Prices and Cost of Living in Lesotho

Food and beverage prices in Lesotho

Popular food products found on store shelves in Lesotho include bananas, rice, bread, onions, eggs, tomatoes, cheese, beef and potatoes, among others. Prices for a kilo of these products range from 20.51 ZAR (0.98 EUR) for a kilo of onions to 91.29 ZAR (4.37 EUR) for a kilo of beef. The price of white rice is 35.01 ZAR (1.68 EUR) per kilo, while a loaf of fresh white bread costs 13.17 ZAR (0.63 EUR) per half kilo. Bananas cost 31.01 ZAR (1.48 EUR) per kilo, while apples cost 30.01 ZAR (1.44 EUR) per kilo.

Water, available in 1.5-liter bottles, costs 13.6 ZAR (0.65 EUR). Dairy prices in Lesotho, on the other hand, are as follows: 1 liter of milk costs about 18.26 ZAR (0.87 EUR), and 1 kilogram of locally produced cheese is an expense of 108 ZAR (5.15 EUR). Chicken filet, which is a common ingredient in meat dishes, costs in the range of 103 ZAR (4.91 EUR) per kilo. Eggs (12 pieces per package) are an expense of about 25 ZAR (1.2 EUR), and the average price of tomatoes is 40.01 ZAR (1.92 EUR) per kilo.

What is the typical cost for an affordable meal?

Prices in restaurants in Lesotho vary and depend on several factors, such as the type of restaurant, location and time of day. For instance, a Cappuccino typically costs around 31.26 ZAR (1.5 EUR), while a 0.33-liter bottle of Coca-Cola or Pepsi is priced at approximately 23 ZAR (1.1 EUR). At a fast-food restaurant such as McDonald's, you can expect to pay 150 ZAR (7.18 EUR) for a meal, whereas a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant could cost around 500 ZAR (23.93 EUR). Budget-friendly dining options are also available, with some restaurants offering meals for as little as 175 ZAR (8.38 EUR).

How much does transportation cost in Lesotho?

The average expense of a one-way trip using local transportation stands at approximately 13 ZAR (0.62 EUR), while a monthly ticket for public transportation has an average cost of roughly 500 ZAR (23.93 EUR). Choosing to travel by taxi would entail an initial fee of 13 ZAR (0.62 EUR), along with a per-kilometer charge of 12.01 ZAR (0.57 EUR).

Fuel prices in Lesotho

Average fuel prices in Lesotho are 19.34 ZAR (0.93 EUR) per liter of gasoline and 19.61 ZAR (0.94 EUR) per liter of diesel.

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Lesotho?

The cost of renting or buying an apartment in Lesotho varies according to its location. On average, renting an apartment with one bedroom and a living room outside the city center costs approximately 1400 ZAR (67.02 EUR) per month, while the same type of apartment in the city center can cost around 2667 ZAR (128 EUR) per month. In comparison, the purchase price of an apartment in the city center is 6349 ZAR (304 EUR) per square meter.