Cost of living in Mbabane

Mbabane, the capital city of Eswatini, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern living. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocating or planning an extended stay.This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Mbabane, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants
  • Inexpensive Restaurant MealA meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $2.98 on average, with a range between $0.99 and $4.97.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two)For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $27.6, with prices ranging from $27.6 to $28.98.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's)A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $2.26, with a range between $2.21 and $2.32.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi)Domestic beer ranges from $0.99 to $2.21, imported beer $1.66 to $2.76, cappuccino $0.99 to $1.93, and Coke/Pepsi $0.77 to $1.1.
Grocery Prices
  • MilkMilk is priced between $0.99 and $1.1 per liter, averaging $1.03.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread)A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.39 and $0.88, with an average price of $0.74.
  • Eggs (Dozen)A dozen eggs range from $1.43 to $1.77, averaging $1.66.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges)Apples cost $0.88 to $1.94 per kg, while oranges range from $0.5 to $1.16 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce)Potatoes are priced between $0.66 and $1.38 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.39 to $1.78 per head.
Transportation
  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket)A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.66 and $1.21, with a monthly pass priced between $27.6 and $30.36.
  • Fuel (Gasoline)Gasoline is priced between $1.02 and $1.66 per liter.
  • Taxi FaresTaxi fares start at $2.76, with a cost of $1.38 to $3.86 per km and $3.31 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $193.17 to $551.91, averaging $250.66.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $165.57 to $220.76, averaging $179.37.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $413.93 to $551.91, averaging $489.82.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $331.15 to $386.34, averaging $365.64.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre)The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $220.76 to $441.53, averaging $331.15.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $165.57 to $331.15, averaging $248.36.
Utilities
  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.)Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $55.19 and $115.9, averaging $75.43.
  • InternetInternet services range from $27.6 to $83.23, with an average cost of $55.41.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 12 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$2.98
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$27.60
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$2.26
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.79
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.66
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.90
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.53
Cappuccino (regular)
$1.69
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.03
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$0.74
Eggs (regular) (12)
$1.66
Local Cheese (1kg)
$9.40
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.74
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$5.52
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.16
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.94
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$2.48
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$4.20
Apples (1kg)
$1.60
Oranges (1kg)
$0.92
Potato (1kg)
$0.97
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.84
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.23
Tomato (1kg)
$1.36
Banana (1kg)
$0.72
Onion (1kg)
$1.13
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$5.11
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$1.10
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$28.98
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.21
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$16,557.30
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.78
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$2.77
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$3.31
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$22,126.24
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$250.66
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$179.37
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$489.82
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$365.64
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$75.43
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$55.41
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$34.49
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$27.60
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$4.97
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$3.59
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$50.45
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$23.00
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$71.75
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$78.06
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$331.15
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$248.36
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$717.48
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
10.08%
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$123.89
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$4,867.88
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