Cost of Living in Masvingo - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $640 per month with rent, or $550 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $1,111 per month with rent, or $873 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $1,582 per month with rent, or $1,196 without housing.

Overall, Masvingo is 44–52% below the global median across household types. Within Africa, costs are well below average (38% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.

Currency
Do you live in Masvingo? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$9.83 ZWL 264
$4.42 ZWL 119
$19.66 ZWL 528
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$49.35 ZWL 1,325
$39.48 ZWL 1,060
$118 ZWL 3,180
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$7.13 ZWL 191
$5.09 ZWL 137
$8.15 ZWL 219
Cappuccino
$2.92 ZWL 78.4
$0.98 ZWL 26.41
$4.92 ZWL 132
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.72 ZWL 19.36
$0.52 ZWL 14.03
$2.09 ZWL 56.1
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.46 ZWL 12.38
$0.31 ZWL 8.25
$1.02 ZWL 27.50
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.48 ZWL 39.62
$0.98 ZWL 26.41
$2.95 ZWL 79.2
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.95 ZWL 52.4
$1.46 ZWL 39.31
$2.93 ZWL 78.6
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.60 ZWL 43.04
$1.01 ZWL 27.07
$2.02 ZWL 54.1
White Bread (500g)
$0.99 ZWL 26.47
$0.99 ZWL 26.47
$1.18 ZWL 31.76
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.88 ZWL 50.4
$0.98 ZWL 26.38
$2.95 ZWL 79.1
Eggs
$2.09 ZWL 56.1
$1.48 ZWL 39.72
$2.96 ZWL 79.4
Local Cheese (1kg)
$10.81 ZWL 290
$2.97 ZWL 79.8
$29.74 ZWL 798
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.46 ZWL 173
$3.42 ZWL 91.9
$10.06 ZWL 270
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$6.53 ZWL 175
$4.60 ZWL 124
$11.26 ZWL 302
Apples (1kg)
$3.00 ZWL 80.4
$1.52 ZWL 40.90
$4.06 ZWL 109
Banana (1kg)
$1.62 ZWL 43.45
$0.97 ZWL 26.18
$2.92 ZWL 78.5
Oranges (1kg)
$2.21 ZWL 59.5
$0.99 ZWL 26.67
$3.66 ZWL 98.4
Tomato (1kg)
$1.66 ZWL 44.59
$0.99 ZWL 26.54
$2.97 ZWL 79.6
Potato (1kg)
$1.55 ZWL 41.65
$0.51 ZWL 13.61
$3.04 ZWL 81.7
Onion (1kg)
$1.98 ZWL 53.1
$0.98 ZWL 26.27
$2.94 ZWL 78.8
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.98 ZWL 26.30
$0.49 ZWL 13.28
$1.98 ZWL 53.1
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.01 ZWL 27.19
$0.52 ZWL 13.87
$1.55 ZWL 41.62
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$1.08 ZWL 29.09
$0.98 ZWL 26.44
$1.97 ZWL 52.9
Wine (Bottle)
$9.07 ZWL 243
$5.04 ZWL 135
$10.07 ZWL 270
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.13 ZWL 30.46
$0.99 ZWL 26.49
$1.48 ZWL 39.73
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.77 ZWL 47.54
$1.01 ZWL 27.16
$3.03 ZWL 81.5
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$5.04 ZWL 135
$3.02 ZWL 81.1
$10.07 ZWL 270
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.99 ZWL 53.4
$1.99 ZWL 53.4
$2.98 ZWL 80.1
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$5.06 ZWL 136
$5.06 ZWL 136
$5.06 ZWL 136
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.60 ZWL 43.05
$1.51 ZWL 40.60
$1.67 ZWL 44.95
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$19.8K ZWL 532.6K
$17.9K ZWL 479.3K
$24.8K ZWL 665.7K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$23.8K ZWL 639.4K
$22.4K ZWL 601.1K
$25.4K ZWL 683.1K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$58.8 ZWL 1,579
$40.32 ZWL 1,083
$101 ZWL 2,707
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$17.85 ZWL 479
$15.14 ZWL 407
$25.24 ZWL 678
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$90.8 ZWL 2,437
$58.9 ZWL 1,580
$196 ZWL 5,267
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Cinema Ticket
$10.13 ZWL 272
$6.08 ZWL 163
$20.26 ZWL 544
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$275 ZWL 7,379
$198 ZWL 5,313
$495 ZWL 13.3K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$7,410 ZWL 198.9K
$3,040 ZWL 81.6K
$15.2K ZWL 408.1K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$19.59 ZWL 526
$10.11 ZWL 271
$30.32 ZWL 814
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$21.31 ZWL 572
$9.98 ZWL 268
$49.88 ZWL 1,339
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$34.64 ZWL 930
$25.05 ZWL 672
$50.1 ZWL 1,345
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$39.66 ZWL 1,065
$19.65 ZWL 528
$59.0 ZWL 1,583
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$60.8 ZWL 1,634
-
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$304 ZWL 8,170
-
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$148 ZWL 3,964
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
13.31
10
18

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

Last update: May 31, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Groceries cost around $220 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $49.00 – above the African average of $42.00.

