Skyline of Xai-Xai
Cost of Living: 70 250,000

Xai-Xai, Mozambique

Xai-Xai is a major city in Mozambique with a population of 250,000.

Updated August 30, 2026

Overview

Xai-Xai is a city in Gaza with a population of 250,000. Xai-Xai is a major city in Mozambique 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 7b growing zone supports Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees. A relatively small share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with about 270 sunny days a year. The population skews young, with a median age of 17.0.

Last updated: August 30, 2026

Cost of Living 70

Below Average vs Mozambique Avg (100)

Housing Index 75

Affordable

Median Income MT 180,000

Household income

Unemployment 5.0%

Job market health

Xai-Xai vs Mozambique Average

Cost of Living
Xai-Xai: 70
Mozambique Avg: 100
Housing Index
Xai-Xai: 75
Mozambique Avg: 100

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: None
  • Sales Tax: 17.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: MT 180,000
  • Unemployment: 5.0%
  • Population: 250,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 270/year
  • Summer High: 86°F
  • Winter Low: 65°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7b

Housing

  • Median Home: MT3,500,000
  • 1BR Rent: MT10000/mo

Not sure this is the right city?

Take our 2-minute quiz to discover the best cities for your lifestyle and budget.

Take the Quiz

Cost of Living

Xai-Xai's cost of living index is 70 (Mozambique average = 100).

CategoryXai-XaiNational AverageDifference
Overall70100-30.0%
Housing75100-25.0%

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

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home PriceMT3,500,000
Median Rent (1BR)MT10000/mo
Median Rent (2BR)MT12,500/mo
Price per Sq FtMT2,333

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

MT
%
$90,000 down
%
%
MT

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Xai-Xai:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
ElectricityMT1500
Heating & CoolingN/AEstimated based on local climate.
Cooling (AC)MT6Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
WaterMT500Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)MT2000Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total UtilitiesMT4006Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

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

Remote Work Score

Xai-Xai scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
— 70
Rent
— MT10000
Sunny Days
— 270
Tax
— None
Unemployment
— 5.0%
Climate
— 86°F / 65°F
Safety
— 3.5 homicides/100k
Population
— 250,000
Internet Speed
— 10 Mbps

Climate

Xai-Xai has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January85°F65°F2.5"
April71°F80°F2.8"
July86°F61°F1.5"
October66°F83°F2.2"
USDA Zone 7b

Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees

Natural Hazards

Xai-Xai faces the following natural hazards:

Cyclone Extreme Risk

Frequently affected by cyclones.

Earthquake High Risk

Active seismic zone with significant earthquake risk.

Flood High Risk

Cyclone-induced floods and river flooding.

Wildfire Moderate Risk

Savanna wildfires.

Drought Moderate Risk

Periodic drought conditions.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 0% (None)
  • Sales Tax: 17%
  • Property Tax: ~0.1% 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 – 2:00 PM
Academic Year January to November/December
Term System Trimester — 1st (Jan-Apr), 2nd (May-Aug), 3rd (Sep-Nov)
Summer Break November/December to January (8 weeks)
Winter Break August (3 weeks)
Spring Break April (2 weeks)

Portuguese-influenced education system.

Demographics

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

Ethnicity

Lomwe
8.0%
Makua
26.0%
Other
55.0%
Tsonga
11.0%

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
15.0%
High school graduate
20.0%
Less than high school
55.0%
Some college
10.0%

Religion

Christian
56.0%
Folk
20.0%
Muslim
18.0%
Other
6.0%

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: Instituto Nacional de Estatística (2017)

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 Xai-Xai, Mozambique?

The cost of living index in Xai-Xai is 70, which is Lower the Mozambique national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Xai-Xai?

The median home price in Xai-Xai is MT3,500,000. The housing index is 75.

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

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Xai-Xai is approximately MT10000/mo.

Does Xai-Xai, Gaza have income tax?

Xai-Xai is in Gaza, which has no income tax.

What is the climate like in Xai-Xai?

Xai-Xai enjoys approximately 270 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 86°F, while winter lows can drop to around 65°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.