Sub-Saharan Africa Updated
Average Cost of Living in Gaborone-Botswana
The average cost of living in Gaborone-Botswana, Botswana is $496 per month for a single person, and $1,089 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $312 per month. The local average net salary is $455 per month.
Very affordable
Updated today
Index 11.3 · NYC = 100
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $496 / month
- Family of 4
- $1,089 / mo
- Student
- $303 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in Gaborone-Botswana
Adjust the household and see the gap or surplus vs. typical local pay.
Interactive
You need at least
$0 / month
Annual gross (25% tax)
$0
vs. local average net salary
$454.55 / month
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for Gaborone-Botswana | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in Gaborone-Botswana | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in Gaborone-Botswana | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in Gaborone-Botswana | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in Gaborone-Botswana | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in Gaborone-Botswana | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in Gaborone-Botswana | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Gaborone-Botswana | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in Gaborone-Botswana | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in Gaborone-Botswana | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| Gaborone-Botswana FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in Gaborone-Botswana. |
Rent & Property Prices in Gaborone-Botswana
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $312 | $222 – $539 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $215 | $148 – $308 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $475 | $370 – $630 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $321 | $259 – $407 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $2,030 | $1,847 – $2,222 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $1,281 | $1,259 – $1,311 |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $312$222 – $539
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $215$148 – $308
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $475$370 – $630
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $321$259 – $407
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $2,030$1,847 – $2,222
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $1,281$1,259 – $1,311
Grocery Prices in Gaborone-Botswana
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $1.46 | $1.11 – $1.85 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $0.86 | $0.74 – $1.41 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $1.87 | $1.48 – $2.59 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $2.46 | $1.33 – $3.33 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $6.00 | $2.22 – $11 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $4.63 | $2.96 – $5.93 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $4.94 | $3.70 – $5.85 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $1.61 | $0.89 – $2.59 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $1.43 | $0.89 – $2.22 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $2.04 | $1.11 – $2.96 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $1.66 | $1.11 – $2.22 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $1.38 | $0.74 – $1.63 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $1.19 | $0.74 – $1.48 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $1.44 | $0.74 – $2.22 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $0.88 | $0.74 – $1.18 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $4.26 | $3.70 – $7.41 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $1.45 | $1.11 – $1.80 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $1.73 | $1.33 – $2.22 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $3.70 | $3.33 – $4.81 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $1.46$1.11 – $1.85
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $0.86$0.74 – $1.41
- White Rice (1 kg) $1.87$1.48 – $2.59
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $2.46$1.33 – $3.33
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $6.00$2.22 – $11
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $4.63$2.96 – $5.93
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $4.94$3.70 – $5.85
- Apples (1 kg) $1.61$0.89 – $2.59
- Bananas (1 kg) $1.43$0.89 – $2.22
- Oranges (1 kg) $2.04$1.11 – $2.96
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $1.66$1.11 – $2.22
- Potatoes (1 kg) $1.38$0.74 – $1.63
- Onions (1 kg) $1.19$0.74 – $1.48
- Lettuce (1 Head) $1.44$0.74 – $2.22
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $0.88$0.74 – $1.18
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) $4.26$3.70 – $7.41
- Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $1.45$1.11 – $1.80
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $1.73$1.33 – $2.22
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $3.70$3.33 – $4.81
Public Transport & Car Costs in Gaborone-Botswana
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $0.59 | $0.52 – $0.74 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $30 | $15 – $44 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $0.63 | $0.59 – $2.44 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $2.44 | $2.22 – $4.44 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $2.96 | $2.59 – $2.96 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $1.23 | $1.07 – $1.52 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $20,369 | $12,592 – $22,221 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $19,241 | $14,814 – $33,968 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $0.59$0.52 – $0.74
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $30$15 – $44
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $0.63$0.59 – $2.44
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $2.44$2.22 – $4.44
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $2.96$2.59 – $2.96
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $1.23$1.07 – $1.52
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $20,369$12,592 – $22,221
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $19,241$14,814 – $33,968
Utility & Internet Costs in Gaborone-Botswana
Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $61 | $37 – $111 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $21 | $11 – $44 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $41 | $37 – $111 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $61$37 – $111
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $21$11 – $44
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $41$37 – $111
Childcare & Preschool in Gaborone-Botswana
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $130 | $74 – $222 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $2,560 | $1,111 – $5,185 |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $130$74 – $222
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $2,560$1,111 – $5,185
Clothing Prices in Gaborone-Botswana
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $47 | $30 – $52 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $18 | $5.93 – $44 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $68 | $37 – $111 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $74 | $37 – $111 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $47$30 – $52
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $18$5.93 – $44
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $68$37 – $111
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $74$37 – $111
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Gaborone-Botswana
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $34 | $30 – $44 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $17 | $7.41 – $26 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $6.30 | $4.44 – $15 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $34$30 – $44
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $17$7.41 – $26
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $6.30$4.44 – $15
Restaurant Prices in Gaborone-Botswana
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $11 | $3.70 – $19 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $30 | $22 – $59 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $5.93 | $5.56 – $8.89 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) | $2.04 | $1.11 – $3.33 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $2.59 | $1.85 – $3.33 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $2.38 | $0.96 – $3.70 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $0.88 | $0.67 – $2.22 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.47 | $0.37 – $1.11 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $11$3.70 – $19
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $30$22 – $59
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $5.93$5.56 – $8.89
- Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) $2.04$1.11 – $3.33
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $2.59$1.85 – $3.33
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $2.38$0.96 – $3.70
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $0.88$0.67 – $2.22
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $0.47$0.37 – $1.11
Salaries & Mortgages in Gaborone-Botswana
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $455 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 11.00% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $455
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 11.00%
Compare Gaborone-Botswana with…
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Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in Gaborone-Botswana?
- An estimated $496 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in Gaborone-Botswana. A family of four needs around $1,089 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $303.
- How much money do I need to live in Gaborone-Botswana?
- Plan for at least $496 per month as a single person, $1,089 per month for a family of four, or $303 per month as a student in shared accommodation. Add 15–25% on top for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending — that's the salary you should be targeting before relocating to Gaborone-Botswana.
- What is the average rent in Gaborone-Botswana?
- A one-bedroom apartment in Gaborone-Botswana rents for around $312 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $475 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in Gaborone-Botswana?
- The average monthly net salary in Gaborone-Botswana is around $455. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 69% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in Gaborone-Botswana?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Gaborone-Botswana costs around $11. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $41 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($1.46/L) and bread ($0.86/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in Gaborone-Botswana?
- A monthly public transport pass in Gaborone-Botswana costs around $30. Cities with extensive metro and bus networks generally let residents skip car ownership entirely, particularly when commuting from areas outside the city centre.
- Is the internet expensive in Gaborone-Botswana?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in Gaborone-Botswana costs around $41 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.