Cost Of Living in Swaziland 2024

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

Whether you're living in Swaziland 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

4,600 SZL

per month
$240

350 SZL   $19
$2,400   46,000 SZL

Single

3,200 SZL

per month
$170

1,100 SZL   $56
$1,100   21,000 SZL

Couple

5,300 SZL

per month
$280

1,800 SZL   $93
$1,500   28,000 SZL

Family

7,000 SZL

per month
$370

2,500 SZL   $130
$2,000   39,000 SZL

Student

2,000 SZL

per month
$110

810 SZL   $43
$190   3,700 SZL
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Swaziland is 3,200 SZL. Expenses can range from 1,100 SZL at the minimum level to 21,000 SZL at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Swaziland is 5,300 SZL. Expenditure can range from 1,800 SZL to 28,000 SZL per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Swaziland is 7,000 SZL per month. Families spend anywhere from 2,500 SZL to 39,000 SZL.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Swaziland is 2,000 SZL. Students spend from 810 SZL to 3,700 SZL 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 Swaziland


Dining, food, and beverages costs


Large bottle of water
0.53 SZL 0.60 SZL 0.70 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.03 $0.03 $0.04
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
Soda or Soft Drink
0.65 SZL 0.75 SZL 0.91 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.03 $0.04 $0.05
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
Loaf of bread
0.55 SZL 0.62 SZL 0.72 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.03 $0.03 $0.04
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
Beef 1 kg or 1 lb
6 SZL 9 SZL 18 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.32 $0.48 $0.95
Rice 1 kg or 1 lb
2.4 SZL 3.3 SZL 4.7 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.13 $0.18 $0.25
Tomato 1 kg or 1 lb
0.91 SZL 1.2 SZL 2.3 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.05 $0.06 $0.12
Apples 1 kg or 1 lb
1.6 SZL 2.1 SZL 3.5 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.09 $0.11 $0.18

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

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual
63 SZL 190 SZL 1,300 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.3 $10 $67
Utility Bill - Couple
88 SZL 260 SZL 1,400 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.6 $14 $74
Utility Bill - Family
74 SZL 210 SZL 1,200 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.9 $11 $61
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

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

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

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

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

Expenditure to Income Ratio 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.


Spending to Income Ratio

87%

81% to 96%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%4%
50% - 60%8%
60% - 70%15%
70% - 80%25%
80% - 90%21%
90% - 100%11%
100% - 110%6%
110% - 120%4%
120% - 130%3%
130% - 140%2%
> 140%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Swaziland is 87% This means that on average, people spend around 87% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 15% 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
78%
Spending-Income-Ratio
73%
86%

Couple
83%
Spending-Income-Ratio
77%
91%

Family
91%
Spending-Income-Ratio
85%
100%

How do people spend their money in Swaziland?

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 Expenditure23%

23% of total expenses on average (12% to 31%)

LOW$5.6   110 SZL
AVERAGE$72   1,400 SZL
HIGH$720   14,000 SZL
Per Month

People living in Swaziland typically spend from 12% to 31% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 23% being the average. The average spend on housing is 1,400 SZL with expenditure ranging from 110 SZL to 14,000 SZL. 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, Water8%

8% of total expenses on average (5% to 12%)

LOW$0.93   18 SZL
AVERAGE$12   230 SZL
HIGH$120   2,300 SZL
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Swaziland ranges from 5% to 12% of total expenses with 8% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 230 SZL with 18 SZL and 2,300 SZL being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute7%

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

LOW$1.9   35 SZL
AVERAGE$24   460 SZL
HIGH$240   4,600 SZL
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 35 SZL to 4,600 SZL on commuting with 460 SZL 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$4.6   88 SZL
AVERAGE$60   1,100 SZL
HIGH$600   11,000 SZL
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Swaziland is 1,100 SZL. The cost of groceries can range between 88 SZL to 11,000 SZL. 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$1.3   25 SZL
AVERAGE$17   320 SZL
HIGH$170   3,200 SZL
Per Month

People in Swaziland 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 25 SZL to 3,200 SZL with 320 SZL being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$0.74   14 SZL
AVERAGE$9.6   180 SZL
HIGH$96   1,800 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 14 SZL to 1,800 SZL with 180 SZL being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 8% of total expenses with an average of 4% for most residents.

