What is the average cost of living in Botswana? (2023)

FAQs

What are the average living expenses in Botswana? ›

Family of four estimated monthly costs are 1,684.8$ (22,136.1P) without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 483.3$ (6,349.9P) without rent. Cost of living in Botswana is, on average, 55.4% lower than in United States. Rent in Botswana is, on average, 84.4% lower than in United States.

Cost of living and moving to Botswana

Being a developing country, the cost of living in Botswana is incredibly affordable. According to Mercer's 2021 Cost of Living report Gaborone is ranked 202nd of 209 cities, making it more affordable than most other cities on the list.

You have to pay for a meal in an inexpensive restaurant: 6.50 USD (85 BWP) and for a domestic beer 1.40 USD (19 BWP).

Average living expenses for a single person

The average monthly living expenses for a single person in the USA are $3,189, which is $38,266 per year. The average cost for a family of four is $7,095 per month, which is $85,139 per year.

The average American household spends $5,111 each month. Housing, transportation and healthcare costs are some of the top expenses. Inflation is causing prices to rise across budget categories.

As a whole, Botswana is ranked on the lower end of one of the most expensive places to live in the world. The average price for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around 3,000 Pula ($295) as opposed to living outside of the city center where rent would be 2,175 Pula ($214).

What is average wage in Botswana? Average Wages in Botswana increased to 6803 BWP/Month (512.212 USD/Month) in the forth quarter of 2022. The maximum rate of average wage for employees was 6533 BWP/Month and minimum was 3447 BWP/Month.

Botswana's economy is mostly dependent on diamond mining.

Buyers, renters and investors have much to gain from purchasing property for sale in Botswana from RE/MAX. The houses, apartments and land currently offered via our estate agents are undoubtedly some of this country's finest.

Is Botswana a good country to live in? ›

Botswana, one of Africa's most stable countries, is the continent's longest continuous multi-party democracy. It is relatively free of corruption and has a good human rights record. Sparsely populated, Botswana protects some of Africa's largest areas of wilderness.

Botswana milk & cream wholesale price. In 2023, the approximate price range for Botswana Milk & Cream is between US$ 1.88 and US$ 2.07 per kilogram or between US$ 0.85 and US$ 0.94 per pound(lb). The price in Pula is BWP 20.17 per kg.

Foreign Exchange

It is preferable to travel with cash rather than travellers cheques or credit cards (cards are useful as an emergency back–up); often it is only possible to use these in main cities or some of the larger lodges.

The official national dish of Botswana is Seswaa, which is a slow-cooked beef stew made using every part of the cow. The most popular food in Botswana is traditionally prepared in a three-legged cast iron post and is cooked for over five hours! It is often served at weddings, funerals and other big celebrations.

This average is based on 9 price points.

Setting budget percentages

That rule suggests you should spend 50% of your after-tax pay on needs, 30% on wants, and 20% on savings and paying off debt. While this may work for some, it's often better to start with a more detailed categorizing of expenses to get a better handle on your spending.

Enter Your Monthly Income

50% of your net income should go towards living expenses and essentials (Needs), 20% of your net income should go towards debt reduction and savings (Debt Reduction and Savings), and 30% of your net income should go towards discretionary spending (Wants).

The basic rule of thumb is to divide your monthly after-tax income into three spending categories: 50% for needs, 30% for wants and 20% for savings or paying off debt. By regularly keeping your expenses balanced across these main spending areas, you can put your money to work more efficiently.

Overall, Americans need an average post-tax income of $68,499 to live comfortably in the U.S., according to recent data from SmartAsset.

While this includes your recurring living expenses, such as your rent or mortgage, car payment, and utilities, it also includes the more variable amounts you spend on haircuts, groceries, and clothes each month.

How much is 3 months of living expenses? ›

Set aside 3-6 months worth of living expenses

As a general rule of thumb, many financial experts recommend setting aside 3-6 months' worth of living expenses. So if you generally spend $2,000 per month on rent, utilities, food, gas, healthcare, and other necessities, you should try to save between $6,000 and $12,000.

Most expats are likely to move to Botswana's capital, Gaborone, which is also the largest city. It is quite well developed with shopping malls, entertainment opportunities, banks and safe taxis.

Most of the people of Botswana, who are known as Batswana, still live in rural areas and make their living by farming and raising livestock.

The objective of this Decent Work Country Programme is to promote workers rights, productive and decent employment opportunities, enhances social protection and strengthens social dialogue in Botswana.

A study by a global wealth intelligence firm based in South Africa says that poor Botswana has no billionaires, only two centi-millionaires, 80 multi-millionaires, 2100 millionaires and a measly US$19 billion in private hands.

The results show that 50.8% (±3.9) of the population in Botswana was affected by moderate to severe food insecurity in the year 2018/2019, while 22.2% (±3.4) of the population was affected by severe food insecurity.

Botswana is classified as an upper middle income country with a gross national income (GNI) per capita between P44 060 and P136 187 (US$4 036 and US$12 475).

The 2021/22 budget deficit was P127. 89 million, or 0.1% of GDP, while the 2022/23 budget deficit is expected to be P4,88 billion, or 2.13% of GDP.

