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Cost of Living in Blantyre

Blantyre, Blantyre, Malawi · Population 800,264

▲ +0% vs Malawi average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)MK515,617 ($298)
Couple, monthlyMK915,892 ($529)
Family of four, monthlyMK1,185,225 ($685)

Estimated Prices in Blantyre

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantMK5,501 ($3.18)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeMK22,006 ($12.72)per meal
CappuccinoMK1,650 ($0.95)each
Monthly groceries (single person)MK124,698 ($72.08)per month
Monthly public transport passMK20,172 ($11.66)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentMK53,180 ($30.74)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)MK15,404 ($8.90)per month
Fitness club membershipMK15,404 ($8.90)per month
Cinema ticketMK4,034 ($2.33)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreMK213,982 ($124)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreMK148,857 ($86.04)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreMK446,570 ($258)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Blantyre is MK275,070 ($159) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of MK515,617 ($298) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly MK670,302 ($387) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (MK148,857 ($86)) represents about 29% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Blantyre

Blantyre vs LilongweBlantyre vs MzuzuBlantyre vs ZombaBlantyre vs KasunguBlantyre vs MangochiBlantyre vs Karonga

Nearby Cities

Chiradzulu

19 km away · Chiradzulu

Thyolo

34 km away · Thyolo

Chikwawa

35 km away · Chikwawa

Luchenza

41 km away · Thyolo

Mwanza

55 km away · Mwanza

Zomba

56 km away · Zomba

Neno

57 km away · Neno

Mulanje

60 km away · Mulanje

Other Major Cities in Malawi

Lilongwe

Lilongwe · pop. 989,318

MK641,917 ($371) / mo

Mzuzu

Mzimba · pop. 150,100

MK484,400 ($280) / mo

Zomba

Zomba · pop. 101,140

MK484,400 ($280) / mo

Kasungu

Kasungu · pop. 58,653

MK484,400 ($280) / mo

Mangochi

Mangochi · pop. 51,429

MK484,400 ($280) / mo

Living in Blantyre

Blantyre is one of the key cities in Malawi. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is MK515,617 ($298), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around MK148,857 ($86) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to MK1,185,225 ($685) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately MK915,892 ($529) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Blantyre is MK275,070 ($159). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least MK670,302 ($387) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Blantyre expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated MK515,617 ($298) per month in Blantyre including rent outside the city centre. That is 0% more than the national average for Malawi.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Blantyre?
A net salary of around MK670,302 ($387) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Blantyre with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Blantyre is MK275,070 ($159).
How much is rent in Blantyre?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated MK213,982 ($124) per month in the city centre and MK148,857 ($86) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about MK446,570 ($258).
Is Blantyre cheaper than Malawi on average?
No — Blantyre is estimated to be about 0% more expensive than the Malawi average, mainly due to housing demand.
What is the cost of groceries in Blantyre?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at MK124,698 ($72) in Blantyre. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about MK5,501 ($3) and a cappuccino runs around MK1,650 ($1).
How do transport costs in Blantyre compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Blantyre is estimated at MK20,172 ($12). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Blantyre are estimates based on Malawi national averages adjusted for city size (population 800,264). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.