ZMW 10.98

$0.91 ZMW 20.85

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.6 ZMW 36.69

$0.99 ZMW 22.65

$4.26 ZMW 97.6

Eggs

$1.85 ZMW 42.37

$1.03 ZMW 23.64

$3.62 ZMW 82.9

Local Cheese (1kg)

$7.55 ZMW 173

$3.57 ZMW 81.7

$15.67 ZMW 359

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$3.87 ZMW 88.8

$1.81 ZMW 41.54

$6.39 ZMW 147

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$4.56 ZMW 105

$3.2 ZMW 73.4

$6.92 ZMW 159

Apples (1kg)

$2.57 ZMW 58.9

$1.1 ZMW 25.28

$3.73 ZMW 85.6

Banana (1kg)

$1.67 ZMW 38.19

$0.77 ZMW 17.68

$3.55 ZMW 81.3

Oranges (1kg)

$2.79 ZMW 63.9

$0.93 ZMW 21.23

$6.93 ZMW 159

Tomato (1kg)

$1.12 ZMW 25.64

$0.31 ZMW 7.2

$1.96 ZMW 44.98

Potato (1kg)

$1.8 ZMW 41.29

$0.4 ZMW 9.15

$5.03 ZMW 115

Onion (1kg)

$1.32 ZMW 30.22

$0.71 ZMW 16.34

$3.37 ZMW 77.2

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.86 ZMW 19.69

$0.37 ZMW 8.53

$1.26 ZMW 28.87

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.52 ZMW 11.81

$0.31 ZMW 7.09

$1.16 ZMW 26.69

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.44 ZMW 55.8

$2.01 ZMW 45.97

$3.78 ZMW 86.6

Wine (Bottle)

$6.65 ZMW 152

$5.2 ZMW 119

$8.63 ZMW 198

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.12 ZMW 25.74

$0.69 ZMW 15.77

$1.54 ZMW 35.25

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.58 ZMW 36.1

$0.93 ZMW 21.33

$2.65 ZMW 60.7

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.96 ZMW 21.94

$0.54 ZMW 12.41

$2.96 ZMW 67.8

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$39.08 ZMW 896

$31.06 ZMW 712

$54.2 ZMW 1,243

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.81 ZMW 64.5

$1.87 ZMW 42.83

$3.14 ZMW 72

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.18 ZMW 27.08

$0.51 ZMW 11.67

$1.72 ZMW 39.46

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$9.14 ZMW 210

$4.61 ZMW 106

$10.91 ZMW 250

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.19 ZMW 27.34

$1.13 ZMW 25.98

$1.28 ZMW 29.37

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

$7,862 ZMW 180.2K

$6,701 ZMW 153.6K

$9,023 ZMW 206.8K

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

$28.4K ZMW 651.4K

$6,095 ZMW 139.7K

$31.8K ZMW 729.9K

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

$90.4 ZMW 2,073

$37.97 ZMW 870

$198 ZMW 4,546

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

$52.1 ZMW 1,194

$5.62 ZMW 129

$99 ZMW 2,270

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$127 ZMW 2,903

$44.05 ZMW 1,010

$202 ZMW 4,636

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$45.49 ZMW 1,043

$24.38 ZMW 559

$58.2 ZMW 1,334

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$13.7 ZMW 314

$9.25 ZMW 212

$18.75 ZMW 430

Cinema Ticket

$4.2 ZMW 96.2

$2.28 ZMW 52.3

$5.02 ZMW 115

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

$180 ZMW 4,130

$61.2 ZMW 1,402

$312 ZMW 7,154

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$9,764 ZMW 223.8K

$4,075 ZMW 93.4K

$20.4K ZMW 466.9K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$18.96 ZMW 435

$13.66 ZMW 313

$22.78 ZMW 522

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$17.32 ZMW 397

$8.18 ZMW 187

$37.09 ZMW 850

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$84.5 ZMW 1,936

$45.24 ZMW 1,037

$110 ZMW 2,522

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$74 ZMW 1,696

$32.8 ZMW 752

$92.1 ZMW 2,110

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$229 ZMW 5,241

$193 ZMW 4,433

$807 ZMW 18.5K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$121 ZMW 2,762

$75.3 ZMW 1,726

$177 ZMW 4,057

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,047 ZMW 24K

$503 ZMW 11.5K

$2,014 ZMW 46.2K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$601 ZMW 13.8K

$271 ZMW 6,216

$1,516 ZMW 34.8K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,976 ZMW 45.3K

$1,921 ZMW 44K

$2,004 ZMW 45.9K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$3,779 ZMW 86.6K

$688 ZMW 15.8K

$15.9K ZMW 365.2K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$313 ZMW 7,164

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.5

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

Last update: November 30, 2025

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.