Daily Living Costs in Zambia
What does it cost to live in Zambia day-to-day? Compare prices for food, healthcare, education, mobile data, entertainment, and essential services.
7
Categories
51+
Items
ZMK 5
Lowest (data)
2026-03
Updated
All Categories
Food & Groceries
12 itemsMealie meal, cooking oil, sugar, meat, vegetables — everyday food prices
ZMK 15 – 350
Clothing & Fashion
6 itemsChitenge, shoes, school uniforms, and imported fashion
ZMK 50 – 500
Health & Pharmacy
8 itemsCommon medications, medical consultation fees, health insurance
ZMK 20 – 1,500
Education
5 itemsSchool fees, university tuition, textbooks, and school supplies
ZMK 500 – 25,000
Internet & Mobile
9 itemsMTN, Airtel, and Zamtel data bundles, call rates, and fiber plans
ZMK 5 – 800/mo
TV & Entertainment
6 itemsGOtv, DStv, and streaming service packages in Zambia
ZMK 49 – 869/mo
Visas & Permits
5 itemsZambia visa fees, work permits, residence permits, and travel documents
ZMK 200 – 15,000
International Schools
8 itemsAISL, LICS, Rhodes Park — fees, curriculum (IB/British/American) comparison
$2,500 – $22,000/yr
University Tuition
10 itemsUNZA, CBU, Cavendish, ZCAS — fees, scholarships, and entry requirements
ZMK 3,000 – 30,000/yr
Hospital & Medical Costs
12 itemsConsultation, surgery, lab tests — public vs private hospital prices
ZMK 5 – 80,000
Dental Treatment
14 itemsCheck-up, filling, implant, braces — dental clinics and prices
ZMK 150 – 25,000
Pharmacy & Medicine
18 itemsCommon medications, antibiotics, antimalarials — pharmacy chain prices
ZMK 5 – 400
Electricity Rates
9 itemsZESCO tariffs, prepaid meter guide, load-shedding info
ZMK 0.15 – 1.25/kWh
Water Rates
10 itemsLWSC tariffs, borehole costs, water tanks and delivery
ZMK 3.50 – 35,000
Taxi & Ride-Hailing
10 itemsYango, Ulendo, minibus, car hire — transport prices
ZMK 7 – 1,500
Gym & Fitness
10 itemsGym memberships, personal training, yoga, swimming
ZMK 50 – 20,000
Childcare & Daycare
10 itemsDaycare, nanny, baby supplies, diapers
ZMK 80 – 6,000/mo
Wedding Costs
12 itemsVenue, catering, dress, lobola — complete wedding budget
ZMK 500 – 250,000+
Funeral Costs
10 itemsCoffin, burial, mortuary, hearse, insurance
ZMK 50 – 15,000
Laundry Services
10 itemsWash & fold, dry cleaning for shirts, suits, dresses, and bedding
ZMK 15 – 250
Wedding Gowns
8 itemsBuying, renting, and custom tailoring prices for wedding dresses
ZMK 3,000 – 25,000+
Cinema & Entertainment
12 itemsCinema, bowling, nightlife, dining, activities
ZMK 20 – 500
Printing & Stationery
12 itemsPrint, copy, business cards, binding, school supplies
ZMK 0.50 – 300
Pet Care
10 itemsVet fees, pet food, grooming, boarding, vaccination
ZMK 80 – 5,000
Photography & Video
10 itemsWedding, portrait, event, product photography
ZMK 15 – 20,000
Event Venues
10 itemsHall hire, conference rooms, tents, equipment
ZMK 500 – 30,000
Cost of Daily Life in Zambia
Zambia's cost of living varies significantly between urban (Lusaka, Kitwe, Ndola) and rural areas. Lusaka is the most expensive city, with rent and food costs 30-50% higher than smaller towns. The Kwacha (ZMK) is the official currency.
Basic monthly expenses for a single person in Lusaka range from ZMK 3,000 – 6,000 (excluding rent), while a family of four should budget ZMK 6,000 – 12,000.
Major Supermarkets & Shopping
- Shoprite — Largest supermarket chain with branches in all major cities
- Pick n Pay — Premium supermarket with good imported goods selection
- Spar — Mid-range option with convenient city locations
- Local markets (Soweto, City Market) — Cheapest for fresh produce, meat, and fish
Mobile Money & Payments
Mobile money is widely used in Zambia. MTN MoMo and Airtel Money are the main platforms, used for payments, transfers, and even bill payments at many shops and service providers. Both networks offer competitive agent networks across urban and rural areas.