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Cost of Living in Zomba

Zomba, Zomba, Malawi · Population 101,140

▼ -6% vs Malawi average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)MK484,400 ($280)
Couple, monthlyMK859,810 ($497)
Family of four, monthlyMK1,112,044 ($643)

Estimated Prices in Zomba

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantMK5,190 ($3.00)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeMK20,760 ($12.00)per meal
CappuccinoMK1,557 ($0.90)each
Monthly groceries (single person)MK117,640 ($68.00)per month
Monthly public transport passMK19,030 ($11.00)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentMK50,170 ($29.00)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)MK14,532 ($8.40)per month
Fitness club membershipMK14,532 ($8.40)per month
Cinema ticketMK3,806 ($2.20)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreMK198,950 ($115)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreMK138,400 ($80.00)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreMK415,200 ($240)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Zomba is MK259,500 ($150) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of MK484,400 ($280) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly MK629,720 ($364) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (MK138,400 ($80)) represents about 29% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Zomba

Zomba vs LilongweZomba vs BlantyreZomba vs MzuzuZomba vs KasunguZomba vs MangochiZomba vs Karonga

Nearby Cities

Liwonde

37 km away · Balaka

Chiradzulu

37 km away · Chiradzulu

Machinga

44 km away · Machinga

Blantyre

56 km away · Blantyre

Phalombe

58 km away · Phalombe

Balaka

59 km away · Balaka

Luchenza

70 km away · Thyolo

Neno

71 km away · Neno

Other Major Cities in Malawi

Lilongwe

Lilongwe · pop. 989,318

MK641,917 ($371) / mo

Blantyre

Blantyre · pop. 800,264

MK515,617 ($298) / mo

Mzuzu

Mzimba · pop. 150,100

MK484,400 ($280) / mo

Kasungu

Kasungu · pop. 58,653

MK484,400 ($280) / mo

Mangochi

Mangochi · pop. 51,429

MK484,400 ($280) / mo

Living in Zomba

Zomba is one of the key cities in Malawi. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is MK484,400 ($280), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around MK138,400 ($80) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to MK1,112,044 ($643) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately MK859,810 ($497) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Zomba is MK259,500 ($150). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least MK629,720 ($364) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Zomba expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated MK484,400 ($280) per month in Zomba including rent outside the city centre. That is 6% less than the national average for Malawi.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Zomba?
A net salary of around MK629,720 ($364) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Zomba with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Zomba is MK259,500 ($150).
How much is rent in Zomba?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated MK198,950 ($115) per month in the city centre and MK138,400 ($80) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about MK415,200 ($240).
Is Zomba cheaper than Malawi on average?
Yes — Zomba is estimated to be about 6% cheaper than the Malawi average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Zomba?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at MK117,640 ($68) in Zomba. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about MK5,190 ($3) and a cappuccino runs around MK1,557 ($1).
How do transport costs in Zomba compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Zomba is estimated at MK19,030 ($11). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Zomba are estimates based on Malawi national averages adjusted for city size (population 101,140). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.