Cost Of Living For a Family in Swaziland 2025

Family cost of living chart - average monthly expenditure in Swaziland

Average monthly spending for families in Swaziland

We consider a family to be a member of four members, two adults and two children. This is the most common type of family. From the figures below, it should be fairly easy to calculate the average spending for families of different sizes.

Average Monthly Expenditure

Currency: SZL
2,500 7,000 46,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130 $370 $2,400

How much money does a family need in a month to survive in Swaziland?

Families in Swaziland spend around 7,000 SZL per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a family can survive with a monthly budget as low as 2,500 SZL or as high as 46,000 SZL. Location and income are very important factors and have a huge influence on expenditure and budget.

Prices and cost of goods and services in Swaziland

Chart showing the prices and cost of grocery, food, restaurant meals, market, and beverages in Swaziland

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

4.5 SZL 9 SZL 15 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.24 $0.48 $0.79

Restaurant meal for one

15 SZL 23 SZL 45 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.79 $1.2 $2.4

Fine dining meal for one

30 SZL 45 SZL 180 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.6 $2.4 $9.5

Cappuccino or latte

3.8 SZL 6 SZL 9 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.20 $0.32 $0.48

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

3 SZL 3.6 SZL 4.5 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.16 $0.19 $0.24

12 eggs

2.3 SZL 3 SZL 4.5 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.12 $0.16 $0.24

Fresh whole chicken

5.1 SZL 6.7 SZL 9.4 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.27 $0.35 $0.50

Pack of beef

6 SZL 9 SZL 18 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.32 $0.48 $0.95

Medium bag of rice

2.4 SZL 3.3 SZL 4.7 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.13 $0.18 $0.25

Bag of tomatos

0.91 SZL 1.2 SZL 2.3 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.05 $0.06 $0.12

Bag of apples

1.6 SZL 2.1 SZL 3.5 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.09 $0.11 $0.18
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in Swaziland

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

3.8 SZL 4.5 SZL 9 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.20 $0.24 $0.48

Average car full tank

23 SZL 30 SZL 60 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.6 $3.2

Average car 1-day rental

23 SZL 30 SZL 45 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.6 $2.4

Average car price

11,000 SZL 23,000 SZL 30,000 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$600 $1,200 $1,600

Bus ticket one way

0.75 SZL 1.1 SZL 2.3 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.04 $0.06 $0.12

Car Service

30 SZL 45 SZL 90 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.6 $2.4 $4.8
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas for a family in Swaziland

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Family

120 SZL 350 SZL 2,300 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.5 $19 $120

Internet and cable

23 SZL 45 SZL 60 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $2.4 $3.2

Mobile phone charges

18 SZL 30 SZL 90 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.95 $1.6 $4.8

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket

11 SZL 15 SZL 23 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.60 $0.79 $1.2

One month gym membership

36 SZL 45 SZL 90 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.9 $2.4 $4.8
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in Swaziland

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

27 SZL 38 SZL 57 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.4 $2 $3

Woman dress

25 SZL 35 SZL 110 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.3 $1.8 $6

Woman shoes

24 SZL 32 SZL 75 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.3 $1.7 $4

Men's shoes

21 SZL 25 SZL 50 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.3 $2.6

Men suit

23 SZL 28 SZL 150 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.5 $7.9

Regular t-shirt

11 SZL 15 SZL 45 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.60 $0.79 $2.4
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in Swaziland

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

380 SZL 570 SZL 1,500 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $30 $79

1-bedroom apartment

570 SZL 900 SZL 2,300 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$30 $48 $120

2-bedroom apartment

750 SZL 1,100 SZL 3,000 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$40 $60 $160

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

75,000 SZL 110,000 SZL 230,000 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4,000 $6,000 $12,000

1-bedroom apartment

90,000 SZL 150,000 SZL 570,000 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4,800 $7,900 $30,000

2-bedroom apartment

150,000 SZL 450,000 SZL 900,000 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7,900 $24,000 $48,000
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in Swaziland

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

450 SZL 570 SZL 750 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$24 $30 $40

Double Bed

300 SZL 450 SZL 570 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $24 $30

Single Bed

270 SZL 350 SZL 450 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$14 $18 $24

Living Room

500 SZL 650 SZL 2,300 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $34 $120

Dining Table

230 SZL 300 SZL 570 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12 $16 $30

Sofa or Couch

300 SZL 410 SZL 900 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $22 $48
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in Swaziland

