Prices and Cost of Living in Malawi

Food and beverage prices in Malawi

Popular food products found on store shelves in Malawi include bananas, rice, bread, onions, eggs, tomatoes, cheese, beef and potatoes, among others. Prices for a kilo of these products range from 1533 MWK (0.88 USD) for a kilo of onions to 3629 MWK (2.09 USD) for a kilo of beef. The price of white rice is 1064 MWK (0.61 USD) per kilo, while a loaf of fresh white bread costs 829 MWK (0.48 USD) per half kilo. Bananas cost 1338 MWK (0.77 USD) per kilo, while apples cost 2493 MWK (1.43 USD) per kilo.

Water, available in 1.5-liter bottles, costs 622 MWK (0.36 USD). Dairy prices in Malawi, on the other hand, are as follows: 1 liter of milk costs about 866 MWK (0.5 USD), and 1 kilogram of locally produced cheese is an expense of 18000 MWK (10.36 USD). Chicken filet, which is a common ingredient in meat dishes, costs in the range of 2850 MWK (1.64 USD) per kilo. Eggs (12 pieces per package) are an expense of about 1715 MWK (0.99 USD), and the average price of tomatoes is 1338 MWK (0.77 USD) per kilo.

What is the typical cost for an affordable meal?

Prices in restaurants in Malawi vary and depend on several factors, such as the type of restaurant, location and time of day. For instance, a Cappuccino typically costs around 2532 MWK (1.46 USD), while a 0.33-liter bottle of Coca-Cola or Pepsi is priced at approximately 790 MWK (0.45 USD). At a fast-food restaurant such as McDonald's, you can expect to pay 5200 MWK (2.99 USD) for a meal, whereas a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant could cost around 30000 MWK (17.27 USD). Budget-friendly dining options are also available, with some restaurants offering meals for as little as 4000 MWK (2.3 USD).

How much does transportation cost in Malawi?

The average expense of a one-way trip using local transportation stands at approximately 500 MWK (0.29 USD), while a monthly ticket for public transportation has an average cost of roughly 45850 MWK (26.39 USD). Choosing to travel by taxi would entail an initial fee of 3750 MWK (2.16 USD), along with a per-kilometer charge of 350 MWK (0.2 USD).

Fuel prices in Malawi

Average fuel prices in Malawi are 2612 MWK (1.5 USD) per liter of gasoline and 2822 MWK (1.62 USD) per liter of diesel.

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Malawi?

The cost of renting or buying an apartment in Malawi varies according to its location. On average, renting an apartment with one bedroom and a living room outside the city center costs approximately 142857 MWK (82.21 USD) per month, while the same type of apartment in the city center can cost around 243750 MWK (140 USD) per month. In comparison, the purchase price of an apartment in the city center is 10810500 MWK (6221 USD) per square meter.