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 2020 Cost of Living report, Gaborone was ranked 199th out of 209 cities. So, expats who choose to 'live like a local' will find that it is easy to live inexpensively in Botswana.
Cost of accommodation and food in Botswana
Accommodation in Botswana varies, especially if living in the capital. For expats 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 expats prefer private healthcare.
We advise expats 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 more than they would to use the public schooling system. These schools offer a high standard of education and highly qualified teachers, while their curriculum will be internationally recognised when families move back home or relocate elsewhere. Fortunately, while they charge high tuition fees, the cost of international schools in the country is likely to be significantly lower than that of similar schools in other expat destinations.
Cost of living in Botswana chart
Prices may vary depending on product and service provider. The list below shows average prices for Gaborone in November 2020.
|
Accommodation (monthly rent) |
|
|
Three-bedroom apartment in the city centre |
BWP 7,000 - 9,000 |
|
Three-bedroom apartment outside of the city centre |
BWP 4,000 - 5,500 |
|
One-bedroom apartment in the city centre |
BWP 2,000 - 4,000 |
|
One-bedroom apartment outside the city centre |
BWP 2,000 - 3,000 |
|
Shopping |
|
|
Eggs (dozen) |
BWP 27 |
|
Milk (1 litre) |
BWP 14 |
|
Rice (1kg) |
BWP 25 |
|
Loaf of white bread |
BWP 9 |
|
Chicken breasts (1kg) |
BWP 54 |
|
Pack of cigarettes |
BWP 47 |
|
Eating out |
|
|
Big Mac Meal |
BWP 60 |
|
Coca-Cola (330ml) |
BWP 12 |
|
Cappuccino |
BWP 30 |
|
Bottle of local beer |
BWP 20 |
|
Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant |
BWP 500 |
|
Utilities |
|
|
Mobile-to-mobile call rate (per minute) |
BWP 1.70 |
|
Internet (uncapped ADSL or cable – average per month) |
BWP 600 |
|
Basic utilities (per month for small apartment) |
BWP 640 |
|
Transport |
|
|
Taxi rate (per kilometre) |
BWP 28 |
|
Bus fare in the city centre |
BWP 4 |
|
Petrol/gasoline (per litre) |
BWP 9.50 |
Expat Health Insurance
Cigna Global
With 86 million customer relationships in over 200 countries, Cigna Global has unrivalled experience in dealing with varied and unique medical situations and delivering high standards of service wherever you live in the world.
Aetna
Aetna International, offering comprehensive global medical coverage, has a network of 1.3 million medical providers worldwide. You will have the flexibility to choose from six areas of coverage, including worldwide, multiple levels of benefits to choose from, plus various optional benefits to meet your needs.
Moving Companies
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