Cost of Living in Harare, Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe · Africa
$800
Monthly Cost
avg/person
32
Cost Index
NYC=100
26
Rent Index
NYC=100
38
Quality of Life
Below Average
38
Safety Index
Below Average
1.5M
Population
USD
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $4 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $16 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $5 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $2 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $3 |
| Cappuccino | $2.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $0.8 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.5 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.7 |
| Rice (1kg) | $1.2 |
| Eggs (12) | $2 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $4 |
| Beef (1kg) | $6 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.7 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.6 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.5 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.3 |
| Monthly Pass | $14 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.5 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.4 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $28000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $22000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $65 |
| Mobile Plan | $10 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $40 |
| Fitness Club/month | $25 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $400/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $240/mo |
| 3BR Center | $950/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $560/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $1,500/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $850/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $350 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 20% |
View Cost of Living in Zimbabwe
Cost of Living in Harare — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Harare, Zimbabwe is approximately $800 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Harare has a cost index of 32, making it around 68% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Harare costs around $240/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $400/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $950/month. The rent index is 26 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Harare scores 38/100 on the quality of life index and 38/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 32/100. The climate index is 70/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Harare is approximately $350/month. With a purchasing power index of 28/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is USD, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Harare
The average monthly salary in Harare is approximately $350. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $800, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 28/100.
Healthcare Costs in Harare
Healthcare quality in Harare is rated 32/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Harare
Harare has a quality of life score of 38/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Harare
Students living in Harare should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Harare
Expats moving to Harare often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Harare, Zimbabwe is approximately $800 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 32 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Harare
Living in Harare offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 32 and a quality of life score of 38/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $350 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Harare provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Zimbabwe and around the world.
Key Facts About Harare
- Average Monthly Cost: $800
- Cost Index: 32
- Rent Index: 26
- Average Salary: $350
- Quality of Life: 38/100
- Safety Score: 38/100
- Country: Zimbabwe
- Currency: USD
Is Harare Expensive?
Harare has a cost index of 32 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Harare compare to other cities?
Harare is located in Africa with a population of approximately 1.5M. At a cost index of 32 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Harare stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Harare?
The average cost of living in Harare, Zimbabwe is approximately $800 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 32 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Harare?
Rent in Harare varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 26 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Harare alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Harare expensive to live in?
Harare has a cost index of 32 compared to New York City (100). At 32, Harare is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $800.
What is the quality of life in Harare?
Harare has a quality of life index of 38/100 and a safety index of 38/100. The city is located in Africa and offers a below average quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Harare compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Harare with any city worldwide. Harare's cost index is 32 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Harare?
Many residents live comfortably in Harare with a monthly budget of around $800 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Harare good for expats?
Harare is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Harare?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $800 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Harare.
Is Harare cheaper than New York?
Yes, Harare has a cost index of 32 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Harare?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Harare.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Harare
Cheapest Ways to Live in Harare
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Harare typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $240/month compared to $400/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Is Harare Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 28/100 and a quality of life score of 38/100, Harare is a budget-friendly option, though residents should weigh lifestyle trade-offs carefully. Combined with a cost index of 32 relative to New York City, Harare remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Zimbabwe has to offer against other destinations in Africa.
Harare Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Harare", "Harare monthly expenses 2026", and "is Harare affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $800, a safety score of 38/100, and healthcare rated 32/100, Harare offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Zimbabwe.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026