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Cost of Living in Gweru

Gweru, Midlands, Zimbabwe · Population 141,260

▼ -6% vs Zimbabwe average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$400
Couple, monthly$713
Family of four, monthly$924

Estimated Prices in Gweru

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$4.20per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$16.80per meal
Cappuccino$1.26each
Monthly groceries (single person)$95.20per month
Monthly public transport pass$15.40per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$40.60per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$11.76per month
Fitness club membership$11.76per month
Cinema ticket$3.08each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$173per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$120per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$360per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Gweru is $250 per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $400 with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $520 per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($120) represents about 30% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Gweru

Gweru vs HarareGweru vs MasvingoGweru vs BulawayoGweru vs ChitungwizaGweru vs Mount DarwinGweru vs Mutare

Nearby Cities

Shurugwi

31 km away · Midlands

Redcliff

47 km away · Midlands

Kwekwe

58 km away · Midlands

Mashava

95 km away · Masvingo

Zvishavane

100 km away · Masvingo

Nkayi

109 km away · Matabeleland North

Kadoma

123 km away · Mashonaland West

Chivhu

123 km away · Mashonaland East

Other Major Cities in Zimbabwe

Harare

Harare · pop. 2,150,000

$531 / mo

Masvingo

Masvingo · pop. 1,638,528

$461 / mo

Bulawayo

Bulawayo · pop. 665,940

$426 / mo

Chitungwiza

Harare · pop. 371,246

$426 / mo

Mount Darwin

Mashonaland Central · pop. 240,727

$400 / mo

Mutare

Manicaland · pop. 224,804

$400 / mo

Kadoma

Mashonaland West · pop. 116,300

$400 / mo

Nkayi

Matabeleland North · pop. 112,471

$400 / mo

Living in Gweru

Gweru is one of the key cities in Zimbabwe. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $400, placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $120 per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $924 per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $713 monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Gweru is $250. To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $520 per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gweru expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $400 per month in Gweru including rent outside the city centre. That is 6% less than the national average for Zimbabwe.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Gweru?
A net salary of around $520 per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Gweru with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Gweru is $250.
How much is rent in Gweru?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $173 per month in the city centre and $120 outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $360.
Is Gweru cheaper than Zimbabwe on average?
Yes — Gweru is estimated to be about 6% cheaper than the Zimbabwe average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Gweru?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $95 in Gweru. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $4 and a cappuccino runs around $1.
How do transport costs in Gweru compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Gweru is estimated at $15. Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Gweru are estimates based on Zimbabwe national averages adjusted for city size (population 141,260). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.