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

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 Lilongwe: August 30, 2026

Last update for Chikwawa: August 29, 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

Lilongwe vs Chikwawa: 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.