Cost Of Living For a Single Person in Bulawayo 2025
Average Monthly Expenditure
Currency: ZWL
Average monthly spending for a single person or individual in Bulawayo
How much money does an individual need in a month to survive in Bulawayo?
A single person in Bulawayo spends around 160,000 ZWL per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a single individual can survive with a monthly budget as low as 22,000 ZWL or as high as 1.1M ZWL. Location and income are very important factors and have a huge influence on expenditure and budget.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Bulawayo
Dining, food, and beverages costs
Fast food combo meal
Restaurant meal for one
| 730 ZWL | 1,100 ZWL | 2,200 ZWL |
Fine dining meal for one
| 1,500 ZWL | 2,200 ZWL | 8,800 ZWL |
Cappuccino or latte
Grocery and market costs
Milk large bottle
12 eggs
Fresh whole chicken
Pack of beef
Medium bag of rice
Bag of tomatos
Bag of apples
Commute, travel, and transportation costs
20 minutes taxi ride
Average car full tank
| 1,100 ZWL | 1,400 ZWL | 2,900 ZWL |
Average car 1-day rental
| 1,100 ZWL | 1,500 ZWL | 2,300 ZWL |
Average car price
| 540,000 ZWL | 1.1M ZWL | 1.4M ZWL |
Bus ticket one way
Car Service
| 1,500 ZWL | 2,300 ZWL | 4,500 ZWL |
Utility cost (monthly)
Utility Bill - Individual
| 1,300 ZWL | 9,500 ZWL | 64,000 ZWL |
Internet and cable
| 1,100 ZWL | 2,100 ZWL | 2,900 ZWL |
Mobile phone charges
| 860 ZWL | 1,400 ZWL | 4,300 ZWL |
Leisure and activities costs
Movie ticket
| 540 ZWL | 710 ZWL | 1,100 ZWL |
One month gym membership
| 1,800 ZWL | 2,300 ZWL | 4,500 ZWL |
Cloths and accessories costs
Pair of jeans or pants
| 1,300 ZWL | 1,900 ZWL | 2,800 ZWL |
Woman dress
| 1,300 ZWL | 1,700 ZWL | 5,600 ZWL |
Woman shoes
| 1,200 ZWL | 1,600 ZWL | 3,800 ZWL |
Men's shoes
| 1,000 ZWL | 1,300 ZWL | 2,500 ZWL |
Men suit
| 1,100 ZWL | 1,400 ZWL | 7,500 ZWL |
Regular t-shirt
| 560 ZWL | 750 ZWL | 2,300 ZWL |
Housing costs / monthly rent
Studio apartment
| 19,000 ZWL | 28,000 ZWL | 75,000 ZWL |
1-bedroom apartment
| 28,000 ZWL | 45,000 ZWL | 110,000 ZWL |
2-bedroom apartment
| 38,000 ZWL | 56,000 ZWL | 150,000 ZWL |
Housing costs / Buying
Studio apartment
| 3.8M ZWL | 5.6M ZWL | 11M ZWL |
1-bedroom apartment
| 4.5M ZWL | 7.5M ZWL | 28M ZWL |
2-bedroom apartment
Furniture Costs
King Size Bed
| 21,000 ZWL | 27,000 ZWL | 36,000 ZWL |
Double Bed
| 14,000 ZWL | 21,000 ZWL | 27,000 ZWL |
Single Bed
| 13,000 ZWL | 16,000 ZWL | 21,000 ZWL |
Living Room
| 24,000 ZWL | 31,000 ZWL | 110,000 ZWL |
Dining Table
| 11,000 ZWL | 14,000 ZWL | 27,000 ZWL |
Sofa or Couch
| 14,000 ZWL | 19,000 ZWL | 43,000 ZWL |
Electronics and House Appliance Costs
TV Set
| 14,000 ZWL | 21,000 ZWL | 43,000 ZWL |
Fridge or Freezer
| 13,000 ZWL | 19,000 ZWL | 27,000 ZWL |
Washing Machine
| 16,000 ZWL | 24,000 ZWL | 43,000 ZWL |
Stove or Cooker
| 15,000 ZWL | 19,000 ZWL | 27,000 ZWL |
Mobile Phone
| 18,000 ZWL | 21,000 ZWL | 31,000 ZWL |
Laptop or Computer
| 19,000 ZWL | 24,000 ZWL | 43,000 ZWL |
Single person expenditure to income ratio in Bulawayo
Analysing the how affordable it is for an individual to live in Bulawayo
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. Individuals usually spend a larger chunk of their income than other population groups. A typical and healthy expenditure percentage for a single individual ranges between 70% to 80%.