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

300 SZL 450 SZL 900 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $24 $48

Fridge or Freezer

270 SZL 410 SZL 570 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$14 $22 $30

Washing Machine

350 SZL 500 SZL 900 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $26 $48

Stove or Cooker

320 SZL 410 SZL 570 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $22 $30

Mobile Phone

380 SZL 450 SZL 650 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $24 $34

Laptop or Computer

410 SZL 500 SZL 900 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $26 $48
Family cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in Swaziland

Family expenditure to income ratio in Swaziland

Analysing the how affordable it is for families to live in Swaziland

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in. Families usually spend a larger chunk of their income than other population groups. A typical and healthy expenditure percentage for a family of four ranges between 70% to 80%.


Spending to Income Ratio

91%

85% to 100%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Families in Swaziland spend around 91% of their monthly income. Some families spend as low as 85% of their income while some as high as 100%.

Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses of a family in Swaziland

How do families spend their money in Swaziland?

We asked thousands of families about their spending habits and expenditure break down.


The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing and accomodation expenditure for families

Accomodation Cost25%

25% of total expenses on average (20% to 35%)

LOW$41   790 SZL
AVERAGE$120   2,200 SZL
HIGH$770   15,000 SZL
Per Month

Families in Swaziland typically spend from 20% to 35% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 25% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 2,200 SZL with expenditure ranging from 790 SZL to 15,000 SZL. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.

Electricity, utilities, energy, water, internet, and mobile expenditure for families

Cost of utilities6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 9%)

LOW$6.5   120 SZL
AVERAGE$19   350 SZL
HIGH$120   2,300 SZL
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Swaziland ranges from 4% to 9% of total expenses with 6% being the average for most families. The average monthly cost of utilities is 350 SZL with 120 SZL and 2,300 SZL being the upper and lower limits for a family of four.

Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for families

Cost of transport and fuel5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)

LOW$13   250 SZL
AVERAGE$37   700 SZL
HIGH$240   4,600 SZL
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a family resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a family would expect to spend from 250 SZL to 4,600 SZL in a month on commuting with 700 SZL being the norm for most families. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 5% of total spending on average but can go as low as 3% or as high as 7%.

Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for families

Food and Groceries Cost21%

21% of total expenses on average (14% to 27%)

LOW$23   440 SZL
AVERAGE$67   1,300 SZL
HIGH$430   8,200 SZL
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical family in a month in Swaziland is 1,300 SZL. The cost of groceries can range between 440 SZL to 8,200 SZL. Families spend on average about 21% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 14% and 27% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for families

Cost of healthcare11%

11% of total expenses on average (7% to 16%)

LOW$12   220 SZL
AVERAGE$37   700 SZL
HIGH$190   3,700 SZL
Per Month

Families in Swaziland allocate 7% to 16% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending on medical services and clinic visits is around 11%. The range of medical expenses range from 220 SZL to 3,700 SZL with 700 SZL being the norm for most families.

Leisure and shopping expenditure for families

Cost of leisure and shopping2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)

LOW$6.5   120 SZL
AVERAGE$19   350 SZL
HIGH$120   2,300 SZL
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 120 SZL to 2,300 SZL with 350 SZL being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 1% to 6% of total expenses with an average of 2% for most families.

Education and schooling expenditure for families

Cost of education and schooling13%

13% of total expenses on average (6% to 21%)

LOW$18   340 SZL
AVERAGE$52   980 SZL
HIGH$340   6,400 SZL
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different families. On average, education constitutes 13% of the monthly expenditure of families with 6% and 21% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 980 SZL per month with 340 SZL being the minimum spent amount and 6,400 SZL being the maximum.

Other Expenses16%

16% of total expenses on average (9% to 21%)

LOW$10   200 SZL
AVERAGE$30   560 SZL
HIGH$190   3,700 SZL
Per Month
Percentage of families who manage to save money from their income every month in Swaziland

What percentage of families in Swaziland are able to save money and how much can they save?


Percentage of families that reported their ability to save money


Saving Money
45%
Not Saving
55%

Almost 45% of surveyed families in Swaziland said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 55% reported that they have to utilize their whole income to survive.


Family savings to income ratio in Swaziland

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


How much money do families manage to add to their savings?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.

