Cost Of Living in Gaborone 2025

cost of living chart - average monthly expenditure in Gaborone

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Gaborone

Whether you're living in Gaborone or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.

Average Monthly Expenditure

Currency: BWP
1,100 14,000 140,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$78 $1,000 $10,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Single

Currency: BWP
1,400 9,600 64,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$99 $700 $4,700

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Couple

Currency: BWP
5,400 16,000 86,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$390 $1,200 $6,200

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Family

Currency: BWP
7,500 21,000 140,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$550 $1,600 $10,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Student

Currency: BWP
1,100 7,100 47,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$78 $520 $3,400
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Gaborone is 9,600 BWP. Expenses can range from 1,400 BWP at the minimum level to 64,000 BWP at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Gaborone is 16,000 BWP. Expenditure can range from 5,400 BWP to 86,000 BWP per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Gaborone is 21,000 BWP per month. Families spend anywhere from 7,500 BWP to 140,000 BWP.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Gaborone is 7,100 BWP. Students spend from 1,100 BWP to 47,000 BWP per month.


Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.



Prices and cost of goods and services in Gaborone


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

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

12 BWP 24 BWP 39 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.86 $1.7 $2.9

Restaurant meal for one

43 BWP 65 BWP 130 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.2 $4.7 $9.5

Fine dining meal for one

87 BWP 130 BWP 520 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.3 $9.5 $38

Cappuccino or latte

9.9 BWP 16 BWP 24 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.72 $1.2 $1.7

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

7.9 BWP 9.5 BWP 12 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.58 $0.69 $0.86

12 eggs

5.9 BWP 7.9 BWP 12 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.43 $0.58 $0.86

Fresh whole chicken

13 BWP 17 BWP 25 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.98 $1.3 $1.8

Pack of beef

16 BWP 24 BWP 47 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.7 $3.5

Medium bag of rice

6.4 BWP 8.7 BWP 12 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.46 $0.64 $0.90

Bag of tomatos

2.4 BWP 3.2 BWP 5.9 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.17 $0.23 $0.43

Bag of apples

4.2 BWP 5.5 BWP 9.1 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.31 $0.40 $0.66
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in Gaborone

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

11 BWP 13 BWP 26 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.79 $0.95 $1.9

Average car full tank

59 BWP 79 BWP 160 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.3 $5.8 $12

Average car 1-day rental

71 BWP 95 BWP 140 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.2 $6.9 $10

Average car price

30,000 BWP 59,000 BWP 79,000 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,200 $4,300 $5,800

Bus ticket one way

2.4 BWP 3.6 BWP 7.1 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.17 $0.26 $0.52

Car Service

95 BWP 140 BWP 280 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.9 $10 $21
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas for a family in Gaborone

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual

81 BWP 580 BWP 3,900 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.9 $42 $280

Utility Bill - Couple

210 BWP 720 BWP 4,700 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $53 $340

Utility Bill - Family

370 BWP 1,100 BWP 7,000 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$27 $78 $510

Internet and cable

59 BWP 120 BWP 160 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.3 $8.6 $12

Mobile phone charges

47 BWP 79 BWP 240 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.5 $5.8 $17

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket

30 BWP 39 BWP 59 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.2 $2.9 $4.3

One month gym membership

110 BWP 140 BWP 280 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.3 $10 $21
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in Gaborone

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

84 BWP 120 BWP 180 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.1 $8.6 $13

Woman dress

79 BWP 110 BWP 360 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.8 $8 $26

Woman shoes

75 BWP 100 BWP 240 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.5 $7.4 $17

Men's shoes

65 BWP 79 BWP 160 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.7 $5.8 $12

Men suit

71 BWP 89 BWP 470 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.2 $6.5 $35

Regular t-shirt

36 BWP 47 BWP 140 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.6 $3.5 $10
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in Gaborone

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

1,200 BWP 1,800 BWP 4,700 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$86 $130 $350

1-bedroom apartment

1,800 BWP 2,800 BWP 7,100 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130 $210 $520

2-bedroom apartment

2,400 BWP 3,600 BWP 9,500 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170 $260 $690

