MigrantoCost of living in Lesotho
What a month costs, how prices compare with other countries
Monthly cost in Lesotho
Spending runs from LSL 342 a month in the poorest fifth to LSL 3,650 in the richest
Per person, whole country
LSL 1,030
what a typical person spends in a month
Spending across the population
LSL 342richest 20%
LSL 3,650
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Key facts
The cost of living in Lesotho in numbers
The cheapest of its neighbours
No neighbouring country is cheaper. The same basket costs LSL 12,500 here against LSL 13,200 in Zimbabwe, the closest on price.
Typical spending takes 48% of the average wage
A typical person spends LSL 1,030 a month while the average take-home wage is LSL 2,150, so 52% of an average wage sits above what a typical person spends.
The richest fifth spends 10.7× the poorest
Spending runs from LSL 342 a month in the poorest fifth to LSL 3,650 in the richest, which is #17 of 185 countries by that gap. A single national average hides a lot here.
How living costs in Lesotho compare
Neighbours, region and the world on the same monthly figure
What things cost here
How much the same goods and services cost in Lesotho against other countries
Cheaper than 77% of countries
Where Lesotho sits when every country is lined up from cheapest to most expensive
Pakistanmost expensive
Bermuda
middle
A basket of goods and services that costs LSL 16,300 at world-middle prices costs LSL 12,500 here.
Data source: household consumption 2023 (World Bank), International Comparison Program 2021 (World Bank), adjusted to 2026 using IMF GDP-per-capita growth
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What it costs to live in Lesotho
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Cost of living in Lesotho
LSL 342/mo
vs LSL 13,000 in your country
Take-home
LSL 2,920
vs LSL 19,500 in your country
Potential savings
LSL 2,580
more than in your country
Standard of living
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Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of living in Lesotho?
A typical person in Lesotho spends about LSL 1,030 a month — around LSL 12,300 a year — on housing, groceries, transport and other everyday costs. It's a nationwide average across different regions, cities and types of housing.
What is the standard of living in Lesotho?
By spending, Lesotho ranks #164 of 185 countries. A typical person spends about LSL 1,030 a month, the poorest 20% about LSL 342 and the richest 20% about LSL 3,650. The gap between them shows how unevenly people live.
What is the cost of living in Lesotho in US dollars?
The cost of living in Lesotho is about $63 a month, or roughly $756 a year per person.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Lesotho?
It all depends on your standard of living. A modest budget runs about LSL 342 a month per person, a typical one around LSL 1,030, and a comfortable life around LSL 1,660. In big cities and for a family, costs are usually higher.
Is the average salary in Lesotho enough to live on?
Yes, with room to spare. Average spending is about LSL 1,030 a month, while the average take-home pay in Lesotho is about LSL 2,150. For more on incomes, see salaries in Lesotho.
Is Lesotho an expensive country to live in?
No. Lesotho is more expensive than 11% of countries worldwide and ranks 32nd of 53 in Africa by cost of living.
What currency is used in Lesotho?
Lesotho uses the Lesotho Loti (LSL). Amounts on this page are shown in it; the currency switcher converts them.
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Living in Lesotho
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