Cost of Living in Zambia (2024)

FAQs

How much is an average house in Zambia? ›

Having said this, an average house being constructed in a rural area with local materials i.e. brick work can be as low as $15,000–25,000 with basic amenities while in highly urbanized areas a basic house will cost between $50,000–150,000.

Summary of cost of living in Zambia: A family of four estimated monthly costs are 2,316.3$ without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 680.7$ without rent. Cost of living in Zambia is, on average, 44.8% lower than in United States.

"The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Zambia can vary depending on the location and amenities, but generally ranges from around $400 to $800 per month. For a nice 2 bedroom apartment, the rental price can range from around $600 to $1,200 per month," remarked another expat in Zambia.

Any Zambian or Non-Zambian can Apply Directly to the Commissioner of Lands to own Land in Zambia. Why should one pay Ground Rent and pay Rates for the same property? Ground rents are managed by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources while the Land Rates are managed by the Councils.

Zambia is full of natural beauty and is rich in culture. In all of its natural beauty, Lusaka, Zambia is still a part of the developing world and with that comes challenges. Be prepared for occasional power cuts and/or surges, an inconsistent (although improving!)

Visitors & Tourists

All ordinary Visitors and Tourists are entitled to a free ninety (90) days visit in any period of twelve (12) months from the day of first entry into Zambia while business Visitors are entitled to a free thirty (30) days visit in any period of twelve (12) months.

The currency in Zambia is the Kwacha (K). Official regulations state that all payments within the country must be made in kwacha, but US dollars are widely accepted by many of the larger hotels, lodges and tour operators.

Medical Specialists are some of the good paying jobs in Zambia. Within the healthcare sector, medical specialists such as surgeons, cardiologists, and neurologists command some of the highest salaries in Zambia. These professionals undergo extensive education and training, often specialising in highly demanding fields.

The value updated to 2023 is ZMK 2,726 (146 USD), and comprises a net living wage of ZMK 2,562 (USD 137) and social security and health insurance deductions for ZMK 164 (USD 9). Workers who earn a salary equal to the amount of the living wage are exempt from paying income tax in Zambia.

What is the average income per person in Zambia? ›

Ranking third in the world for monthly disposable income, Zambia's salaries average at $4,330.98 per month. With the rate of economic growth hitting a steady six percent over the past few years and a high level of foreign investment boosting the country, Zambia's salaries are a reflection of its strong economy.

While meal prices in Zambia can vary, the average cost of food in Zambia is $14 (ZMK130,478) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Zambia should cost around $5.79 (ZMK52,191) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner.

#1 Nshima. Nshima is the staple food of Zambia and a common dish for every ethnic group of the country. Made from finely ground maize flour called mealie meal, cooked by mixing the corn meal with hot water to make a very thick porridge.

Higher Initial Costs: Constructing a new home can be more expensive upfront compared to purchasing an existing property. Costs include land acquisition, architectural design, building permits, construction materials, and contractor fees. Budgeting and securing financing are crucial aspects to consider.

On average, a budget traveler can expect to spend around $50 to $70 per day in Zambia, including accommodation, meals, transportation, and activities. Mid-range travelers, on the other hand, can expect to spend approximately $100 to $150 per day.

The deteriorating supply and demand imbalances for decent housing, especially in the urban areas, has meant that most urban dwellers (about 70 per cent) now live in slums areas or unplanned settlements, with no basic amenities such as electricity, street lights, water, roads, and sanitation.

The Capital City, Lusaka remains the most expensive city to live in despite a reduction of K34. 67. The cost of living moved from KK9, 112.60 recorded in April 2023 to K9, 077.93 in the month of May.