Cost of Living in Mbabane - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $414 (excluding rent), and $738 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,004 (excluding rent), and $1,576 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$2.96 SZL 50.5

$0.99 SZL 16.89

$4.94 SZL 84.3

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$28.74 SZL 490

$28.04 SZL 478

$33.68 SZL 574

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$2.32 SZL 39.59

$2.26 SZL 38.56

$2.37 SZL 40.45

Cappuccino

$1.93 SZL 32.98

$1.02 SZL 17.35

$2.54 SZL 43.29

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

$0.99 SZL 16.82

$0.82 SZL 13.96

$1.18 SZL 20.04

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.56 SZL 9.46

$0.38 SZL 6.48

$0.65 SZL 11.12

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.73 SZL 29.46

$1.04 SZL 17.71

$2.3 SZL 39.28

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.65 SZL 28.05

$1.26 SZL 21.54

$2.74 SZL 46.74

Milk (1 liter)

$1.06 SZL 18.08

$1.02 SZL 17.39

$1.13 SZL 19.29

White Bread (500g)

$0.77 SZL 13.17

$0.4 SZL 6.85

$0.93 SZL 15.81

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.27 SZL 21.71

$0.63 SZL 10.77

$1.71 SZL 29.18

Eggs

$1.7 SZL 29.04

$1.48 SZL 25.24

$1.82 SZL 30.94

Local Cheese (1kg)

$9 SZL 153

$6.75 SZL 115

$10.12 SZL 173

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$5.08 SZL 86.5

$3.98 SZL 67.9

$6.92 SZL 118

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$5.14 SZL 87.6

$3.34 SZL 56.9

$5.84 SZL 99.5

Apples (1kg)

$1.49 SZL 25.44

$0.89 SZL 15.16

$1.66 SZL 28.3

Banana (1kg)

$0.75 SZL 12.82

$0.69 SZL 11.77

$0.87 SZL 14.75

Oranges (1kg)

$0.95 SZL 16.26

$0.51 SZL 8.74

$1.21 SZL 20.63

Tomato (1kg)

$1.37 SZL 23.29

$1.05 SZL 17.89

$1.66 SZL 28.35

Potato (1kg)

$1.02 SZL 17.33

$0.66 SZL 11.27

$1.38 SZL 23.56

Onion (1kg)

$1.23 SZL 21

$0.83 SZL 14.11

$1.44 SZL 24.52

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.56 SZL 9.57

$0.41 SZL 6.91

$0.7 SZL 11.87

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.77 SZL 13.17

$0.75 SZL 12.82

$0.8 SZL 13.69

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.68 SZL 45.62

$2.59 SZL 44.21

$2.77 SZL 47.19

Wine (Bottle)

$5.82 SZL 99.3

$4.6 SZL 78.5

$11.64 SZL 198

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.47 SZL 25.11

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.43 SZL 24.4

$1.15 SZL 19.52

$1.72 SZL 29.28

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.1 SZL 18.73

$0.66 SZL 11.21

$1.21 SZL 20.57

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$29.72 SZL 507

$28.3 SZL 482

$31.13 SZL 531

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.31 SZL 56.4

$2.76 SZL 46.99

$3.86 SZL 65.8

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.74 SZL 46.63

$1.36 SZL 23.23

$3.83 SZL 65.2

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$3.33 SZL 56.8

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.19 SZL 20.36

$1.18 SZL 20.19

$1.22 SZL 20.71

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

$17K SZL 290K

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

$20.8K SZL 353.9K

$19.4K SZL 330.3K

$22.1K SZL 377.5K

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

$75.9 SZL 1,294

$55.6 SZL 947

$117 SZL 1,989

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

$35.19 SZL 600

$14.07 SZL 240

$56.3 SZL 960

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$28.15 SZL 480

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$27.53 SZL 469

$13.76 SZL 235

$27.53 SZL 469

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$5 SZL 85.3

$2.78 SZL 47.37

$5.56 SZL 94.7

Cinema Ticket

$3.71 SZL 63.2

$3.42 SZL 58.4

$5.71 SZL 97.3

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

$108 SZL 1,838

$51.1 SZL 871

$165 SZL 2,805

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$4,597 SZL 78.4K

$3,308 SZL 56.4K

$5,886 SZL 100.3K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$44.12 SZL 752

$19.31 SZL 329

$44.13 SZL 752

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$22.98 SZL 392

$13.78 SZL 235

$27.58 SZL 470

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$74.3 SZL 1,266

$57.1 SZL 974

$97.1 SZL 1,655

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$83.3 SZL 1,420

$45.42 SZL 774

$108 SZL 1,839

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$261 SZL 4,442

$196 SZL 3,344

$560 SZL 9,554

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$185 SZL 3,162

$171 SZL 2,919

$228 SZL 3,891

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$497 SZL 8,477

$420 SZL 7,163

$560 SZL 9,551

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$366 SZL 6,246

$332 SZL 5,657

$387 SZL 6,600

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$341 SZL 5,805

$227 SZL 3,870

$454 SZL 7,740

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$263 SZL 4,477

$175 SZL 2,984

$350 SZL 5,969

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$748 SZL 12.8K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

11.62

7.25

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

Last update: November 24, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌍 Africa

Cost of Living in Mbabane - Frequently Asked Questions

Mbabane tends to offer solid value for everyday living when you compare it with larger regional capitals. In particular, consider the Cost of Living in Mbabane, which remains moderate if you focus on non-tourist areas. Local groceries, street food, and basic services often feel more affordable than in bigger cities. Housing ranges from simple central apartments to larger homes in outlying neighborhoods, with price bands that reflect distance from the core. Utilities and internet are generally reliable, but you may encounter occasional service gaps – plan with a flexible mindset. Tip: Start with a short stay to test neighborhoods and refine your budget as you go.

Daily life here blends local practicality with a relaxed pace. For housing, use local listings and a reliable agent; short-term leases are common, and you can negotiate furnished options. Grocery shopping centers around well-stocked markets and shops where you will save by choosing local produce. Transport is practical via taxis, ride-sharing, or short drives; walking works in safer, compact zones. For work, you will find beginner-friendly coworking spaces and cafes with dependable Wi-Fi. Errands, things like banking or postal services, are straightforward but may require in-person visits. Mbabane living cost varies by area, so tailor your base to your routine. Tip: Prioritize neighborhoods near amenities to cut transport time and simplify errands.

Quality of life in Mbabane depends on choosing a pace that suits you while staying connected to amenities. A practical budgeting framework is to identify fixed housing and utilities first, then allocate flexible funds for groceries, dining, and leisure while leaving room for surprise opportunities. Save by choosing walkable neighborhoods with markets nearby, cooking at home, and using shared workspaces instead of private offices. Seasonality matters for outdoor activities and clothing needs, so plan weekend trips to nearby nature spots during dry spells or rainy-season weekends when prices dip for local experiences. Neighborhood fit matters; central areas offer quick access to services and nightlife, while hillside pockets bring quiet and views. Tip: test a couple of areas during different days to gauge vibe and safety.