Cost of living in Maseru
Maseru, the capital city of Lesotho, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern living. Understanding the cost of living in Maseru is crucial for both residents and potential newcomers.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in various categories, helping you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs approximately $21.04.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10.52.
- Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) - Domestic beer is priced between $0.79 and $2.79, averaging $1.79.
- Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) - Imported beer costs between $1.05 and $3.34, with an average price of $2.20.
- Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) - A bottle of Coke/Pepsi ranges from $0.63 to $1.34, averaging $0.98.
- Water (0.33 liter bottle) - A small bottle of water costs between $0.26 and $0.78, averaging $0.52.
- Cappuccino - A regular cappuccino is priced between $1.11 and $1.31, averaging $1.21.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.67 and $1.11 per liter, averaging $0.93.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.52 and $0.84, with an average price of $0.79.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1 to $1.56, averaging $1.24.
- Local Cheese (1kg) - Local cheese is priced between $2.79 and $7.24 per kg, averaging $5.10.
- Chicken Fillets (1kg) - Chicken fillets cost around $6.68 per kg.
- Apples (1kg) - Apples cost between $0.84 and $3.06 per kg, averaging $1.91.
- Oranges (1kg) - Oranges range from $0.56 to $3.34 per kg, with an average price of $2.14.
- Potatoes (1kg) - Potatoes are priced between $0.45 and $1.95 per kg, averaging $1.32.
- Lettuce (1 head) - A head of lettuce costs between $1.23 and $1.67, averaging $1.45.
- Tomatoes (1kg) - Tomatoes are consistently priced at $2.51 per kg.
- Bananas (1kg) - Bananas range from $1.17 to $2.79 per kg, averaging $2.17.
- Onions (1kg) - Onions cost between $0.45 and $2.51 per kg, averaging $1.49.
- Beef Round (1kg) - Beef round is priced between $3.34 and $5.85 per kg, averaging $4.74.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.67 and $0.72.
- Monthly Pass - A monthly public transport pass ranges from $22.28 to $34.76, averaging $27.85.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.87 and $1.39 per liter, averaging $1.18.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.50, with a cost of $0.61 per km and $3.34 to $16.71 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $33.42 to $250.68, averaging $141.12.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $19.50 to $111.41, averaging $71.49.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $250.68 to $278.53, averaging $264.61.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $111.41 to $194.97, averaging $153.19.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $111.41 to $595.89, averaging $353.65.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $478.91.
Utilities
- Internet - Internet services cost $22.28 for a 60 Mbps or more, unlimited data plan.
- Mobile Phone Plan - A mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data costs between $5.57 and $6.68, averaging $6.13.
Cost of Living Data
The following pricing data has been gathered from 14 user contributions, as of the most recent update in June, 2024.
Restaurants
Restaurants
Avg
Range
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$21.04
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$10.52
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.79
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.20
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.98
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.52
Cappuccino (regular)
$1.21
Markets
Markets
Avg
Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$0.93
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$0.79
Eggs (regular) (12)
$1.24
Local Cheese (1kg)
$5.10
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.92
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$8.91
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.11
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.39
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$4.74
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.68
Apples (1kg)
$1.91
Oranges (1kg)
$2.14
Potato (1kg)
$1.32
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.45
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.72
Tomato (1kg)
$2.51
Banana (1kg)
$2.17
Onion (1kg)
$1.49
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$4.74
Transportation
Transportation
Avg
Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.72
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$27.85
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.18
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$19,497.23
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.61
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$0.61
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$10.03
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$15,040.72
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Avg
Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$141.12
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$71.49
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$264.61
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$153.19
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg
Range
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$22.28
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$6.13
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Avg
Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$21.35
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Avg
Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$41.78
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$38.99
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$98.41
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$139.27
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Avg
Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$353.65
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$478.91
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Avg
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$692.74
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
8.5%
Childcare
Childcare
Avg
Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$28.78
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$1,095.56
Maseru Cost of Living
"Key Takeaways"
Maseru offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many global cities, particularly in terms of housing and dining.
Affordable public transportation and low utility costs make it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals.
While groceries and transportation are inexpensive, imported goods and certain lifestyle items may be pricier.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Maseru provides a cost-effective living environment with affordable housing and dining options.
Potential residents should consider the variability in prices for imported goods and lifestyle items when planning their budget.