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. Expats who choose to 'live like a local' will find that it is easy to live inexpensively in Botswana.
According to Mercer's 2018 Cost of Living report, Botswana was ranked 189th out of 209 countries.
Cost of accommodation in Botswana
Accommodation in Botswana varies, especially if living in the capital. For expats who choose to settle in Gaborone, close proximity to local transport and schools pushes up the price of housing. Expats can expect monthly rental to be their biggest expense in Botswana.
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. However, 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 May 2019.
|
Accommodation (monthly rent in a good area) |
|
|
Furnished two-bedroom apartment |
BWP 12,500 |
|
Unfurnished two-bedroom apartment |
BWP 10,000 |
|
Shopping |
|
|
Eggs (dozen) |
BWP 24 |
|
Milk (1 litre) |
BWP 10 |
|
Rice (1kg) |
BWP 20 |
|
Loaf of white bread |
BWP 6 |
|
Chicken breasts (1kg) |
BWP 49 |
|
Pack of cigarettes |
BWP 20 |
|
Eating out |
|
|
Big Mac Meal |
BWP 50 |
|
Coca-Cola (330ml) |
BWP 9 |
|
Cappuccino |
BWP 10 |
|
Bottle of local beer |
BWP 11 |
|
Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant |
BWP 150 |
|
Utilities |
|
|
Mobile-to-mobile call rate (per minute) |
BWP 1 |
|
Internet (uncapped ADSL or cable – average per month) |
BWP 250 |
|
Basic utilities (per month for small apartment) |
BWP 350 |
|
Transportation |
|
|
Taxi rate (per kilometre) |
BWP 20 |
|
Bus/train fare in the city centre |
BWP 4 |
|
Petrol/gasoline (per litre) |
BWP 9 |
Expat Health Insurance
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