Cost of Living in Lusaka, Zambia
Zambia · Africa
Cost of Living in Lusaka: Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Lusaka, Zambia is approximately $700 per month for one person. This page covers rent, groceries, transportation, utilities, salaries and quality of life. The cost of living index is 28, using New York City as the 100-point benchmark.
$700
Monthly Cost
avg/person
28
Cost Index
NYC = 100
24
Rent Index
NYC = 100
44
Quality of Life
Below Average
42
Safety Index
Below Average
2.7M
Population
ZMW
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $3 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $12 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $4 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $1.5 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $2.5 |
| Cappuccino | $2 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $0.7 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.4 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.6 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.7 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.5 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $3.5 |
| Beef (1kg) | $5.5 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2.5 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.4 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.7 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.45 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.4 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.25 |
| Monthly Pass | $12 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.4 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.3 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $28000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $22000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $55 |
| Mobile Plan | $8 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $35 |
| Fitness Club/month | $22 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $350/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $200/mo |
| 3BR Center | $820/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $460/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $1,300/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $720/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $350 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 25% |
Cost of Living in Lusaka: Complete Guide
The cost of living in Lusaka, Zambia, depends mainly on housing, transportation, food, utilities and lifestyle. The estimated monthly cost for one person is $700. The city's cost of living index is 28, compared with a New York City benchmark of 100.
Monthly Expenses in Lusaka
A typical monthly budget in Lusaka includes rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and other everyday expenses. Housing is usually one of the largest parts of the monthly budget.
Rent and Housing Costs in Lusaka
A one-bedroom apartment outside the city center costs approximately $200 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $350. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $820 per month.
Average Salary in Lusaka
The average net salary in Lusaka is approximately $350 per month. Purchasing power is rated 32out of 100.
Is Lusaka Expensive to Live In?
With a cost of living index of 28,Lusaka is less expensive than the New York City benchmark. Housing, groceries and transportation are important factors when comparing the total monthly cost.
Quality of Life in Lusaka
Safety
Lusaka has a safety score of 42/100. Safety is one of the factors to consider when comparing living costs and choosing a city.
Healthcare
Healthcare in Lusaka is rated 38/100. Healthcare access and medical costs can affect the total monthly budget for residents and families.
Climate
The climate index for Lusaka is 70/100. Climate and seasonal conditions can influence housing, transport and lifestyle expenses.
Purchasing Power
Lusaka has a purchasing power score of 32/100. Comparing salary levels with living expenses provides a better picture of affordability than looking at rent alone.
Living in Lusaka
Cost of Living for Students
Students should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, utilities and study expenses. Shared housing and public transportation may reduce monthly expenses.
Cost of Living for Expats
Expats considering Lusaka should compare rent, healthcare, transportation, taxes, groceries and salary levels before relocating.
Cost of Living for Remote Workers
Remote workers can compare housing, transportation, internet, food and purchasing power to estimate whether Lusaka fits their monthly budget.
Is Lusaka Affordable?
Affordability depends on income and housing choices. The cost index of 28provides a useful benchmark when comparing Lusaka with other cities.
Key Cost of Living Facts for Lusaka
- Average Monthly Cost
- $700
- Cost Index
- 28
- Rent Index
- 24
- Average Net Salary
- $350
- Quality of Life
- 44/100
- Safety
- 42/100
- Healthcare
- 38/100
- Currency
- ZMW
Frequently Asked Questions About Lusaka
What is the cost of living in Lusaka?
The estimated cost of living in Lusaka, Zambia, is approximately $700 per month for one person. This estimate includes major living expenses such as housing, food, transportation and utilities.
How much is rent in Lusaka?
A one-bedroom apartment outside the center costs approximately $200 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment in the center costs about $350.
Is Lusaka expensive to live in?
Lusaka has a cost index of 28 compared with New York City's benchmark of 100. The overall affordability depends on housing, salary and lifestyle.
What is the average salary in Lusaka?
The average net salary in Lusaka is approximately $350 per month.
Is Lusaka good for expats?
Expats should evaluate housing, salaries, transportation, healthcare, safety and quality of life before deciding whether Lusaka is suitable for relocation.