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Cost of Living in Lusaka

Lusaka, Lusaka, Zambia · Population 2,467,563 · National capital

▲ +24% vs Zambia average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)ZK11,577 ($445)
Couple, monthlyZK20,617 ($793)
Family of four, monthlyZK26,732 ($1,028)

Estimated Prices in Lusaka

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantZK122 ($4.68)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeZK487 ($18.72)per meal
CappuccinoZK36.50 ($1.40)each
Monthly groceries (single person)ZK2,758 ($106)per month
Monthly public transport passZK446 ($17.16)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentZK1,176 ($45.24)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)ZK341 ($13.10)per month
Fitness club membershipZK341 ($13.10)per month
Cinema ticketZK89.23 ($3.43)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreZK4,981 ($192)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreZK3,465 ($133)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreZK10,394 ($400)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Lusaka is ZK11,830 ($455) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of ZK11,577 ($445) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly ZK15,050 ($579) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (ZK3,465 ($133)) represents about 30% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Lusaka

Lusaka vs KitweLusaka vs NdolaLusaka vs KabweLusaka vs ChingolaLusaka vs MufuliraLusaka vs Livingstone

Nearby Cities

Kafue

38 km away · Lusaka

Mazabuka

75 km away · Southern

Chirundu

92 km away · Southern

Kabwe

111 km away · Central

Monze

127 km away · Southern

Siavonga

132 km away · Southern

Mumbwa

140 km away · Central

Kapiri Mposhi

166 km away · Central

Other Major Cities in Zambia

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

Mongu

Western · pop. 148,972

ZK8,736 ($336) / mo

Living in Lusaka

Lusaka is the capital and one of the key cities in Zambia. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is ZK11,577 ($445), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around ZK3,465 ($133) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to ZK26,732 ($1,028) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately ZK20,617 ($793) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Lusaka is ZK11,830 ($455). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least ZK15,050 ($579) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lusaka expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated ZK11,577 ($445) per month in Lusaka including rent outside the city centre. That is 24% more than the national average for Zambia.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Lusaka?
A net salary of around ZK15,050 ($579) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Lusaka with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Lusaka is ZK11,830 ($455).
How much is rent in Lusaka?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated ZK4,981 ($192) per month in the city centre and ZK3,465 ($133) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about ZK10,394 ($400).
Is Lusaka cheaper than Zambia on average?
No — Lusaka is estimated to be about 24% more expensive than the Zambia average, mainly due to housing demand as the national capital.
What is the cost of groceries in Lusaka?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at ZK2,758 ($106) in Lusaka. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about ZK122 ($5) and a cappuccino runs around ZK37 ($1).
How do transport costs in Lusaka compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Lusaka is estimated at ZK446 ($17). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Lusaka are estimates based on Zambia national averages adjusted for city size (population 2,467,563) and capital-city premium. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.