ZambiaπŸ‡ΏπŸ‡²

At a Glance

How Zambia compares across key indices

Quality of LifeSafety52Healthcare57Affordability30ClimateClean Air81

Cost of Living

30 vs NYC

100 = NYC

Safety Index

52/100

Healthcare

57/100

Cost of Living

How far your money goes in Zambia

Cost of Living

30

100 = NYC baseline

Rent Index

15

100 = NYC rent

Groceries

32

100 = NYC groceries

Restaurant Prices

22

100 = NYC dining

Safety & Crime

Moderate Risk

How safe residents feel in Zambia β€” based on surveys of people living there

Safety Index

52/100

Crime Index

48/100

Lower is better

Crime Trend

62/100

Crime perceived as increasing

Walking Safety

Daytime80
Nighttime44

36 point drop from day to night

Problem Severity

Corruption & bribery
Very High79
Property crimes
Moderate54
Violent crimes
Low44
Drug-related crime
Low42

0 = no problem, 100 = severe problem

What Residents Worry About

Home broken into
Moderate58
Things stolen from car
Moderate58
Being mugged or robbed
Moderate47
Being insulted or harassed
Low43
Car stolen
Low42
Being physically attacked
Low37
Targeted for skin/ethnicity/religion
Low32

Based on 54 survey responses. 0 = not worried, 100 = very worried.

Cities

City Data Coming Soon

We're gathering city-level data for Zambia.

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Healthcare

Healthcare system overview for Zambia

Healthcare Index

57/100

Quality Breakdown

Friendliness & Courtesy66/100
Staff Skill & Competency59/100
Speed of Service56/100
Accuracy & Completeness56/100
Modern Equipment53/100
Responsiveness & Waitlist44/100
Cost Satisfaction53/100

How satisfied residents are with healthcare costs relative to quality

Based on 17 survey responses

Insurance Coverage

None
41.2%
Private
29.4%
Employer Sponsored
23.5%
Public
5.9%
Healthcare57Safety52Quality of Life

Limited data β€” some indices are not yet available.

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Environment

Polluted

Air quality, water, and environmental conditions in Zambia

Pollution Index

81/100

Lower is better

Environmental Quality

Air Quality42/100
Green Spaces & Parks42/100
Drinking Water Quality32/100
Clean & Tidy23/100
Comfortable to Spend Time22/100
Garbage Disposal14/100

Concerns

Water Pollution95/100
Noise & Light Pollution70/100

0 = no concern, 100 = severe concern

Based on 21 survey responses. Perception scores are 0–100 where higher is better unless noted.

Transport & Commute

How people get around in Zambia

Average One-Way Commute

40minutes

Average

Traffic Index

178

Moderate congestion

Inefficiency

172

Time wasted in traffic

CO2 Emissions

7.0kg/trip

How People Commute

Car66.7%
Bus/Trolleybus22.2%
Working from Home11.1%

Based on 9 survey responses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living in Zambia, answered with data

What is the cost of living in Zambia?

Zambia has a cost of living index of 30 relative to New York City (100). It is significantly cheaper than the US.

Is Zambia safe for expats?

Zambia has a safety index of 52/100, making it moderately safe for expats and travellers.

How good is healthcare in Zambia?

Zambia scores 57/100 on Numbeo's healthcare index, making it adequate by global standards. This index reflects the overall quality of the healthcare system, medical staff, and facilities.

Is Zambia cheaper than the United States?

Yes. Zambia's cost of living is roughly 70% lower than New York City and generally cheaper than most major US cities. Rent specifically is around 85% cheaper. This makes it a popular destination for remote workers looking to stretch their dollar.

What is the air quality and pollution like in Zambia?

Zambia has a pollution index of 81/100 (lower = cleaner). Pollution can be a concern in urban areas. Research specific cities before committing, as rural and coastal areas typically fare better.

Before You Go

Your pre-departure checklist for Zambia

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Set Up International Banking

Get a multi-currency account before you leave. Essential for managing money abroad.

Get Connected

eSIM, VPN, and reliable internet β€” sorted before you land.

Book Your First Accommodation

Secure at least your first week. Having a home base makes everything else easier.

Find Flights

Find the cheapest flights with flexible date search. Set alerts for price drops on your route.

Flight Deals

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