Published: Monday, 21th October 2024
The cost of living in Zambia is 2.76 times less expensive as compared to South Africa.
On this page, you will find side-by-side cost comparison between Zambia and South Africa. We have created 172 cost-of-living indicators. We average the prices of all those indicators and take a mathematically calculated approach to determine which country is more expensive to live in between Zambia and South Africa.
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Indicators | Zambia | South Africa |
---|---|---|
1 BHK Apartment in City Center | 7,000 ZMW (322 USD) | 8,000 ZAR (424 USD) |
2 BHK Apartment in City Center | 12,000 ZMW (552 USD) | 12,000 ZAR (636 USD) |
3 BHK Apartment in City Center | 18,000 ZMW (828 USD) | 18,000 ZAR (954 USD) |
1 BHK Apartment outside City Center | 4,500 ZMW (207 USD) | 5,500 ZAR (291.50 USD) |
2 BHK Apartment outside City Center | 8,000 ZMW (368 USD) | 8,500 ZAR (450.50 USD) |
3 BHK Apartment outside City Center | 12,000 ZMW (552 USD) | 12,000 ZAR (636 USD) |
Mortgage Rates Per Month | 8 % | 7.5 % |
Realtor Commission | 3 % | 5 % |
Property Taxes | 0.1 to 0.3 % | 0.1 to 2.0 % |
The average housing cost in Zambia is 1.21 times less expensive than South Africa.
Indicators | Zambia | South Africa |
---|---|---|
Basic Home Furnishing | 15,000 ZMW (690 USD) | 50,000 ZAR (2,650 USD) |
Electricity Cost Per Month | 400 ZMW (18.40 USD) | 1,200 ZAR (63.60 USD) |
Heating Cost Per Month | 300 ZMW (13.80 USD) | 800 ZAR (42.40 USD) |
Cooling Cost Per Month | 200 ZMW (9.20 USD) | 600 ZAR (31.80 USD) |
Water Supply Cost Per Month | 250 ZMW (11.50 USD) | 400 ZAR (21.20 USD) |
If you lived in Zambia, instead of South Africa, you would have to pay 73.55% less for Utilities.
The basic home furnishing in Zambia costs 3.84 times less compared to South Africa.
Indicators | Zambia | South Africa |
---|---|---|
Standard Wifi Cost Per Month | 600 ZMW (27.60 USD) | 600 ZAR (31.80 USD) |
Mobile Phone Basic Plan Cost Per Month | 300 ZMW (13.80 USD) | 500 ZAR (26.50 USD) |
Landline Basic Plan Cost Per Month | 200 ZMW (9.20 USD) | 300 ZAR (15.90 USD) |
Cable TV Basic Plan Cost Per Month | 500 ZMW (23 USD) | 800 ZAR (42.40 USD) |
The internet and communication costs 36.88% less in Zambia compared to South Africa.
Indicators | Zambia | South Africa |
---|---|---|
Long Grain Rice (1 KG) | 35 ZMW (1.61 USD) | 30 ZAR (1.59 USD) |
Milk (1 Liter) | 15 ZMW (0.69 USD) | 20 ZAR (1.06 USD) |
Water (1 Liter) | 10 ZMW (0.46 USD) | 10 ZAR (0.53 USD) |
Bread (500 gm) | 10 ZMW (0.46 USD) | 15 ZAR (0.79 USD) |
Eggs (1 Dozen) | 25 ZMW (1.15 USD) | 40 ZAR (2.12 USD) |
Cheese (1 KG) | 80 ZMW (3.68 USD) | 100 ZAR (5.30 USD) |
Chicken Breast (1 KG) | 60 ZMW (2.76 USD) | 80 ZAR (4.24 USD) |
In Zambia, the cost of 1 Liter Water and 1 Liter Milk is 1.38 times less expensive than the cost in South Africa.
If you lived in Zambia, instead of South Africa, you would have to pay 30.86% less for Groceries.
