Cost of Living: Zimbabwe vs United Kingdom

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Zimbabwe and United Kingdom.

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Zimbabwe is 73.9% cheaper than United Kingdom. The biggest difference is in Other Expenses, where costs are 93.9% lower. This means that for every $100 you spend in United Kingdom, you would spend about $26 in Zimbabwe for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Other Expenses 93.9%

Zimbabwe is 93.9% cheaper

Salaries And Financing 88.8%

Zimbabwe is 88.8% cheaper

Property Prices 86.3%

Zimbabwe is 86.3% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 73.9%

Zimbabwe is 73.9% cheaper than United Kingdom

Most Expensive Categories

  • Mobile and Internet +80.1%

Is Zimbabwe cheaper than United Kingdom?

Yes, Zimbabwe is cheaper than United Kingdom

Overall, living costs in Zimbabwe are 73.9% lower than in United Kingdom.

Where Zimbabwe is cheaper:

  • Other Expenses 93.9% cheaper
  • Salaries And Financing 88.8% cheaper
  • Property Prices 86.3% cheaper

Where Zimbabwe is more expensive:

  • Mobile and Internet 80.1% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Zimbabwe: 6.66 $ United Kingdom: 20.35 $
67.3% cheaper in Zimbabwe

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Zimbabwe: 328.46 $ United Kingdom: 1,411.39 $
76.7% cheaper in Zimbabwe

Monthly public transport pass

Zimbabwe: 30.00 $ United Kingdom: 94.95 $
68.4% cheaper in Zimbabwe

1 liter of gasoline

Zimbabwe: 1.58 $ United Kingdom: 1.95 $
19.0% cheaper in Zimbabwe

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Zimbabwe is indeed cheaper than United Kingdom. You would save approximately 73.9% on living expenses by choosing Zimbabwe over United Kingdom. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

73.9%

Zimbabwe is 73.9% cheaper than United Kingdom

Restaurants

46.4%

Zimbabwe is 46.4% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Markets

53.1%

Zimbabwe is 53.1% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Other Expenses

93.9%

Zimbabwe is 93.9% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Transportation

38.7%

Zimbabwe is 38.7% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Household Utilities

83.3%

Zimbabwe is 83.3% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Mobile and Internet

80.1%

Zimbabwe is 80.1% more expensive than United Kingdom in this category

Sports And Leisure

6.3%

Zimbabwe is 6.3% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Childcare

62.1%

Zimbabwe is 62.1% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Clothing And Shoes

65.3%

Zimbabwe is 65.3% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Rent Per Month

72.4%

Zimbabwe is 72.4% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Property Prices

86.3%

Zimbabwe is 86.3% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Salaries And Financing

