Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Bulawayo is a major city in Zimbabwe with a population of 700,000.
Overview
Bulawayo is a city in Bulawayo with a population of 700,000. Bulawayo is a major city in Zimbabwe with a population of 700,000. Housing costs are close to the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6b growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with about 270 sunny days a year. The population skews young, with a median age of 19.0.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Below Average vs Zimbabwe Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Bulawayo vs Zimbabwe Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 15.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: Z$ 420,000
- Unemployment: 5.0%
- Population: 700,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 270/year
- Summer High: 82°F
- Winter Low: 48°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6b
Housing
- Median Home: Z$140,000
- 1BR Rent: Z$350/mo
Cost of Living
Bulawayo's cost of living index is 85 (Zimbabwe average = 100).
| Category | Bulawayo | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 85 | 100 | -15.0% |
| Housing | 92 | 100 | -8.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | Z$140,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | Z$350/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | Z$438/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | Z$93 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Bulawayo:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | Z$50000 | |
| Heating & Cooling | Z$14 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | Z$15000 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | Z$30000 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | Z$95014 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Bulawayo scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Bulawayo has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 68°F | 48°F | 2.5" |
| April | 67°F | 63°F | 2.8" |
| July | 82°F | 57°F | 1.5" |
| October | 62°F | 66°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Bulawayo faces the following natural hazards:
Frequent drought conditions.
Moderate seismic activity with occasional earthquakes.
Moderate cyclone risk.
River flooding.
Savanna wildfires.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 0% (None)
- Sales Tax: 15%
- Property Tax: ~0.2% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.0%.
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
School year aligns with the calendar year.
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Bulawayo is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
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: Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (2012)
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 Bulawayo, Zimbabwe?
The cost of living index in Bulawayo is 85, which is Lower the Zimbabwe national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Bulawayo?
The median home price in Bulawayo is Z$140,000. The housing index is 92.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Bulawayo is approximately Z$350/mo.
Does Bulawayo, Bulawayo have income tax?
Bulawayo is in Bulawayo, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Bulawayo?
Bulawayo enjoys approximately 270 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 82°F, while winter lows can drop to around 48°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.