Gaborone, Botswana
Gaborone is a major city in Botswana with a population of 250,000.
Below Average vs Botswana Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Gaborone vs Botswana Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 12.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: P 180,000
- Unemployment: 5.0%
- Population: 250,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 280/year
- Summer High: 88°F
- Winter Low: 42°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6a
Housing
- Median Home: P2,000,000
- 1BR Rent: P5000/mo
Cost of Living
Gaborone's cost of living index is 100 (Botswana average = 100).
| Category | Gaborone | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 100 | 100 | 0.0% |
| Housing | 115 | 100 | +15.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | P2,000,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | P5000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | P6,250/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | P1,333 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Gaborone:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | P400 | |
| Heating & Cooling | P26 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | P6 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | P200 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | P500 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | P1132 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Gaborone scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Gaborone has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 62°F | 42°F | 2.5" |
| April | 73°F | 57°F | 2.8" |
| July | 88°F | 63°F | 1.5" |
| October | 68°F | 60°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Gaborone faces the following natural hazards:
Semi-arid country with frequent droughts.
Moderate seismic activity with occasional earthquakes.
Moderate cyclone risk.
Savanna wildfires.
Dust storms.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 0% (None)
- Sales Tax: 12%
- 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
Follows British-influenced system.
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
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 Gaborone, Botswana?
The cost of living index in Gaborone is 100, which is Lower the Botswana national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Gaborone?
The median home price in Gaborone is P2,000,000. The housing index is 115.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Gaborone is approximately P5000/mo.
Does Gaborone, South-East have income tax?
Gaborone is in South-East, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Gaborone?
Gaborone enjoys approximately 280 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 88°F, while winter lows can drop to around 42°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: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.