Cost of Living in Lilongwe - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $490 (excluding rent), and $590 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,038 (excluding rent), and $1,709 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$4.94 MWK 8,620

$3.42 MWK 5,965

$4.94 MWK 8,620

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$32.06 MWK 56.0K

$21.61 MWK 37.7K

$39.05 MWK 68.2K

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.19 MWK 17.8K

$6.46 MWK 11.3K

$13.92 MWK 24.3K

Cappuccino

$2.95 MWK 5,149

$1.94 MWK 3,387

$3.78 MWK 6,606

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

$0.92 MWK 1,601

$0.67 MWK 1,175

$2.81 MWK 4,906

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.42 MWK 732

$0.31 MWK 549

$0.52 MWK 915

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.77 MWK 3,088

$0.71 MWK 1,232

$3.74 MWK 6,533

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.95 MWK 6,888

$2.90 MWK 5,062

$3.99 MWK 6,974

Milk (1 liter)

$1.01 MWK 1,766

$0.51 MWK 883

$2.21 MWK 3,856

White Bread (500g)

$1.23 MWK 2,149

$0.59 MWK 1,022

$1.57 MWK 2,749

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.69 MWK 2,944

$0.95 MWK 1,660

$2.12 MWK 3,697

Eggs

$2.64 MWK 4,602

$1.39 MWK 2,422

$3.57 MWK 6,229

Local Cheese (1kg)

$15.54 MWK 27.1K

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$3.23 MWK 5,644

$2.03 MWK 3,539

$4.38 MWK 7,643

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$4.06 MWK 7,082

$2.04 MWK 3,559

$6.17 MWK 10.8K

Apples (1kg)

$2.61 MWK 4,552

$1.01 MWK 1,771

$3.75 MWK 6,553

Banana (1kg)

$0.97 MWK 1,694

$0.78 MWK 1,355

$1.89 MWK 3,304

Oranges (1kg)

$1.46 MWK 2,556

$0.98 MWK 1,704

$1.95 MWK 3,408

Tomato (1kg)

$1.57 MWK 2,736

$0.79 MWK 1,386

$2.04 MWK 3,554

Potato (1kg)

$1.36 MWK 2,374

$0.77 MWK 1,352

$2.98 MWK 5,198

Onion (1kg)

$1.21 MWK 2,114

$0.95 MWK 1,654

$1.72 MWK 3,001

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.65 MWK 1,136

$0.10 MWK 180

$1.03 MWK 1,803

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$1.61 MWK 2,813

$0.75 MWK 1,309

$2.46 MWK 4,299

Wine (Bottle)

$14.66 MWK 25.6K

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.08 MWK 1,891

$0.80 MWK 1,392

$1.49 MWK 2,605

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.85 MWK 3,235

$1.02 MWK 1,778

$2.83 MWK 4,945

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.88 MWK 1,541

$0.83 MWK 1,441

$0.94 MWK 1,642

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$4.28 MWK 7,467

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.52 MWK 4,398

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$2.14 MWK 3,742

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.60 MWK 2,788

$1.49 MWK 2,598

$2.12 MWK 3,706

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

$45.13 MWK 78.8K

$20.49 MWK 35.8K

$69.8 MWK 121.8K

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

$11.87 MWK 20.7K

$7.18 MWK 12.5K

$15.14 MWK 26.4K

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$63.6 MWK 111.0K

$59.5 MWK 103.9K

$71.4 MWK 124.6K

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$37.00 MWK 64.6K

$30.48 MWK 53.2K

$43.52 MWK 76.0K

Cinema Ticket

$3.91 MWK 6,828

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

$351 MWK 613.1K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$2,375 MWK 4.1M

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$68.1 MWK 118.8K

$47.84 MWK 83.5K

$88.3 MWK 154.2K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$266 MWK 463.9K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$554 MWK 967.2K

$148 MWK 259.2K

$1,000 MWK 1.7M

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$16.2K MWK 28.4M

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$279 MWK 487.7K

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

Last update: January 11, 2026

Lilongwe Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

208

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌍 Africa

Cost of Living in Lilongwe - Frequently Asked Questions

Lilongwe tends to offer practical value for a range of visitors, especially when compared with bigger regional capitals. You'll find that daily expenses like markets, street food, and public transport can be manageable, while imported goods and boutique lodging push costs higher. For many expats, comfortable housing in quiet suburbs paired with local amenities provides a good balance. Digital nomads will appreciate reliable internet in cafes and coworking spaces, plus reasonable living costs that scale with your lifestyle. Cost of Living in Lilongwe, Malawi gives a quick orientation for budgeting across housing, groceries, and transport. Tip: Start with a short rental-term trial to feel neighborhoods firsthand.

Housing search centers on location, safety, and long-term value, with many newcomers choosing quiet residential suburbs near the city core. You'll find a mix of apartments and small houses, with landlords often favoring longer leases. Food options span busy markets, street stalls, and modern supermarkets, keeping meals affordable and varied. Transport is practical: minibuses, taxis, and ride-hailing services cover most trips, while reliable wifi at cafes and coworking spaces supports remote work. For best results, map a few reliable routes and test connections during your typical work window. Lilongwe, Malawi living cost varies by area and lifestyle. Tip: scout neighborhoods at different times of day and seasons.

Quality of life in Lilongwe comes from balancing comfort, community, and pragmatism. Try a simple budgeting framework: divide your month into housing, food, transport, and discretionary spending; track spend in a notebook or app, then adjust seasonally – rainy months may shift transport or energy use. To maximize value, mix long-term rentals with occasional short stays near markets and work hubs, and seek neighborhoods that offer safety, greenery, and proximity to wifi spots. Seasonal markets can offer better produce deals, while cooking at home often saves versus frequent takeout. Tip: build a simple monthly budget and test it for a few weeks to gauge what fits your pace and lifestyle.