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Cost of Living in Mbabane

Mbabane, Hhohho, Eswatini · Population 76,218

▼ -6% vs Eswatini average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)L6,261 ($344)
Couple, monthlyL11,158 ($613)
Family of four, monthlyL14,476 ($795)

Estimated Prices in Mbabane

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantL65.52 ($3.60)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeL262 ($14.40)per meal
CappuccinoL19.66 ($1.08)each
Monthly groceries (single person)L1,485 ($81.60)per month
Monthly public transport passL240 ($13.20)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentL633 ($34.80)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)L183 ($10.08)per month
Fitness club membershipL183 ($10.08)per month
Cinema ticketL48.05 ($2.64)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreL2,721 ($150)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreL1,893 ($104)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreL5,678 ($312)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Mbabane is L7,280 ($400) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of L6,261 ($344) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly L8,139 ($447) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (L1,893 ($104)) represents about 30% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Mbabane

Mbabane vs LobambaMbabane vs ManziniMbabane vs NhlanganoMbabane vs SitekiMbabane vs Piggs PeakMbabane vs Lavumisa

Nearby Cities

Lobamba

16 km away · Hhohho

Manzini

30 km away · Manzini

Piggs Peak

41 km away · Hhohho

Hlatikulu

75 km away · Shiselweni

Siteki

83 km away · Lubombo

Nhlangano

89 km away · Shiselweni

Lavumisa

135 km away · Shiselweni

Other Major Cities in Eswatini

Lobamba

Hhohho · pop. 114,585

L8,306 ($456) / mo

Manzini

Manzini · pop. 110,508

L6,261 ($344) / mo

Living in Mbabane

Mbabane is one of the key cities in Eswatini. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is L6,261 ($344), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around L1,893 ($104) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to L14,476 ($795) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately L11,158 ($613) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Mbabane is L7,280 ($400). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least L8,139 ($447) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mbabane expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated L6,261 ($344) per month in Mbabane including rent outside the city centre. That is 6% less than the national average for Eswatini.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Mbabane?
A net salary of around L8,139 ($447) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Mbabane with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Mbabane is L7,280 ($400).
How much is rent in Mbabane?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated L2,721 ($150) per month in the city centre and L1,893 ($104) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about L5,678 ($312).
Is Mbabane cheaper than Eswatini on average?
Yes — Mbabane is estimated to be about 6% cheaper than the Eswatini average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Mbabane?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at L1,485 ($82) in Mbabane. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about L66 ($4) and a cappuccino runs around L20 ($1).
How do transport costs in Mbabane compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Mbabane is estimated at L240 ($13). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Mbabane are estimates based on Eswatini national averages adjusted for city size (population 76,218). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.