Best fit: FIRE / Geoarbitrage (score: 75)
Tlokweng, a town of 56 thousand people, sits at an elevation of 1000 meters in the Africa/Gaborone timezone. Its semi-arid climate brings hot summers and mild winters, with minimal industrial activity affecting air quality. Expats tend to settle in the Masetlheng and Sefoke neighborhoods, drawn by a medium-sized expat community.
Living costs are modest. A single person's monthly expenses excluding rent total $480, while a family of four spends $1,250 excluding rent. Rent for a one-bedroom in the city centre is $370 per month, and outside the centre it is $280. A three-bedroom in the centre costs $710, outside the centre $530. Utilities run $60 monthly, internet $42, and a mobile phone plan $20. An inexpensive restaurant meal is $11, a mid-range three-course meal for two is $29, and a cappuccino is $2. The cost of living index is 34 out of 100 (New York City = 100). Budget-tier total monthly costs for a single adult including rent are $900, mid-range $1,350, and comfortable $1,900.
The safety index is 60 out of 100, with a crime index of 40 (lower is safer). Healthcare quality is rated as Fair. English proficiency is limited, which may require some adjustment for newcomers.
Retirees can apply for the Residence Permit (Retired Person) program. The nearest airport is GBE, 14 km away. With an overall expat score of 75 out of 100, a FIRE score of 77, a retiree score of 55, and a digital nomad score of 55, Tlokweng suits those seeking an affordable, safe base with a moderate expat community.
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Tlokweng at the budget tier comes to about $556 a month for one adult, with $280 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $86.00 on groceries, $43.00 on dining out, $25.00 on entertainment and lifestyle and $122 on utilities and connectivity.
Rent
$280/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$86.00/mo
75% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$43.00/mo
4 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$25.00/mo
1 cinema trip, 8 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$122/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Tlokweng at the mid-range tier comes to about $665 a month for one adult, with $280 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $114 on groceries, $109 on dining out, $40.00 on entertainment and lifestyle and $122 on utilities and connectivity.
Rent
$280/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$114/mo
Staples basket scaled to a full month
Dining out
$109/mo
10 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$40.00/mo
2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$122/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Tlokweng at the comfortable tier comes to about $875 a month for one adult, with $370 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $160 on groceries, $152 on dining out, $71.00 on entertainment and lifestyle and $122 on utilities and connectivity.
Rent
$370/mo
1BR in the centre
Groceries
$160/mo
140% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$152/mo
6 inexpensive meals + 6 mid-range meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$71.00/mo
4 cinema trips, 20 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$122/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Estimates for one adult, built from this city's average prices and the usage shown for each tier. Your spending will differ with how often you eat out and where you live.
A 1BR in the center runs about $370/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.
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See how Tlokweng's cost of living compares with Kanye
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Tlokweng is a relatively safe suburban area near Gaborone with a Safety Index of 60, indicating moderate security. Property crime (burglary, vehicle theft) poses the primary concern for expats; use standard precautions like alarm systems and secure parking. Petty theft and pickpocketing occur but are manageable with awareness. Violent crime is uncommon. The area benefits from proximity to Botswana's stable governance and low regional conflict. Avoid displaying wealth, use registered taxis, and stay alert in less-developed sections. Overall, Tlokweng is a reasonable choice for expats seeking a quieter alternative to central Gaborone, though standard expat vigilance applies.
Tlokweng has a safety index of 60/100. Petty theft and lost belongings are the most common problems for newcomers. Compare travel insurance before you go.
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See how Tlokweng's healthcare compares with Kanye
Tlokweng experiences a semi-arid climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters, with minimal industrial activity affecting air quality.
Tlokweng is developing and offers a quiet environment for nomads.
| Name | Notes |
|---|---|
| Regus Gaborone | While technically in Gaborone, it's very close to Tlokweng and easily accessible. Regus offers reliable infrastructure, meeting rooms, and a professional environment suitable for expats needing a consistent workspace. |
| iHub Botswana | Located in Gaborone, iHub is a technology and innovation hub that offers coworking space. It provides a collaborative environment, ideal for digital nomads looking to connect with local entrepreneurs and tech professionals. |
Names, locations and hours can change. Check each space's website before you visit. Places from © OpenStreetMap contributors and Foursquare Open Source Places (Apache 2.0).
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See how Tlokweng's digital nomad life compares with Kanye
Effectively a suburb of Gaborone, Tlokweng offers a more village-like feel while maintaining proximity to the capital's amenities.
Areas of Tlokweng that expats often consider.
Conditions can change from one block to the next, and these descriptions are general guides, not safety assessments. Before choosing where to stay or live, check current travel advisories, talk to people who live there, and visit in person if you can.
Bustling, local, community-focused
The heart of Tlokweng, offering a truly local experience. Predominantly residential with local shops and services. Requires Setswana language skills for easy integration and relies on personal transport.
Modern, upscale, scenic views
A newer, more affluent area with modern housing and stunning views of Kgale Hill. Popular with professionals and some expats. Car essential, but offers a higher standard of living.
Quiet, residential, family-oriented
A more established residential area, known for its quiet streets and family atmosphere. Limited amenities within walking distance. Good for those seeking a peaceful, authentic experience but requires a car.
Lively, commercial, convenient access
While technically in Gaborone, Broadhurst is very close to Tlokweng and offers many amenities. Popular with expats due to its shopping centers, restaurants, and proximity to the city center. Can be noisy and traffic-heavy.
With a 1-bedroom in the center at $370/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.
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