Cost of Living in Masvingo - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $618 per month with rent, or $520 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $1,108 per month with rent, or $871 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $1,599 per month with rent, or $1,223 without housing.

Overall, Masvingo is 44–54% below the global median across household types. Within Africa, costs are well below average (39% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$9.87 ZWL 263
$4.44 ZWL 118
$19.73 ZWL 526
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$49.50 ZWL 1,321
$39.60 ZWL 1,057
$119 ZWL 3,170
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$7.12 ZWL 190
$5.09 ZWL 136
$8.14 ZWL 217
Cappuccino
$3.00 ZWL 80.2
$1.01 ZWL 26.99
$5.06 ZWL 135
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.72 ZWL 19.19
$0.52 ZWL 13.90
$2.08 ZWL 55.6
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.46 ZWL 12.35
$0.31 ZWL 8.24
$1.03 ZWL 27.45
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.51 ZWL 40.34
$1.01 ZWL 26.90
$3.02 ZWL 80.7
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.99 ZWL 53.1
$1.49 ZWL 39.80
$2.98 ZWL 79.6
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.62 ZWL 43.11
$1.02 ZWL 27.11
$2.03 ZWL 54.2
White Bread (500g)
$1.03 ZWL 27.44
$1.03 ZWL 27.44
$1.23 ZWL 32.92
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.95 ZWL 52.0
$1.02 ZWL 27.24
$3.06 ZWL 81.7
Eggs
$2.08 ZWL 55.4
$1.47 ZWL 39.22
$2.94 ZWL 78.4
Local Cheese (1kg)
$10.85 ZWL 289
$2.98 ZWL 79.6
$29.82 ZWL 796
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.26 ZWL 167
$3.31 ZWL 88.4
$9.75 ZWL 260
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$6.22 ZWL 166
$4.38 ZWL 117
$10.72 ZWL 286
Apples (1kg)
$3.02 ZWL 80.7
$1.54 ZWL 41.02
$4.10 ZWL 109
Banana (1kg)
$1.67 ZWL 44.60
$1.01 ZWL 26.87
$3.02 ZWL 80.6
Oranges (1kg)
$2.26 ZWL 60.3
$1.01 ZWL 27.02
$3.74 ZWL 99.7
Tomato (1kg)
$1.71 ZWL 45.67
$1.02 ZWL 27.18
$3.06 ZWL 81.6
Potato (1kg)
$1.56 ZWL 41.52
$0.51 ZWL 13.57
$3.05 ZWL 81.4
Onion (1kg)
$2.06 ZWL 54.9
$1.02 ZWL 27.17
$3.06 ZWL 81.5
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.01 ZWL 26.89
$0.51 ZWL 13.58
$2.04 ZWL 54.3
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.94 ZWL 24.95
$0.48 ZWL 12.73
$1.43 ZWL 38.20
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$1.07 ZWL 28.57
$0.97 ZWL 25.97
$1.95 ZWL 51.9
Wine (Bottle)
$9.32 ZWL 249
$4.90 ZWL 131
$9.81 ZWL 262
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.18 ZWL 31.49
$1.03 ZWL 27.38
$1.54 ZWL 41.08
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.70 ZWL 45.36
$0.97 ZWL 25.92
$2.91 ZWL 77.8
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$5.05 ZWL 135
$3.03 ZWL 80.8
$10.10 ZWL 269
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$2.06 ZWL 54.9
$2.06 ZWL 54.9
$3.09 ZWL 82.4
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$5.09 ZWL 136
$5.09 ZWL 136
$5.09 ZWL 136
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.53 ZWL 40.94
$1.45 ZWL 38.61
$1.60 ZWL 42.76
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$20.4K ZWL 544.0K
$18.4K ZWL 489.6K
$25.5K ZWL 680.0K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$23.1K ZWL 615.5K
$21.7K ZWL 578.7K
$24.6K ZWL 657.6K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$58.5 ZWL 1,562
$40.14 ZWL 1,071
$100 ZWL 2,677
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$17.53 ZWL 468
$14.87 ZWL 397
$24.79 ZWL 661
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$92.1 ZWL 2,457
$59.7 ZWL 1,593
$199 ZWL 5,310
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Cinema Ticket
$10.10 ZWL 269
$6.06 ZWL 162
$20.20 ZWL 539
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$275 ZWL 7,346
$198 ZWL 5,289
$496 ZWL 13.2K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$7,255 ZWL 193.6K
$2,977 ZWL 79.4K
$14.9K ZWL 397.1K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$19.70 ZWL 526
$10.17 ZWL 271
$30.50 ZWL 814
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$21.61 ZWL 576
$10.12 ZWL 270
$50.6 ZWL 1,349
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$34.69 ZWL 925
$25.08 ZWL 669
$50.2 ZWL 1,338
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$40.11 ZWL 1,070
$19.88 ZWL 530
$59.6 ZWL 1,591
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$60.3 ZWL 1,608
-
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$300 ZWL 7,998
-
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$152 ZWL 4,065
-
💵 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: July 12, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Groceries cost around $220 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $50.0 – above the African average of $42.00.

Cost Highlights

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

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

Internet is more expensive than 93% 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
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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 $618 monthly with rent, or $520 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 $618, 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 $927 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 $618, 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 $618 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 $618 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.

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