Mutare, Zimbabwe
Mutare is a major city in Zimbabwe with a population of 250,000.
Overview
Mutare is a city in Manicaland with a population of 250,000. Mutare is a major city in Zimbabwe with a population of 250,000. Housing is more affordable than 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
Below Average vs Zimbabwe Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Mutare vs Zimbabwe Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 15.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: Z$ 300,000
- Unemployment: 5.0%
- Population: 250,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 260/year
- Summer High: 82°F
- Winter Low: 50°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6b
Housing
- Median Home: Z$100,000
- 1BR Rent: Z$250/mo
Cost of Living
Mutare's cost of living index is 72 (Zimbabwe average = 100).
| Category | Mutare | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 72 | 100 | -28.0% |
| Housing | 78 | 100 | -22.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | Z$100,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | Z$250/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | Z$313/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | Z$66 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Mutare:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | Z$50000 | |
| Heating & Cooling | Z$9 | 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$95009 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Mutare scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Mutare has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 70°F | 50°F | 2.5" |
| April | 67°F | 65°F | 2.8" |
| July | 82°F | 57°F | 1.5" |
| October | 62°F | 68°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Mutare 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.
Demographics
The population of Mutare 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 Mutare, Zimbabwe?
The cost of living index in Mutare is 72, which is Lower the Zimbabwe national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Mutare?
The median home price in Mutare is Z$100,000. The housing index is 78.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Mutare is approximately Z$250/mo.
Does Mutare, Manicaland have income tax?
Mutare is in Manicaland, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Mutare?
Mutare enjoys approximately 260 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 82°F, while winter lows can drop to around 50°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.