Cost of Living in Zambia — Complete Guide
Planning to live, work, or retire in Zambia? Here's everything you need to know about monthly costs — from rent and groceries to internet and entertainment.
City-by-City Comparison
Lusaka
Capital · Population 3.5M+
Total (single)
ZMK 7,000 – 14,000
Rent (1-bed)
ZMK 3,500 – 7,000
Rent (Family)
ZMK 6,000 – 15,000
Food
ZMK 2,000 – 4,000
Transport
ZMK 400 – 800
Utilities
ZMK 500 – 1,200
Kitwe
Copperbelt · Population 800K+
Total (single)
ZMK 5,000 – 10,000
Rent (1-bed)
ZMK 2,000 – 4,500
Rent (Family)
ZMK 4,000 – 10,000
Food
ZMK 1,800 – 3,500
Transport
ZMK 300 – 600
Utilities
ZMK 400 – 900
Ndola
Copperbelt · Population 600K+
Total (single)
ZMK 4,500 – 9,000
Rent (1-bed)
ZMK 1,800 – 4,000
Rent (Family)
ZMK 3,500 – 8,000
Food
ZMK 1,600 – 3,000
Transport
ZMK 250 – 500
Utilities
ZMK 350 – 800
Livingstone
Tourism · Population 200K+
Total (single)
ZMK 5,500 – 11,000
Rent (1-bed)
ZMK 2,500 – 5,500
Rent (Family)
ZMK 5,000 – 12,000
Food
ZMK 1,800 – 3,500
Transport
ZMK 300 – 600
Utilities
ZMK 400 – 900
Tips for Reducing Costs
- Shop at open markets — Soweto Market, City Market, and Kamwala are 30-40% cheaper than Shoprite/Pick n Pay.
- Use public transport — Minibuses cost ZMK 7-15 per trip vs ZMK 50+ for taxis.
- Negotiate rent directly — Avoid estate agents and negotiate with landlords.
- Use mobile money — MTN MoMo, Airtel Money, and Zamtel Kwacha save on banking fees.
- Cook at home — A meal at a restaurant costs ZMK 50-150; cooking the same at home costs ZMK 15-30.
Related Resources
See our pages on food prices, internet & mobile costs, TV subscriptions, and salaries in Zambia.