July 2023 Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket: A Brief Analysis of the Cost of Living in Lusaka and Other Towns

The average cost of living as measured by the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) in July 2023 stood at K6, 469.76. This remains higher than the average national income of K4, 215. Lusaka remains the town with the highest cost of living at K9, 301.11 followed by Solwezi at K8, 387.59. The cost of living in other towns such as Livingstone (K7, 333.43), Kitwe (K7, 679.86), Kabwe (K7, 576.82) Ndola (K7, 911.39) Mpika (K6, 923.50), Mazabuka (K6, 309.51), Luanshya (K6, 227.78), Choma (K6, 225.27), Mansa (K6, 013.44) Monze (K5, 999.05) and Mongu (K5, 326.22) also remained high and above the average national income. On the other hand, Kasama (K4, 572.33) remains the town with the lowest cost of living.