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Mozambique cost of living

Cost of Living  in Mozambique's Major Cities

Mozambique's diverse geography and economic landscape result in varied living costs across its major cities. While Maputo often dominates discussions, cities like Beira, Nampula, Pemba, and others offer unique cost profiles shaped by their coastal or inland locations, economic roles, and infrastructure. This detailed analysis focuses on Beira, Nampula, and Pemba, where robust data is available, and provides insights into other cities listed in a Mozambique distance table: Chimoio, Nacala, Quelimane, Tete, Xai-Xai, Lichinga, and Cuamba. Costs are presented in Mozambican Metical (MT) and approximate USD (using an exchange rate of 1 MT ≈ $0.0156 as of April 2025).

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Cost of Living Beira: Central Mozambique's Port City

Beira, located in Sofala Province, is a key economic hub with a population of approximately 531,000. Its cost of living is moderate to high, ranking 5th among 10 Mozambican cities according to LivingCost.

Housing

  • 85 m² furnished apartment (expensive area): 66,956 MT ($1,046)

  • 85 m² furnished apartment (normal area): 39,666 MT ($620)

  • 45 m² furnished studio (normal area): 38,148 MT ($596)

  • Utilities (2 people, 85 m²): 5,337 MT ($83)

  • Internet (8 mbps, 1 month): 3,889 MT ($61)

Food

  • Lunch menu (business district): 457 MT ($7)

  • Fast-food combo meal: 340 MT ($5)

  • 500 g boneless chicken breast: 179 MT ($3)

  • 1 liter whole milk: 92 MT ($1.50)

  • 12 large eggs: 114 MT ($2)

  • 1 kg tomatoes: 71 MT ($1)

  • 0.5 l domestic beer (supermarket): 57 MT ($1)

Transportation

  • 1 liter of gas: 56 MT ($0.90)

  • Monthly public transport ticket: 1,771 MT ($28)

  • Taxi trip (8 km): 859 MT ($13)

Overall Estimates

  • Family of four (excluding rent): 162,929 MT ($2,545)

  • Single person (excluding rent): 81,505 MT ($1,273)

  • Median after-tax salary: $308, covering 0.3 months of expenses

Beira's port-driven economy and urban infrastructure contribute to higher housing and food costs. The low median salary highlights affordability challenges for locals.

Cost of Living Nampula: Northern Agricultural Hub

Nampula, with a population of about 478,000, is a major northern city known for agriculture and trade. It ranks 7th in Mozambique for cost of living, making it more affordable than Beira (LivingCost).

Housing

  • 85 m² furnished apartment (expensive area): 43,594 MT ($681)

  • 85 m² furnished apartment (normal area): 29,606 MT ($462)

  • 45 m² furnished studio (normal area): 27,058 MT ($423)

  • Utilities (2 people, 85 m²): 5,084 MT ($79)

  • Internet (8 mbps, 1 month): 3,915 MT ($61)

Food

  • Lunch menu (business district): 781 MT ($12)

  • Fast-food combo meal: 343 MT ($5)

  • 500 g boneless chicken breast: 206 MT ($3)

  • 1 liter whole milk: 98 MT ($1.50)

  • 12 large eggs: 113 MT ($2)

  • 1 kg tomatoes: 71 MT ($1)

  • 0.5 l domestic beer (supermarket): 65 MT ($1)

Transportation

  • 1 liter of gas: 69 MT ($1)

  • Monthly public transport ticket: 400 MT ($6)

  • Taxi trip (8 km): 1,279 MT ($20)

Overall Estimates

  • Family of four (excluding rent): 131,108 MT ($2,048)

  • Single person (excluding rent): 61,430 MT ($960)

  • Median after-tax salary: $242, covering 0.3 months of expenses

Nampula's lower housing and transportation costs make it a budget-friendly option, though food prices for some items are higher than in Beira.

Cost of Living Pemba: Coastal Tourism Hub

Pemba, in Cabo Delgado Province, has a population of about 141,000 and is the most expensive city among those analyzed, ranking 1st in Mozambique (LivingCost). Its coastal location and tourism drive higher costs.

Housing

  • 85 m² furnished apartment (expensive area): 160,411 MT ($2,506)

  • 85 m² furnished apartment (normal area): 127,280 MT ($1,988)

  • 45 m² furnished studio (normal area): 77,484 MT ($1,211)

  • Utilities (2 people, 85 m²): 12,706 MT ($198)

  • Internet (8 mbps, 1 month): 1,760 MT ($27)

Food

  • Lunch menu (business district): 1,072 MT ($17)

  • Fast-food combo meal: 462 MT ($7)

  • 500 g boneless chicken breast: 259 MT ($4)

  • 1 liter whole milk: 143 MT ($2)

  • 12 large eggs: 196 MT ($3)

  • 1 kg tomatoes: 100 MT ($1.50)

  • 0.5 l domestic beer (supermarket): 55 MT ($0.90)

Transportation

  • 1 liter of gas: 62 MT ($1)

  • Taxi trip (8 km): 2,648 MT ($41)

Overall Estimates

  • Family of four (excluding rent): 279,417 MT ($4,366)

  • Single person (excluding rent): 181,203 MT ($2,831)

  • Median after-tax salary: $390, covering 0.3 months of expenses

Pemba's high costs are driven by its tourism and coastal economy, making it less affordable despite higher salaries.