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Cost of Living in Harare

Harare, Harare, Zimbabwe · Population 2,150,000 · National capital

▲ +25% vs Zimbabwe average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$531
Couple, monthly$948
Family of four, monthly$1,233

Estimated Prices in Harare

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$5.46per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$21.84per meal
Cappuccino$1.64each
Monthly groceries (single person)$124per month
Monthly public transport pass$20.02per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$52.78per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$15.29per month
Fitness club membership$15.29per month
Cinema ticket$4.00each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$239per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$167per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$500per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Harare is $325 per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $531 with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $690 per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($167) represents about 31% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Harare

Harare vs MasvingoHarare vs BulawayoHarare vs ChitungwizaHarare vs Mount DarwinHarare vs MutareHarare vs Gweru

Nearby Cities

Chitungwiza

18 km away · Harare

Ruwa

21 km away · Mashonaland East

Mazoe

36 km away · Mashonaland Central

Norton

38 km away · Mashonaland West

Marondera

66 km away · Mashonaland East

Bindura

66 km away · Mashonaland Central

Shamva

78 km away · Mashonaland Central

Murehwa

80 km away · Mashonaland East

Other Major Cities in Zimbabwe

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

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 Harare

Harare is the capital and one of the key cities in Zimbabwe. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $531, placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $167 per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $1,233 per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $948 monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Harare is $325. To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $690 per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Harare expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $531 per month in Harare including rent outside the city centre. That is 25% more than the national average for Zimbabwe.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Harare?
A net salary of around $690 per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Harare with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Harare is $325.
How much is rent in Harare?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $239 per month in the city centre and $167 outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $500.
Is Harare cheaper than Zimbabwe on average?
No — Harare is estimated to be about 25% more expensive than the Zimbabwe average, mainly due to housing demand as the national capital.
What is the cost of groceries in Harare?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $124 in Harare. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $5 and a cappuccino runs around $2.
How do transport costs in Harare compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Harare is estimated at $20. Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Harare are estimates based on Zimbabwe national averages adjusted for city size (population 2,150,000) and capital-city premium. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.