Cost of Living in Mozambique 2026 Guide for Expats and Travelers

Mozambique, located in Southeast Africa, is known for its stunning coastline, diverse wildlife, rich cultural heritage, and rapidly developing economy. Cities like Maputo, Beira, and Nampula offer a mix of modern living and traditional African lifestyle. The cost of living in Mozambique is generally affordable, making it suitable for expatriates, students, families, digital nomads, NGO workers, and retirees.

Understanding the cost of living in Mozambique is important for planning expenses related to housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and daily life. You can learn more about the country on the Mozambique country page.

Cost of Living in Mozambique: Summary Table

Housing & Rent Prices in Mozambique

3.1 Apartment Rent (Monthly)

• 1-bedroom in city center (Maputo): $400 – $700 (MZN 25,000 – MZN 44,000)
• 1-bedroom outside center: $300 – $500 (MZN 19,000 – MZN 32,000)
• 3-bedroom in city center: $900 – $1,200 (MZN 57,000 – MZN 76,000)
• 3-bedroom outside center: $600 – $900 (MZN 38,000 – MZN 57,000)

3.2 Buying Property

• City Center (per sq meter): $1,000 – $2,000 (MZN 63,000 – MZN 126,000)
• Outside Center: $600 – $1,000 (MZN 38,000 – MZN 63,000)

Food & Grocery Costs

• Milk (1 liter): $1.00 – $1.50 (MZN 63 – MZN 95)
• Bread (loaf): $0.50 – $1.00 (MZN 30 – MZN 63)
• Rice (1 kg): $1.00 – $2.00 (MZN 63 – MZN 126)
• Eggs (12): $1.50 – $2.50 (MZN 95 – MZN 160)
• Chicken (1 kg): $3 – $6 (MZN 190 – MZN 380)
• Beef (1 kg): $5 – $8 (MZN 320 – MZN 510)
• Apples (1 kg): $1 – $3 (MZN 63 – MZN 190)
• Bananas (1 kg): $0.80 – $1.50 (MZN 50 – MZN 95)
• Water (1.5L): $0.50 – $1.00 (MZN 30 – MZN 63)
• Soft drink (can): $0.60 – $1.20 (MZN 38 – MZN 76)

Restaurant & Dining Costs

• Inexpensive restaurant meal: $3 – $7 (MZN 190 – MZN 440)
• Mid-range meal for 2: $12 – $25 (MZN 760 – MZN 1,600)
• Fast food combo: $5 – $7 (MZN 320 – MZN 440)
• Coffee: $1 – $2 (MZN 63 – MZN 126)
• Tea: $0.50 – $1 (MZN 30 – MZN 63)

Transportation Costs

• One-way bus ticket: $0.20 – $0.50 (MZN 13 – MZN 32)
• Monthly public transport pass: $10 – $15 (MZN 630 – MZN 950)
• Taxi (per km): $1 – $2 (MZN 63 – MZN 126)
• Fuel (per liter): $1.20 – $1.40 (MZN 76 – MZN 89)

Utility Costs

• Electricity (monthly): $20 – $50 (MZN 1,260 – MZN 3,200)
• Water (monthly): $5 – $15 (MZN 320 – MZN 950)
• Internet (unlimited): $25 – $45 (MZN 1,600 – MZN 2,800)
• Mobile plans: $5 – $12 (MZN 320 – MZN 760)

Healthcare Costs

• General practitioner visit: $10 – $20 (MZN 630 – MZN 1,260)
• Specialist visit: $20 – $30 (MZN 1,260 – MZN 1,900)
• Health insurance (individual): $20 – $40 (MZN 1,260 – MZN 2,500)
• Health insurance (family): $50 – $120 (MZN 3,200 – MZN 7,600)

Education Costs

• Public schools: Low-cost or free
• Private schools: $50 – $200 (MZN 3,200 – MZN 12,500)
• International schools: $300 – $700 (MZN 19,000 – MZN 44,000)

Entertainment & Lifestyle Expenses

• Gym membership: $15 – $30 (MZN 950 – MZN 1,900)
• Movie ticket: $4 – $7 (MZN 250 – MZN 440)
• Sports activities: $10 – $20 (MZN 630 – MZN 1,260)
• Nightlife/events: $10 – $30 (MZN 630 – MZN 1,900)

Cost of Living for Different Groups

11.1 Cost of Living for Singles

Singles can live comfortably in cities like Maputo with affordable food, transportation, and shared housing options.

11.2 Cost of Living for Couples

Couples enjoy manageable expenses and can live well with shared costs in major cities.

11.3 Cost of Living for Families

Families spend more on education and larger homes, but everyday costs remain affordable.

11.4 Cost of Living for Students

Students benefit from cheap transportation, budget meals, and low-cost accommodation outside city centers.

11.5 Cost of Living for Expats

Expats find Mozambique affordable, though imported goods and private healthcare can increase monthly expenses.

Comparison With Other Countries

• Mozambique vs Tanzania – Tanzania is slightly cheaper overall.
• Mozambique vs South Africa – South Africa has higher salaries but similar living costs.
• Mozambique vs Kenya – Kenya is more expensive in rent and transportation.

Pros & Cons of Living in Mozambique

Pros

• Low cost of living
• Beautiful beaches and natural scenery
• Affordable food and transport
• Diverse culture and languages

Cons

• Lower average salaries
• Limited healthcare facilities outside Maputo
• Imported goods can be expensive
• Some areas have poor infrastructure

Final Summary

Mozambique offers an affordable lifestyle with low-cost food, transportation, and rent. It is suitable for families, expats, students, and digital nomads looking for a peaceful and culturally rich African destination. While imported goods and private healthcare services can be expensive, the overall cost of living remains relatively low compared to many countries.

FAQs

Is Mozambique expensive to live in?

No, Mozambique is generally affordable, especially for food, rent, and transportation.

How much salary is enough to live comfortably in Mozambique?

Singles need around MZN 38,000 – MZN 63,000 per month, while families require MZN 95,000 – MZN 178,000.

What is the average rent in Mozambique?

Rent ranges from MZN 19,000 to MZN 76,000 depending on location and apartment size.

Is Mozambique good for expats?

Yes, Mozambique is good for expats due to its low cost of living and natural beauty.

Is Mozambique cheaper than South Africa?

Yes, Mozambique is slightly cheaper in rent, groceries, and transportation.