Skyline of Harare
Cost of Living: 100 1,500,000

Harare, Zimbabwe

Harare is a major city in Zimbabwe with a population of 1,500,000.

Updated August 11, 2026
Cost of Living 100

Below Average vs Zimbabwe Avg (100)

Housing Index 115

Above Average

Median Income Z$ 600,000

Household income

Unemployment 5.0%

Job market health

Harare vs Zimbabwe Average

Cost of Living
Harare: 100
Zimbabwe Avg: 100
Housing Index
Harare: 115
Zimbabwe Avg: 100

Taxes

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

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: Z$ 600,000
  • Unemployment: 5.0%
  • Population: 1,500,000

Climate

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

Housing

  • Median Home: Z$200,000
  • 1BR Rent: Z$500/mo

Cost of Living

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

CategoryHarareNational AverageDifference
Overall1001000.0%
Housing115100+15.0%

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

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home PriceZ$200,000
Median Rent (1BR)Z$500/mo
Median Rent (2BR)Z$625/mo
Price per Sq FtZ$133

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 Harare:

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

Harare scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
100
Rent
Z$500
Sunny Days
260
Tax
None
Unemployment
5.0%
Climate
82°F / 48°F
Safety
6.0 homicides/100k
Population
1,500,000
Internet Speed
10 Mbps

Climate

Harare 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

Harare 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.

Universities & Higher Education

1
Universities
#1938
Top University Rank

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 Harare, Zimbabwe?

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

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

The median home price in Harare is Z$200,000. The housing index is 115.

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

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Harare is approximately Z$500/mo.

Does Harare, Harare have income tax?

Harare is in Harare, which has no income tax.

What is the climate like in Harare?

Harare 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: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.