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Matola, Mozambique
Capital City

Follows Mozambique Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$950
Retiree Score
70.0
Safety Index
55.4
Healthcare
8 facilities

This industrial port city of over 1 million people is hardly the picturesque tropical paradise many imagine when moving to Mozambique. With a sprawling industrial zone and busy transportation hub, Matola is dominated by the nuts and bolts of the economy, not leisure. The population has grown rapidly, from 671,556 in 2007 to over 1 million as of 2017, straining the city's infrastructure. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the port activities bring their own challenges. Still, the city's role as a regional economic engine and gateway makes it a draw for those in industries like mining, manufacturing, and logistics.

Can I afford Matola?

$

Matola

You could save

2,050/mo

Savings Rate68%

Monthly Costs

Rent $450
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$500

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
68/100
Retiree Score
(i)
70/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
48/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Mozambique Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
55
Safety
8
Healthcare
100
Walkability
5
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $2
Bread (loaf) *$1
Eggs (12) $2
Rice (1kg) *$1
Chicken (1kg) *$2

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$8
Meal (Mid-range) $84
Cappuccino $2
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $39
Mobile Plan (mo) $10
Gym (mo) *$39
Cinema Ticket $8

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $450
1BR Outside (mo) *$352
3BR Center (mo) $950
3BR Outside (mo) *$547

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Limited
Expat Community
Small
Top Neighborhoods
Tchumene
Best For
industrial managers

Expat Life Notes

A industrial satellite of Maputo, popular for gated residential communities for those working in the capital.

Pros

  • ✓ Quiet suburban living
  • ✓ Cheaper than Maputo center
  • ✓ Modern gated estates

Cons

  • ✗ Industrial pollution risk
  • ✗ Need for a car is absolute
  • ✗ Limited English prevalence

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
14°C°C - 30°C°C
Annual Rainfall
843 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
Jun, Jul, Aug

Also Consider

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Matola

Click any question to expand the answer.

Matola has a population of approximately 1,032,197 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $1,125 per month in Matola, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $450/month.

The nearest airport to Matola is MPM, approximately 12km away.

Matola is considered moderate in terms of safety, with a safety index of 55.4. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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