Cost of Living in Maputo, Mozambique
Mozambique · Africa
$700
Monthly Cost
avg/person
26
Cost Index
NYC=100
22
Rent Index
NYC=100
40
Quality of Life
Below Average
38
Safety Index
Below Average
1.1M
Population
MZN
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| 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) | $0.5 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.6 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.5 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $3 |
| Beef (1kg) | $5 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2.5 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.4 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.6 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.4 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.4 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.2 |
| Monthly Pass | $9 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.35 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.2 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $28000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $22000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $50 |
| Mobile Plan | $7 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $35 |
| Fitness Club/month | $22 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $320/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $180/mo |
| 3BR Center | $750/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $420/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $1,200/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $650/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $280 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 18% |
View Cost of Living in Mozambique
Cost of Living in Maputo — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Maputo, Mozambique is approximately $700 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Maputo has a cost index of 26, making it around 74% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Maputo costs around $180/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $320/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $750/month. The rent index is 22 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Maputo scores 40/100 on the quality of life index and 38/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 32/100. The climate index is 68/100. 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 Maputo is approximately $280/month. With a purchasing power index of 28/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is MZN, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Maputo
The average monthly salary in Maputo is approximately $280. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $700, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 28/100.
Healthcare Costs in Maputo
Healthcare quality in Maputo 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 Maputo
Maputo has a quality of life score of 40/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Maputo
Students living in Maputo 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 Maputo
Expats moving to Maputo 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 Maputo, Mozambique is approximately $700 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 26 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Maputo
Living in Maputo offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 26 and a quality of life score of 40/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $280 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Maputo provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Mozambique and around the world.
Key Facts About Maputo
- Average Monthly Cost: $700
- Cost Index: 26
- Rent Index: 22
- Average Salary: $280
- Quality of Life: 40/100
- Safety Score: 38/100
- Country: Mozambique
- Currency: MZN
Is Maputo Expensive?
Maputo has a cost index of 26 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Maputo compare to other cities?
Maputo is located in Africa with a population of approximately 1.1M. At a cost index of 26 (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 Maputo stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Maputo?
The average cost of living in Maputo, Mozambique is approximately $700 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 26 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Maputo?
Rent in Maputo varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 22 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Maputo alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Maputo expensive to live in?
Maputo has a cost index of 26 compared to New York City (100). At 26, Maputo is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $700.
What is the quality of life in Maputo?
Maputo has a quality of life index of 40/100 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 Maputo compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Maputo with any city worldwide. Maputo's cost index is 26 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Maputo?
Many residents live comfortably in Maputo with a monthly budget of around $700 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Maputo good for expats?
Maputo is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Maputo?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $700 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Maputo.
Is Maputo cheaper than New York?
Yes, Maputo has a cost index of 26 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Maputo?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Maputo.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Maputo
Cheapest Ways to Live in Maputo
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Maputo typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $180/month compared to $320/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 Maputo, Mozambique.
Is Maputo Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 28/100 and a quality of life score of 40/100, Maputo is a budget-friendly option, though residents should weigh lifestyle trade-offs carefully. Combined with a cost index of 26 relative to New York City, Maputo remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Mozambique has to offer against other destinations in Africa.
Maputo Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Maputo", "Maputo monthly expenses 2026", and "is Maputo affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $700, a safety score of 38/100, and healthcare rated 32/100, Maputo offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Mozambique.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026