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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.
  • CappuccinoA regular cappuccino is priced between $1.11 and $1.31, averaging $1.21.
Grocery Prices
  • MilkMilk 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 PassA 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 FaresTaxi 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
  • InternetInternet services cost $22.28 for a 60 Mbps or more, unlimited data plan.
  • Mobile Phone PlanA 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
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
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
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
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)
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
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$21.35
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
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
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$692.74
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
8.5%
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
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