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

240,000 BWP 360,000 BWP 710,000 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17,000 $26,000 $52,000

1-bedroom apartment

280,000 BWP 470,000 BWP 1.8M BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21,000 $35,000 $130,000

2-bedroom apartment

470,000 BWP 1.4M BWP 2.8M BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$35,000 $100,000 $210,000
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in Gaborone

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

1,200 BWP 1,500 BWP 2,000 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$86 $110 $140

Double Bed

790 BWP 1,200 BWP 1,500 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$58 $86 $110

Single Bed

700 BWP 910 BWP 1,200 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$51 $66 $86

Living Room

1,300 BWP 1,700 BWP 5,900 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$96 $120 $430

Dining Table

590 BWP 790 BWP 1,500 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$43 $58 $110

Sofa or Couch

790 BWP 1,100 BWP 2,400 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$58 $79 $170
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in Gaborone

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

790 BWP 1,200 BWP 2,400 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$58 $86 $170

Fridge or Freezer

700 BWP 1,100 BWP 1,500 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$51 $79 $110

Washing Machine

910 BWP 1,300 BWP 2,400 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$66 $96 $170

Stove or Cooker

850 BWP 1,100 BWP 1,500 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$62 $79 $110

Mobile Phone

990 BWP 1,200 BWP 1,700 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$72 $86 $120

Laptop or Computer

1,100 BWP 1,300 BWP 2,400 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$79 $96 $170

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Gaborone

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.

Cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in Gaborone

Spending to Income Ratio

100%

94% to 110%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%5%
50% - 60%9%
60% - 70%16%
70% - 80%25%
80% - 90%19%
90% - 100%10%
100% - 110%6%
110% - 120%4%
120% - 130%3%
130% - 140%2%
> 140%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Gaborone is 100% This means that on average, people spend around 100% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 16% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.


How can spending be more than income?

A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.



Individual
92%
Spending-Income-Ratio
85%
100%

Couple
97%
Spending-Income-Ratio
89%
110%

Family
110%
Spending-Income-Ratio
99%
120%
Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses in Gaborone

How do people spend their money in Gaborone?

We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.

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 Expenditure24%

24% of total expenses on average (13% to 32%)

LOW$23   320 BWP
AVERAGE$300   4,200 BWP
HIGH$3,000   42,000 BWP
Per Month

People living in Gaborone typically spend from 13% to 32% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 24% being the average. The average spend on housing is 4,200 BWP with expenditure ranging from 320 BWP to 42,000 BWP. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile7%

7% of total expenses on average (4% to 11%)

LOW$3.9   54 BWP
AVERAGE$51   700 BWP
HIGH$510   7,000 BWP
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Gaborone ranges from 4% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 700 BWP with 54 BWP and 7,000 BWP being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute7%

7% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$7.8   110 BWP
AVERAGE$100   1,400 BWP
HIGH$1,000   14,000 BWP
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 110 BWP to 14,000 BWP on commuting with 1,400 BWP being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 7% of total spending on average but can go as low as 3% or as high as 11%.

Food and Groceries Cost28%

28% of total expenses on average (20% to 34%)

LOW$20   270 BWP
AVERAGE$250   3,500 BWP
HIGH$2,500   35,000 BWP
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Gaborone is 3,500 BWP. The cost of groceries can range between 270 BWP to 35,000 BWP. People spend on average about 28% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 20% and 34% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services10%

10% of total expenses on average (5% to 13%)

LOW$5.5   75 BWP
AVERAGE$71   970 BWP
HIGH$710   9,700 BWP
Per Month

People in Gaborone allocate 5% to 13% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 10%. The range of medical expenses range from 75 BWP to 9,700 BWP with 970 BWP being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping5%

5% of total expenses on average (2% to 9%)

LOW$3.1   43 BWP
AVERAGE$41   560 BWP
HIGH$410   5,600 BWP
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 43 BWP to 5,600 BWP with 560 BWP being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 9% of total expenses with an average of 5% for most residents.

Education and Schooling5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$4.7   64 BWP
AVERAGE$61   830 BWP
HIGH$610   8,300 BWP
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 5% of the monthly expenditure with 3% and 11% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 830 BWP per month with 64 BWP being the minimum spent amount and 8,300 BWP being the maximum.

