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Cost of Living in Chipata

Chipata, Eastern, Zambia · Population 141,800

▼ -6% vs Zambia average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)ZK8,736 ($336)
Couple, monthlyZK15,506 ($596)
Family of four, monthlyZK20,055 ($771)

Estimated Prices in Chipata

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantZK93.60 ($3.60)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeZK374 ($14.40)per meal
CappuccinoZK28.08 ($1.08)each
Monthly groceries (single person)ZK2,122 ($81.60)per month
Monthly public transport passZK343 ($13.20)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentZK905 ($34.80)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)ZK262 ($10.08)per month
Fitness club membershipZK262 ($10.08)per month
Cinema ticketZK68.64 ($2.64)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreZK3,588 ($138)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreZK2,496 ($96.00)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreZK7,488 ($288)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Chipata is ZK9,100 ($350) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of ZK8,736 ($336) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly ZK11,357 ($437) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (ZK2,496 ($96)) represents about 29% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Chipata

Chipata vs LusakaChipata vs KitweChipata vs NdolaChipata vs KabweChipata vs ChingolaChipata vs Mufulira

Nearby Cities

Katete

80 km away · Eastern

Petauke

158 km away · Eastern

Lundazi

161 km away · Eastern

Nyimba

222 km away · Eastern

Chilonga

229 km away · Muchinga

Mpika

238 km away · Muchinga

Serenje

265 km away · Central

Mkushi

351 km away · Central

Other Major Cities in Zambia

Lusaka

Lusaka · pop. 2,467,563

ZK11,577 ($445) / mo

Kitwe

Copperbelt · pop. 625,000

ZK9,299 ($358) / mo

Ndola

Copperbelt · pop. 528,330

ZK9,299 ($358) / mo

Kabwe

Central · pop. 299,206

ZK9,299 ($358) / mo

Chingola

Copperbelt · pop. 255,000

ZK9,299 ($358) / mo

Mufulira

Copperbelt · pop. 182,400

ZK8,736 ($336) / mo

Livingstone

Southern · pop. 177,393

ZK8,736 ($336) / mo

Kasama

Northern · pop. 158,051

ZK8,736 ($336) / mo

Living in Chipata

Chipata is one of the key cities in Zambia. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is ZK8,736 ($336), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around ZK2,496 ($96) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to ZK20,055 ($771) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately ZK15,506 ($596) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Chipata is ZK9,100 ($350). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least ZK11,357 ($437) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chipata expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated ZK8,736 ($336) per month in Chipata including rent outside the city centre. That is 6% less than the national average for Zambia.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Chipata?
A net salary of around ZK11,357 ($437) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Chipata with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Chipata is ZK9,100 ($350).
How much is rent in Chipata?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated ZK3,588 ($138) per month in the city centre and ZK2,496 ($96) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about ZK7,488 ($288).
Is Chipata cheaper than Zambia on average?
Yes — Chipata is estimated to be about 6% cheaper than the Zambia average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Chipata?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at ZK2,122 ($82) in Chipata. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about ZK94 ($4) and a cappuccino runs around ZK28 ($1).
How do transport costs in Chipata compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Chipata is estimated at ZK343 ($13). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Chipata are estimates based on Zambia national averages adjusted for city size (population 141,800). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.