37 cities covered · Currency: BWP (P) · Capital: Gaborone
| Expense | Estimated cost | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | P60.55 ($4.45) | per meal |
| Three-course meal for two, mid-range | P242 ($17.81) | per meal |
| Cappuccino | P18.16 ($1.34) | each |
| Monthly groceries (single person) | P1,372 ($101) | per month |
| Monthly public transport pass | P222 ($16.32) | per month |
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment | P585 ($43.04) | per month |
| Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited) | P170 ($12.47) | per month |
| Fitness club membership | P170 ($12.47) | per month |
| Cinema ticket | P44.40 ($3.26) | each |
| One-bedroom apartment in city centre | P2,523 ($186) | per month |
| One-bedroom apartment outside centre | P1,755 ($129) | per month |
| Three-bedroom apartment in city centre | P5,266 ($387) | per month |
Gaborone · pop. 235,884
Francistown · pop. 103,417
Kweneng · pop. 88,098
North West · pop. 85,293
Kweneng · pop. 67,598
South East · pop. 55,517
Selibe Phikwe · pop. 49,724
Southern · pop. 48,028
Central · pop. 47,447
Kgatleng · pop. 44,339
Central · pop. 41,316
Central · pop. 36,211
Lobatse · pop. 29,700
South East · pop. 27,760
Ghanzi · pop. 21,420
Central · pop. 21,216
Central · pop. 20,841
Kweneng · pop. 20,018
Southern · pop. 19,780
Kweneng · pop. 19,547
Jwaneng · pop. 18,784
Kweneng · pop. 14,655
Central · pop. 13,198
South East · pop. 9,320
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Botswana
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Botswana
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Botswana
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Botswana
Living costs in Botswana vary significantly depending on city size. Large metropolitan areas with populations over one million typically see housing costs 15–30% above the national average, while smaller towns can be 10–20% below it. The national baseline of P5,792 ($426) per month represents a mid-sized city estimate.
Capital cities and major economic hubs command the highest rents and overall expenses. For budget-conscious residents, mid-sized cities offer a balance of amenities and affordability. Rural and small-town living remains the most economical option, though transport and service access may be limited.