For one person, living costs in Maputo are estimated at $1,128 a month, including rent and utilities, which take more than a third of the total. Other living expenses average about $22 a day.
Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Maputo actually costs, broken down by who's living it.
A single person spends around $1,128 per month with rent, or $683 for everyday expenses alone.
$1,128 /mo
A couple spends around $1,739 per month with rent, or $1,200 for everyday expenses alone.
$1,739 /mo
A family of three spends around $2,351 per month with rent, or $1,718 without housing.
$2,351 /mo
📊
Overall, Maputo is about 17% below the global median. Within Africa, costs are 24% above average – pricier than most cities in the region.
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l(Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$32.3KMZN 2.0M
$28.7KMZN 1.8M
$35.9KMZN 2.3M
Compact Sedan 1.6l(Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$23.2KMZN 1.5M
$10.8KMZN 682.1K
$23.2KMZN 1.5M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$69.9MZN 4,418
$38.91MZN 2,461
$124MZN 7,845
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$7.86MZN 497
$7.86MZN 497
$7.86MZN 497
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$89.1MZN 5,638
$63.7MZN 4,027
$239MZN 15.1K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$42.69MZN 2,700
$23.90MZN 1,512
$55.8MZN 3,528
Tennis Court(1 Hour on Weekend)
$25.63MZN 1,621
$15.38MZN 973
$38.45MZN 2,432
Cinema Ticket
$8.01MZN 507
$8.01MZN 507
$8.01MZN 507
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
$127MZN 8,033
$54.2MZN 3,428
$232MZN 14.7K
International Primary School, 1 Child(Yearly)
$5,168MZN 326.9K
$3,210MZN 203.0K
$6,608MZN 417.9K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$49.94MZN 3,158
$15.61MZN 987
$101MZN 6,416
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
$55.0MZN 3,478
$30.68MZN 1,941
$61.4MZN 3,882
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$79.7MZN 5,043
$55.8MZN 3,530
$112MZN 7,060
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$80.4MZN 5,086
$39.81MZN 2,518
$159MZN 10.1K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$546MZN 34.5K
$314MZN 19.9K
$803MZN 50.8K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$375MZN 23.7K
$233MZN 14.7K
$526MZN 33.3K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$1,091MZN 69.0K
$557MZN 35.2K
$1,637MZN 103.6K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$563MZN 35.6K
$280MZN 17.7K
$1,122MZN 70.9K
Buy Apartment in City Center(m2)
$4,248MZN 268.7K
$1,027MZN 65.0K
$6,974MZN 441.1K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center(m2)
$2,061MZN 130.3K
$505MZN 31.9K
$3,346MZN 211.6K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$323MZN 20.4K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate(Annual %)
25
-
CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update: October 11, 2026
Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Share of the monthly basket for a family of three, rent included.
Maputo$1,128
Maputo$2,351
🏠Accommodation & Living
$375 33.3%
🛒Groceries & Markets
$226 20%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$167 14.8%
🍽Eating Out
$150 13.3%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$119 10.6%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$59 5.2%
🚌Getting Around
$32 2.9%
🏠Accommodation & Living
$563 24%
🛒Groceries & Markets
$514 21.9%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$175 7.4%
🍽Eating Out
$625 26.6%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$265 11.3%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$143 6.1%
🚌Getting Around
$65 2.8%
Cost Breakdown
🏠A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $546, dropping to $375 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 169% of the average salary ($323) – well above the 30% international benchmark.
💰The average net salary is $323 – below monthly costs of $1,128. Most locals rely on shared housing or dual incomes. Remote workers earning abroad will find stronger purchasing power.
🛒Groceries cost around $226 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $64.0 – above the African average of $41.00.
🚌A monthly public transport pass costs about $23.39 – roughly in line with the African average of $30.00.
Cost Highlights
⭐Internet is more expensive than 96% of cities in Africa
⭐Three-course dinner for two, mid-range is more expensive than 96% of cities in Africa
⭐Family monthly cost (excluding rent) is more expensive than 94% of cities in Africa
Popular online taxi apps offering convenient, cashless rides in many countries, including Uber, Bolt, Grab, inDrive, DiDi, Careem, Gojek, Maxim, and Yango
Portuguese is commonly spoken or the national language
Cost of Living in Maputo - Frequently Asked Questions
How affordable is Maputo for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who tends to get good value there?
