Compare major expenses 

Moving to Mozambique? Understanding the true cost of living is essential for planning your expat journey. While Mozambique is generally considered affordable compared to the US or UK, maintaining a lifestyle similar to what you're accustomed to in developed nations can come with surprisingly high expenses. This guide breaks down the major cost categories you'll encounter, with a focus on Maputo, where most expats settle.

The Housing Challenge: Finding Your Home

One of the first hurdles you'll face is securing suitable accommodation. Mozambique faces a shortage of long-term housing that meets typical expat standards for luxury and utilities, particularly in major cities.

Rental Costs in Maputo

1-Bedroom Apartments:

• City Center: MZN 29,583 – 47,700 ($442 – $744/month)
• Outside City Center: MZN 17,917 – 33,300 ($261 – $520/month)

3-Bedroom Apartments:

• City Center: MZN 57,500 – 101,300 ($802 – $1,583/month)
• Outside City Center: MZN 31,429 – 70,800 ($474 – $1,107/month)

Premium neighborhoods like Polana Cimento and Sommerschield command the highest rates, with luxury villas reaching $2,000 to $3,000 per month.

Beyond Major Cities

If you're considering secondary cities like Beira or Nampula, expect to pay approximately $550 for a one-bedroom apartment and around $1,100 for a three-bedroom unit—still not cheap by regional standards.

Important Note: Utilities are typically not included in rent. Budget an additional MZN 5,117 to 5,491 (approximately $86) per month for a standard 915 sq ft apartment.

Groceries: The Import Premium

Shopping for groceries in Mozambique requires strategic thinking. While local markets offer affordable options, imported goods sold in supermarkets carry significant markups, especially items shipped from South Africa.

What You'll Pay (Maputo Prices)

Item Price (MZN) USD Equivalent
Milk (1 Liter) 98.89 – 103.67 ~$1.52
Eggs (12 Large) 150 – 160 ~$2.25
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) 132.96 – 160.12 1kg ~$6.17
White Rice (1 lb) 47.95 – 48.16 ~$0.72
Fresh White Bread (1 lb) 49.79 – 56.02 ~$0.85
Local Cheese (1 lb) 438.66 – 440.74 ~$6.75

Money-Saving Tip: Shop at local markets whenever possible. For perspective, chicken breast in Maputo costs 129% more than in Beira (409 MT vs 179 MT). Many staples like milk and cheese are also more expensive than in the US on a per-kilogram basis.

Getting Around: Transportation Options

Public transportation in Mozambique is inexpensive, but most expats opt for private vehicles or taxis due to safety and reliability concerns.

Transportation Costs

• One-Way Chapa (Minivan) Ticket: MZN 20 (~$0.30)
• Monthly Public Transport Pass: MZN 841.30 (~$13.20), ranging from 600-1,500 MT
• Taxi Start (Standard): MZN 100 (~$1.90) Note: Always negotiate before starting
• Taxi 1-Hour Waiting: MZN 1,570 (~$24.60)
• Gasoline (1 Liter): MZN 86.36 – 86.52 (~$1.40)

Important Considerations

Chapas are the cheapest transport option but may not meet expat comfort standards. Taxis aren't metered, so negotiating upfront is essential. If you're planning to travel outside major cities, be aware that road conditions are often unpaved and poorly maintained—a four-wheel-drive vehicle is highly advisable. Fuel stations also become scarce in rural areas.

Healthcare: The Non-Negotiable Insurance Need

Healthcare represents one of the most critical budget considerations for expats in Mozambique.

The Reality of Healthcare Access

Public Healthcare: The public system is underdeveloped, suffers from frequent staff and supply shortages, and expats are not entitled to use it.

Private Healthcare: You'll rely entirely on private clinics and hospitals, primarily concentrated in Maputo (such as Lenmed Maputo Private Hospital and Clinica de Especialidades).

What It Costs

• Standard Consultation: $50 – $100 per person (or around 2,304 MT for a short visit)
• Payment Method: Cash upfront before treatment
• Medical Evacuation to South Africa: $25,000 to over $100,000 without insurance

Critical Advisory: Comprehensive international health insurance with robust medical evacuation coverage is absolutely essential. For serious or complex conditions, the standard protocol is medical evacuation to South Africa, which can be financially devastating without proper coverage.

Entertainment and Dining: Balancing Affordability and Quality

Mozambique offers a beautiful natural environment that can be enjoyed affordably, but dining out and specialized entertainment can be surprisingly expensive, especially in tourist areas.

Entertainment Costs

• Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant: MZN 558.80 – 650 (~$9.40 – $11)
• Three-Course Meal for Two (Mid-Range): MZN 2,750 – 4,000 (~$39 – $54)
• Domestic Draft Beer (Pint): MZN 100 (~$1.10)
• Local Beer (500ml): MZN 85 (~$1.30)
• Cinema Ticket: MZN 500 (~$7.80)
• Monthly Fitness Club Membership: MZN 2,718 – 2,843 (~$41.50)

Affordable Adventures

The good news? Mozambique's stunning beaches and snorkeling opportunities can often be enjoyed freely. However, boat charters, scuba diving, and organized day tours outside Maputo can be expensive, particularly if traveling solo.

The Bottom Line: The Tropical Fruit Basket Analogy

Think of Mozambique's cost profile like a tropical fruit basket. The local harvest—staple foods, local transport, basic utilities, and natural entertainment—is generally very affordable. However, anything imported or enhanced to meet Western standards—expat-grade housing, specialized healthcare, premium dining, and imported goods—comes wrapped in expensive cellophane that dramatically increases the final price.

Budgeting Tips for Expats

1. Embrace local markets for groceries and avoid imported goods when possible
2. Factor in the true cost of housing, including utilities
3. Never skimp on health insurance—medical evacuation coverage is essential
4. Consider your location carefully—Maputo is significantly more expensive than secondary cities
5. Plan for the unexpected—maintaining a Western lifestyle costs more than you might anticipate

By understanding these cost realities upfront, you can better prepare financially for your Mozambique adventure and avoid unwelcome surprises. The country offers incredible opportunities and experiences, but successful expat living requires realistic budgeting and strategic spending choices.