Relocate · 7 min read
Cost of living in Maputo: what expats actually spend
Maputo is not a cheap posting, but the money goes to predictable places. Housing and schooling dominate; almost everything else is manageable.
Housing is the biggest line
Secure apartments and family houses in Sommerschield, Polana, Triunfo and Costa do Sol carry a clear premium, and furnished stock costs more again. Expect deposits of two to three months and annual escalation written into the lease.
Schooling comes second
International school fees, plus registration, capital levies, transport and activities, are the second major commitment. Many employers cover this — confirm it in your package before you accept.
Groceries: split your shopping
Imported goods in supermarkets are expensive. Local markets for produce and fish, supermarkets for staples, and an occasional Nelspruit or Johannesburg run is a common pattern.
Utilities and the hidden costs
Electricity, water, internet, security, generator fuel and domestic staff are the costs newcomers forget. Together they add up meaningfully every month.
Healthcare and evacuation cover
Private consultations are affordable; serious care means South Africa. International cover with evacuation is not a luxury item in this budget.