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Cost of living in Blantyre

Blantyre, a bustling city in Malawi, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern living. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both residents and newcomers.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Blantyre, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants
  • Inexpensive Restaurant MealA meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $5.11 on average, with a range between $4.87 and $12.21.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two)For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $18.27, with prices ranging from $11.71 to $63.76.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's)A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $8.91, with a range between $8.54 and $9.27.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi)Domestic beer ranges from $0.98 to $1.22, imported beer $1.76 to $3.06, cappuccino $0.98 to $3.04, and Coke/Pepsi $0.62 to $0.98.
Grocery Prices
  • MilkMilk is priced between $0.58 and $1.46 per liter, averaging $0.99.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread)A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.08 and $1.44, with an average price of $1.3.
  • Eggs (Dozen)A dozen eggs range from $1.34 to $1.73, averaging $1.53.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges)Apples cost $2.02 to $2.34 per kg, while oranges range from $1.44 to $3.41 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce)Potatoes are priced between $1.15 and $1.46 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.27 to $0.35 per head.
Transportation
  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket)A one-way local transport ticket costs $1.22.
  • Fuel (Gasoline)Gasoline is priced between $1.44 and $2.01 per liter.
  • Taxi FaresTaxi fares start at $0.58, with a cost of $2.44 per km and $6.10 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $122.05 to $286.24, averaging $199.09.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $76.88 to $190.83, averaging $127.92.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $375.15 to $763.32, averaging $539.07.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $240.25 to $477.07, averaging $350.12.
Utilities
  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.)Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $25.97 and $48.82, averaging $37.4.
  • InternetInternet services average $305.13.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 17 user contributions, as of the most recent update in March, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$5.11
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$18.27
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$8.91
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.14
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.74
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.82
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.52
Cappuccino (regular)
$2.58
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$0.99
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$1.30
Eggs (regular) (12)
$1.53
Local Cheese (1kg)
$3.46
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.78
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$10.39
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.92
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.60
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$5.55
Apples (1kg)
$2.18
Oranges (1kg)
$2.43
Potato (1kg)
$1.31
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.31
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.97
Tomato (1kg)
$1.06
Banana (1kg)
$2.23
Onion (1kg)
$1.32
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$6.02
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$1.22
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$0.00
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.55
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$35,122.67
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.58
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$2.44
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$6.10
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$39,025.19
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$199.09
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$127.92
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$539.07
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$350.12
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$37.40
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$305.13
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$8.66
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$57.72
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$14.43
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$44.53
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$34.41
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$58.26
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$69.62
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$406.35
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$564.92
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$354.00
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$577.15
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