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Cost of Living in Matola

Matola, Maputo, Mozambique · Population 1,032,197

▲ +8% vs Mozambique average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)MT24,748 ($387)
Couple, monthlyMT44,000 ($688)
Family of four, monthlyMT56,978 ($890)

Estimated Prices in Matola

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantMT263 ($4.10)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeMT1,051 ($16.42)per meal
CappuccinoMT78.80 ($1.23)each
Monthly groceries (single person)MT5,954 ($93.02)per month
Monthly public transport passMT963 ($15.05)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentMT2,539 ($39.67)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)MT735 ($11.49)per month
Fitness club membershipMT735 ($11.49)per month
Cinema ticketMT193 ($3.01)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreMT10,404 ($163)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreMT7,237 ($113)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreMT21,712 ($339)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Matola is MT18,240 ($285) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of MT24,748 ($387) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly MT32,172 ($503) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (MT7,237 ($113)) represents about 29% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Matola

Matola vs MaputoMatola vs NampulaMatola vs BeiraMatola vs QuelimaneMatola vs ChimoioMatola vs Cidade de Nacala

Nearby Cities

Catembe

10 km away · Maputo

Maputo

11 km away · Maputo

Namaacha

43 km away · Maputo

Manhiça

71 km away · Maputo

Macia

122 km away · Gaza

Xai-Xai

156 km away · Gaza

Chokwé

169 km away · Gaza

Chibuto

178 km away · Gaza

Other Major Cities in Mozambique

Maputo

Maputo · pop. 1,133,200

MT28,497 ($445) / mo

Nampula

Nampula · pop. 743,000

MT22,890 ($358) / mo

Beira

Sofala · pop. 530,604

MT22,890 ($358) / mo

Quelimane

Zambézia · pop. 349,842

MT22,890 ($358) / mo

Chimoio

Manica · pop. 238,976

MT21,504 ($336) / mo

Cidade de Nacala

Nampula · pop. 206,449

MT21,504 ($336) / mo

Malema

Nampula · pop. 195,077

MT21,504 ($336) / mo

Maxixe

Inhambane · pop. 155,521

MT21,504 ($336) / mo

Living in Matola

Matola is one of the key cities in Mozambique. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is MT24,748 ($387), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around MT7,237 ($113) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to MT56,978 ($890) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately MT44,000 ($688) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Matola is MT18,240 ($285). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least MT32,172 ($503) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Matola expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated MT24,748 ($387) per month in Matola including rent outside the city centre. That is 8% more than the national average for Mozambique.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Matola?
A net salary of around MT32,172 ($503) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Matola with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Matola is MT18,240 ($285).
How much is rent in Matola?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated MT10,404 ($163) per month in the city centre and MT7,237 ($113) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about MT21,712 ($339).
Is Matola cheaper than Mozambique on average?
No — Matola is estimated to be about 8% more expensive than the Mozambique average, mainly due to housing demand.
What is the cost of groceries in Matola?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at MT5,954 ($93) in Matola. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about MT263 ($4) and a cappuccino runs around MT79 ($1).
How do transport costs in Matola compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Matola is estimated at MT963 ($15). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Matola are estimates based on Mozambique national averages adjusted for city size (population 1,032,197). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.