Cost of Living in Masvingo - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $604 per month with rent, or $543 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $1,004 per month with rent, or $948 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $1,403 per month with rent, or $1,353 without housing.

Overall, Masvingo is 52–56% below the global median across household types. Within Africa, costs are well below average (36% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$10.09 ZWL 269
$4.29 ZWL 114
$20.19 ZWL 538
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$45.76 ZWL 1,221
$30.51 ZWL 814
$81.4 ZWL 2,170
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$6.13 ZWL 163
$5.11 ZWL 136
$10.22 ZWL 272
Cappuccino
$3.12 ZWL 83.2
$1.51 ZWL 40.23
$8.05 ZWL 215
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.95 ZWL 25.42
$0.52 ZWL 13.82
$2.07 ZWL 55.3
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.52 ZWL 13.88
$0.34 ZWL 8.98
$1.02 ZWL 27.22
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.52 ZWL 40.43
$0.91 ZWL 24.26
$3.03 ZWL 80.9
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.96 ZWL 52.4
$1.47 ZWL 39.28
$2.95 ZWL 78.6
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.49 ZWL 39.61
$1.48 ZWL 39.35
$1.97 ZWL 52.5
White Bread (500g)
$0.98 ZWL 26.05
$0.98 ZWL 26.05
$1.17 ZWL 31.25
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.68 ZWL 44.85
$0.98 ZWL 26.07
$2.44 ZWL 65.2
Eggs
$1.88 ZWL 50.3
$1.56 ZWL 41.66
$2.58 ZWL 68.7
Local Cheese (1kg)
$12.08 ZWL 322
$5.03 ZWL 134
$30.18 ZWL 805
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$5.64 ZWL 150
$4.04 ZWL 108
$7.07 ZWL 189
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$6.88 ZWL 183
$5.13 ZWL 137
$9.24 ZWL 246
Apples (1kg)
$3.06 ZWL 81.5
$1.22 ZWL 32.50
$5.08 ZWL 135
Banana (1kg)
$1.69 ZWL 44.95
$1.03 ZWL 27.41
$2.06 ZWL 54.8
Oranges (1kg)
$1.97 ZWL 52.5
$0.99 ZWL 26.39
$2.47 ZWL 66.0
Tomato (1kg)
$1.46 ZWL 38.88
$0.86 ZWL 23.07
$1.94 ZWL 51.8
Potato (1kg)
$1.71 ZWL 45.52
$1.00 ZWL 26.67
$2.02 ZWL 53.9
Onion (1kg)
$1.80 ZWL 48.07
$1.02 ZWL 27.31
$3.07 ZWL 81.9
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.19 ZWL 31.62
$0.51 ZWL 13.51
$2.03 ZWL 54.1
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.99 ZWL 26.40
$0.49 ZWL 12.94
$1.46 ZWL 38.82
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$1.96 ZWL 52.3
$0.98 ZWL 26.16
$2.94 ZWL 78.5
Wine (Bottle)
$9.67 ZWL 258
$4.07 ZWL 109
$10.18 ZWL 272
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.34 ZWL 35.61
$0.98 ZWL 26.18
$1.49 ZWL 39.80
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.93 ZWL 51.4
$0.99 ZWL 26.50
$2.98 ZWL 79.5
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$4.53 ZWL 121
$3.02 ZWL 80.6
$5.04 ZWL 134
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$2.04 ZWL 54.5
$1.53 ZWL 40.86
$3.06 ZWL 81.7
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$4.95 ZWL 132
$4.95 ZWL 132
$14.84 ZWL 396
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.80 ZWL 47.96
$1.48 ZWL 39.56
$2.23 ZWL 59.6
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$22.2K ZWL 591.7K
$20.2K ZWL 537.9K
$25.2K ZWL 672.4K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$27.2K ZWL 724.4K
$22.7K ZWL 605.8K
$35.6K ZWL 948.3K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$53.0 ZWL 1,414
$39.26 ZWL 1,047
$98.1 ZWL 2,617
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$21.54 ZWL 574
$11.95 ZWL 319
$49.79 ZWL 1,328
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$66.4 ZWL 1,770
$44.64 ZWL 1,191
$99.2 ZWL 2,646
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Cinema Ticket
$10.09 ZWL 269
$7.07 ZWL 188
$20.19 ZWL 538
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$467 ZWL 12.4K
$202 ZWL 5,386
$959 ZWL 25.6K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$9,146 ZWL 243.9K
$5,067 ZWL 135.1K
$21.3K ZWL 567.6K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$24.38 ZWL 650
$10.15 ZWL 271
$50.8 ZWL 1,353
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$21.41 ZWL 571
$9.87 ZWL 263
$29.60 ZWL 789
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$38.81 ZWL 1,035
$25.39 ZWL 677
$60.9 ZWL 1,625
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$41.18 ZWL 1,098
$20.18 ZWL 538
$80.7 ZWL 2,152
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
13.69
10
19

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

Last update: August 29, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Groceries cost around $220 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $46.00 – broadly in line with the African average.

Cost Highlights

Gasoline is more expensive than 98% of cities in Africa

Internet is more expensive than 92% of cities in Africa

Preschool or kindergarten, full day, private, 1 child is more expensive than 92% 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 $604 monthly with rent, or $543 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 $604, 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 $906 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 $604, 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 $604 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 $604 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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