Spending to Income Ratio
83%
78% to 90%
( expenditure / income ) x 100
Individuals in Bulawayo spend around 83% of their monthly income.
Some individuals spend as low as 78% of their income while some as high as 90%.
How do individuals spend their money in Bulawayo?
We asked thousands of individuals 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 individuals
Accomodation Cost28%
28% of total expenses on average (16% to 40%)
| LOW | $0.49 8,000 ZWL |
| AVERAGE | $3.5 57,000 ZWL |
| HIGH | $23 380,000 ZWL |
| Per Month |
Individuals in Bulawayo typically spend from 16% to 40% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 28% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 57,000 ZWL with expenditure ranging from 8,000 ZWL to 380,000 ZWL. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.
Electricity, utilities, energy, water, internet, and mobile expenditure for individuals
Cost of utilities9%
9% of total expenses on average (5% to 14%)
| LOW | $0.08 1,300 ZWL |
| AVERAGE | $0.58 9,500 ZWL |
| HIGH | $3.9 64,000 ZWL |
| Per Month |
Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Bulawayo ranges from 5% to 14% of total expenses with 9% being the average for most individuals. The average monthly cost of utilities is 9,500 ZWL with 1,300 ZWL and 64,000 ZWL being the upper and lower limits for a single person.
Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for individuals
Cost of transport and fuel4%
4% of total expenses on average (2% to 10%)
| LOW | $0.11 1,800 ZWL |
| AVERAGE | $0.77 13,000 ZWL |
| HIGH | $5.2 85,000 ZWL |
| Per Month |
Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a single person resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a single person would expect to spend from 1,800 ZWL to 85,000 ZWL in a month on commuting with 13,000 ZWL being the norm for most individuals. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 4% of total spending on average but can go as low as 2% or as high as 10%.
Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for individuals
Food and Groceries Cost20%
20% of total expenses on average (14% to 25%)
| LOW | $0.22 3,500 ZWL |
| AVERAGE | $1.5 25,000 ZWL |
| HIGH | $10 170,000 ZWL |
| Per Month |
The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical person in a month in Bulawayo is 25,000 ZWL. The cost of groceries can range between 3,500 ZWL to 170,000 ZWL. Individuals spend on average about 20% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 14% and 25% respectively.
Healthcare and medical services expenditure for individuals
Cost of healthcare13%
13% of total expenses on average (7% to 17%)
| LOW | $0.12 2,000 ZWL |
| AVERAGE | $0.87 14,000 ZWL |
| HIGH | $5.8 95,000 ZWL |
| Per Month |
Individuals in Bulawayo allocate 7% to 17% 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 13%. The range of medical expenses range from 2,000 ZWL to 95,000 ZWL with 14,000 ZWL being the norm for most individuals.
Leisure and shopping expenditure for individuals
Cost of leisure and shopping2%
2% of total expenses on average (1% to 5%)
| LOW | $0.07 1,100 ZWL |
| AVERAGE | $0.48 7,900 ZWL |
| HIGH | $3.2 53,000 ZWL |
| 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 1,100 ZWL to 53,000 ZWL with 7,900 ZWL being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 1% to 5% of total expenses with an average of 2% for most individuals.
Education and schooling expenditure for individuals
Cost of education and schooling1%
1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)
| LOW | $0.03 440 ZWL |
| AVERAGE | $0.19 3,200 ZWL |
| HIGH | $1.3 21,000 ZWL |
| Per Month |
Spending on education can vary drastically between different individuals. On average, education constitutes 1% of the monthly expenditure of individuals with 0.00% and 3% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 3,200 ZWL per month with 440 ZWL being the minimum spent amount and 21,000 ZWL being the maximum.
Other Expenses23%
23% of total expenses on average (15% to 27%)
| LOW | $0.24 4,000 ZWL |
| AVERAGE | $1.7 29,000 ZWL |
| HIGH | $12 190,000 ZWL |
| Per Month |
What percentage of individuals in Bulawayo are able to save money and how much can they save?
Percentage of individuals that reported their ability to save money
Almost 56% of surveyed individuals in Bulawayo said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 44% reported that they have to utilize their whole income to survive.
