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Cost of Living in Kabwe

Kabwe, Central, Zambia · Population 299,206

▲ +0% vs Zambia average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)ZK9,299 ($358)
Couple, monthlyZK16,518 ($635)
Family of four, monthlyZK21,375 ($822)

Estimated Prices in Kabwe

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantZK99.22 ($3.82)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeZK397 ($15.26)per meal
CappuccinoZK29.76 ($1.14)each
Monthly groceries (single person)ZK2,249 ($86.50)per month
Monthly public transport passZK364 ($13.99)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentZK959 ($36.89)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)ZK278 ($10.68)per month
Fitness club membershipZK278 ($10.68)per month
Cinema ticketZK72.76 ($2.80)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreZK3,859 ($148)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreZK2,685 ($103)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreZK8,054 ($310)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Kabwe is ZK9,646 ($371) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of ZK9,299 ($358) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly ZK12,089 ($465) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (ZK2,685 ($103)) represents about 29% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Kabwe

Kabwe vs LusakaKabwe vs KitweKabwe vs NdolaKabwe vs ChingolaKabwe vs MufuliraKabwe vs Livingstone

Nearby Cities

Kapiri Mposhi

57 km away · Central

Lusaka

111 km away · Lusaka

Mkushi

137 km away · Central

Luanshya

145 km away · Copperbelt

Kafue

149 km away · Lusaka

Mumbwa

161 km away · Central

Bwana Mkubwa

163 km away · Copperbelt

Ndola

164 km away · Copperbelt

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

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

Mongu

Western · pop. 148,972

ZK8,736 ($336) / mo

Living in Kabwe

Kabwe is one of the key cities in Zambia. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is ZK9,299 ($358), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around ZK2,685 ($103) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to ZK21,375 ($822) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately ZK16,518 ($635) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Kabwe is ZK9,646 ($371). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least ZK12,089 ($465) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kabwe expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated ZK9,299 ($358) per month in Kabwe including rent outside the city centre. That is 0% more than the national average for Zambia.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Kabwe?
A net salary of around ZK12,089 ($465) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Kabwe with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Kabwe is ZK9,646 ($371).
How much is rent in Kabwe?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated ZK3,859 ($148) per month in the city centre and ZK2,685 ($103) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about ZK8,054 ($310).
Is Kabwe cheaper than Zambia on average?
No — Kabwe is estimated to be about 0% more expensive than the Zambia average, mainly due to housing demand.
What is the cost of groceries in Kabwe?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at ZK2,249 ($86) in Kabwe. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about ZK99 ($4) and a cappuccino runs around ZK30 ($1).
How do transport costs in Kabwe compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Kabwe is estimated at ZK364 ($14). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Kabwe are estimates based on Zambia national averages adjusted for city size (population 299,206). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.