Indicators | Zambia | South Africa |
---|---|---|
Apples (1 KG) | 50 ZMW (2.30 USD) | 30 ZAR (1.59 USD) |
Bananas (1 KG) | 25 ZMW (1.15 USD) | 20 ZAR (1.06 USD) |
Oranges (1 KG) | 30 ZMW (1.38 USD) | 25 ZAR (1.32 USD) |
Tomatoes (1 KG) | 20 ZMW (0.92 USD) | 20 ZAR (1.06 USD) |
Potatoes (1 KG) | 15 ZMW (0.69 USD) | 15 ZAR (0.79 USD) |
Lemons (1 KG) | 50 ZMW (2.30 USD) | 25 ZAR (1.32 USD) |
Onions (1 KG) | 25 ZMW (1.15 USD) | 20 ZAR (1.06 USD) |
Lentils (1 KG) | 40 ZMW (1.84 USD) | 35 ZAR (1.85 USD) |
If you lived in Zambia, instead of South Africa, you would have to pay 1.16 times more for Fruits and Vegetables.
Indicators | Zambia | South Africa |
---|---|---|
Meal at a Resonable Restaurant | 70 ZMW (3.22 USD) | 150 ZAR (7.95 USD) |
Three-Course Meal for Two | 300 ZMW (13.80 USD) | 600 ZAR (31.80 USD) |
Fast Food Combo Meal | 40 ZMW (1.84 USD) | 80 ZAR (4.24 USD) |
Normal Coffee | 20 ZMW (0.92 USD) | 30 ZAR (1.59 USD) |
Soft Drink | 10 ZMW (0.46 USD) | 20 ZAR (1.06 USD) |
Pizza for One | 100 ZMW (4.60 USD) | 120 ZAR (6.36 USD) |
Take-Out Delivery Meal | 60 ZMW (2.76 USD) | 80 ZAR (4.24 USD) |
Cigarette Pack of 20 | 30 ZMW (1.38 USD) | 40 ZAR (2.12 USD) |
Dining-Out costs 51.18% less in Zambia compared to South Africa.
Indicators | Zambia | South Africa |
---|---|---|
Wine Mid-Range Bottle | 200 ZMW (9.20 USD) | 150 ZAR (7.95 USD) |
Glass of Wine | 100 ZMW (4.60 USD) | 80 ZAR (4.24 USD) |
Domestic Beer Half Liter | 20 ZMW (0.92 USD) | 25 ZAR (1.32 USD) |
Imported Beer Half Liter | 30 ZMW (1.38 USD) | 35 ZAR (1.85 USD) |
Domestic Alcohol 1 Liter | 120 ZMW (5.52 USD) | 120 ZAR (6.36 USD) |
Branded Alcohol 1 Liter | 200 ZMW (9.20 USD) | 200 ZAR (10.60 USD) |
If you lived in Zambia, instead of South Africa, you would have to pay 1.05 times less for usual hard drinks.
Indicators | Zambia | South Africa |
---|---|---|
Monthly Public Transportation Pass | 300 ZMW (13.80 USD) | 1,000 ZAR (53 USD) |
Single Public Transportation Ticket | 10 ZMW (0.46 USD) | 20 ZAR (1.06 USD) |
Single Train Ticket | Yet to Update () | Yet to Update () |
Domestic Airplane Ticket | 1,500 ZMW (69 USD) | 1,500 ZAR (79.50 USD) |
Taxi Start Fare | 20 ZMW (0.92 USD) | 20 ZAR (1.06 USD) |
Taxi Rate Per Kilometer | 5 ZMW (0.23 USD) | 10 ZAR (0.53 USD) |
Car Rental Per Day | 400 ZMW (18.40 USD) | 500 ZAR (26.50 USD) |
Parking Fees in City Center Per Hour | 10 ZMW (0.46 USD) | 25 ZAR (1.32 USD) |
Parking Fees outside City Center Per Hour | 5 ZMW (0.23 USD) | 15 ZAR (0.79 USD) |
If you lived in Zambia, instead of South Africa, you would have to pay 1.58 times less for transportation.
