What is the cost of living in Lusaka?

The cost of living in Lusaka is 75.0% cheaper than New York City (index: 25.0). Groceries are 57.3% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 71.8% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately ZMW 7,569 per month. Local purchasing power index is 25.1 (NYC = 100).

🇿🇲 Zambia · #431 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Lusaka?

Q: Should I move to Lusaka?

Lusaka, Zambia has a cost of living 75.0% cheaper than New York City (index: 25.0). It is ranked #431 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is very weak (index: 25.1 vs NYC = 100). Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

75.0% cheaper to live here than in New York City.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-75.0%

vs NYC

ZMW 7,569

1-BR, city centre

25.1

Purchasing Power

Very weak

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to Lusaka?

Cost breakdown: Lusaka

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

25.0 Affordable

Rent

10.4 Very affordable

Groceries

42.7 Affordable

Restaurants

28.2 Very affordable

Purchasing Power

25.1 Very weak

Rent in Lusaka

1-BR, city centre ZMW 7,569/mo

1-BR, outside centre ZMW 3,540/mo

3-BR, city centre ZMW 21,359/mo

3-BR, outside centre ZMW 11,768/mo

Save by going outside centre 53% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

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