Cost of Living in Blantyre - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $620 (excluding rent), and $738 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,267 (excluding rent), and $1,623 including rent.
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$4.78 MWK 8,212
$3.93 MWK 6,745
$12.01 MWK 20.6K
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$15.06 MWK 25.9K
$11.79 MWK 20.2K
$18.43 MWK 31.6K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$9.09 MWK 15.6K
$8.71 MWK 15K
$9.45 MWK 16.2K
Cappuccino
$2.68 MWK 4,599
$0.99 MWK 1,694
$3.08 MWK 5,290
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.8 MWK 1,374
$0.62 MWK 1,056
$0.96 MWK 1,643
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.53 MWK 907
$0.51 MWK 871
$0.61 MWK 1,049
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.2 MWK 2,067
$0.97 MWK 1,661
$1.97 MWK 3,389
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.88 MWK 4,953
$1.74 MWK 2,995
$3.03 MWK 5,208
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$0.96 MWK 1,648
$0.58 MWK 992
$1.44 MWK 2,472
White Bread (500g)
$1.25 MWK 2,143
$1.07 MWK 1,842
$1.41 MWK 2,427
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.02 MWK 3,466
$1.67 MWK 2,859
$2.71 MWK 4,661
Eggs
$1.73 MWK 2,976
$1.4 MWK 2,402
$2.03 MWK 3,481
Local Cheese (1kg)
$3.5 MWK 6,012
-
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$5.61 MWK 9,628
$4.38 MWK 7,521
$6.83 MWK 11.7K
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$6.08 MWK 10.4K
$5.44 MWK 9,347
$6.48 MWK 11.1K
Apples (1kg)
$2.25 MWK 3,868
$2.12 MWK 3,640
$2.4 MWK 4,113
Banana (1kg)
$2.38 MWK 4,095
$2.12 MWK 3,640
$2.55 MWK 4,375
Oranges (1kg)
$2.46 MWK 4,229
$1.49 MWK 2,554
$3.44 MWK 5,903
Tomato (1kg)
$1.06 MWK 1,815
$0.96 MWK 1,647
$1.16 MWK 2,000
Potato (1kg)
$1.3 MWK 2,232
$1.16 MWK 1,997
$1.44 MWK 2,467
Onion (1kg)
$1.36 MWK 2,335
$1.18 MWK 2,021
$1.68 MWK 2,893
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.34 MWK 577
$0.29 MWK 504
$0.38 MWK 649
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.83 MWK 1,417
-
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$2.34 MWK 4,010
-
Wine (Bottle)
$10.67 MWK 18.3K
$5.81 MWK 9,972
$16.58 MWK 28.5K
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.91 MWK 1,569
$0.87 MWK 1,502
$0.96 MWK 1,654
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.66 MWK 2,857
$1.52 MWK 2,610
$1.81 MWK 3,104
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.89 MWK 1,536
$0.52 MWK 893
$1.27 MWK 2,178
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.56 MWK 967
-
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$2.49 MWK 4,284
$0.6 MWK 1,036
$2.5 MWK 4,301
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$6.13 MWK 10.5K
$0.89 MWK 1,533
$6.87 MWK 11.8K
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.55 MWK 2,669
$1.48 MWK 2,533
$1.92 MWK 3,293
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$34.8K MWK 59.8M
-
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$39.2K MWK 67.3M
-
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$37.41 MWK 64.2K
$26.43 MWK 45.4K
$48.39 MWK 83.1K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$8.06 MWK 13.8K
$7.09 MWK 12.2K
$9.03 MWK 15.5K
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$147 MWK 252.1K
-
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$59.1 MWK 101.5K
-
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$15.02 MWK 25.8K
-
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$365 MWK 626.6K
$299 MWK 513.2K
$494 MWK 847.6K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$601 MWK 1M
-
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$44.24 MWK 76K
$32.3 MWK 55.5K
$58.1 MWK 99.7K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$34.55 MWK 59.3K
$11.81 MWK 20.3K
$67.5 MWK 115.9K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$59 MWK 101.3K
$44.25 MWK 76K
$73.8 MWK 126.7K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$70.7 MWK 121.4K
$49.14 MWK 84.4K
$83.5 MWK 143.4K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$205 MWK 351.2K
$124 MWK 213.5K
$297 MWK 510.5K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$89.3 MWK 153.3K
$39.46 MWK 67.7K
$192 MWK 330.2K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$556 MWK 955.2K
$392 MWK 673.6K
$793 MWK 1.4M
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$351 MWK 602.6K
$241 MWK 413K
$484 MWK 830.6K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$400 MWK 687.7K
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$497 MWK 853K
-
Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
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Cost of Living in Blantyre - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Blantyre compare in affordability for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
A quick snapshot: Cost of Living in Blantyre tends to be approachable for you as a traveler or long-term visitor who plans with a flexible budget. Local markets offer fresh produce at friendly prices, and street food can stretch a meal farther than you might expect. Housing options vary by area and security needs, from modest apartments to fenced homes; expect rents to reflect proximity to services and climate risk. Internet tends to be reliable enough for remote work in central neighborhoods, with cafes and coworking spaces expanding on weekends. Tip: choose a base near markets to cut daily trips.
What does a typical day look like in terms of housing search, food, transport, and errands in Blantyre?
On a day-to-day basis, you'll start housing searches in central or residential wards, then widen to quieter neighborhoods based on safety, space, and budget. For groceries, markets and supermarkets offer fresh produce and staples that suit practical budgets. Dining options cover quick local bites to casual cafes with reliable Wi-Fi for work sessions. Transport leans on minibuses, shared taxis, and occasional ride-hailing; walking can cover short hops in busy streets. Banks, clinics, and shops cluster in main wards, so errands are usually straightforward. Blantyre living cost varies by neighborhood and commute; plan with flexible margins. Tip: ...
What are practical budgeting tips and neighborhood considerations to maximize quality of life in Blantyre?
To optimize your stay, adopt a simple budgeting framework: separate housing, food, transport, and activities, then track monthly shifts by season. In Blantyre, cooler dry months can lower some energy use, while the rainy season can change travel times and shopping routines. Aim for a neighborhood that fits your pace – central areas for quick access to services, or quiet suburbs for longer stays. Save tips include cooking at home, negotiating longer-term rents, using public transport when possible, and choosing venues with free Wi-Fi for remote work. Tip: ...
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