Skyline of Chitungwiza
Cost of Living: 78 400,000

Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe

Chitungwiza is a major city in Zimbabwe with a population of 400,000.

Updated August 30, 2026

Overview

Chitungwiza is a city in Harare with a population of 400,000. Chitungwiza is a major city in Zimbabwe with a population of 400,000. 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 260 sunny days a year. The population skews young, with a median age of 19.0.

Last updated: August 30, 2026

Cost of Living 78

Below Average vs Zimbabwe Avg (100)

Housing Index 85

Affordable

Median Income Z$ 360,000

Household income

Unemployment 5.0%

Job market health

Chitungwiza vs Zimbabwe Average

Cost of Living
Chitungwiza: 78
Zimbabwe Avg: 100
Housing Index
Chitungwiza: 85
Zimbabwe Avg: 100

Taxes

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

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: Z$ 360,000
  • Unemployment: 5.0%
  • Population: 400,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 260/year
  • Summer High: 82°F
  • Winter Low: 48°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6b

Housing

  • Median Home: Z$120,000
  • 1BR Rent: Z$300/mo

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Cost of Living

Chitungwiza's cost of living index is 78 (Zimbabwe average = 100).

CategoryChitungwizaNational AverageDifference
Overall78100-22.0%
Housing85100-15.0%

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

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home PriceZ$120,000
Median Rent (1BR)Z$300/mo
Median Rent (2BR)Z$375/mo
Price per Sq FtZ$80

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

Z$
%
$90,000 down
%
%
Z$

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Chitungwiza:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
ElectricityZ$50000
Heating & CoolingZ$14Estimated based on local climate.
Cooling (AC)N/AEstimated based on local climate and electricity rates
WaterZ$15000Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)Z$30000Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total UtilitiesZ$95014Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

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

Remote Work Score

Chitungwiza scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
— 78
Rent
— Z$300
Sunny Days
— 260
Tax
— None
Unemployment
— 5.0%
Climate
— 82°F / 48°F
Safety
— 6.0 homicides/100k
Population
— 400,000
Internet Speed
— 10 Mbps

Climate

Chitungwiza has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January68°F48°F2.5"
April67°F63°F2.8"
July82°F57°F1.5"
October62°F66°F2.2"
USDA Zone 6b

Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables

Natural Hazards

Chitungwiza faces the following natural hazards:

Drought High Risk

Frequent drought conditions.

Earthquake Moderate Risk

Moderate seismic activity with occasional earthquakes.

Cyclone Moderate Risk

Moderate cyclone risk.

Flood Moderate Risk

River flooding.

Wildfire Moderate Risk

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

Total Schools

Academic Schedule

School Hours 8:00 AM – 3:00 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)

School year aligns with the calendar year.

Demographics

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

Ethnicity

Ndebele
20.0%
Other
10.0%
Shona
70.0%

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
20.0%
High school graduate
30.0%
Less than high school
40.0%
Some college
10.0%

Religion

Christian
85.0%
Folk
5.0%
Other
10.0%

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: 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 Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe?

The cost of living index in Chitungwiza is 78, which is Lower the Zimbabwe national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Chitungwiza?

The median home price in Chitungwiza is Z$120,000. The housing index is 85.

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

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Chitungwiza is approximately Z$300/mo.

Does Chitungwiza, Harare have income tax?

Chitungwiza is in Harare, which has no income tax.

What is the climate like in Chitungwiza?

Chitungwiza enjoys approximately 260 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.