Cost of Living in Lusaka - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $639 (excluding rent), and $850 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,369 (excluding rent), and $2,069 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$7.23 ZMW 138

$3.82 ZMW 73.1

$14.35 ZMW 275

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$24.83 ZMW 475

$20.38 ZMW 390

$48.93 ZMW 936

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$3.68 ZMW 70.4

$3.55 ZMW 67.9

$3.85 ZMW 73.6

Cappuccino

$1.99 ZMW 38.11

$0.97 ZMW 18.48

$3.09 ZMW 59.1

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

$0.72 ZMW 13.85

$0.49 ZMW 9.30

$1.12 ZMW 21.37

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.34 ZMW 6.50

$0.22 ZMW 4.27

$0.49 ZMW 9.47

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$0.92 ZMW 17.66

$0.70 ZMW 13.39

$1.85 ZMW 35.31

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.74 ZMW 33.24

$1.13 ZMW 21.54

$2.25 ZMW 43.08

Milk (1 liter)

$1.32 ZMW 25.17

$0.78 ZMW 14.91

$1.84 ZMW 35.24

White Bread (500g)

$0.73 ZMW 14.02

$0.48 ZMW 9.10

$0.90 ZMW 17.30

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.60 ZMW 30.67

$0.99 ZMW 18.93

$4.26 ZMW 81.6

Eggs

$1.84 ZMW 35.25

$1.03 ZMW 19.67

$3.60 ZMW 68.9

Local Cheese (1kg)

$7.70 ZMW 147

$3.63 ZMW 69.5

$15.97 ZMW 306

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$3.98 ZMW 76.1

$1.86 ZMW 35.60

$6.56 ZMW 126

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$4.74 ZMW 90.7

$3.33 ZMW 63.6

$7.19 ZMW 137

Apples (1kg)

$2.48 ZMW 47.52

$1.07 ZMW 20.39

$3.61 ZMW 69.0

Banana (1kg)

$1.67 ZMW 31.91

$0.77 ZMW 14.77

$3.55 ZMW 68.0

Oranges (1kg)

$2.80 ZMW 53.5

$0.93 ZMW 17.78

$6.96 ZMW 133

Tomato (1kg)

$1.17 ZMW 22.40

$0.33 ZMW 6.29

$2.05 ZMW 39.30

Potato (1kg)

$1.89 ZMW 36.17

$0.42 ZMW 8.02

$5.28 ZMW 101

Onion (1kg)

$1.36 ZMW 26.09

$0.74 ZMW 14.11

$3.48 ZMW 66.7

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.94 ZMW 17.92

$0.41 ZMW 7.77

$1.37 ZMW 26.28

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.48 ZMW 9.17

$0.29 ZMW 5.50

$1.08 ZMW 20.71

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.53 ZMW 48.34

$2.08 ZMW 39.80

$3.92 ZMW 74.9

Wine (Bottle)

$8.07 ZMW 154

$5.49 ZMW 105

$15.42 ZMW 295

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.13 ZMW 21.61

$0.69 ZMW 13.24

$1.55 ZMW 29.59

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.53 ZMW 29.26

$0.90 ZMW 17.29

$2.57 ZMW 49.21

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.00 ZMW 19.17

$0.57 ZMW 10.84

$3.10 ZMW 59.2

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$38.65 ZMW 739

$30.72 ZMW 588

$53.6 ZMW 1,026

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.73 ZMW 52.2

$1.81 ZMW 34.66

$3.05 ZMW 58.3

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.13 ZMW 21.63

$0.49 ZMW 9.32

$1.65 ZMW 31.52

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$8.99 ZMW 172

$4.53 ZMW 86.6

$10.73 ZMW 205

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.23 ZMW 23.50

$1.17 ZMW 22.34

$1.32 ZMW 25.25

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

$8,140 ZMW 155.7K

$6,938 ZMW 132.7K

$9,342 ZMW 178.7K

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

$28.5K ZMW 544.9K

$6,108 ZMW 116.8K

$31.9K ZMW 610.5K

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

$92.9 ZMW 1,778

$39.02 ZMW 746

$204 ZMW 3,899

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

$53.1 ZMW 1,016

$5.73 ZMW 110

$101 ZMW 1,932

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$126 ZMW 2,402

$43.68 ZMW 836

$201 ZMW 3,836

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$45.23 ZMW 865

$24.24 ZMW 464

$57.9 ZMW 1,107

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$13.75 ZMW 263

$9.28 ZMW 178

$18.83 ZMW 360

Cinema Ticket

$4.27 ZMW 81.6

$2.32 ZMW 44.34

$5.10 ZMW 97.7

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

$175 ZMW 3,349

$59.4 ZMW 1,137

$303 ZMW 5,800

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$9,583 ZMW 183.3K

$3,999 ZMW 76.5K

$20.0K ZMW 382.5K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$18.74 ZMW 358

$13.50 ZMW 258

$22.51 ZMW 431

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$17.19 ZMW 329

$8.12 ZMW 155

$36.82 ZMW 704

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$85.8 ZMW 1,642

$45.95 ZMW 879

$112 ZMW 2,138

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$73.9 ZMW 1,414

$32.75 ZMW 627

$91.9 ZMW 1,759

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$222 ZMW 4,251

$188 ZMW 3,596

$785 ZMW 15.0K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$120 ZMW 2,299

$75.1 ZMW 1,437

$177 ZMW 3,377

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,042 ZMW 19.9K

$501 ZMW 9,582

$2,003 ZMW 38.3K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$600 ZMW 11.5K

$271 ZMW 5,180

$1,514 ZMW 29.0K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,997 ZMW 38.2K

$1,941 ZMW 37.1K

$2,025 ZMW 38.7K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$3,895 ZMW 74.5K

$709 ZMW 13.6K

$16.4K ZMW 314.1K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$344 ZMW 6,576

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.5

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

Last update: April 13, 2026

Lusaka Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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.