Cost of Living in Lusaka, Zambia

Lusaka has a cost of living index of 30/100 (New York = 100). It is 70% cheaper than New York. Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

30/100
Cost Index
$340/mo
Median Income
57/100
Safety Index
humid subtropical
Climate

Cost Breakdown by Category

HousingScore: 25/100
1-Bed Apartment (City Center)$440/month
1-Bed Apartment (Outside Center)$280/month
3-Bed Apartment (City Center)$920/month
Food & GroceriesScore: 18/100
Milk (1 liter)$0.24/liter
Bread (500g loaf)$0.16/loaf
Rice (1 kg)$0.42/kg
Dining OutScore: 18/100
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant$0.95/meal
Meal for 2 (Mid-Range)$5.2/meal
McMeal at McDonald's$1.8/meal
TransportationScore: 20/100
Monthly Transit Pass$45/month
One-Way Ticket$0.63/trip
Taxi (1 km)$0.63/km
UtilitiesScore: 15/100
Basic (Elec, Heat, Water, Garbage) 85m2$65/month
Internet (60+ Mbps)$28/month
Mobile Plan (10GB+)$18/month
HealthcareScore: 25/100
Doctor Visit (15 min)$45/visit
Dentist Visit$55/visit
Prescription Medicine (avg)$8/course
EntertainmentScore: 20/100
Cinema Ticket (1 seat)$6/ticket
Theater Ticket$20/ticket
Museum Entry$8/ticket
FitnessScore: 18/100
Gym Membership (monthly)$25/month
Tennis Court Rent (1 hr)$11/hour
Swimming Pool (adult entry)$4.2/entry
Personal CareScore: 18/100
Haircut (Men)$11/cut
Haircut (Women)$22/cut
Shampoo (400ml)$2.8/bottle
ClothingScore: 22/100
Jeans (Levi's or similar)$35/pair
Summer Dress (Zara/H&M)$22/piece
Running Shoes (Nike/Adidas)$50/pair

Digital Nomad Profile

25 Mbps
Internet Speed
$150
Coworking/Month
fair
Café WiFi
high
English Level
small
Nomad Community
45/100
Walkability

Best neighborhoods: Kabulonga, Woodlands

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lusaka cheap to live in?

Lusaka has a cost of living index of 30/100, where New York = 100. It is 70% cheaper than New York. A single person can live comfortably for approximately $600–$840 per month.

How much does rent cost in Lusaka?

A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center of Lusaka costs approximately $440/month. Outside the center, expect to pay around $280/month.

Is Lusaka good for digital nomads?

Lusaka has a small digital nomad community. Average internet speed is 25 Mbps, café wifi reliability is fair, and coworking spaces run about $150/month. English proficiency is high.

What is the average salary in Lusaka?

The median net monthly salary in Lusaka is approximately $340 USD. The income tax rate is around 20.9%.

How does Lusaka compare to New York for cost of living?

Lusaka (cost index 30) is 70% cheaper than New York (cost index 100). You could save roughly $1,750/month by moving from New York to Lusaka.

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