Francistown, located in Botswana, is a city that offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern living. Understanding the cost of living in Francistown is crucial for both residents and potential newcomers.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Francistown, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around $7.37.
  • Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) - A domestic beer costs approximately $1.47.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $0.96 and $1.25 per liter, averaging $1.10.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.37 and $0.49, with an average price of $0.43.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs cost around $1.77.
  • Water (1.5 liter bottle) - A 1.5 liter bottle of water costs approximately $0.96.
  • Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) - A mid-range bottle of wine costs about $5.89.
  • Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) - A domestic beer bottle costs around $1.25.
  • Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) - An imported beer bottle costs approximately $1.47.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost around $1.47 per kg, while oranges are priced at $1.10 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Lettuce, Tomatoes) - Lettuce costs between $0.59 and $0.88 per head, and tomatoes range from $0.88 to $1.47 per kg.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs about $0.59.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced at approximately $0.74 per liter.
  • Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) - The starting fare for a taxi is around $0.44.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $184.13.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $147.30.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $331.43 to $532.44, averaging $431.94.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $294.60.

Utilities

  • Internet - Internet services cost around $13.26 for unlimited data.
Worldwide
Botswana

Cost of Living Rankings

The cost of living indices for Botswana are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Botswana, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Jan, 2025

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 5 user contributions, as of the most recent update in March, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$7.37
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.47
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.10
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$0.43
Eggs (regular) (12)
$1.77
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.96
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$5.89
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.25
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.47
Apples (1kg)
$1.47
Oranges (1kg)
$1.10
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.74
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.10
Tomato (1kg)
$1.18
Banana (1kg)
$1.03
Onion (1kg)
$0.74
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.59
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.74
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.44
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$184.13
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$147.30
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$431.94
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$294.60
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$13.26
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$22.10
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$4.79
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$38.67
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$23.94
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$68.13
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$69.97
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$110.48
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$3,645.72
Francistown Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Francistown offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many global cities, with low housing and transportation costs.

Dining and grocery prices are reasonable, making it easier for residents to manage their monthly expenses.

Potential residents can benefit from the affordable rental prices, especially for those looking to live outside the city centre.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Francistown provides a cost-effective living environment with affordable housing, transportation, and essential services.

This makes it an attractive option for individuals and families looking to relocate to Botswana while maintaining a balanced budget.