Cost of Living in Harare, Zimbabwe: A Full Breakdown
Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, blends modern infrastructure with a unique economic environment shaped by currency fluctuations and inflation patterns. While US dollars are widely accepted, the local Zimbabwean dollar (ZWL) also remains in circulation. Costs can vary substantially based on your personal lifestyle, income source, and exchange rates at any given time. Below is a general guide to the cost of living in Harare, with approximate figures to help you plan your budget.
Note: Prices provided are estimates and subject to frequent changes due to inflation, currency fluctuations, and regional differences within Harare.
1. Accommodation (Rent)
- City Centre / Upscale Suburbs (Borrowdale, Mount Pleasant, Avondale)
- 1-Bed Apartment: Around US$400–US$800 per month
- 3-Bed House: US$800–US$1,500 per month (depending on size and condition)
- Middle-Income Areas (Greendale, Highlands, Marlborough)
- 1-Bed Apartment: US$300–US$500 per month
- 3-Bed House: US$600–US$1,000 per month
- High-Density Suburbs (Mbare, Highfield, Budiriro)
- Small Houses / Shared Apartments: US$100–US$200 per month, though facilities may be basic.
Tips:
- Most landlords prefer US dollar payments.
- Expect to pay 1–3 months’ rent upfront as a deposit.
- Estate agents charge separate fees (often 50–100% of one month’s rent), though some private listings avoid this.
2. Food & Groceries
Local Markets vs. Supermarkets
- Local Produce (e.g., Mbare Musika): More affordable options for fruits, vegetables, and staples like maize meal.
- Large Supermarkets (OK, TM Pick n Pay, etc.): Convenient but slightly pricier, especially for branded or imported items.
Approximate Monthly Grocery Budget (per adult):
- Basic Staple Diet: US$80–US$150
- Varied Diet (including some imports): US$150–US$300
Sample Prices (as of recent estimates):
- Mealie Meal (10 kg): US$6–US$10
- 1 kg Chicken: US$4–US$7
- 2 L Cooking Oil: US$3–US$5
- Bread Loaf: US$1–US$1.50
- Milk (1 L): US$1–US$1.50
3. Utilities
Electricity
- ZESA (Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority): Prone to load-shedding schedules.
- Monthly Bill: For an average household, US$30–US$80 depending on usage and availability of prepaid meters.
Water
- City Water: US$10–US$30 monthly, but many households face supply issues and rely on boreholes or private water deliveries, which can cost extra (US$20–US$50 per refill).
Gas / Alternative Energy
- Cooking Gas: US$1.50–US$2 per kg. Households use about 5–10 kg monthly.
- Solar Solutions: Some families invest in solar panels/batteries due to load shedding. Initial costs vary widely but can offset electricity bills long-term.
4. Transportation
Public Transport
- Commuter Omnibus (Kombis): US$0.50–US$1 per short trip, more for longer distances.
- ZUPCO Buses: Often cheaper (US$0.30–US$0.50) but less frequent and more crowded.
Ride-Sharing / Taxis
- Local Taxis: US$3–US$7 for short rides within city areas.
- Ride-Hailing Apps: Services like Hwindi or Vaya cost around US$5–US$10 for moderate distances.
Private Vehicle Costs
- Fuel: Petrol ~ US$1.50–US$1.70 per litre, Diesel ~ US$1.40–US$1.60.
- Maintenance & Spares: Imported parts can be expensive; budget for unexpected repairs.
5. Communications & Internet
Mobile & Data
- SIM Card: Often US$1–US$2 initially (Econet, NetOne, Telecel).
- Data Bundles: ~US$2–US$5 for 1–3 GB short-term bundles. Heavier users might spend US$20–US$30 monthly.
Home Internet
- Fibre / LTE Plans: US$40–US$80 per month for mid-range speeds (10–20 Mbps) from ISPs like ZOL (Liquid Home), TelOne, or Utande.
- ADSL (Traditional TelOne Lines): Generally slower speeds, from US$20–US$50 monthly.
6. Education (If Applicable)
Public vs. Private
- Government Schools: Lower fees, roughly US$20–US$100 per term, though quality varies. Additional levies can raise costs.
- Private / Boarding Schools: US$300–US$2,000+ per term, depending on reputation and facilities.
Tertiary Education
- State Universities: US$300–US$600 per semester for local students, higher for international.
- Private Colleges/Universities: US$1,000–US$5,000 per year, or more, especially for specialized programs.
7. Healthcare
Public vs. Private
- Public Hospitals: Affordable but often under-resourced; some services require out-of-pocket expenses.
- Private Clinics: Higher-quality service but costs can be US$20–US$50 per consultation. Surgeries and advanced treatments can be expensive.
Insurance
- Medical Aid / Health Insurance: Plans range from US$30–US$100+ monthly, covering varying levels of care. Some prefer to pay out-of-pocket for routine care, saving for emergencies.
8. Entertainment & Leisure
- Movies: US$5–US$8 for a cinema ticket; snacks extra.
- Dining Out: A meal at a mid-range restaurant ~ US$8–US$15 per person. Fast food combos ~ US$4–US$7.
- Local Venues & Bars: Beer ~ US$1–US$2 per bottle at local pubs, more in upscale spots.
9. Saving & Banking
Bank Fees
- Monthly Maintenance Charges: Some banks charge ~US$2–US$5 monthly.
- Mobile Money (EcoCash, OneMoney): Transaction fees can add up, typically 2–4% of the transferred amount.
Inflation & US Dollar Use
- Multiple Currencies: Many prefer to hold US dollars for stability, as local ZWL can face devaluation.
- Savings Approach: Many Harare residents keep portion of their funds in stable assets or foreign currency accounts to hedge inflation risks.
Sample Monthly Budget (Single Person, Modest Lifestyle)
- Rent (1-Bed in a Mid-Range Suburb): US$300
- Utilities (Electricity, Water, Gas): US$50
- Groceries / Food: US$150–US$200
- Transport (Public): US$40–US$60
- Mobile & Internet: US$30–US$50
- Miscellaneous & Entertainment: US$50
Total Approx.: US$620–US$710 monthly
(Adjust based on personal choices, location, and inflation.)
Final Thoughts
Harare’s cost of living can fluctuate due to currency dynamics and inflation. Basic living expenses—rent, food, and utilities—often dominate the budget. While living costs in Harare can be relatively high compared to some other African cities, mindful budgeting, using local markets for groceries, and keeping an eye on currency exchange rates can help you manage your expenses effectively. Always stay updated on current prices and policy changes to keep your budget aligned with reality.
