A family of four estimated monthly costs is 1,676.7$ (21,616.1P) without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 468.8$ (6,044.0P) without rent. The cost of living in Botswana is, on average, 52.9% lower than in the United States.
Depending on an expat’s lifestyle, Botswana can be a very affordable place to live. In the capital, Gaborone, costs are generally more expensive, as this is where most of the good jobs and better housing options are found.
Still, according to Mercer’s 2022 Cost of Living report, Gaborone was ranked 215th out of 227 cities. So, ex-pats who choose to ‘live like a local’ will find that it is easy to get on without spending too much in Botswana.
Cost of accommodation and food in Botswana
Accommodation in Botswana varies, especially if living in the capital. For ex-pats who choose to settle in Gaborone, being close to local transport and schools pushes up the price of housing. Expats can expect monthly rental costs to be one of their biggest expenses in Botswana, but don’t overlook the price of groceries. Prices of imported products, including food, can be quite high.
Cost of healthcare
Public healthcare in Botswana is affordable, thanks to government investment, but the standards and waiting times are variable. Most ex-pats prefer private healthcare.
We advise ex-pats to invest in comprehensive medical insurance when relocating to Botswana. While this could be a high monthly cost, having to pay out of pocket without cover at a private hospital could be exorbitant.
Cost of education in Botswana
Expats who intend to send their children to an international school in Botswana will pay considerably more than they would at a local public school. But these schools offer a high standard of education and highly qualified teachers, while their curricula are internationally recognised.
Cost of living in Botswana chart
Prices may vary depending on the product and service provider. The list below shows average prices for Gaborone in May 2022.
| Accommodation (monthly rent) | |
| Three-bedroom apartment in the city centre | BWP 9,111 |
| Three-bedroom apartment outside of the city centre | BWP 5,200 |
| One-bedroom apartment in the city centre | BWP 3,200 |
| One-bedroom apartment outside the city centre | BWP 3,000 |
| Shopping | |
| Eggs (dozen) | BWP 27 |
| Milk (1 litre) | BWP 14 |
| Rice (1kg) | BWP 19 |
| Loaf of white bread | BWP 9 |
| Chicken breasts (1kg) | BWP 55 |
| Pack of cigarettes | BWP 50 |
| Eating out | |
| Big Mac Meal | BWP 90 |
| Coca-Cola (330ml) | BWP 14 |
| Cappuccino | BWP 36 |
| Bottle of local beer | BWP 21 |
| Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | BWP 455 |
| Utilities | |
| Mobile-to-mobile call rate (per minute) | BWP 1.37 |
| Internet (uncapped ADSL or cable – the average per month) | BWP 900 |
| Basic utilities (per month for a small apartment) | BWP 600 |
| Transport | |
| Taxi rate (per kilometre) | BWP 30 |
| Bus fare in the city centre | BWP 6 |
| Petrol/gasoline (per litre) | BWP 11.60 |
What is the living cost in Botswana?
Cost of living in Botswana chart
| Accommodation (monthly rent) | |
|---|---|
| Three-bedroom apartment in the city centre | BWP 9,111 |
| Three-bedroom apartment outside of the city centre | BWP 5,200 |
| One-bedroom apartment in the city centre | BWP 3,200 |
| One-bedroom apartment outside the city centre | BWP 3,000 |
What do you need to live in Botswana?
How to move to Botswana as an ex-pat? Citizens from Commonwealth countries, with a few exceptions, do not need a visa to enter to Botswana. However, if you’re planning on working or living in Botswana for more than 3 months, you will need to apply for a Residence Permit through the government website.
Is Botswana good to live and work?
Most ex-pats in Botswana earn decent salaries with good employment packages, and can therefore live relatively luxuriously. Botswana consistently ranks as having a low cost of living, but ex-pats are advised to factor in potential healthcare costs and, for families with children, school fees.