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 individuals 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
Average Monthly Saved Amount
4,900 ZWL
$0.30 | 44,000 ZWL
$2.7 | 290,000 ZWL
$18 |
Savings to income distribution levels for individuals
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Individuals |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 34% |
| 10% - 20% | 27% |
| 20% - 30% | 17% |
| 30% - 40% | 11% |
| 40% - 50% | 8% |
| > 50% | 3% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Individuals that are able to save money can put anywhere from 8.3% to 28% of their monthly income to their savings, with 15% being the average for most individuals. The average monthly amount of money that individuals can put aside is 44,000 ZWL with 4,900 ZWL and 290,000 ZWL being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Saving Challenges in Bulawayo
Reasons that make it difficult for individuals to save money
We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Bulawayo. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.
| Reason | % People |
|---|
| Low Income | 4% |
| High Expenses | 7% |
| Debt and Loans | 10% |
| Lack of Budgeting Skills | 12% |
| Impulsive Spending | 13% |
| Financial Emergencies | 8% |
| Living the moment | 5% |
| Will do it later | 23% |
| Inflation | 15% |
| Social Pressure | 2% |
| Market Instability | 1% |
Around 4% of the individuals said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 7% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 10% 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. 13% of individuals blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 8% 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. 23% 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. 15% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 2% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 1% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.
Typical saving choices for individuals in Bulawayo
Where do people choose to put their savings?
| Saving Type | % People |
|---|
| Emergency Funds | 13% |
| Gold | 15% |
| Savings Accounts | 16% |
| Retirement Accounts | 9% |
| Cash Savings | 24% |
| Real Estate | 8% |
| Investment | 4% |
| Stocks | 3% |
| Bonds | 4% |
| Mutual Funds | 1% |
| Certificates of Deposit | 2% |
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.
Affordable living in Bulawayo
Income and cost of living compatibility
We asked individuals one simple question and recorded their answers.
Is it affordable or economical to live in Bulawayo?
Around 42% of surveyed individuals think that living in Bulawayo is affordable with proper budgeting while 58% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.
Low-cost alternatives in Bulawayo
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 individuals how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:
Plenty of low-cost options54%
Few low-cost options46%
Based on the survey, 54% of the individuals living in Bulawayo have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 46% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.
Emergency Funds For Individuals
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 individuals of Bulawayo whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.
Yes39%
No61%
Based on the survey, 61% of the individuals living in Bulawayo said that they don't have an emergency fund while 39% said that they do.
Financial Literacy in Zimbabwe
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 Leteracy36%
We asked individuals in Bulawayo whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 64% 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 36% 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 single people of Zimbabwe have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 62% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 38% said that they have everything under control.
Struggles with finance62%
Easily manages finances38%
Financial goals of individuals in Bulawayo
In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Bulawayo, 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 Fund | 9% |
| Debt Reduction | 48% |
| Retirement Savings | 12% |
| Education Funding | 6% |
| Homeownership | 19% |
| Investing | 5% |
| Travel or Lifestyle | 4% |
| Healthcare Expenses | 17% |
| Financial Independence | 3% |
Around 9% of individuals said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 48% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 12% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 6% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 19% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 5% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 4% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 17% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.
Debt, loans, and mortgages in Bulawayo
Percentage of individuals who are in debt
According to the survey, 34% of the individuals in Bulawayo have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 66% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.
Debt-to-income ratio in Bulawayo
Debt to income ratio
35%
28% to 44%
( 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 35% of a single person's monthly income in Bulawayo goes to debt settlement.
Debt levelsMonthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income
| Debt-to-income ratio | % People |
|---|
| > 60% | 4% |
| 50% - 60% | 22% |
| 40% - 50% | 16% |
| 30% - 40% | 18% |
| 20% - 30% | 7% |
| 10% - 20% | 8% |
| 0% - 10% | 24% |
According to our data, 4% of the debtors in Bulawayo pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 22% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 16% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 18% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 7% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.
Distribution by type of debt in Bulawayo
| Debt | % People |
|---|
| Real Estate Mortgage | 5% |
| Auto Loan | 11% |
| Student Loan | 5% |
| Credit Card | 33% |
| Personal Loan | 47% |
5% of debtors in Bulawayo confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 33% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 11% of people and personal loans rose at 47%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 5% of debtors in Bulawayo.