Can Americans own land in Botswana? ›

Foreign individuals and entities can purchase land rights in Botswana, although under Land Control Act, 1975, they must obtain permission from the Ministry of Agriculture to purchase rights to agricultural land (Adams et al.

Lack of policy, affordable housing, and serviced land causes inadequate housing. Costs exceed earnings. Housing statistics hinder planning, targeting, and monitoring. Following a decline of 8.8% in 2021, Botswana's GDP grew 13% between March 2021 and March 2022.

This article argues that the acquisition of land by foreigners in Botswana, in each land category—tribal, state and freehold—is legally allowed by the relevant laws. But this does not mean that citizens have no right to raise concerns and/or show their disapproval of some of these legal provisions.

Botswana has one work visa, also known as a work permit, for all foreign employees working in the country under the Employment of the Non-Citizens Act.

Visa exemption is granted to these visitors for a stay of up to 90 days with a 12-month period, for purposes of tourism, transit, or business. To enter Botswana without a visa, it is necessary for these travelers to present an eligible passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in the country.

The national dish of Botswana is called Seswaa. This consists of a meat stew served over thick polenta or pap. The stew is made by boiling meat with onion and pepper. Adding anything else is considered an infringement.

Exclusivity. Botswana offers several exclusive safari experiences. These safaris are tailored to individual needs and can include private guides, luxury lodges, and exclusive access to wildlife. Exclusivity is consequently a critical factor in making Botswana safaris so expensive.

Past travelers have spent, on average, P177 ($14) on meals for one day and P48 ($3.67) on local transportation. Also, the average hotel price in Botswana for a couple is P645 ($49). So, a trip to Botswana for two people for one week costs on average P9,257 ($709).

Botswana beer wholesale price. In 2023, the approximate price range for Botswana Beer is between US$ 1.11 and US$ 1.4 per kilogram or between US$ 0.5 and US$ 0.64 per pound(lb). The price in Pula is BWP 11.98 per kg. The average price for a tonne is US$ 1113.95 in Francistown and Gaborone.

U.S. citizens are permitted stays up to 90 days total within a 12-month period without a visa. The total stay permitted for each visit is recorded on the entry stamp by Botswana immigration officials and may be less than 90 days.

Can you drink tap water in Botswana? ›

Tap water throughout the country is safe to drink. Bottled mineral water is readily available in most shops and supermarkets, and at camps and lodges.

A maize porridge called bogobe is the traditional way to eat breakfast in Botswana. Nowadays, it's common for people to eat non-traditional breakfasts such as cereal, eggs on toast, fruit salads, yoghurt – an influence of the West.

Beef is the most popular meat, followed by goat meat. River fish are also part of Botswana cuisine. Sorghum and maize are the main crops grown in Botswana.

Today traditional Tswana outfit is a mix of Western-style or Victorian Era dresses with the pieces of clothing that are pure Tswana (for example, kaross – traditional blanket made from animal skins). Some costumes of ethnic minorities in Botswana also deserve special attention.

Advertisement. The study, by Global Product Prices (GPP), which compares the cost of goods and services around the world, shows that Switzerland has the most expensive eggs of 91 countries included in the survey. Dozen eggs cost the equivalent of $6.73 here, which converts into 6.18 francs.

Botswana coffee wholesale price. In 2023, the approximate price range for Botswana Coffee is between US$ 7.43 and US$ 6.43 per kilogram or between US$ 3.37 and US$ 2.92 per pound(lb). The price in Pula is BWP 79.88 per kg. The average price for a tonne is US$ 7428.57 in Francistown and Gaborone.

Botswana avocados wholesale price. In 2023, the approximate price range for Botswana Avocados is between US$ 1 and US$ 1 per kilogram or between US$ 0.45 and US$ 0.45 per pound(lb). The price in Pula is BWP 10.75 per kg. The average price for a tonne is US$ 1000 in Francistown and Gaborone.

Average Wages in Botswana increased to 6803 BWP/Month (519.954 USD/Month) in the forth quarter of 2022. The maximum rate of average wage for employees was 6533 BWP/Month and minimum was 3447 BWP/Month.

Botswana offers one of the world's finest safari experiences. But it's going to cost you, because Botswana is probably Africa's most expensive safari destination. A budget safari (there aren't many of these) will cost at least $200 per person per day, mid-range safaris around $500 and top end upwards of $1,000.

What is the average income per person in Botswana? ›

$7,859 (nominal, 2019 est.) $18,558 (PPP, 2019 est.)

With steady economic growth, property in Botswana is an attractive option for those looking for a change in pace, a unique holiday home or a sound investment. Farms for sale in Botswana are another draw card amongst property seekers due to the country's.

The national currency of Botswana is the Pula - a regionally strong currency - but the US dollar is widely accepted at lodges and hotels throughout the country. Major hotels have foreign exchange desks and most shops, lodges and travel agencies will accept traveller's cheques.

Key findings. National average income: The national average U.S. income in 2021 was $97,962. The median U.S. income in 2021 was $69,717.