Property (such as a house) rented or for rent. A usually fixed periodical return made by a tenant or occupant of property to the owner for the possession and use thereof. especially An agreed sum paid at fixed intervals by a tenant to the landlord.
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 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 |
How much money do you need to live in Botswana?
A family of four estimated monthly costs are 1,673$ (21,676P) without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 467$ (6,056P) without rent. The cost of living in Botswana is, on average, 52.37% lower than in the United States. Rent in Botswana is, on average, 82.97% lower than in the United States.
How much does it cost to live in Gaborone Botswana?
Cost of Living in Gaborone
| Cost of living | One person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| 🛋️ Without rent | $376 | $1112 |
| 🏨 Rent & Utilities | $293 | $557 |
| 🍽️ Food | $257 | $673 |
| 🚐 Transport | $52.9 | $152 |
How much is a Coke in Botswana?
Cost of living in Botswana
| Food | Price in P |
|---|---|
| 1 package of cigarettes from imported brands | 25 BWP |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | 7.50 BWP |
| 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | 48.95 BWP |
| 2.5 litres of Coca-Cola | 0.95 BWP |