The cost of living in Zambia is generally considered low, especially when compared to Western countries. Local goods and services are relatively affordable, but imported items can be expensive.

Zambia experiences a tropical climate with three distinct seasons: a cool and dry season from May to August, a hot and dry season from September to November, and a warm and wet season from December to April. The country is known for its plateau which provides a more moderate climate compared to the typical tropical conditions. Rainfall is mostly concentrated in the wet season, with occasional thunderstorms, while the dry season sees very little precipitation.

The educational system in Zambia is structured in a 7-5-4 system, which includes seven years of primary education, five years of secondary education, and four years of tertiary education. Education in Zambia is officially compulsory for all children between the ages of 7 and 13, which covers grades one to seven. Primary education begins at age seven and lasts for seven years, culminating in a national exam that determines progression to secondary school. Secondary education is divided into two parts: lower secondary (grades 8-9) and upper secondary (grades 10-12). Students take the Junior Secondary School Leaving Examination at the end of grade 9 to progress to upper secondary, where they prepare for the School Certificate Examination at the end of grade 12. This certificate is necessary for entry into higher education institutions. The Zambian government has made efforts to improve education quality and access, including the introduction of free primary education. However, challenges such as classroom overcrowding, teacher shortages, and limited resources persist. Private and international schools are available, offering different curricula such as the British GCSE and A-Level systems, and they often provide higher-quality education but at a higher cost. Parents moving to Zambia can expect a mix of public, private, and community schools, with English being the language of instruction.

The healthcare system in Zambia is a mix of public and private healthcare services. The public healthcare system is accessible to all citizens and is primarily funded by the government, but it often suffers from underfunding, shortages of medical supplies, and a lack of healthcare professionals. This has led to challenges in the quality and availability of healthcare services, particularly in rural areas. Private healthcare in Zambia offers higher quality services with better facilities and shorter waiting times, but it is more expensive and thus less accessible to the general population. Expats and digital nomads can access public healthcare, but many opt for private health insurance to use private clinics and hospitals for better quality care. The cost of private healthcare is relatively high compared to the average income in Zambia, and expat health insurance is recommended for those moving to the country.