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

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$5.03 MWK 8,636

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$32.03 MWK 55.0K

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.27 MWK 17.6K

Cappuccino

$3.11 MWK 5,340

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

$0.98 MWK 1,690

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.38 MWK 656

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.78 MWK 3,058

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.05 MWK 6,952

Milk (1 liter)

$0.96 MWK 1,646

White Bread (500g)

$1.25 MWK 2,150

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.67 MWK 2,876

Eggs

$2.70 MWK 4,631

Local Cheese (1kg)

$15.86 MWK 27.2K

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$3.26 MWK 5,596

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$3.94 MWK 6,772

Apples (1kg)

$2.63 MWK 4,512

Banana (1kg)

$1.02 MWK 1,753

Oranges (1kg)

$1.53 MWK 2,624

Tomato (1kg)

$1.52 MWK 2,605

Potato (1kg)

$1.40 MWK 2,412

Onion (1kg)

$1.26 MWK 2,168

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.60 MWK 1,038

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$1.56 MWK 2,686

Wine (Bottle)

$14.62 MWK 25.1K

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.09 MWK 1,873

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.89 MWK 3,244

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.96 MWK 1,643

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$4.43 MWK 7,603

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.58 MWK 4,423

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$2.15 MWK 3,687

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.63 MWK 2,794

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

$44.81 MWK 76.9K

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

$11.78 MWK 20.2K

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$61.3 MWK 105.2K

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$38.14 MWK 65.5K

Cinema Ticket

$3.87 MWK 6,643

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

$354 MWK 608.6K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$2,365 MWK 4.1M

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$66.9 MWK 114.8K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$270 MWK 463.8K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$548 MWK 941.5K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$271 MWK 464.9K

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

Last update for Lilongwe: July 14, 2026

Last update for Chikwawa: July 13, 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.