Cost of Living Comparison Between Dedza and Lilongwe Cost of Living Comparison Between Dedza and Lilongwe

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$5.01 MWK 8,607

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$32.21 MWK 55.3K

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.37 MWK 17.8K

Cappuccino

$3.05 MWK 5,239

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

$1.48 MWK 2,545

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.35 MWK 599

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.97 MWK 3,385

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.98 MWK 6,837

Milk (1 liter)

$0.94 MWK 1,609

White Bread (500g)

$1.37 MWK 2,351

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.70 MWK 2,915

Eggs

$2.98 MWK 5,124

Local Cheese (1kg)

$15.46 MWK 26.6K

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$3.17 MWK 5,447

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$4.05 MWK 6,958

Apples (1kg)

$2.55 MWK 4,376

Banana (1kg)

$1.23 MWK 2,109

Oranges (1kg)

$1.52 MWK 2,607

Tomato (1kg)

$1.75 MWK 3,007

Potato (1kg)

$1.83 MWK 3,136

Onion (1kg)

$1.40 MWK 2,409

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.54 MWK 925

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$1.57 MWK 2,699

Wine (Bottle)

$14.43 MWK 24.8K

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.05 MWK 1,800

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.92 MWK 3,299

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.95 MWK 1,636

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$4.22 MWK 7,238

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.66 MWK 4,563

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$2.10 MWK 3,611

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.59 MWK 2,724

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

$45.50 MWK 78.1K

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

$11.78 MWK 20.2K

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$61.7 MWK 105.9K

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$36.75 MWK 63.1K

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

$349 MWK 600.0K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$2,334 MWK 4.0M

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$67.7 MWK 116.1K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$268 MWK 459.8K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$561 MWK 963.0K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$280 MWK 480.4K

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

Last update for Dedza: August 30, 2026

Last update for Lilongwe: August 30, 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

Dedza vs Lilongwe: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions

Families tend to lean toward Dedza – lower housing and cheaper childcare make a real difference, especially on a single income or when paying for private education.

Both have safer and rougher neighborhoods, but overall safety is comparable to other large cities. Neighborhood choice matters more than the city-level comparison – central, well-trafficked areas feel secure in both.

If budget matters most, go with Dedza. If higher salaries, better infrastructure, or specific career opportunities are the priority, Lilongwe makes more sense. Both are solid long-term options with distinct trade-offs.