Lilongwe, Lilongwe, Malawi · Population 989,318 · National capital
▲ +24% vs Malawi average
| Expense | Estimated cost | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | MK6,747 ($3.90) | per meal |
| Three-course meal for two, mid-range | MK26,988 ($15.60) | per meal |
| Cappuccino | MK2,024 ($1.17) | each |
| Monthly groceries (single person) | MK152,932 ($88.40) | per month |
| Monthly public transport pass | MK24,739 ($14.30) | per month |
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment | MK65,221 ($37.70) | per month |
| Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited) | MK18,892 ($10.92) | per month |
| Fitness club membership | MK18,892 ($10.92) | per month |
| Cinema ticket | MK4,948 ($2.86) | each |
| One-bedroom apartment in city centre | MK276,168 ($160) | per month |
| One-bedroom apartment outside centre | MK192,117 ($111) | per month |
| Three-bedroom apartment in city centre | MK576,350 ($333) | per month |
The estimated average net salary in Lilongwe is MK337,350 ($195) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of MK641,917 ($371) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly MK834,492 ($482) per month.
Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (MK192,117 ($111)) represents about 30% of the total single-person budget.
41 km away · Dowa
52 km away · Dowa
72 km away · Ntchisi
75 km away · Dedza
77 km away · Salima
98 km away · Mchinji
110 km away · Kasungu
124 km away · Mangochi
Blantyre · pop. 800,264
MK515,617 ($298) / moMzimba · pop. 150,100
MK484,400 ($280) / moZomba · pop. 101,140
MK484,400 ($280) / moKasungu · pop. 58,653
MK484,400 ($280) / moMangochi · pop. 51,429
MK484,400 ($280) / moLilongwe is the capital and one of the key cities in Malawi. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is MK641,917 ($371), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around MK192,117 ($111) per month.
For families, the estimated budget rises to MK1,482,248 ($857) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately MK1,143,214 ($661) monthly.
The average estimated net salary in Lilongwe is MK337,350 ($195). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least MK834,492 ($482) per month.