Cost of Living in Lilongwe, Malawi
Malawi · Africa
Cost of Living in Lilongwe: Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Lilongwe, Malawi is approximately $550 per month for one person. This page covers rent, groceries, transportation, utilities, salaries and quality of life. The cost of living index is 22, using New York City as the 100-point benchmark.
$550
Monthly Cost
avg/person
22
Cost Index
NYC = 100
18
Rent Index
NYC = 100
38
Quality of Life
Below Average
44
Safety Index
Below Average
1.1M
Population
MWK
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $2 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $8 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $0 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $1.2 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $2 |
| Cappuccino | $1.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $0.5 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.3 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $0.8 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.5 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.2 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $2.5 |
| Beef (1kg) | $4.5 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.3 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.4 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.35 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.3 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.15 |
| Monthly Pass | $7 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.3 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.4 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $25000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $20000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $38 |
| Mobile Plan | $5 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $25 |
| Fitness Club/month | $16 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $220/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $120/mo |
| 3BR Center | $520/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $290/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $800/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $430/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $180 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 22% |
Cost of Living in Lilongwe: Complete Guide
The cost of living in Lilongwe, Malawi, depends mainly on housing, transportation, food, utilities and lifestyle. The estimated monthly cost for one person is $550. The city's cost of living index is 22, compared with a New York City benchmark of 100.
Monthly Expenses in Lilongwe
A typical monthly budget in Lilongwe includes rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and other everyday expenses. Housing is usually one of the largest parts of the monthly budget.
Rent and Housing Costs in Lilongwe
A one-bedroom apartment outside the city center costs approximately $120 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $220. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $520 per month.
Average Salary in Lilongwe
The average net salary in Lilongwe is approximately $180 per month. Purchasing power is rated 26out of 100.
Is Lilongwe Expensive to Live In?
With a cost of living index of 22,Lilongwe is less expensive than the New York City benchmark. Housing, groceries and transportation are important factors when comparing the total monthly cost.
Quality of Life in Lilongwe
Safety
Lilongwe has a safety score of 44/100. Safety is one of the factors to consider when comparing living costs and choosing a city.
Healthcare
Healthcare in Lilongwe is rated 30/100. Healthcare access and medical costs can affect the total monthly budget for residents and families.
Climate
The climate index for Lilongwe is 68/100. Climate and seasonal conditions can influence housing, transport and lifestyle expenses.
Purchasing Power
Lilongwe has a purchasing power score of 26/100. Comparing salary levels with living expenses provides a better picture of affordability than looking at rent alone.
Living in Lilongwe
Cost of Living for Students
Students should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, utilities and study expenses. Shared housing and public transportation may reduce monthly expenses.
Cost of Living for Expats
Expats considering Lilongwe should compare rent, healthcare, transportation, taxes, groceries and salary levels before relocating.
Cost of Living for Remote Workers
Remote workers can compare housing, transportation, internet, food and purchasing power to estimate whether Lilongwe fits their monthly budget.
Is Lilongwe Affordable?
Affordability depends on income and housing choices. The cost index of 22provides a useful benchmark when comparing Lilongwe with other cities.
Key Cost of Living Facts for Lilongwe
- Average Monthly Cost
- $550
- Cost Index
- 22
- Rent Index
- 18
- Average Net Salary
- $180
- Quality of Life
- 38/100
- Safety
- 44/100
- Healthcare
- 30/100
- Currency
- MWK
Frequently Asked Questions About Lilongwe
What is the cost of living in Lilongwe?
The estimated cost of living in Lilongwe, Malawi, is approximately $550 per month for one person. This estimate includes major living expenses such as housing, food, transportation and utilities.
How much is rent in Lilongwe?
A one-bedroom apartment outside the center costs approximately $120 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment in the center costs about $220.
Is Lilongwe expensive to live in?
Lilongwe has a cost index of 22 compared with New York City's benchmark of 100. The overall affordability depends on housing, salary and lifestyle.
What is the average salary in Lilongwe?
The average net salary in Lilongwe is approximately $180 per month.
Is Lilongwe good for expats?
Expats should evaluate housing, salaries, transportation, healthcare, safety and quality of life before deciding whether Lilongwe is suitable for relocation.