Indicators | Zambia | South Africa |
---|---|---|
Reasonable Vehicle Purchase Cost | 100,000 ZMW (4,600 USD) | 300,000 ZAR (15,900 USD) |
Vehicle Registration Cost | 500 ZMW (23 USD) | 1,000 ZAR (53 USD) |
Driving License Fees | 200 ZMW (9.20 USD) | 500 ZAR (26.50 USD) |
Car Insurance Cost | 1,000 ZMW (46 USD) | 3,000 ZAR (159 USD) |
Car Maintenance Cost | 400 ZMW (18.40 USD) | 1,500 ZAR (79.50 USD) |
Car Loan Interest Rates | 8 % | 8 % |
Fuel Per Liter | 15 ZMW (0.69 USD) | 22 ZAR (1.17 USD) |
Fuel Per Gallon | 60 ZMW (2.76 USD) | 80 ZAR (4.24 USD) |
Average Toll Fees | Yet to Update | 100 ZAR 5.30 USD |
You would have to pay 3.45 times less for Vehicle purchase, daily operation and maintenance in Zambia compared to that of South Africa.
Indicators | Zambia | South Africa |
---|---|---|
Doctor Visit | 200 ZMW (9.20 USD) | 1,200 ZAR (63.60 USD) |
Specialist Visit | 500 ZMW (23 USD) | 2,000 ZAR (106 USD) |
Dentist Visit | 300 ZMW (13.80 USD) | 1,500 ZAR (79.50 USD) |
Eye Exam | 100 ZMW (4.60 USD) | 600 ZAR (31.80 USD) |
Mental Health Counseling | 300 ZMW (13.80 USD) | 1,200 ZAR (63.60 USD) |
Preventive Health Screening | 100 ZMW (4.60 USD) | 600 ZAR (31.80 USD) |
Physical Therapy | 200 ZMW (9.20 USD) | 800 ZAR (42.40 USD) |
Emergency Room Visit | 1,000 ZMW (46 USD) | 2,000 ZAR (106 USD) |
Hospital Stay Per Night | 800 ZMW (36.80 USD) | 5,000 ZAR (265 USD) |
Vaccinations | 100 ZMW (4.60 USD) | 400 ZAR (21.20 USD) |
Prescription Medication | 50 ZMW (2.30 USD) | 500 ZAR (26.50 USD) |
Over the Counter Medication | 20 ZMW (0.92 USD) | 200 ZAR (10.60 USD) |
Health Insurance Premiums | 1,000 ZMW (46 USD) | 3,000 ZAR (159 USD) |
Health Insurance Deductibles | 500 ZMW (23 USD) | 5,000 ZAR (265 USD) |
If you lived in Zambia, instead of South Africa, you would have to pay 5.35 times less for Health and Medical Treatment.
Indicators | Zambia | South Africa |
---|---|---|
Cosmetic Procedures | 1,000 ZMW (46 USD) | 5,000 ZAR (265 USD) |
Spa Treatment | 500 ZMW (23 USD) | 1,000 ZAR (53 USD) |
Manicure Pedicure Cost | 100 ZMW (4.60 USD) | 400 ZAR (21.20 USD) |
Optical Glasses Cost | 200 ZMW (9.20 USD) | 1,000 ZAR (53 USD) |
Contact Lenses Cost | 150 ZMW (6.90 USD) | 600 ZAR (31.80 USD) |
Haircuts | 50 ZMW (2.30 USD) | 200 ZAR (10.60 USD) |
Hair Coloring | 150 ZMW (6.90 USD) | 600 ZAR (31.80 USD) |
Shampoo Price | 30 ZMW (1.38 USD) | 100 ZAR (5.30 USD) |
Toothpaste Price | 10 ZMW (0.46 USD) | 30 ZAR (1.59 USD) |
If you lived in Zambia, instead of South Africa, you would have to pay 4.70 times less for Personal Care Items and Treatment.