Cost Highlights

Masvingo has the 8th cheapest 1-bedroom apartment, city center in Africa

Gasoline is more expensive than 96% of cities in Africa

Preschool or kindergarten, full day, private, 1 child is more expensive than 94% of cities in Africa

Masvingo Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
City tags:
Cost of Living in Masvingo - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Masvingo a good value for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and how does its affordability compare with Zimbabwe's bigger cities?
Masvingo offers a slower rhythm and generally lower daily costs than Zimbabwe's bigger cities, which many travelers, expats, and digital nomads find attractive. You’ll notice affordable meals at local eateries, reasonable transport options, and more flexibility with short-term stays. The city rewards longer visits with better value in housing and services if you shop locally and avoid tourist hubs. Overall, you can align a modest budget with a comfortable routine here, especially if you prioritize local options over amenities aimed at visitors. Cost of Living in Masvingo, Zimbabwe helps set expectations for spenders across budgets. Tip: Start with a few dependable neighborhood hubs to compare value before settling in.
What is daily life like in Masvingo for travelers and remote workers, and where should you focus your housing search, groceries, transport, and coworking?
Daily life in Masvingo blends market bustle with a calm pace. Housing ranges from simple apartments to houses in quieter districts; longer leases can improve terms, and negotiation is common. For groceries and meals, local markets and modest eateries offer fresh produce and affordable options, with more variety depending on the season. Transport relies on shared minibuses and taxis, with walking and biking viable in many parts of town. If you work remotely, look for cafés with reliable Wi‑Fi or small coworking spaces and consider neighbors who can share tips on access. Masvingo living cost varies by area and lifestyle, so budget with local staples and a flexible plan. Tip: Plan a weekly loop to cover errands in one area and save time.
What budgeting approach and neighborhood fit should you consider for Masvingo, taking seasonality into account?
Quality of life in Masvingo hinges on balancing essentials with discretionary spending, and seasonality can gently shift your routines. Use a simple budgeting framework: separate housing, utilities, and groceries from nonessentials, then adjust as the seasons change. To find a neighborhood that fits, spend time in different districts, note access to markets, clinics, and Wi‑Fi, and talk with locals about safety and pace. Save by cooking at home, buying in bulk when possible, and choosing public transport or walking over rides. Seasonal events and harvests influence activity – use those rhythms to pace your outings. Tip: keep a lightweight, reusable plan and revisit it every few weeks.
What are typical monthly expenses for a single person in Masvingo?
All in, Masvingo runs about $640 monthly with rent, or $550 without it. These numbers assume a moderate lifestyle – comfortable but not lavish. Choosing a cheaper neighborhood and cooking at home are the easiest ways to spend less.
Is Masvingo one of the cheaper cities to live in?
Masvingo is affordable because both rent and daily expenses are genuinely low. Total monthly costs with housing come to just $640, making it firmly budget-friendly for residents and long-term visitors alike.
What income do you need to cover all expenses in Masvingo?
You'll want at least $960 per month after taxes to live comfortably in Masvingo. That covers a decent apartment, groceries, utilities, transport, and enough left over for dining out occasionally. Families or people wanting a central location should budget higher.
What is a typical monthly food budget in Masvingo?
Groceries in Masvingo are cheap – a single person spends about $220 per month. Local markets and budget supermarkets push costs even lower. Food is one of the city's strongest affordability points.
What is a typical monthly grocery bill in Masvingo?
Food in Masvingo is genuinely cheap. A single person's grocery bill runs about $220 per month, and local markets and street vendors push costs even lower. Cooking at home is easy and affordable, and eating out at local spots won't break the bank either.
Does $1,200 cover living expenses in Masvingo?
$1,200 a month in Masvingo? Very doable. Average costs with rent come to just $640, which leaves real room to save, eat out, and enjoy the city without watching every dollar.
What is life like for foreigners living in Masvingo?
Masvingo 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 Masvingo budget-friendly for long-term stays?
Masvingo is affordable by most measures, which is why it appeals to long-term travelers, remote workers, and budget-conscious residents. At $640 per month with rent, it sits well below the global average for cities of similar size.
How much does a backpacker need per day in Masvingo?
Masvingo is great for backpackers. All-in costs average just $640 monthly, and even short-term visitors on tight budgets can stretch their money. Cheap hostels, affordable street food, budget transport, and free attractions make it easy to explore without overspending.

Masvingo vs other spots: cost of living compared

Nearby cities

Similar cities