Cost of Living in Gaborone, Botswana
Botswana · Africa
$1,000
Monthly Cost
avg/person
38
Cost Index
NYC=100
32
Rent Index
NYC=100
55
Quality of Life
Moderate
50
Safety Index
Moderate
0.3M
Population
BWP
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $4 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $16 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $5 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $2 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $3 |
| Cappuccino | $2.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $1 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.5 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1.1 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.8 |
| Rice (1kg) | $1 |
| Eggs (12) | $2 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $4 |
| Beef (1kg) | $6 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $1 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.7 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.5 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.4 |
| Monthly Pass | $18 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.5 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.2 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $28000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $22000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $75 |
| Mobile Plan | $10 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $38 |
| Fitness Club/month | $28 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $480/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $280/mo |
| 3BR Center | $1,100/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $640/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $1,800/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $1,000/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $700 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 8.5% |
View Cost of Living in Botswana
Cost of Living in Gaborone — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Gaborone, Botswana is approximately $1,000 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Gaborone has a cost index of 38, making it around 62% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Gaborone costs around $280/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $480/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $1,100/month. The rent index is 32 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Gaborone scores 55/100 on the quality of life index and 50/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 52/100. The climate index is 68/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Gaborone is approximately $700/month. With a purchasing power index of 44/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is BWP, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Gaborone
The average monthly salary in Gaborone is approximately $700. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $1,000, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 44/100.
Healthcare Costs in Gaborone
Healthcare quality in Gaborone is rated 52/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Gaborone
Gaborone has a quality of life score of 55/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Gaborone
Students living in Gaborone should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Gaborone
Expats moving to Gaborone often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Gaborone, Botswana is approximately $1,000 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 38 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Gaborone
Living in Gaborone offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 38 and a quality of life score of 55/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $700 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Gaborone provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Botswana and around the world.
Key Facts About Gaborone
- Average Monthly Cost: $1,000
- Cost Index: 38
- Rent Index: 32
- Average Salary: $700
- Quality of Life: 55/100
- Safety Score: 50/100
- Country: Botswana
- Currency: BWP
Is Gaborone Expensive?
Gaborone has a cost index of 38 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Gaborone compare to other cities?
Gaborone is located in Africa with a population of approximately 0.3M. At a cost index of 38 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Gaborone stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Gaborone?
The average cost of living in Gaborone, Botswana is approximately $1,000 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 38 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Gaborone?
Rent in Gaborone varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 32 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Gaborone alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Gaborone expensive to live in?
Gaborone has a cost index of 38 compared to New York City (100). At 38, Gaborone is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $1,000.
What is the quality of life in Gaborone?
Gaborone has a quality of life index of 55/100 and a safety index of 50/100. The city is located in Africa and offers a moderate quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Gaborone compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Gaborone with any city worldwide. Gaborone's cost index is 38 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Gaborone?
Many residents live comfortably in Gaborone with a monthly budget of around $1,000 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Gaborone good for expats?
Gaborone is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Gaborone?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $1,000 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Gaborone.
Is Gaborone cheaper than New York?
Yes, Gaborone has a cost index of 38 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Gaborone?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Gaborone.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Gaborone
Cheapest Ways to Live in Gaborone
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Gaborone typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $280/month compared to $480/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Gaborone, Botswana.
Is Gaborone Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 44/100 and a quality of life score of 55/100, Gaborone is a reasonable option for relocation, balancing affordability with adequate quality of life. Combined with a cost index of 38 relative to New York City, Gaborone remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Botswana has to offer against other destinations in Africa.
Gaborone Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Gaborone", "Gaborone monthly expenses 2026", and "is Gaborone affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $1,000, a safety score of 50/100, and healthcare rated 52/100, Gaborone offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Botswana.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026