Indicators | Zambia | South Africa |
---|---|---|
Pair of Nike Running Shoes | 700 ZMW (32.20 USD) | 2,500 ZAR (132.50 USD) |
Men's Shirt | 150 ZMW (6.90 USD) | 500 ZAR (26.50 USD) |
Women's Dress | 500 ZMW (23 USD) | 800 ZAR (42.40 USD) |
Summer Dress | 300 ZMW (13.80 USD) | 600 ZAR (31.80 USD) |
Men's Suit | 2,000 ZMW (92 USD) | 2,000 ZAR (106 USD) |
Men's Jeans | 300 ZMW (13.80 USD) | 800 ZAR (42.40 USD) |
Women's Jeans | 300 ZMW (13.80 USD) | 800 ZAR (42.40 USD) |
Men's Formal Shoes | 500 ZMW (23 USD) | 1,000 ZAR (53 USD) |
Women's Formal Shoes | 500 ZMW (23 USD) | 1,000 ZAR (53 USD) |
Men's Casual Shoes | 400 ZMW (18.40 USD) | 600 ZAR (31.80 USD) |
Women's Casual Shoes | 400 ZMW (18.40 USD) | 600 ZAR (31.80 USD) |
Underwear For Men | 50 ZMW (2.30 USD) | 100 ZAR (5.30 USD) |
Underwear For Women | 50 ZMW (2.30 USD) | 100 ZAR (5.30 USD) |
Socks For Men | 20 ZMW (0.92 USD) | 50 ZAR (2.65 USD) |
Socks For Women | 20 ZMW (0.92 USD) | 50 ZAR (2.65 USD) |
Wintercoat for Adults | 500 ZMW (23 USD) | 1,200 ZAR (63.60 USD) |
Sportswear | 300 ZMW (13.80 USD) | 700 ZAR (37.10 USD) |
If you lived in Zambia, instead of South Africa, you would have to pay 2.21 times less for Clothing and Footwear for Adults.
Indicators | Zambia | South Africa |
---|---|---|
Children's Jeans | 150 ZMW (6.90 USD) | 300 ZAR (15.90 USD) |
Children's Normal Sneakers | 200 ZMW (9.20 USD) | 400 ZAR (21.20 USD) |
Children's Winter Coat | 300 ZMW (13.80 USD) | 500 ZAR (26.50 USD) |
Daycare for Infant | 1,500 ZMW (69 USD) | 4,000 ZAR (212 USD) |
Daycare for Toddler | 2,000 ZMW (92 USD) | 5,000 ZAR (265 USD) |
Childcare for Sick Days | 500 ZMW (23 USD) | 500 ZAR (26.50 USD) |
Early Childhood Education Programs | 800 ZMW (36.80 USD) | 4,000 ZAR (212 USD) |
Extra Curricular Activities | 500 ZMW (23 USD) | 1,000 ZAR (53 USD) |
Summer Camp for Kids | 1,000 ZMW (46 USD) | 2,000 ZAR (106 USD) |
If you lived in Zambia, instead of South Africa, you would have to pay 2.93 times less for Childcare and kids clothing.
Indicators | Zambia | South Africa |
---|---|---|
PreSchool Fees | 2,500 ZMW (115 USD) | 6,000 ZAR (318 USD) |
Primary School Fees | 5,000 ZMW (230 USD) | 10,000 ZAR (530 USD) |
Secondary School Fees | 7,000 ZMW (322 USD) | 15,000 ZAR (795 USD) |
Private School Fees | 10,000 ZMW (460 USD) | 25,000 ZAR (1,325 USD) |
University Tuition Fees | 25,000 ZMW (1,150 USD) | 40,000 ZAR (2,120 USD) |
University Private Tuition Fees | 35,000 ZMW (1,610 USD) | 80,000 ZAR (4,240 USD) |
After School Activities | 500 ZMW (23 USD) | 1,500 ZAR (79.50 USD) |
Special Education Services | 800 ZMW (36.80 USD) | 3,000 ZAR (159 USD) |
Tutoring | 200 ZMW (9.20 USD) | 500 ZAR (26.50 USD) |
Textbooks Cost | 200 ZMW (9.20 USD) | 1,000 ZAR (53 USD) |
School Supplies | 100 ZMW (4.60 USD) | 500 ZAR (26.50 USD) |
If you lived in Zambia, instead of South Africa, you would have to pay 2.44 times less for school and education.