Other Expenses13%

13% of total expenses on average (8% to 20%)

LOW$10   140 BWP
AVERAGE$130   1,800 BWP
HIGH$1,300   18,000 BWP
Per Month
Percentage of people who manage to save money from their income every month in Gaborone

How much money can you save in Gaborone every month?

We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.


What percentage of people in Gaborone manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
64%
Not Saving
36%

Almost 64% of the surveyed people in Gaborone said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 36% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Gaborone

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles74%26%
Couples68%32%
Families62%38%

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.


Savings to income ratio in Gaborone

Saving to Income Ratio

12% 21% of income 36%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

350 BWP
$26
4,500 BWP
$330
45,000 BWP
$3,300
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 12% to 36% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 21% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 4,500 BWP on average with savings ranging from 350 BWP to 45,000 BWP.

74% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 68% of couples said the same. 62% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Gaborone?

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.


Singles

Saving to Income Ratio

16% 25% of income 39%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

350 BWP
$26
3,100 BWP
$230
21,000 BWP
$1,500
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%31%
10% - 20%25%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%14%
40% - 50%10%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 16% to 39% of their monthly income to savings, with 25% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 3,100 BWP with 350 BWP and 21,000 BWP being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

13% 23% of income 37%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

1,700 BWP
$130
5,200 BWP
$380
28,000 BWP
$2,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%35%
10% - 20%27%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%9%
40% - 50%7%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 13% to 37% of their monthly income, with 23% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 5,200 BWP with 1,700 BWP and 28,000 BWP being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

11% 19% of income 34%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

2,400 BWP
$180
7,000 BWP
$510
45,000 BWP
$3,300
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%38%
10% - 20%30%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%6%
40% - 50%4%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Gaborone can save anywhere between 11% to 34% of their monthly income, with 19% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 7,000 BWP with 2,400 BWP and 45,000 BWP being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money in Gaborone

Saving Challenges in Gaborone

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

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


Reason% People
Low Income5%
High Expenses8%
Debt and Loans14%
Lack of Budgeting Skills11%
Impulsive Spending11%
Financial Emergencies7%
Living the moment6%
Will do it later20%
Inflation13%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability2%

Around 5% of the people 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. 14% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 11% 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. 11% 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. 6% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 20% 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. 13% 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 people choose to put their savings in Gaborone

Typical saving choices for people in Gaborone

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds12%
Gold12%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts10%
Cash Savings20%
Real Estate9%
Investment5%
Stocks5%
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.

Income and cost of living compatibility. Is it affordable or economical to live in Gaborone

Affordable living in Gaborone

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Gaborone?


Yes
65%
No
35%

Around 65% of surveyed residents think that living in Gaborone is affordable with proper budgeting while 35% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

How easily is cost-cutting. Are there plenty of low-cost options in Gaborone

Low-cost alternatives in Gaborone

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 residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options65%

Few low-cost options35%


Based on the survey, 65% of the people living in Gaborone have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 35% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds

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 residents of Gaborone whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes60%

No40%


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

Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning in Gaborone

Financial Literacy in Botswana

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 Leteracy49%


We asked residents of Botswana whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 51% 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 49% 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 residents of Botswana have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 54% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 46% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance54%

Easily manages finances46%

Financial goals and targets of people living in Gaborone

Financial goals of people in Gaborone

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Gaborone, 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 Reduction40%
Retirement Savings10%
Education Funding7%
Homeownership18%
Investing7%
Travel or Lifestyle7%
Healthcare Expenses13%
Financial Independence6%

Around 8% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 40% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 10% 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. 7% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 7% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 13% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Gaborone

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Gaborone and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in Botswana is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.

Retirement planning and savings

There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.


