Cost of Living in Lusaka, Zambia
Zambia · Africa
$700
Monthly Cost
avg/person
28
Cost Index
NYC=100
24
Rent Index
NYC=100
44
Quality of Life
Below Average
42
Safety Index
Below Average
2.7M
Population
ZMW
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $3 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $12 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $4 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $1.5 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $2.5 |
| Cappuccino | $2 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $0.7 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.4 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.6 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.7 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.5 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $3.5 |
| Beef (1kg) | $5.5 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2.5 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.4 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.7 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.45 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.4 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.25 |
| Monthly Pass | $12 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.4 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.3 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $28000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $22000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $55 |
| Mobile Plan | $8 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $35 |
| Fitness Club/month | $22 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $350/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $200/mo |
| 3BR Center | $820/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $460/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $1,300/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $720/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $350 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 25% |
Cost of Living in Lusaka — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Lusaka, Zambia is approximately $700 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Lusaka has a cost index of 28, making it around 72% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Lusaka costs around $200/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $350/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $820/month. The rent index is 24 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Lusaka scores 44/100 on the quality of life index and 42/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 38/100. The climate index is 70/100. 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 Lusaka is approximately $350/month. With a purchasing power index of 32/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is ZMW, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Lusaka
The average monthly salary in Lusaka is approximately $350. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $700, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 32/100.
Healthcare Costs in Lusaka
Healthcare quality in Lusaka is rated 38/100. 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 Lusaka
Lusaka has a quality of life score of 44/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Lusaka
Students living in Lusaka 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 Lusaka
Expats moving to Lusaka 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 Lusaka, Zambia is approximately $700 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 28 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Lusaka
Living in Lusaka offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 28 and a quality of life score of 44/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $350 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Lusaka provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Zambia and around the world.
Key Facts About Lusaka
- Average Monthly Cost: $700
- Cost Index: 28
- Rent Index: 24
- Average Salary: $350
- Quality of Life: 44/100
- Safety Score: 42/100
- Country: Zambia
- Currency: ZMW
Is Lusaka Expensive?
Lusaka has a cost index of 28 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Lusaka compare to other cities?
Lusaka is located in Africa with a population of approximately 2.7M. At a cost index of 28 (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 Lusaka stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Lusaka?
The average cost of living in Lusaka, Zambia is approximately $700 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 28 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Lusaka?
Rent in Lusaka varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 24 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Lusaka alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Lusaka expensive to live in?
Lusaka has a cost index of 28 compared to New York City (100). At 28, Lusaka is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $700.
What is the quality of life in Lusaka?
Lusaka has a quality of life index of 44/100 and a safety index of 42/100. The city is located in Africa and offers a below average quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Lusaka compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Lusaka with any city worldwide. Lusaka's cost index is 28 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Lusaka?
Many residents live comfortably in Lusaka with a monthly budget of around $700 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Lusaka good for expats?
Lusaka is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Lusaka?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $700 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Lusaka.
Is Lusaka cheaper than New York?
Yes, Lusaka has a cost index of 28 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Lusaka?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Lusaka.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Lusaka
Cheapest Ways to Live in Lusaka
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Lusaka typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $200/month compared to $350/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 Lusaka, Zambia.
Is Lusaka Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 32/100 and a quality of life score of 44/100, Lusaka is a budget-friendly option, though residents should weigh lifestyle trade-offs carefully. Combined with a cost index of 28 relative to New York City, Lusaka remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Zambia has to offer against other destinations in Africa.
Lusaka Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Lusaka", "Lusaka monthly expenses 2026", and "is Lusaka affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $700, a safety score of 42/100, and healthcare rated 38/100, Lusaka offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Zambia.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026