Cost of Living in Xai-Xai - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $620 (excluding rent), and $705 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,461 (excluding rent), and $1,549 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$9.56 MZN 605

$6.37 MZN 403

$14.34 MZN 907

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$49.24 MZN 3,115

$27.98 MZN 1,770

$124 MZN 7,865

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$8.3 MZN 525

$7.61 MZN 482

$11.42 MZN 723

Cappuccino

$2.06 MZN 130

$1.15 MZN 72.9

$3.08 MZN 195

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

$0.82 MZN 52.1

$0.57 MZN 36.28

$1.22 MZN 77.2

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.54 MZN 34.24

$0.45 MZN 28.73

$0.81 MZN 51.4

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.34 MZN 85.1

$0.84 MZN 53

$1.52 MZN 96.2

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.55 MZN 98

$1.16 MZN 73.5

$2.33 MZN 148

Milk (1 liter)

$1.51 MZN 95.7

$1.3 MZN 82.1

$1.68 MZN 106

White Bread (500g)

$1.08 MZN 68.6

$0.48 MZN 30.14

$2.7 MZN 171

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.69 MZN 107

$1.25 MZN 79

$2.41 MZN 152

Eggs

$2.36 MZN 149

$1.83 MZN 116

$2.76 MZN 175

Local Cheese (1kg)

$15.16 MZN 959

$8.58 MZN 543

$31.2 MZN 1,974

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$5.17 MZN 327

$3.88 MZN 246

$6.21 MZN 393

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$5.38 MZN 340

$3.98 MZN 252

$8.68 MZN 549

Apples (1kg)

$1.91 MZN 121

$1.38 MZN 87.6

$2.69 MZN 170

Banana (1kg)

$0.89 MZN 56

$0.77 MZN 48.53

$1.53 MZN 97.1

Oranges (1kg)

$1.33 MZN 84.4

$0.76 MZN 48.05

$5.33 MZN 337

Tomato (1kg)

$0.98 MZN 61.7

$0.54 MZN 34.43

$2.41 MZN 153

Potato (1kg)

$0.92 MZN 58.5

$0.53 MZN 33.52

$1.13 MZN 71.3

Onion (1kg)

$0.67 MZN 42.38

$0.46 MZN 28.86

$3.04 MZN 192

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.97 MZN 61.3

$0.24 MZN 15

$1.94 MZN 123

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.74 MZN 46.84

$0.45 MZN 28.59

$0.9 MZN 57.2

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.51 MZN 159

$2.29 MZN 145

$3.05 MZN 193

Wine (Bottle)

$7.77 MZN 491

$5.43 MZN 344

$15.54 MZN 983

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$0.95 MZN 60.4

$0.75 MZN 47.57

$1.13 MZN 71.4

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.42 MZN 90

$1.26 MZN 79.8

$1.57 MZN 99.5

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.54 MZN 97.4

$0.93 MZN 58.7

$2.32 MZN 147

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.99 MZN 189

$1.76 MZN 112

$3.94 MZN 249

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$24.74 MZN 1,565

$15.76 MZN 997

$31.51 MZN 1,994

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.32 MZN 83.8

$1.3 MZN 82.5

$1.36 MZN 86.3

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

$35K MZN 2.2M

$28K MZN 1.8M

$37.3K MZN 2.4M

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

$20.2K MZN 1.3M

$10.8K MZN 681.7K

$39.6K MZN 2.5M

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

$89.8 MZN 5,681

$70 MZN 4,425

$117 MZN 7,375

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

$14.2 MZN 898

$7.69 MZN 487

$23.08 MZN 1,460

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$108 MZN 6,824

$63.2 MZN 3,998

$202 MZN 12.8K

Cinema Ticket

$7.59 MZN 480

$6.83 MZN 432

$7.59 MZN 480

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

$184 MZN 11.6K

$55.3 MZN 3,496

$237 MZN 15K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$5,691 MZN 360K

$4,614 MZN 291.9K

$6,460 MZN 408.6K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$49.18 MZN 3,111

$23.61 MZN 1,493

$102 MZN 6,470

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$62.6 MZN 3,958

$31.78 MZN 2,010

$79.5 MZN 5,027

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$81.8 MZN 5,176

$46.31 MZN 2,930

$108 MZN 6,836

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$77.8 MZN 4,924

$38.53 MZN 2,437

$154 MZN 9,750

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

24.33

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

City tags:

🌍 Africa

Cost of Living in Xai-Xai - Frequently Asked Questions

In terms of Cost of Living in Xai-Xai, you will notice a practical mix of budget-friendly basics and targeted splurges. Local produce, bread, and seafood at markets tend to keep weekly groceries affordable, while private lodgings and comfortable apartments are available at reasonable rates for longer stays. Imported goods, air-conditioned amenities, and tourist services can raise costs, so a simple, local-first approach helps. The town and coast support a relaxed lifestyle that tends to be friendlier on the budget than larger cities, especially if you choose street food and shared amenities. Tip: Build a weekly plan around local markets and test different neighborhoods to find true value.

Daily life centers on straightforward options: affordable guesthouses or small apartments near the town center or coast, local markets for food, and a relaxed transport rhythm. When you search for housing, look for places with reliable water and power backup, and consider a longer lease to negotiate better rates. Supermarkets carry staples, while seaside eateries offer inexpensive meals. For getting around, taxis and local moto-taxis cover most trips; walking is pleasant in the flatter areas. Co-working spaces exist but are quiet, so internet reliability matters if you rely on remote work. Xai-Xai living cost can stay friendly with home cooking and smart shopping. Tip: Reserve time to explore neighborhoods before choosing a long-term rental.

Quality of life hinges on pace, access to nature, and stable routines. A simple budgeting framework works well: set a monthly allowance for essentials such as groceries, utilities, and transport, and keep a flexible pot for dining out or weekend trips. In Xai-Xai, seasons influence pace and expenses; the rainy period can slow travel and affect outdoor plans, while dry months bring more daylight and busier markets. Neighborhoods near the river or coast offer quieter residential vibes, while the town center puts you close to services. To save, buy seasonal produce, consider shared accommodation with other travelers, and pre-arrange longer stays to negotiate better rates. Tip: Try a month-long trial in two areas before committing.