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Cost of Living in Bulawayo

Bulawayo, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe · Population 665,940

▲ +0% vs Zimbabwe average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$426
Couple, monthly$759
Family of four, monthly$985

Estimated Prices in Bulawayo

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$4.45per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$17.81per meal
Cappuccino$1.34each
Monthly groceries (single person)$101per month
Monthly public transport pass$16.32per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$43.04per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$12.47per month
Fitness club membership$12.47per month
Cinema ticket$3.26each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$186per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$129per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$387per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Bulawayo is $265 per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $426 with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $554 per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($129) represents about 30% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Bulawayo

Bulawayo vs HarareBulawayo vs MasvingoBulawayo vs ChitungwizaBulawayo vs Mount DarwinBulawayo vs MutareBulawayo vs Gweru

Nearby Cities

Kezi

84 km away · Matabeleland South

Plumtree

87 km away · Matabeleland South

Gwanda

99 km away · Matabeleland South

Nkayi

134 km away · Matabeleland North

Gweru

153 km away · Midlands

Zvishavane

154 km away · Masvingo

Lupane

159 km away · Matabeleland North

Shurugwi

160 km away · Midlands

Other Major Cities in Zimbabwe

Harare

Harare · pop. 2,150,000

$531 / mo

Masvingo

Masvingo · pop. 1,638,528

$461 / mo

Chitungwiza

Harare · pop. 371,246

$426 / mo

Mount Darwin

Mashonaland Central · pop. 240,727

$400 / mo

Mutare

Manicaland · pop. 224,804

$400 / mo

Gweru

Midlands · pop. 141,260

$400 / mo

Kadoma

Mashonaland West · pop. 116,300

$400 / mo

Nkayi

Matabeleland North · pop. 112,471

$400 / mo

Living in Bulawayo

Bulawayo is one of the key cities in Zimbabwe. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $426, placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $129 per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $985 per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $759 monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Bulawayo is $265. To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $554 per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bulawayo expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $426 per month in Bulawayo including rent outside the city centre. That is 0% more than the national average for Zimbabwe.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Bulawayo?
A net salary of around $554 per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Bulawayo with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Bulawayo is $265.
How much is rent in Bulawayo?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $186 per month in the city centre and $129 outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $387.
Is Bulawayo cheaper than Zimbabwe on average?
No — Bulawayo is estimated to be about 0% more expensive than the Zimbabwe average, mainly due to housing demand.
What is the cost of groceries in Bulawayo?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $101 in Bulawayo. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $4 and a cappuccino runs around $1.
How do transport costs in Bulawayo compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Bulawayo is estimated at $16. Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Bulawayo are estimates based on Zimbabwe national averages adjusted for city size (population 665,940). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.