Prices and Cost of Living in Zambia

Food and beverage prices in Zambia

Popular food products found on store shelves in Zambia include bananas, rice, bread, onions, eggs, tomatoes, cheese, beef and potatoes, among others. Prices for a kilo of these products range from 1.62 ZMW (1.55 EUR) for a kilo of onions to 5.61 ZMW (5.38 EUR) for a kilo of beef. The price of white rice is 1.83 ZMW (1.75 EUR) per kilo, while a loaf of fresh white bread costs 0.98 ZMW (0.94 EUR) per half kilo. Bananas cost 1.45 ZMW (1.39 EUR) per kilo, while apples cost 2.46 ZMW (2.36 EUR) per kilo.

Water, available in 1.5-liter bottles, costs 0.98 ZMW (0.94 EUR). Dairy prices in Zambia, on the other hand, are as follows: 1 liter of milk costs about 1.19 ZMW (1.14 EUR), and 1 kilogram of locally produced cheese is an expense of 9.11 ZMW (8.73 EUR). Chicken filet, which is a common ingredient in meat dishes, costs in the range of 4.51 ZMW (4.32 EUR) per kilo. Eggs (12 pieces per package) are an expense of about 1.58 ZMW (1.51 EUR), and the average price of tomatoes is 1.12 ZMW (1.07 EUR) per kilo.

What is the typical cost for an affordable meal?

Prices in restaurants in Zambia vary and depend on several factors, such as the type of restaurant, location and time of day. For instance, a Cappuccino typically costs around 1.75 ZMW (1.68 EUR), while a 0.33-liter bottle of Coca-Cola or Pepsi is priced at approximately 0.83 ZMW (0.8 EUR). At a fast-food restaurant such as McDonald's, you can expect to pay 3.41 ZMW (3.27 EUR) for a meal, whereas a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant could cost around 29.4 ZMW (28.17 EUR). Budget-friendly dining options are also available, with some restaurants offering meals for as little as 3.67 ZMW (3.52 EUR).

How much does transportation cost in Zambia?

The average expense of a one-way trip using local transportation stands at approximately 1.45 ZMW (1.39 EUR), while a monthly ticket for public transportation has an average cost of roughly 40 ZMW (38.33 EUR). Choosing to travel by taxi would entail an initial fee of 3 ZMW (2.87 EUR), along with a per-kilometer charge of 0.72 ZMW (0.69 EUR).

Fuel prices in Zambia

Average fuel prices in Zambia are 34.01 ZMW (1.18 EUR) per liter of gasoline and 30.07 ZMW (1.05 EUR) per liter of diesel.

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

The cost of renting or buying an apartment in Zambia varies according to its location. On average, renting an apartment with one bedroom and a living room outside the city center costs approximately 193 ZMW (185 EUR) per month, while the same type of apartment in the city center can cost around 274 ZMW (263 EUR) per month. In comparison, the purchase price of an apartment in the city center is 10764 ZMW (10315 EUR) per square meter.