Cost of living in Choma
Choma, a vibrant city in Zambia, offers a unique blend of cultural richness and modern amenities. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both residents and newcomers.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Choma, from dining and groceries to transportation and housing, helping you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $6.71 on average, with a range between $3.64 and $9.1.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $23.15, with prices ranging from $19.97 to $49.18.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $3.63, with a range between $3.37 and $3.88.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $0.69 to $1.82, imported beer $1.14 to $2.32, cappuccino $0.93 to $3.45, and Coke/Pepsi $0.41 to $1.02.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1 and $1.82 per liter, averaging $1.35.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.5 and $0.92, with an average price of $0.77.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.01 to $3.54, averaging $1.75.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.09 to $3.45 per kg, while oranges range from $0.91 to $6.81 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.41 and $5.17 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.39 to $1.32 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.15 and $1.48 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $1.82, with a cost of $0.5 to $1.69 per km and $4.63 to $10.97 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre is not specified in the data provided.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment outside the city centre is not specified in the data provided.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $45.4 and $200, averaging $100.08.
- Internet - Internet services range from $43.56 to $200, with an average cost of $116.77.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for Zambia 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 Zambia, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Choma offers a relatively affordable cost of living, especially in terms of dining and grocery prices.
Transportation costs are moderate, with gasoline and taxi fares being reasonably priced.
Utilities and internet services can be on the higher side, so budgeting for these expenses is important.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Choma presents a balanced cost of living with affordable dining and grocery options.
While utilities and internet costs may be higher, the overall expenses remain manageable for most residents.
Understanding these costs can help you make informed decisions about living in Choma, Zambia.