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Cost of Living in Gaborone

Gaborone, Gaborone, Botswana · Population 235,884 · National capital

▲ +25% vs Botswana average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)P7,216 ($531)
Couple, monthlyP12,897 ($948)
Family of four, monthlyP16,766 ($1,233)

Estimated Prices in Gaborone

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantP74.26 ($5.46)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeP297 ($21.84)per meal
CappuccinoP22.28 ($1.64)each
Monthly groceries (single person)P1,683 ($124)per month
Monthly public transport passP272 ($20.02)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentP718 ($52.78)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)P208 ($15.29)per month
Fitness club membershipP208 ($15.29)per month
Cinema ticketP54.45 ($4.00)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreP3,257 ($239)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreP2,265 ($167)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreP6,796 ($500)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Gaborone is P12,376 ($910) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of P7,216 ($531) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly P9,381 ($690) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (P2,265 ($167)) represents about 31% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Gaborone

Gaborone vs FrancistownGaborone vs MogoditshaneGaborone vs MaunGaborone vs MolepololeGaborone vs TlokwengGaborone vs Selibe Phikwe

Nearby Cities

Mogoditshane

5 km away · Kweneng

Tlokweng

6 km away · South East

Mmopone

11 km away · Kweneng

Gabane

13 km away · Kweneng

Metsemotlhaba

16 km away · Kweneng

Kopong

21 km away · South East

Ramotswa

25 km away · South East

Mochudi

36 km away · Kgatleng

Other Major Cities in Botswana

Francistown

Francistown · pop. 103,417

P5,440 ($400) / mo

Mogoditshane

Kweneng · pop. 88,098

P5,440 ($400) / mo

Maun

North West · pop. 85,293

P5,440 ($400) / mo

Molepolole

Kweneng · pop. 67,598

P5,440 ($400) / mo

Tlokweng

South East · pop. 55,517

P5,440 ($400) / mo

Living in Gaborone

Gaborone is the capital and one of the key cities in Botswana. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is P7,216 ($531), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around P2,265 ($167) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to P16,766 ($1,233) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately P12,897 ($948) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Gaborone is P12,376 ($910). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least P9,381 ($690) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gaborone expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated P7,216 ($531) per month in Gaborone including rent outside the city centre. That is 25% more than the national average for Botswana.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Gaborone?
A net salary of around P9,381 ($690) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Gaborone with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Gaborone is P12,376 ($910).
How much is rent in Gaborone?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated P3,257 ($239) per month in the city centre and P2,265 ($167) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about P6,796 ($500).
Is Gaborone cheaper than Botswana on average?
No — Gaborone is estimated to be about 25% more expensive than the Botswana average, mainly due to housing demand as the national capital.
What is the cost of groceries in Gaborone?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at P1,683 ($124) in Gaborone. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about P74 ($5) and a cappuccino runs around P22 ($2).
How do transport costs in Gaborone compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Gaborone is estimated at P272 ($20). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Gaborone are estimates based on Botswana national averages adjusted for city size (population 235,884) and capital-city premium. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.