The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Gaborone:
AgeAmount
2537,000 BWP
3074,000 BWP
35130,000 BWP
40180,000 BWP
45280,000 BWP
50390,000 BWP
55460,000 BWP
60570,000 BWP
65680,000 BWP

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of Gaborone about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions12%
Savings23%
Investments12%
Social Security7%
Annuities7%
Part-time Job14%
Real Estate18%
Dividends and Interest7%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Gaborone

790 BWP
$57
7,100 BWP
$520
47,000 BWP
$3,400
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Chart showing the percentage of people who are in debt in Gaborone

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Gaborone


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
41%
Debt Free
59%

According to the survey, 41% of the people in Gaborone have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 59% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in Gaborone

Debt-to-income ratio in Gaborone

Debt to income ratio

36%

27% to 47%

( 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 36% of the people's monthly income in Gaborone goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%17%
40% - 50%14%
30% - 40%16%
20% - 30%11%
10% - 20%13%
0% - 10%26%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Gaborone pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 17% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 14% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 16% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 11% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Gaborone

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage9%
Auto Loan17%
Student Loan4%
Credit Card29%
Personal Loan42%

9% of debtors in Gaborone confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 29% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 17% of people and personal loans rose at 42%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 4% of debtors in Gaborone.


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 Gaborone

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Gaborone 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
Never51%
Once a year23%
Twice a year12%
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 Gaborone

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Gaborone

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


Rent Cost in Gaborone

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

1,200 BWP 1,800 BWP 4,700 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$86 $130 $350

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

1,800 BWP 2,800 BWP 7,100 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130 $210 $520

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

2,400 BWP 3,600 BWP 9,500 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170 $260 $690

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

2,800 BWP 4,700 BWP 13,000 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$210 $350 $940

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

5,700 BWP 14,000 BWP 28,000 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$410 $1,000 $2,100

Townhouse monthly rent cost

4,700 BWP 7,100 BWP 20,000 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$350 $520 $1,500

House monthly rent cost

5,700 BWP 14,000 BWP 28,000 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$410 $1,000 $2,100

Villa monthly rent cost

7,100 BWP 18,000 BWP 28,000 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$520 $1,300 $2,100

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Gaborone ranges between 1,200 BWP and 4,700 BWP, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 1,800 BWP to 7,100 BWP. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 2,400 BWP and 9,500 BWP per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 2,800 BWP to 13,000 BWP. The average rent of a townhouse in Gaborone is around 7,100 BWP while house rental costs can be as high as 14,000 BWP per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 7,100 BWP to 28,000 BWP per month.



Apartment and house prices in Gaborone

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

240,000 BWP 360,000 BWP 710,000 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17,000 $26,000 $52,000

1-bedroom apartment price

280,000 BWP 470,000 BWP 1.8M BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21,000 $35,000 $130,000

2-bedroom apartment price

470,000 BWP 1.4M BWP 2.8M BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$35,000 $100,000 $210,000

3-bedroom apartment price

1.6M BWP 2.4M BWP 7.1M BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120,000 $170,000 $520,000

Townhouse price

2M BWP 4.7M BWP 18M BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150,000 $350,000 $1.3M

House price

2.4M BWP 14M BWP 20M BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170,000 $1M $1.5M

Villa price

2.8M BWP 16M BWP 24M BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$210,000 $1.2M $1.7M

The average price of a studio apartment in Gaborone can range from 240,000 BWP to 710,000 BWP depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 280,000 BWP to 1.8M BWP. A villa can cost you 16M BWP on average with prices ranging from 2.8M BWP to 24M BWP.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Gaborone 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


42 x119 monthly income 240
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Gaborone can be x119 to x240 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x119 multiples of the average monthly salary in Gaborone.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


24% 36% of income 48%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Gaborone is around 36%. This means that people pay 36% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 24% to 48% 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
33%

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
2%
AVERAGE
3%
TO
4%

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.


