Capital city in Hhohho, Eswatini
Cost of living in Mbabane
How much a month costs in Mbabane
For one person, including rent. A comfortable month costs about $780–1,320 (E13,000–22,000).
Prices in Mbabane
Typical 2026 ranges in SZL, rounded. US$ at the 03 Oct 2026 exchange rate.
| Item | SZL | US$ |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| 1-bedroom apartment, center (month) | E5,000–9,000 | $300–540 |
| 1-bedroom apartment, outside center (month) | E3,000–5,500 | $180–330 |
| Hostel dorm bed (night) | E200–400 | $12–24 |
| Mid-range hotel room (night) | E800–1,800 | $48–108 |
| Food and drink | ||
| Local meal or street food | E40–80 | $2.4–4.8 |
| Mid-range restaurant, per person | E150–300 | $9–18 |
| Cappuccino | E30–50 | $1.8–3.0 |
| Local beer, 0.5 l in a bar | E25–45 | $1.5–2.7 |
| Getting around | ||
| Public transport, one ride | E10–15 | $0.60–0.90 |
| Ride-hailing or taxi, about 5 km | E60–120 | $3.6–7.2 |
| Work and life | ||
| Gym membership (month) | E400–800 | $24–48 |
| Mobile data, 20–50 GB (month) | E200–500 | $12–30 |
Value for money: 91/100
A value score of 91/100 means Mbabane gives more quality of life per dollar than 90% of the 1,319 places we cover. Quality here scores 71/100.
| Quality factor | Score |
|---|---|
| Safety | |
| Air quality | |
| Healthcare | |
| Weather | |
| Friendly locals | |
| English |
Cheaper alternatives to Mbabane
Similar safety, lower cost, in Africa.
Quick answers
How much money do you need per month in Mbabane?
About $360–540 on a lean budget, $780–1,320 for a comfortable month and $1,680–2,700 for a luxury one, rent included.
How much is rent in Mbabane?
A furnished 1-bedroom apartment costs E5,000–9,000 ($300–540) a month in the center and E3,000–5,500 ($180–330) outside it.
How much does food cost in Mbabane?
A local meal is E40–80 ($2.4–4.8); a mid-range restaurant is E150–300 ($9–18) per person.
Is Eswatini expensive?
Prices in Eswatini are about 33% of US price levels (World Bank PPP).
More about Mbabane
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates for 2026, reviewed against official and operator prices where available. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.