Maputo offers a mix of affordable local options and premium choices that appeal to different travelers, expats, and digital nomads. If you prioritize local experiences, daily costs can be modest through markets, casual restaurants, and cooking at home. Imported goods and higher-end services push prices up, but longer stays and shared housing can improve value. For many, the city feels comparatively welcoming for those who value lifestyle and access over ultralow prices. Cost of Living in Maputo, Mozambique varies by neighborhood and season, so choose a base that balances comfort and accessibility. Tip: start with a trial month to gauge local costs.
What does daily life look like in Maputo, regarding housing search, food options, transport, co-working, and errands?
Daily life centers on a mix of convenience and local flavor. In housing, you’ll find furnished apartments, shared houses, and short-term stays; longer leases often yield better terms. Food options range from vibrant markets with fresh produce to casual eateries and seaside grills; cooking at home helps stretch your budget. Transport includes taxis, ride-hailing, and walkable streets in central areas, with affordable options if you avoid peak hours. Co-working spaces and cafés can suit remote work, while errands unfold near markets, pharmacies, and small shops. Maputo living cost guides how you plan groceries, transit, and workspace, so test several neighborhoods. Tip: map your daily routes to minimize backtracking.
What about quality of life, budgeting frameworks, and seasonal considerations to help you pick the right neighborhood and routine?
Quality of life in Maputo tends to reward flexibility, social scene, and access to the sea; you’ll notice seasonal weather shifts that affect humidity and outdoor plans. A simple budgeting approach works: separate essentials from discretionary spending, track recurring costs like housing and utilities, and leave a buffer for surprises. Neighborhood fit matters: some areas feel more active, others quieter, and proximity to groceries, clinics, and coworking spaces matters more than distance to the center. For savings, lean into local options – market meals, local transport, and shared housing – and consider seasonal changes in demand for long-term leases. Tip: visit neighborhoods at different times and days to sense rhythm.
Is the cost of living in Maputo reasonable?
Maputo is mid-range – monthly costs with rent reach about $1,128. For most residents, that's a fair trade: urban amenities, services, and job access without major-hub prices.
Is Maputo affordable on an average income?
Maputo sits squarely in the middle of the price spectrum – not cheap, not expensive. Monthly costs with rent tend to hover around $1,128, which most working professionals can handle without feeling financially squeezed.
How does the average salary in Maputo compare to the cost of living?
The average net salary in Maputo is about $323, while comfortable living starts around $1,692. With total costs hitting $1,128 monthly, saving is possible if you earn above average – but it takes intentional budgeting.
How much does a one-bedroom apartment cost to rent in Maputo?
A central one-bedroom apartment in Maputo runs about $546 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $375. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.
How expensive is preschool in Maputo per month?
Private kindergarten in Maputo costs about $127 per month – a big number for families. Prices vary by curriculum and whether you go local or international. Public options are cheaper where they exist, but waitlists can be long.
How much is a monthly gym pass in Maputo?
Expect to pay about $42.69 per month for a gym in Maputo – on par with the regional average. That typically gets you weights, cardio machines, and group classes. Boutique studios, yoga centers, and personal trainers charge extra.
Does $2,000 cover living expenses in Maputo?
$2,000 is below the $1,128 average in Maputo, so it's tight but not impossible. You'll need to keep rent low – sharing an apartment, cooking at home, and sticking to public transport are the main levers.
What is life like for foreigners living in Maputo?
Maputo works well for expats – there's a solid range of international services, diverse housing, and established communities of foreigners. English-language options for healthcare, banking, and real estate are increasingly available, making the transition fairly smooth.
Is Maputo affordable for the average person?
Maputo is neither cheap nor expensive – it sits comfortably in the middle. Monthly costs with rent run about $1,128, a figure most working professionals can handle without major financial stress.
Can budget travelers get by in Maputo?
Maputo is doable for backpackers, though it takes more planning than cheaper destinations. Monthly costs average $1,128, so daily spending is moderate. Hostels, local food, and public transport keep things in check, but attractions and nightlife can push costs up.