21 BWP 280 BWP 2,800 BWP
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 Gaborone

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


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

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Individual

81 BWP 580 BWP 3,900 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.9 $42 $280

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple

210 BWP 720 BWP 4,700 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $53 $340

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family

370 BWP 1,100 BWP 7,000 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$27 $78 $510

Internet and cable cost

59 BWP 120 BWP 160 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.3 $8.6 $12

Mobile phone bill and charges

47 BWP 79 BWP 240 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.5 $5.8 $17

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 expenditure for individuals on electricty, water, and gas in Gaborone ranges between 81 BWP and 3,900 BWP with average being 580 BWP, meanwhile the expenditure of couples is slightly higher at 720 BWP with 210 BWP and 4,700 BWP being the upper and lower limits respectively. As expected, the energy and water consumption of families is the highest among the three groups with an average of 1,100 BWP. The cost of internet and WiFi is unchanged among the three groups and ranges from 59 BWP to 160 BWP with 120 BWP being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 79 BWP but can range between 47 BWP and 240 BWP 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


3.6% 7.2% of income 12%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in Gaborone is around 7.2%. This means that people pay 7.2% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 3.6% to 12% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Gaborone

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


Prices and cost of goods and services in Gaborone

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

Fast food combo meal price

12 BWP 24 BWP 39 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.86 $1.7 $2.9

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Gaborone is approximatly 24 BWP with meal cost ranging from 12 BWP to 39 BWP. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

43 BWP 65 BWP 130 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.2 $4.7 $9.5

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 43 BWP and 130 BWP with 65 BWP being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Gaborone.

Fine dining meal for one price

87 BWP 130 BWP 520 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.3 $9.5 $38

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 87 BWP to 520 BWP with the average cost being 130 BWP for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Gaborone.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

9.9 BWP 16 BWP 24 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.72 $1.2 $1.7

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Gaborone is around 16 BWP. Price ranges between 9.9 BWP and 24 BWP depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

7.9 BWP 9.5 BWP 12 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.58 $0.69 $0.86

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Gaborone is 9.5 BWP. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 12 BWP and the minimum being 7.9 BWP depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

5.9 BWP 7.9 BWP 12 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.43 $0.58 $0.86

A dozen eggs costs around 7.9 BWP on average with 5.9 BWP and 12 BWP being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

13 BWP 17 BWP 25 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.98 $1.3 $1.8

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Gaborone is between 13 BWP and 25 BWP depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 17 BWP.

Pack of beef price

16 BWP 24 BWP 47 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.7 $3.5

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 24 BWP. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

6.4 BWP 8.7 BWP 12 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.46 $0.64 $0.90

A bag of rice in Gaborone costs around 8.7 BWP on average with prices rangeing between 6.4 BWP and 12 BWP depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

2.4 BWP 3.2 BWP 5.9 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.17 $0.23 $0.43

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 2.4 BWP to 5.9 BWP. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

4.2 BWP 5.5 BWP 9.1 BWP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.31 $0.40 $0.66

A bag of apples costs 5.5 BWP 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


23% 33% of income 40%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Gaborone is around 33%. This means that people spend 33% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 23% to 40% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for every population group

A single person living alone spends approximately 1,500 BWP per month on grocery and food with expenditure fluctuating between 220 BWP and 10,000 BWP depending on location and the type of person. The average cost of food and groceries for a couple is around 2,200 BWP per month. That number can be get as low as 750 BWP or a high as 12,000 BWP. Families' spending on grocery ranges from 1,300 BWP to 25,000 BWP with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.


Single
Spending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Gaborone

Housing cost for a single person30%

30% of total expenses on average (18% to 42%)

LOW$36   490 BWP
AVERAGE$250   3,500 BWP
HIGH$1,700   23,000 BWP
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)

LOW$5.9   81 BWP
AVERAGE$42   580 BWP
HIGH$280   3,900 BWP
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$7.9   110 BWP
AVERAGE$56   770 BWP
HIGH$370   5,100 BWP
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost19%

19% of total expenses on average (13% to 24%)

LOW$16   220 BWP
AVERAGE$110   1,500 BWP
HIGH$750   10,000 BWP
Per Month

Healthcare Cost12%

12% of total expenses on average (6% to 16%)

LOW$8.9   120 BWP
AVERAGE$63   870 BWP
HIGH$420   5,800 BWP
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Expenditure3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 6%)

LOW$4.9   68 BWP
AVERAGE$35   480 BWP
HIGH$230   3,200 BWP
Per Month

Education Cost1%

1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)

LOW$2   27 BWP
AVERAGE$14   190 BWP
HIGH$94   1,300 BWP
Per Month

Other Expenses21%

21% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)