Indicators | Zambia | South Africa |
---|---|---|
Movie Ticket (Single) | 50 ZMW (2.30 USD) | 100 ZAR (5.30 USD) |
Theater Ticket (Single) | 100 ZMW (4.60 USD) | 150 ZAR (7.95 USD) |
Concert Ticket (Single) | 150 ZMW (6.90 USD) | 200 ZAR (10.60 USD) |
Sports Event Ticket (Single) | 100 ZMW (4.60 USD) | 180 ZAR (9.54 USD) |
Gym Membership | 400 ZMW (18.40 USD) | 800 ZAR (42.40 USD) |
Swimming Pool Access | 150 ZMW (6.90 USD) | 400 ZAR (21.20 USD) |
Museum Entry Ticket | 50 ZMW (2.30 USD) | 100 ZAR (5.30 USD) |
Zoo Entry Ticket | 30 ZMW (1.38 USD) | 150 ZAR (7.95 USD) |
Amusement Park Entry Ticket | 100 ZMW (4.60 USD) | 300 ZAR (15.90 USD) |
Bowling | 80 ZMW (3.68 USD) | 80 ZAR (4.24 USD) |
Mini Golf | 50 ZMW (2.30 USD) | 100 ZAR (5.30 USD) |
Video Games | 500 ZMW (23 USD) | 600 ZAR (31.80 USD) |
Streaming Services | 200 ZMW (9.20 USD) | 150 ZAR (7.95 USD) |
Outdoor Equipment Rental | 80 ZMW (3.68 USD) | 250 ZAR (13.25 USD) |
Theme Park Annual Pass | 1,000 ZMW (46 USD) | 1,500 ZAR (79.50 USD) |
If you lived in Zambia, instead of South Africa, you would have to pay 1.92 times less for entertainment, recreation and fun activities.
Indicators | Zambia | South Africa |
---|---|---|
Language Classes | 500 ZMW (23 USD) | 2,000 ZAR (106 USD) |
Parenting Classes | 500 ZMW (23 USD) | 500 ZAR (26.50 USD) |
Art Classes | 100 ZMW (4.60 USD) | 200 ZAR (10.60 USD) |
Fitness Classes | 60 ZMW (2.76 USD) | 150 ZAR (7.95 USD) |
Music Lessons | 200 ZMW (9.20 USD) | 300 ZAR (15.90 USD) |
Dance Lessons | 200 ZMW (9.20 USD) | 250 ZAR (13.25 USD) |
Reading Materials for Classes | 50 ZMW (2.30 USD) | 100 ZAR (5.30 USD) |
Educational Software | 400 ZMW (18.40 USD) | 1,000 ZAR (53 USD) |
If you lived in Zambia, instead of South Africa, you would have to pay 2.58 times less for Private Classes.
Indicators | Zambia | South Africa |
---|---|---|
Average Gross Monthly Salary | 7,000 ZMW (322 USD) | 30,000 ZAR (1,590 USD) |
Average Net Monthly Salary | 5,000 ZMW (230 USD) | 20,000 ZAR (1,060 USD) |
Minimum Wages | 100 ZMW per hour (4.60 USD) | 133.33 ZAR per hour (7.07 USD) |
Average Bonus | 1,000 ZMW (46 USD) | 5,000 ZAR (265 USD) |
Income Tax Rate | 0 to 16 % | 0 to 15 % |
Social Security Contributions | 5 % | 7 % |
Pension Contributions | 5 % | 5 % |
Cost of Living Index | 40 | 60 |
Median Household Income | 6,000 ZMW (276 USD) | 18,000 ZAR (954 USD) |
If you lived in Zambia, you would earn 4.41 times less salary as compared to South Africa.
Indicators | Zambia | South Africa |
---|---|---|
Legal Consultation Per Hour Rate | 300 ZMW (13.80 USD) | 1,500 ZAR (79.50 USD) |
Accounting Services Per Hour Rate | 250 ZMW (11.50 USD) | 1,200 ZAR (63.60 USD) |
IT Support Services Per Hour Rate | 200 ZMW (9.20 USD) | 1,000 ZAR (53 USD) |
Technician Services Per Hour Rate | 250 ZMW (11.50 USD) | 800 ZAR (42.40 USD) |
Professional Services cost 5.18 times less in Zambia, as compared to South Africa.
We hope you enjoyed the detailed guide on the cost of living comparsion between Zambia and South Africa.
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