Cost of Living Comparison Between Chikwawa and Lilongwe Cost of Living Comparison Between Chikwawa and Lilongwe

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$4.97 MWK 8,539

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$32.48 MWK 55.8K

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.27 MWK 17.6K

Cappuccino

$3.12 MWK 5,349

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.90 MWK 1,540

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.38 MWK 656

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.69 MWK 2,897

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.92 MWK 6,723

Milk (1 liter)

$0.93 MWK 1,599

White Bread (500g)

$1.20 MWK 2,057

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.69 MWK 2,910

Eggs

$2.69 MWK 4,627

Local Cheese (1kg)

$16.01 MWK 27.5K

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$3.17 MWK 5,446

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$4.00 MWK 6,874

Apples (1kg)

$2.61 MWK 4,483

Banana (1kg)

$0.97 MWK 1,667

Oranges (1kg)

$1.54 MWK 2,644

Tomato (1kg)

$1.56 MWK 2,680

Potato (1kg)

$1.33 MWK 2,285

Onion (1kg)

$1.26 MWK 2,163

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.65 MWK 1,117

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$1.62 MWK 2,789

Wine (Bottle)

$14.37 MWK 24.7K

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.05 MWK 1,796

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.89 MWK 3,240

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.96 MWK 1,651

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$4.26 MWK 7,322

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.53 MWK 4,341

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$2.19 MWK 3,767

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.65 MWK 2,830

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$44.67 MWK 76.7K

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$11.56 MWK 19.9K

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$62.5 MWK 107.4K

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$37.37 MWK 64.2K

Cinema Ticket

$4.05 MWK 6,949

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$350 MWK 601.1K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$2,340 MWK 4.0M

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$68.2 MWK 117.0K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$272 MWK 467.6K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$554 MWK 952.0K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$279 MWK 479.5K

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update for Chikwawa: June 2, 2026

Last update for Lilongwe: May 31, 2026

City Median Internet Speeds Comparison (Updated April 2026)

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

Chikwawa vs Lilongwe: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions

For families, Chikwawa is more practical. Housing and childcare are both notably cheaper than in Lilongwe, and the savings on those two alone free up budget for education, activities, and family trips.

It comes down to priorities – Chikwawa wins on affordability, Lilongwe on earning potential. Factor in climate, language, visa rules, and proximity to places that matter to you before deciding.