LOW$18   240 BWP
AVERAGE$130   1,700 BWP
HIGH$840   12,000 BWP
Per Month


Couple
Average monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Gaborone

Housing cost for a couple27%

27% of total expenses on average (20% to 37%)

LOW$130   1,800 BWP
AVERAGE$400   5,500 BWP
HIGH$2,100   29,000 BWP
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$16   210 BWP
AVERAGE$53   720 BWP
HIGH$340   4,700 BWP
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost9%

9% of total expenses on average (3% to 14%)

LOW$47   640 BWP
AVERAGE$140   1,900 BWP
HIGH$750   10,000 BWP
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost17%

17% of total expenses on average (12% to 22%)

LOW$55   750 BWP
AVERAGE$160   2,200 BWP
HIGH$870   12,000 BWP
Per Month

Healthcare Cost14%

14% of total expenses on average (8% to 18%)

LOW$43   590 BWP
AVERAGE$130   1,800 BWP
HIGH$690   9,400 BWP
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost4%

4% of total expenses on average (1% to 7%)

LOW$23   320 BWP
AVERAGE$70   960 BWP
HIGH$370   5,100 BWP
Per Month

Education Cost1%

1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)

LOW$7.8   110 BWP
AVERAGE$23   320 BWP
HIGH$120   1,700 BWP
Per Month

Other Expenses20%

20% of total expenses on average (14% to 26%)

LOW$66   910 BWP
AVERAGE$200   2,700 BWP
HIGH$1,100   15,000 BWP
Per Month


Family
Average monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Gaborone

Housing cost for a family26%

26% of total expenses on average (21% to 36%)

LOW$170   2,400 BWP
AVERAGE$500   6,800 BWP
HIGH$3,200   45,000 BWP
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 8%)

LOW$27   370 BWP
AVERAGE$78   1,100 BWP
HIGH$510   7,000 BWP
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Expenses5%

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

LOW$55   750 BWP
AVERAGE$160   2,100 BWP
HIGH$1,000   14,000 BWP
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost21%

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

LOW$98   1,300 BWP
AVERAGE$280   3,900 BWP
HIGH$1,800   25,000 BWP
Per Month

Healthcare Expenses11%

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

LOW$49   670 BWP
AVERAGE$160   2,100 BWP
HIGH$810   11,000 BWP
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost3%

3% of total expenses on average (1% to 7%)

LOW$27   370 BWP
AVERAGE$78   1,100 BWP
HIGH$510   7,000 BWP
Per Month

Education Cost13%

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

LOW$76   1,000 BWP
AVERAGE$220   3,000 BWP
HIGH$1,400   19,000 BWP
Per Month

Other Expenses15%

15% of total expenses on average (8% to 20%)

LOW$44   600 BWP
AVERAGE$120   1,700 BWP
HIGH$810   11,000 BWP
Per Month


Student
Cost of living and expenses break down for students living in Gaborone

Housing costs for Student18%

18% of total expenses on average (13% to 24%)

LOW$19   260 BWP
AVERAGE$120   1,700 BWP
HIGH$830   11,000 BWP
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, and Mobile Expenses6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$3.1   43 BWP
AVERAGE$21   280 BWP
HIGH$140   1,900 BWP
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost4%

4% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$5.5   75 BWP
AVERAGE$36   500 BWP
HIGH$240   3,300 BWP
Per Month

Food and Groceries Expenditure23%

23% of total expenses on average (17% to 27%)

LOW$16   210 BWP
AVERAGE$100   1,400 BWP
HIGH$690   9,400 BWP
Per Month

Healthcare Cost9%

9% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)

LOW$4.7   64 BWP
AVERAGE$31   420 BWP
HIGH$210   2,800 BWP
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$3.9   54 BWP
AVERAGE$26   350 BWP
HIGH$170   2,400 BWP
Per Month

Education Cost18%

18% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)

LOW$15   200 BWP
AVERAGE$98   1,300 BWP
HIGH$650   9,000 BWP
Per Month

Other Expenses18%

18% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$12   160 BWP
AVERAGE$77   1,100 BWP
HIGH$520   7,100 BWP
Per Month
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