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Cost of living in Lilongwe

Lilongwe, the capital city of Malawi, offers a unique blend of urban and rural living. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone planning to move or visit.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Lilongwe, covering everything from dining and groceries to housing and transportation.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants
  • Inexpensive Restaurant MealA meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $3.46 on average.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two)For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $34.15, with prices ranging from $21.62 to $39.07.
  • Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)A domestic beer costs between $0.69 and $1.47, averaging $1.08.
  • Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)Imported beer is priced between $1.44 and $2.94, with an average of $2.19.
  • Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)A bottle of Coke or Pepsi costs between $0.69 and $1.17, averaging $0.91.
  • Water (0.33 liter bottle)A small bottle of water costs between $0.29 and $0.39, averaging $0.34.
Grocery Prices
  • MilkMilk is priced between $0.49 and $2.14 per liter, averaging $1.38.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread)A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.58 and $1.56, with an average price of $1.41.
  • Eggs (Dozen)A dozen eggs range from $1.4 to $3.6, averaging $3.06.
  • Local Cheese (1kg)Local cheese is available at an average price of $15.76 per kg.
  • Water (1.5 liter bottle)A 1.5-liter bottle of water costs between $0.1 and $0.78, averaging $0.44.
  • Chicken Fillets (1kg)Chicken fillets are priced between $2 and $4.32 per kg, averaging $2.85.
  • Apples (1kg)Apples cost between $1 and $3.7 per kg, averaging $2.35.
  • Potato (1kg)Potatoes are priced between $0.78 and $3 per kg, averaging $1.84.
  • Rice (1kg)Rice costs between $0.97 and $2.16 per kg, averaging $1.57.
  • Tomato (1kg)Tomatoes are priced between $0.78 and $1.95 per kg, averaging $1.24.
  • Banana (1kg)Bananas cost between $0.97 and $1.95 per kg, averaging $1.31.
  • Onion (1kg)Onions are priced between $0.97 and $1.76 per kg, averaging $1.24.
  • Beef Round (1kg)Beef round costs between $3.89 and $6.05 per kg, averaging $4.97.
Transportation
  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket)A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.86 and $0.98, averaging $0.92.
  • Monthly PassA monthly pass for public transport is available at an average price of $4.32.
  • Fuel (Gasoline)Gasoline is priced between $1.5 and $2.14 per liter, averaging $1.7.
  • Taxi FaresTaxi fares cost $2.59 per km, with an hourly waiting charge of $2.16.
Housing Costs
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment outside the city centre ranges from $47.52 to $87.71, averaging $67.61.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $267.28.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $148.49 to $1000, averaging $574.24.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre)The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $4937.8 to $16145.87, averaging $10541.83.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $592.54.
Utilities
  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.)Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment average $70 per month.
  • InternetInternet services range from $58.37 to $70, with an average cost of $62.37.
  • Mobile Phone PlanA mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data costs between $7.12 and $15, averaging $11.06.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 20 user contributions, as of the most recent update in October, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$3.46
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$34.15
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.08
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.19
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.91
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.34
Cappuccino (regular)
$3.21
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.38
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$1.41
Eggs (regular) (12)
$3.06
Local Cheese (1kg)
$15.76
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.44
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$14.59
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.12
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.34
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$1.59
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$2.85
Apples (1kg)
$2.35
Potato (1kg)
$1.84
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.57
Tomato (1kg)
$1.24
Banana (1kg)
$1.31
Onion (1kg)
$1.24
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$4.97
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.92
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$4.32
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.70
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$2.59
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$2.16
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$67.61
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$267.28
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$574.24
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$70.00
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$62.37
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$11.06
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$44.05
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$3.95
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$10,541.83
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$592.54
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$275.00
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$350.00
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$2,349.49
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