Saving to Income Ratio

8% 14% of income 27%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

710 SZL
$37
2,000 SZL
$110
13,000 SZL
$690
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%40%
10% - 20%30%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%4%
40% - 50%4%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families that are able to save money can put anywhere from 8% to 27% of their monthly income to their savings, with 14% being the average for most families. The average monthly amount of money that families can put aside is 2,000 SZL with 710 SZL and 13,000 SZL being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Reasons that make it difficult for families to save money in Swaziland

Saving Challenges in Swaziland

Reasons that make it difficult for families to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping families from maximizing their savings in Swaziland. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income5%
High Expenses8%
Debt and Loans13%
Lack of Budgeting Skills12%
Impulsive Spending12%
Financial Emergencies7%
Living the moment5%
Will do it later21%
Inflation14%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability2%

Around 5% of the families said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 8% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 13% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 12% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 12% of families blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 7% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 5% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 21% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 14% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 2% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Where do families choose to put their savings in Swaziland

Typical saving choices for families in Swaziland

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds12%
Gold13%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts10%
Cash Savings21%
Real Estate9%
Investment5%
Stocks4%
Bonds5%
Mutual Funds2%
Certificates of Deposit3%
A typical and healthy budgeting structure. The 50-30-20 rule

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Emergency Funds For Families

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked families whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes40%

No60%


Based on the survey, 60% of the families living in Swaziland said that they don't have an emergency fund while 40% said that they do.

How easily is cost-cutting for families. Are there plenty of low-cost options in Swaziland

Low-cost alternatives in Swaziland

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked families how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options52%

Few low-cost options48%


Based on the survey, 52% of the families living in Swaziland have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 48% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Income and cost of living compatibility. Is it affordable or economical for families to live in Swaziland

Affordable living in Swaziland

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked families one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Swaziland?


Yes
43%
No
57%

Around 43% of surveyed families think that living in Swaziland is affordable with proper budgeting while 57% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning for families in Swaziland

Financial Literacy in

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy38%


We asked family guardians and parents in Swaziland whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 62% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 38% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether families of have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 61% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 39% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance61%

Easily manages finances39%

Financial goals and targets of families living in Swaziland

Financial goals of families in Swaziland

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Swaziland, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund8%
Debt Reduction44%
Retirement Savings11%
Education Funding7%
Homeownership18%
Investing6%
Travel or Lifestyle6%
Healthcare Expenses14%
Financial Independence4%

Around 8% of families said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 44% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 11% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 7% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 18% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 6% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 6% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 14% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Chart showing the percentage of families who are in debt in Swaziland

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Swaziland


Percentage of families who are in debt


In Debt
34%
Debt Free
66%

According to the survey, 34% of the families in Swaziland have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 66% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in Swaziland

Debt-to-income ratio in Swaziland

Debt to income ratio

32%

25% to 41%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 32% of a family's monthly income in Swaziland goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%19%
40% - 50%15%
30% - 40%17%
20% - 30%10%
10% - 20%11%
0% - 10%25%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Swaziland pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 19% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 15% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 17% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 10% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Swaziland

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage8%
Auto Loan14%
Student Loan4%
Credit Card30%
Personal Loan44%

8% of debtors in Swaziland confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 30% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 14% of people and personal loans rose at 44%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 4% of debtors in Swaziland.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Swaziland

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked families how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never50%
Once a year24%
Twice a year13%
Three times a year9%
Four times a year4%
Housing and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in Swaziland

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Swaziland

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Swaziland

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

380 SZL 570 SZL 1,500 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $30 $79

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

570 SZL 900 SZL 2,300 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$30 $48 $120

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

750 SZL 1,100 SZL 3,000 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$40 $60 $160

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

900 SZL 1,500 SZL 4,100 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$48 $79 $220

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

1,800 SZL 4,500 SZL 9,000 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$95 $240 $480

Townhouse monthly rent cost

1,500 SZL 2,300 SZL 6,500 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$79 $120 $340

House monthly rent cost

1,800 SZL 4,500 SZL 9,000 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$95 $240 $480

Villa monthly rent cost

2,300 SZL 5,700 SZL 9,000 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120 $300 $480

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Swaziland ranges between 380 SZL and 1,500 SZL, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 570 SZL to 2,300 SZL. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 750 SZL and 3,000 SZL per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 900 SZL to 4,100 SZL. The average rent of a townhouse in Swaziland is around 2,300 SZL while house rental costs can be as high as 4,500 SZL per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 2,300 SZL to 9,000 SZL per month.



