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Cost of Living in Maseru

Maseru, Maseru, Lesotho · Population 343,541 · National capital

▲ +24% vs Lesotho average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)L7,428 ($408)
Couple, monthlyL13,230 ($727)
Family of four, monthlyL17,153 ($942)

Estimated Prices in Maseru

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantL78.08 ($4.29)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeL312 ($17.16)per meal
CappuccinoL23.42 ($1.29)each
Monthly groceries (single person)L1,770 ($97.24)per month
Monthly public transport passL286 ($15.73)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentL755 ($41.47)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)L219 ($12.01)per month
Fitness club membershipL219 ($12.01)per month
Cinema ticketL57.26 ($3.15)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreL3,196 ($176)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreL2,223 ($122)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreL6,670 ($366)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Maseru is L8,281 ($455) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of L7,428 ($408) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly L9,657 ($531) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (L2,223 ($122)) represents about 30% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Maseru

Maseru vs TeyateyanengMaseru vs MafetengMaseru vs LeribeMaseru vs MaputsoeMaseru vs MazenodMaseru vs Ratau

Nearby Cities

Qiloane

15 km away · Maseru

Mazenod

16 km away · Maseru

Roma

26 km away · Maseru

Senekane

26 km away · Berea

Teyateyaneng

31 km away · Berea

Ratau

31 km away · Maseru

Nyakosoba

43 km away · Maseru

Nako

44 km away · Maseru

Other Major Cities in Lesotho

Teyateyaneng

Berea · pop. 75,115

L5,606 ($308) / mo

Mafeteng

Mafeteng · pop. 57,059

L5,606 ($308) / mo

Living in Maseru

Maseru is the capital and one of the key cities in Lesotho. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is L7,428 ($408), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around L2,223 ($122) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to L17,153 ($942) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately L13,230 ($727) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Maseru is L8,281 ($455). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least L9,657 ($531) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Maseru expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated L7,428 ($408) per month in Maseru including rent outside the city centre. That is 24% more than the national average for Lesotho.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Maseru?
A net salary of around L9,657 ($531) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Maseru with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Maseru is L8,281 ($455).
How much is rent in Maseru?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated L3,196 ($176) per month in the city centre and L2,223 ($122) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about L6,670 ($366).
Is Maseru cheaper than Lesotho on average?
No — Maseru is estimated to be about 24% more expensive than the Lesotho average, mainly due to housing demand as the national capital.
What is the cost of groceries in Maseru?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at L1,770 ($97) in Maseru. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about L78 ($4) and a cappuccino runs around L23 ($1).
How do transport costs in Maseru compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Maseru is estimated at L286 ($16). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Maseru are estimates based on Lesotho national averages adjusted for city size (population 343,541) and capital-city premium. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.