Cost of living in Gaborone
Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana, is a vibrant hub known for its cultural diversity and economic significance. Understanding the cost of living in Gaborone is crucial for both residents and newcomers, as it impacts daily life and financial planning.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the cost of living in Gaborone for 2024, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $5.89 on average, with a range between $3.68 and $14.73.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $29.46, with prices ranging from $18.41 to $36.83.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $5.89, with a range between $5.16 and $8.84.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.1 to $3.31, imported beer $1.84 to $3.68, cappuccino $1.27 to $3.68, and Coke/Pepsi $0.59 to $1.47.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.1 and $1.47 per liter, averaging $1.32.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.44 and $1.4, with an average price of $0.79.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.18 to $3.31, averaging $2.28.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $0.88 to $2.21 per kg, while oranges range from $1.1 to $2.95 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.74 and $1.47 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.74 to $1.84 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.52 and $0.59, with a monthly pass priced between $19.44 and $44.19.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.07 and $1.11 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.59, with a cost of $2.21 to $4.42 per km and $2.95 to $3.68 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $220.95 to $368.25, averaging $250.41.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $110.48 to $184.13, averaging $147.3.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $441.91 to $736.51, averaging $541.33.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $257.78 to $552.38, averaging $342.48.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $736.51 to $1325.72, averaging $1040.32.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $22095.25 to $51555.59, averaging $39280.45.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $29.46 and $100.17, averaging $63.23.
- Internet - Internet services range from $36.83 to $147.3, with an average cost of $89.03.
Cost of Living Rankings
Gaborone ranks 1st on the Cost of Living rankings in Botswana. 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.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Gaborone offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many global cities, with low rental prices and inexpensive dining options.
Transportation costs are minimal, especially for public transport, making it an economical choice for daily commuting.
While utilities and internet services can vary, they remain manageable within the overall budget.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Gaborone presents a cost-effective living environment, particularly appealing to those seeking affordable housing and dining.
The city's transportation system is budget-friendly, and while some utilities may fluctuate, they are generally within a reasonable range.
Overall, Gaborone is an attractive option for individuals and families looking to balance cost with quality of life.