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

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$5.06 MWK 8,824

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$31.52 MWK 54.9K

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.37 MWK 18.1K

Cappuccino

$3.06 MWK 5,332

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

$0.90 MWK 1,563

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.38 MWK 670

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.70 MWK 2,953

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.05 MWK 7,053

Milk (1 liter)

$1.01 MWK 1,766

White Bread (500g)

$1.23 MWK 2,145

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.67 MWK 2,915

Eggs

$2.61 MWK 4,549

Local Cheese (1kg)

$15.78 MWK 27.5K

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$3.28 MWK 5,710

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$4.05 MWK 7,057

Apples (1kg)

$2.62 MWK 4,573

Banana (1kg)

$0.98 MWK 1,708

Oranges (1kg)

$1.53 MWK 2,661

Tomato (1kg)

$1.58 MWK 2,749

Potato (1kg)

$1.34 MWK 2,331

Onion (1kg)

$1.27 MWK 2,216

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.61 MWK 1,064

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$1.63 MWK 2,833

Wine (Bottle)

$14.52 MWK 25.3K

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.05 MWK 1,827

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.95 MWK 3,403

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.90 MWK 1,566

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$4.20 MWK 7,313

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.53 MWK 4,414

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$2.22 MWK 3,870

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.57 MWK 2,727

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

$45.55 MWK 79.4K

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

$11.55 MWK 20.1K

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$61.8 MWK 107.7K

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$37.79 MWK 65.8K

Cinema Ticket

$3.87 MWK 6,739

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

$346 MWK 603.5K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$2,361 MWK 4.1M

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$66.3 MWK 115.6K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$268 MWK 467.7K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$554 MWK 964.8K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$279 MWK 485.7K

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

Last update for Kasungu: April 26, 2026

Last update for Lilongwe: April 26, 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.