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 Meal - A 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
- Milk - Milk 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 Pass - A 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 Fares - Taxi 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.
- Internet - Internet services range from $58.37 to $70, with an average cost of $62.37.
- Mobile Phone Plan - A 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
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
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
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
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)
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
Sports And Leisure
Avg
Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$44.05
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$3.95
Buy Apartment Price
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
Salaries And Financing
Avg
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$275.00
Childcare
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
Lilongwe Cost of Living
"Key Takeaways"
Lilongwe offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many global cities, with affordable dining and transportation options.
Housing costs vary significantly depending on location, with city centre properties being more expensive.
Grocery prices are generally affordable, though imported goods can be pricier.
Utilities and internet services are reasonably priced, making it easier to manage monthly expenses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lilongwe presents an affordable living environment, especially for those accustomed to higher costs in other parts of the world.
While some imported goods and city centre housing can be expensive, overall expenses remain manageable.
Prospective residents should consider their lifestyle needs and budget accordingly to make the most of living in this vibrant city.
Lilongwe