Education and Schooling5%

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

LOW$1.1   21 SZL
AVERAGE$14   270 SZL
HIGH$140   2,700 SZL
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 270 SZL per month with 21 SZL being the minimum spent amount and 2,700 SZL being the maximum.

Other Expenses14%

14% of total expenses on average (9% to 21%)

LOW$2.4   46 SZL
AVERAGE$31   590 SZL
HIGH$310   5,900 SZL
Per Month

How much money can you save in Swaziland 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 Swaziland manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
49%
Not Saving
51%

Almost 49% of the surveyed people in Swaziland said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 51% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Swaziland

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles55%45%
Couples50%50%
Families45%55%

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.


Saving to Income Ratio

8% 15% of income 28%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

100 SZL
$5.3
1,300 SZL
$69
13,000 SZL
$690
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 8% to 28% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 15% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 1,300 SZL on average with savings ranging from 100 SZL to 13,000 SZL.

55% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 50% of couples said the same. 45% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Swaziland?

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

11% 19% of income 30%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

300 SZL
$16
910 SZL
$48
6,000 SZL
$320
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%33%
10% - 20%25%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%12%
40% - 50%10%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 11% to 30% of their monthly income to savings, with 19% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 910 SZL with 300 SZL and 6,000 SZL being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

9% 17% of income 29%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

500 SZL
$27
1,500 SZL
$80
8,100 SZL
$420
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%37%
10% - 20%27%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%7%
40% - 50%7%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 9% to 29% of their monthly income, with 17% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 1,500 SZL with 500 SZL and 8,100 SZL being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

8% 14% of income 27%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

710 SZL
$37
2,000 SZL
$110
11,000 SZL
$580
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 in Swaziland can save anywhere between 8% to 27% of their monthly income, with 14% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 2,000 SZL with 710 SZL and 11,000 SZL being the minimum and maximum respectively.

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 Swaziland

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Swaziland?


Yes
43%
No
57%

Around 43% of surveyed residents 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.

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 residents 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 people 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.

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 Swaziland whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes40%

No60%


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

Financial Literacy in Swaziland

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 residents of 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 residents of Swaziland have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so asked the 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 of people 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 those who participated in the survey 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.

Saving Challenges in Swaziland

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people 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 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. 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% 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 societal expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 2% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Typical saving choices for people 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%

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Swaziland

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

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in Swaziland 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 Swaziland:
AgeAmount
2512,000 SZL
3024,000 SZL
3541,000 SZL
4059,000 SZL
4588,000 SZL
50120,000 SZL
55150,000 SZL
60180,000 SZL
65220,000 SZL

Retirement Income Distribution

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

Source% People
Pensions12%
Savings23%
Investments12%
Social Security7%
Annuities7%
Part-time Job15%
Real Estate18%
Dividends and Interest7%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Swaziland

780 SZL
$41
2,300 SZL
$120
16,000 SZL
$830
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Swaziland


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
34%
Debt Free
66%

According to the survey, 34% of the people 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.


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 the people'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 residents of Swaziland 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 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
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
3-bedroom apartment
900 SZL 1,500 SZL 4,100 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$48 $79 $220
Furnished apartment
1,800 SZL 4,500 SZL 9,000 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$95 $240 $480
Townhouse
1,500 SZL 2,300 SZL 6,500 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$79 $120 $340
House
1,800 SZL 4,500 SZL 9,000 SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$95 $240 $480
Villa
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
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
3-bedroom apartment
500,000 SZL 750,000 SZL 2.3M SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26,000 $40,000 $120,000
Townhouse
650,000 SZL 1.5M SZL 5.7M SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$34,000 $79,000 $300,000
House
750,000 SZL 4.5M SZL 6.5M SZL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$40,000 $240,000 $340,000
Villa
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.


