Cost of Living Comparison Between Kasungu and Lilongwe Cost of Living Comparison Between Kasungu and Lilongwe

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$4.94 MWK 8,482

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$31.58 MWK 54.2K

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.31 MWK 17.7K

Cappuccino

$2.98 MWK 5,117

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

$1.48 MWK 2,538

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.35 MWK 595

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.03 MWK 3,493

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.08 MWK 7,007

Milk (1 liter)

$0.97 MWK 1,665

White Bread (500g)

$1.23 MWK 2,119

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.68 MWK 2,890

Eggs

$2.70 MWK 4,644

Local Cheese (1kg)

$15.58 MWK 26.7K

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$3.14 MWK 5,383

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$4.08 MWK 7,004

Apples (1kg)

$2.62 MWK 4,495

Banana (1kg)

$1.22 MWK 2,091

Oranges (1kg)

$1.48 MWK 2,548

Tomato (1kg)

$1.50 MWK 2,579

Potato (1kg)

$1.40 MWK 2,409

Onion (1kg)

$1.21 MWK 2,074

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.62 MWK 1,064

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$1.57 MWK 2,690

Wine (Bottle)

$14.45 MWK 24.8K

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.03 MWK 1,775

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.87 MWK 3,217

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.87 MWK 1,501

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$4.34 MWK 7,446

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.65 MWK 4,557

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$2.21 MWK 3,794

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.59 MWK 2,736

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

$44.59 MWK 76.6K

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

$11.60 MWK 19.9K

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$63.0 MWK 108.2K

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$37.37 MWK 64.2K

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

$348 MWK 597.6K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$2,386 MWK 4.1M

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$67.2 MWK 115.4K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$272 MWK 467.7K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$557 MWK 956.9K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$275 MWK 472.8K

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

Last update for Kasungu: August 16, 2026

Last update for Lilongwe: August 15, 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

Kasungu vs Lilongwe: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions

Families tend to lean toward Kasungu – 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 Kasungu. 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.