About credit score and debt managementManaging 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 Bulawayo
Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked individuals of Bulawayo 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 |
|---|
| Never | 47% |
| Once a year | 25% |
| Twice a year | 13% |
| Three times a year | 10% |
| Four times a year | 5% |
Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Bulawayo
Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Rent Cost in Bulawayo
Monthly Rent Prices
Studio apartment monthly rent cost
| 19,000 ZWL | 28,000 ZWL | 75,000 ZWL |
1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 28,000 ZWL | 45,000 ZWL | 110,000 ZWL |
2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 38,000 ZWL | 56,000 ZWL | 150,000 ZWL |
3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 45,000 ZWL | 75,000 ZWL | 200,000 ZWL |
Furnished apartment monthly rent cost
| 90,000 ZWL | 230,000 ZWL | 450,000 ZWL |
Townhouse monthly rent cost
| 75,000 ZWL | 110,000 ZWL | 320,000 ZWL |
House monthly rent cost
| 90,000 ZWL | 230,000 ZWL | 450,000 ZWL |
Villa monthly rent cost
| 110,000 ZWL | 280,000 ZWL | 450,000 ZWL |
The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Bulawayo ranges between 19,000 ZWL and 75,000 ZWL, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 28,000 ZWL to 110,000 ZWL. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 38,000 ZWL and 150,000 ZWL per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 45,000 ZWL to 200,000 ZWL. The average rent of a townhouse in Bulawayo is around 110,000 ZWL while house rental costs can be as high as 230,000 ZWL per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 110,000 ZWL to 450,000 ZWL per month.
Apartment and house prices in Bulawayo
Cost of buying a property
Studio apartment price
| 3.8M ZWL | 5.6M ZWL | 11M ZWL |
1-bedroom apartment price
| 4.5M ZWL | 7.5M ZWL | 28M ZWL |
2-bedroom apartment price
3-bedroom apartment price
Townhouse price
House price
| 38M ZWL | 230M ZWL | 320M ZWL |
Villa price
| 45M ZWL | 250M ZWL | 380M ZWL |
The average price of a studio apartment in Bulawayo can range from 3.8M ZWL to 11M ZWL depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 4.5M ZWL to 28M ZWL. A villa can cost you 250M ZWL on average with prices ranging from 45M ZWL to 380M ZWL.
If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Bulawayo 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
| 25 | x65 monthly income | 184 |
Property prices in Bulawayo can be x65 to x184 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x65 multiples of the average monthly salary in Bulawayo.
Rent to income ratio
Rent to income ratio
( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100
The average rent-to-income ratio in Bulawayo is around 27%. This means that people pay 27% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 17% to 37% 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
24% 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.
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.
| 350 ZWL | 4,600 ZWL | 46,000 ZWL |
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 Bulawayo
Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.
Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Bulawayo
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / A single person
| 1,300 ZWL | 9,500 ZWL | 64,000 ZWL |
Internet and cable cost
| 1,100 ZWL | 2,100 ZWL | 2,900 ZWL |
Mobile phone bill and charges
| 860 ZWL | 1,400 ZWL | 4,300 ZWL |
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 individuals is around 9,500 ZWL. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 1,100 ZWL to 2,900 ZWL with 2,100 ZWL being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 1,400 ZWL but can range between 860 ZWL and 4,300 ZWL 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
The average utility-to-income ratio in Bulawayo 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 4.1% to 11% depending on salary and location.
Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Bulawayo
Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Bulawayo
Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.
Fast food combo meal price
The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Bulawayo is approximatly 430 ZWL with meal cost ranging from 210 ZWL to 710 ZWL. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.
Restaurant meal for one price
| 730 ZWL | 1,100 ZWL | 2,200 ZWL |
If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 730 ZWL and 2,200 ZWL with 1,100 ZWL being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Bulawayo.
Fine dining meal for one price
| 1,500 ZWL | 2,200 ZWL | 8,800 ZWL |
The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 1,500 ZWL to 8,800 ZWL with the average cost being 2,200 ZWL for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Bulawayo.
Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..
The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Bulawayo is around 290 ZWL. Price ranges between 180 ZWL and 430 ZWL depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.
Grocery and market costs
Large bottle of milk price
The average price of a large bottle of milk in Bulawayo is 170 ZWL. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 210 ZWL and the minimum being 140 ZWL depending on the brand of milk and other properties.
12 eggs price
A dozen eggs costs around 140 ZWL on average with 110 ZWL and 210 ZWL being the lower and upper limits respectively.
Fresh whole chicken price
The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Bulawayo is between 240 ZWL and 450 ZWL depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 320 ZWL.
Pack of beef price
The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 430 ZWL. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.
Medium bag of rice price
A bag of rice in Bulawayo costs around 160 ZWL on average with prices rangeing between 120 ZWL and 220 ZWL depending on the brand and quality.
Bag of tomatos price
A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 43 ZWL to 110 ZWL. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.
Bag of apples price
A bag of apples costs 100 ZWL 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
The average grocery-to-income ratio in Bulawayo is around 29%. This means that individuals spend 29% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 21% to 35% depending on salary and location.
Expenditure on food and grocery for individuals
Individuals' spending on grocery ranges from 3,500 ZWL to 170,000 ZWL with the location, income being the most determinite factors.