Apartment and house prices in Swaziland

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

75,000 SZL 110,000 SZL 230,000 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4,000 $6,000 $12,000

1-bedroom apartment price

90,000 SZL 150,000 SZL 570,000 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4,800 $7,900 $30,000

2-bedroom apartment price

150,000 SZL 450,000 SZL 900,000 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7,900 $24,000 $48,000

3-bedroom apartment price

500,000 SZL 750,000 SZL 2.3M SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26,000 $40,000 $120,000

Townhouse price

650,000 SZL 1.5M SZL 5.7M SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$34,000 $79,000 $300,000

House price

750,000 SZL 4.5M SZL 6.5M SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$40,000 $240,000 $340,000

Villa price

900,000 SZL 5M SZL 7.5M SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$48,000 $260,000 $400,000

The average price of a studio apartment in Swaziland can range from 75,000 SZL to 230,000 SZL depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 90,000 SZL to 570,000 SZL. A villa can cost you 5M SZL on average with prices ranging from 900,000 SZL to 7.5M SZL.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Swaziland will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


29 x81 monthly income 188
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Swaziland can be x81 to x188 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x81 multiples of the average monthly salary in Swaziland.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


18% 28% of income 38%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Swaziland is around 28%. This means that people pay 28% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 18% to 38% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
26%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
1.8%
AVERAGE
2.8%
TO
3.8%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


7 SZL 91 SZL 910 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Swaziland

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Swaziland

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family

120 SZL 350 SZL 2,300 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.5 $19 $120

Internet and cable cost

23 SZL 45 SZL 60 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $2.4 $3.2

Mobile phone bill and charges

18 SZL 30 SZL 90 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.95 $1.6 $4.8

Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.


The average monthly energy and water consumption of families is around 350 SZL. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 23 SZL to 60 SZL with 45 SZL being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 30 SZL but can range between 18 SZL and 90 SZL depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.


Energy / Utility expense to income ratio


( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100


4% 7% of income 11%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in Swaziland is around 7%. This means that people pay 7% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 4% to 11% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Swaziland

Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Swaziland

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

4.5 SZL 9 SZL 15 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.24 $0.48 $0.79

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Swaziland is approximatly 9 SZL with meal cost ranging from 4.5 SZL to 15 SZL. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

15 SZL 23 SZL 45 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.79 $1.2 $2.4

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 15 SZL and 45 SZL with 23 SZL being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Swaziland.

Fine dining meal for one price

30 SZL 45 SZL 180 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.6 $2.4 $9.5

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 30 SZL to 180 SZL with the average cost being 45 SZL for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Swaziland.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

3.8 SZL 6 SZL 9 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.20 $0.32 $0.48

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Swaziland is around 6 SZL. Price ranges between 3.8 SZL and 9 SZL depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

3 SZL 3.6 SZL 4.5 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.16 $0.19 $0.24

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Swaziland is 3.6 SZL. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 4.5 SZL and the minimum being 3 SZL depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

2.3 SZL 3 SZL 4.5 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.12 $0.16 $0.24

A dozen eggs costs around 3 SZL on average with 2.3 SZL and 4.5 SZL being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

5.1 SZL 6.7 SZL 9.4 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.27 $0.35 $0.50

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Swaziland is between 5.1 SZL and 9.4 SZL depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 6.7 SZL.

Pack of beef price

6 SZL 9 SZL 18 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.32 $0.48 $0.95

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 9 SZL. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

2.4 SZL 3.3 SZL 4.7 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.13 $0.18 $0.25

A bag of rice in Swaziland costs around 3.3 SZL on average with prices rangeing between 2.4 SZL and 4.7 SZL depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

0.91 SZL 1.2 SZL 2.3 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.05 $0.06 $0.12

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 0.91 SZL to 2.3 SZL. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

1.6 SZL 2.1 SZL 3.5 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.09 $0.11 $0.18

A bag of apples costs 2.1 SZL on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.


Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio


( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100


19% 27% of income 33%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Swaziland is around 27%. This means that families spend 27% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 19% to 33% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for families

Families' spending on grocery ranges from 440 SZL to 8,200 SZL with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.

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