88.8%

Zimbabwe is 88.8% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Zimbabwe United Kingdom Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 6.66 $ 20.35 $ 67.3%
Zimbabwe is 67.3% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 50.00 $ 88.17 $ 43.3%
Zimbabwe is 43.3% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 6.00 $ 10.17 $ 41.0%
Zimbabwe is 41.0% cheaper
Regular Cappuccino 2.74 $ 4.62 $ 40.7%
Zimbabwe is 40.7% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 0.75 $ 2.41 $ 68.9%
Zimbabwe is 68.9% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 0.49 $ 1.72 $ 71.5%
Zimbabwe is 71.5% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 1.06 $ 1.53 $ 30.7%
Zimbabwe is 30.7% cheaper
Imported Beer (330ml) 2.07 $ 1.17 $ 76.9%
Zimbabwe is 76.9% more expensive
Milk (1L) 1.56 $ 1.69 $ 7.7%
Zimbabwe is 7.7% cheaper
Fresh Bread (500g) 1.01 $ 1.67 $ 39.5%
Zimbabwe is 39.5% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 1.87 $ 2.21 $ 15.4%
Zimbabwe is 15.4% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 2.11 $ 4.03 $ 47.6%
Zimbabwe is 47.6% cheaper
Local Cheese (1kg) 10.28 $ 9.73 $ 5.7%
Zimbabwe is 5.7% more expensive
Chicken Breast (1kg) 5.65 $ 8.96 $ 36.9%
Zimbabwe is 36.9% cheaper
Apples (1kg) 2.66 $ 2.97 $ 10.4%
Zimbabwe is 10.4% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 1.77 $ 1.64 $ 7.9%
Zimbabwe is 7.9% more expensive
Oranges (1kg) 2.10 $ 2.88 $ 27.1%
Zimbabwe is 27.1% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 1.61 $ 3.54 $ 54.5%
Zimbabwe is 54.5% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 1.57 $ 1.65 $ 4.8%
Zimbabwe is 4.8% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 1.79 $ 1.55 $ 15.5%
Zimbabwe is 15.5% more expensive
Lettuce (1 head) 1.07 $ 1.14 $ 6.1%
Zimbabwe is 6.1% cheaper
Monthly Transit Pass 30.00 $ 94.95 $ 68.4%
Zimbabwe is 68.4% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 1.25 $ 20.33 $ 93.9%
Zimbabwe is 93.9% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 1.00 $ 3.26 $ 69.3%
Zimbabwe is 69.3% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 5.00 $ 5.43 $ 7.9%
Zimbabwe is 7.9% cheaper
Taxi per Kilometer 2.00 $ 2.41 $ 17.0%
Zimbabwe is 17.0% cheaper
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 5.00 $ 27.13 $ 81.6%
Zimbabwe is 81.6% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 1.58 $ 1.95 $ 19.0%
Zimbabwe is 19.0% cheaper
New Economy Car 23,500.00 $ 38,367.32 $ 38.7%
Zimbabwe is 38.7% cheaper
New Mid-Range Car 24,875.00 $ 40,488.21 $ 38.6%
Zimbabwe is 38.6% cheaper
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 53.76 $ 322.47 $ 83.3%
Zimbabwe is 83.3% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 17.44 $ 17.46 $ 0.1%
Zimbabwe is 0.1% cheaper
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 90.32 $ 42.38 $ 113.1%
Zimbabwe is 113.1% more expensive
Gym Membership 50.00 $ 46.25 $ 8.1%
Zimbabwe is 8.1% more expensive
Tennis Court (Weekend) 10.88 $ 15.82 $ 31.2%
Zimbabwe is 31.2% cheaper
Movie Ticket 10.00 $ 13.56 $ 26.3%
Zimbabwe is 26.3% cheaper
Private Preschool (Full Day) 223.85 $ 1,710.49 $ 86.9%
Zimbabwe is 86.9% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 8,230.00 $ 20,621.65 $ 60.1%
Zimbabwe is 60.1% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 18.65 $ 90.04 $ 79.3%
Zimbabwe is 79.3% cheaper
1 Summer Dress 20.31 $ 44.62 $ 54.5%
Zimbabwe is 54.5% cheaper
1 Pair of Running Shoes 36.47 $ 101.31 $ 64.0%
Zimbabwe is 64.0% cheaper
1 Pair of Business Shoes 42.22 $ 103.43 $ 59.2%
Zimbabwe is 59.2% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 328.46 $ 1,411.39 $ 76.7%
Zimbabwe is 76.7% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 230.95 $ 1,145.39 $ 79.8%
Zimbabwe is 79.8% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 780.00 $ 2,337.19 $ 66.6%
Zimbabwe is 66.6% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 524.80 $ 1,852.21 $ 71.7%
Zimbabwe is 71.7% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 975.00 $ 6,334.38 $ 84.6%
Zimbabwe is 84.6% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 583.13 $ 5,062.78 $ 88.5%
Zimbabwe is 88.5% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 348.03 $ 3,229.12 $ 89.2%
Zimbabwe is 89.2% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 13.50 5.75 134.8%
Zimbabwe is 134.8% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to United Kingdom. Enter your monthly expenses in Zimbabwe to see the equivalent costs.

Housing

Food & Dining

Transportation

Other Expenses

Our Methodology

Our cost of living comparisons are based on a robust methodology that combines multiple data sources and regular updates to ensure accuracy:

Data Collection

  • Regular price surveys conducted in major cities
  • Official government statistics and economic indicators
  • User-contributed data from expatriates and local residents
  • Real estate market reports and rental price indices
  • Consumer price indices and inflation data

Calculation Methods

  • Prices are normalized to USD for consistent comparison
  • Exchange rates are updated monthly
  • Regional price variations are weighted by population
  • Seasonal fluctuations are accounted for in the averages
  • Quality of life factors are considered in the overall assessment

Quality Assurance

  • Data is verified by local experts
  • Regular cross-checking with multiple sources
  • User feedback is incorporated into updates
  • Statistical outliers are identified and reviewed
  • Methodology is reviewed quarterly

Note: While we strive for accuracy, cost of living data can vary significantly within countries and cities. These comparisons should be used as a general guide, and we recommend conducting additional research for specific locations.

Lifestyle Impact

Understanding the cost of living differences between Zimbabwe and United Kingdom goes beyond just numbers. Here's how these differences might affect your daily life:

Daily Living

  • Grocery shopping habits and meal planning
  • Public transportation usage vs. car ownership
  • Frequency of dining out and entertainment
  • Healthcare access and insurance coverage
  • Housing choices and neighborhood selection

Long-term Planning

  • Savings and investment strategies
  • Retirement planning considerations
  • Education costs for children
  • Property ownership opportunities
  • Business and career development

Quality of Life Considerations

While cost of living is important, it's just one aspect of quality of life. Consider also:

  • Healthcare system quality and accessibility
  • Education system standards
  • Public safety and security
  • Environmental quality
  • Cultural and recreational opportunities
  • Work-life balance norms

Making the Most of Your Budget

Tips for adapting to cost of living differences:

  • Research local shopping habits and markets
  • Learn about public transportation options
  • Understand local tax systems and benefits
  • Explore community resources and discounts
  • Network with locals for insider tips

Local Insights for Zimbabwe vs United Kingdom

While both countries have similar overall costs, there are nuanced differences in how money is spent on daily necessities.

Cultural Cost Differences

Zimbabwe

United Kingdom

  • Lower grocery costs suggest different shopping and consumption patterns.
  • Lower fuel costs indicate different transportation infrastructure.

Seasonal Cost Variations

Both countries experience moderate seasonal variations in living costs, with prices typically higher during peak tourist seasons and major holidays.

Explore more

Cost of living in Zimbabwe Cost of living in United Kingdom

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