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

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $557 (excluding rent), and $690 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,503 (excluding rent), and $1,530 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$9.27 MZN 586

$6.18 MZN 391

$13.91 MZN 880

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$48.68 MZN 3,079

$27.66 MZN 1,749

$123 MZN 7,774

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$8.32 MZN 526

$7.63 MZN 483

$11.45 MZN 724

Cappuccino

$2.14 MZN 135

$1.2 MZN 75.8

$3.21 MZN 203

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

$0.78 MZN 49.05

$0.54 MZN 34.15

$1.15 MZN 72.6

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.54 MZN 33.89

$0.45 MZN 28.44

$0.8 MZN 50.8

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.36 MZN 85.9

$0.85 MZN 53.5

$1.54 MZN 97.1

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.54 MZN 97.4

$1.16 MZN 73.1

$2.32 MZN 147

Milk (1 liter)

$1.5 MZN 95.1

$1.29 MZN 81.6

$1.67 MZN 106

White Bread (500g)

$1.05 MZN 66.7

$0.46 MZN 29.28

$2.62 MZN 166

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.66 MZN 105

$1.23 MZN 77.7

$2.36 MZN 150

Eggs

$2.45 MZN 155

$1.9 MZN 120

$2.87 MZN 182

Local Cheese (1kg)

$15.08 MZN 954

$8.54 MZN 540

$31.04 MZN 1,964

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$5.34 MZN 338

$4.02 MZN 254

$6.42 MZN 406

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$5.27 MZN 333

$3.9 MZN 247

$8.5 MZN 538

Apples (1kg)

$1.97 MZN 125

$1.43 MZN 90.7

$2.79 MZN 176

Banana (1kg)

$0.87 MZN 54.8

$0.75 MZN 47.5

$1.5 MZN 95

Oranges (1kg)

$1.41 MZN 89

$0.8 MZN 50.7

$5.62 MZN 355

Tomato (1kg)

$0.92 MZN 58.2

$0.51 MZN 32.49

$2.28 MZN 144

Potato (1kg)

$0.98 MZN 62.3

$0.56 MZN 35.66

$1.2 MZN 75.9

Onion (1kg)

$0.7 MZN 44.38

$0.48 MZN 30.23

$3.18 MZN 201

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.92 MZN 58.3

$0.23 MZN 14.27

$1.84 MZN 117

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.73 MZN 46.48

$0.45 MZN 28.37

$0.9 MZN 56.7

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.55 MZN 161

$2.32 MZN 147

$3.09 MZN 195

Wine (Bottle)

$7.65 MZN 484

$5.36 MZN 339

$27.56 MZN 1,743

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$0.95 MZN 59.9

$0.75 MZN 47.16

$1.12 MZN 70.7

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.37 MZN 86.7

$1.22 MZN 76.9

$1.52 MZN 95.9

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.53 MZN 97

$0.92 MZN 58.5

$2.31 MZN 146

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$3.02 MZN 191

$1.78 MZN 112

$3.97 MZN 251

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$24.79 MZN 1,568

$15.8 MZN 999

$31.58 MZN 1,998

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.33 MZN 84.3

$1.31 MZN 83.1

$1.37 MZN 86.8

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

$34.9K MZN 2.2M

$27.9K MZN 1.8M

$37.2K MZN 2.4M

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

$20.1K MZN 1.3M

$10.7K MZN 675.6K

$39.3K MZN 2.5M

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

$90.5 MZN 5,723

$70.5 MZN 4,459

$117 MZN 7,431

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

$14.33 MZN 906

$7.76 MZN 491

$23.29 MZN 1,473

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$108 MZN 6,860

$63.6 MZN 4,019

$203 MZN 12.9K

Cinema Ticket

$8 MZN 506

$7.21 MZN 456

$8 MZN 506

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

$179 MZN 11.3K

$53.8 MZN 3,401

$230 MZN 14.6K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$5,900 MZN 373.1K

$4,783 MZN 302.6K

$6,697 MZN 423.6K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$48.07 MZN 3,041

$23.08 MZN 1,460

$100 MZN 6,324

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$61 MZN 3,860

$31 MZN 1,961

$77.5 MZN 4,902

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$82.7 MZN 5,230

$46.8 MZN 2,960

$109 MZN 6,908

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$77.7 MZN 4,911

$38.43 MZN 2,431

$154 MZN 9,724

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

24.33

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

Last update: November 30, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

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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.