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

Housing29%

29% of total expenses on average (17% to 41%)

LOW$20   380 SZL
AVERAGE$60   1,100 SZL
HIGH$400   7,600 SZL
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water9%

9% of total expenses on average (5% to 14%)

LOW$3.3   63 SZL
AVERAGE$10   190 SZL
HIGH$67   1,300 SZL
Per Month

Transport, Fuel5%

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

LOW$4.4   84 SZL
AVERAGE$13   250 SZL
HIGH$89   1,700 SZL
Per Month

Food and Groceries19%

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

LOW$8.9   170 SZL
AVERAGE$27   510 SZL
HIGH$180   3,400 SZL
Per Month

Healthcare12%

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

LOW$5   95 SZL
AVERAGE$15   280 SZL
HIGH$100   1,900 SZL
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping2%

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

LOW$2.8   53 SZL
AVERAGE$8.3   160 SZL
HIGH$56   1,100 SZL
Per Month

Education1%

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

LOW$1.1   21 SZL
AVERAGE$3.3   63 SZL
HIGH$22   420 SZL
Per Month

Other Expenses22%

22% of total expenses on average (14% to 26%)

LOW$10   190 SZL
AVERAGE$30   570 SZL
HIGH$200   3,800 SZL
Per Month


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

Housing26%

26% of total expenses on average (19% to 36%)

LOW$31   580 SZL
AVERAGE$92   1,700 SZL
HIGH$490   9,300 SZL
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water8%

8% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)

LOW$4.6   88 SZL
AVERAGE$14   260 SZL
HIGH$74   1,400 SZL
Per Month

Transport, Fuel9%

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

LOW$11   210 SZL
AVERAGE$33   630 SZL
HIGH$180   3,400 SZL
Per Month

Food and Groceries17%

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

LOW$13   250 SZL
AVERAGE$39   740 SZL
HIGH$210   3,900 SZL
Per Month

Healthcare14%

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

LOW$10   190 SZL
AVERAGE$31   580 SZL
HIGH$160   3,100 SZL
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)

LOW$5.6   110 SZL
AVERAGE$17   320 SZL
HIGH$89   1,700 SZL
Per Month

Education1%

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

LOW$1.9   35 SZL
AVERAGE$5.6   110 SZL
HIGH$30   560 SZL
Per Month

Other Expenses21%

21% of total expenses on average (15% to 27%)

LOW$16   300 SZL
AVERAGE$47   900 SZL
HIGH$250   4,800 SZL
Per Month


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

Housing25%

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

LOW$41   790 SZL
AVERAGE$120   2,200 SZL
HIGH$650   12,000 SZL
Per Month

Transport, Fuel5%

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

LOW$10   200 SZL
AVERAGE$30   560 SZL
HIGH$160   3,100 SZL
Per Month

Food and Groceries21%

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

LOW$23   440 SZL
AVERAGE$67   1,300 SZL
HIGH$370   7,000 SZL
Per Month

Healthcare11%

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

LOW$10   200 SZL
AVERAGE$30   560 SZL
HIGH$160   3,100 SZL
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping2%

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

LOW$6.5   120 SZL
AVERAGE$19   350 SZL
HIGH$100   1,900 SZL
Per Month

Education13%

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

LOW$18   340 SZL
AVERAGE$52   980 SZL
HIGH$290   5,400 SZL
Per Month

Other Expenses16%

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

LOW$16   300 SZL
AVERAGE$44   840 SZL
HIGH$240   4,600 SZL
Per Month


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

Housing17%

17% of total expenses on average (12% to 23%)

LOW$10   200 SZL
AVERAGE$26   490 SZL
HIGH$46   880 SZL
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

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

LOW$1.7   33 SZL
AVERAGE$4.3   81 SZL
HIGH$7.7   150 SZL
Per Month

Transport, Fuel4%

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

LOW$3   57 SZL
AVERAGE$7.5   140 SZL
HIGH$14   260 SZL
Per Month

Food and Groceries23%

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

LOW$8.6   160 SZL
AVERAGE$21   410 SZL
HIGH$39   730 SZL
Per Month

Healthcare9%

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

LOW$2.6   49 SZL
AVERAGE$6.4   120 SZL
HIGH$12   220 SZL
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping2%

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

LOW$2.1   41 SZL
AVERAGE$5.4   100 SZL
HIGH$9.7   180 SZL
Per Month

Education18%

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

LOW$8.2   150 SZL
AVERAGE$20   390 SZL
HIGH$37   700 SZL
Per Month

Other Expenses19%

19% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)

LOW$6.4   120 SZL
AVERAGE$16   310 SZL
HIGH$29   550 SZL
Per Month
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