41 cities covered · Currency: USD ($) · Capital: Harare
| Expense | Estimated cost | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | $4.45 | per meal |
| Three-course meal for two, mid-range | $17.81 | per meal |
| Cappuccino | $1.34 | each |
| Monthly groceries (single person) | $101 | per month |
| Monthly public transport pass | $16.32 | per month |
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment | $43.04 | per month |
| Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited) | $12.47 | per month |
| Fitness club membership | $12.47 | per month |
| Cinema ticket | $3.26 | each |
| One-bedroom apartment in city centre | $186 | per month |
| One-bedroom apartment outside centre | $129 | per month |
| Three-bedroom apartment in city centre | $387 | per month |
Harare · pop. 2,150,000
Masvingo · pop. 1,638,528
Bulawayo · pop. 665,940
Harare · pop. 371,246
Mashonaland Central · pop. 240,727
Manicaland · pop. 224,804
Midlands · pop. 141,260
Mashonaland West · pop. 116,300
Matabeleland North · pop. 112,471
Midlands · pop. 93,072
Mashonaland West · pop. 56,794
Mashonaland East · pop. 52,283
Manicaland · pop. 50,000
Mashonaland Central · pop. 46,275
Mashonaland West · pop. 44,054
Mashonaland West · pop. 42,959
Matabeleland North · pop. 42,581
Matabeleland South · pop. 41,767
Masvingo · pop. 35,229
Matabeleland North · pop. 33,060
Midlands · pop. 32,346
Mashonaland Central · pop. 30,470
Masvingo · pop. 26,129
Manicaland · pop. 25,054
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Zimbabwe
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Zimbabwe
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Zimbabwe
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Zimbabwe
Living costs in Zimbabwe 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 $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.