Skyline of Big Bend
Cost of Living: 72 30,000

Big Bend, Eswatini

Big Bend is a major city in Eswatini with a population of 30,000.

Updated August 30, 2026

Overview

Big Bend is a city in Lubombo with a population of 30,000. Big Bend is a major city in Eswatini with a population of 30,000. Housing is more affordable than the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 7a growing zone supports Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with about 280 sunny days a year. The population skews young, with a median age of 22.0.

Last updated: August 30, 2026

Cost of Living 72

Below Average vs Eswatini Avg (100)

Housing Index 78

Affordable

Median Income E 24,000

Household income

Unemployment 5.0%

Job market health

Big Bend vs Eswatini Average

Cost of Living
Big Bend: 72
Eswatini Avg: 100
Housing Index
Big Bend: 78
Eswatini Avg: 100

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: None
  • Sales Tax: 15.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: E 24,000
  • Unemployment: 5.0%
  • Population: 30,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 280/year
  • Summer High: 88°F
  • Winter Low: 55°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7a

Housing

  • Median Home: E800,000
  • 1BR Rent: E2000/mo

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Cost of Living

Big Bend's cost of living index is 72 (Eswatini average = 100).

CategoryBig BendNational AverageDifference
Overall72100-28.0%
Housing78100-22.0%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home PriceE800,000
Median Rent (1BR)E2000/mo
Median Rent (2BR)E2,500/mo
Price per Sq FtE533

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

E
%
$90,000 down
%
%
E

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Big Bend:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
ElectricityE300
Heating & CoolingN/AEstimated based on local climate.
Cooling (AC)E8Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
WaterE100Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)E300Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total UtilitiesE708Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Remote Work Score

Big Bend scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
— 72
Rent
— E2000
Sunny Days
— 280
Tax
— None
Unemployment
— 5.0%
Climate
— 88°F / 55°F
Safety
— 3.0 homicides/100k
Population
— 30,000
Internet Speed
— 15 Mbps

Climate

Big Bend has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January75°F55°F2.5"
April73°F70°F2.8"
July88°F63°F1.5"
October68°F73°F2.2"
USDA Zone 7a

Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees

Natural Hazards

Big Bend faces the following natural hazards:

Earthquake Moderate Risk

Moderate seismic activity with occasional earthquakes.

Cyclone Moderate Risk

Moderate cyclone risk.

Drought Moderate Risk

Periodic drought conditions.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 0% (None)
  • Sales Tax: 15%
  • Property Tax: ~0.1% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.0%.

Schools & Education

Total Schools

Academic Schedule

School Hours 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Academic Year January to December
Term System Trimester — Term 1 (Jan-Apr), Term 2 (May-Aug), Term 3 (Sep-Dec)
Summer Break December to January (5 weeks)
Winter Break August (3 weeks)
Spring Break April (3 weeks)

Follows British-influenced system.

Demographics

The population of Big Bend is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.

Ethnicity

Other
6.0%
Swazi
84.0%
Zulu
10.0%

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
20.0%
High school graduate
25.0%
Less than high school
45.0%
Some college
10.0%

Religion

Christian
90.0%
Folk
5.0%
Other
5.0%

City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.

Data source: Central Statistical Office (2017)

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Big Bend, Eswatini?

The cost of living index in Big Bend is 72, which is Lower the Eswatini national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Big Bend?

The median home price in Big Bend is E800,000. The housing index is 78.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Big Bend is approximately E2000/mo.

Does Big Bend, Lubombo have income tax?

Big Bend is in Lubombo, which has no income tax.

What is the climate like in Big Bend?

Big Bend enjoys approximately 280 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 88°F, while winter lows can drop to around 55°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
  • Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.