MigrantoCost of living in Malawi
What a month costs, how prices compare with other countries
Monthly cost in Malawi
Spending runs from MWK 33,100 a month in the poorest fifth to MWK 218,000 in the richest
Per person, whole country
MWK 73,300
what a typical person spends in a month
Spending across the population
MWK 33,100richest 20%
MWK 218,000
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Key facts
The cost of living in Malawi in numbers
Typical spending takes 53% of the average wage
A typical person spends MWK 73,300 a month while the average take-home wage is MWK 140,000, so 47% of an average wage sits above what a typical person spends.
How living costs in Malawi compare
Neighbours, region and the world on the same monthly figure
What things cost here
How much the same goods and services cost in Malawi against other countries
Cheaper than 67% of countries
Where Malawi sits when every country is lined up from cheapest to most expensive
Pakistanmost expensive
Bermuda
middle
A basket of goods and services that costs MWK 1,740,000 at world-middle prices costs MWK 1,510,000 here.
Data source: household consumption 2023 (World Bank), International Comparison Program 2021 (World Bank), adjusted to 2026 using IMF GDP-per-capita growth
Living-cost calculator
What it costs to live in Malawi
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Cost of living in Malawi
MWK 33,100/mo
vs MWK 1,400,000 in your country
Take-home
MWK 55,800
vs MWK 2,090,000 in your country
Potential savings
MWK 22,700
more than in your country
Standard of living
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Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of living in Malawi?
A typical person in Malawi spends about MWK 73,300 a month — around MWK 879,000 a year — on housing, groceries, transport and other everyday costs. It's a nationwide average across different regions, cities and types of housing.
What is the standard of living in Malawi?
By spending, Malawi ranks #177 of 185 countries. A typical person spends about MWK 73,300 a month, the poorest 20% about MWK 33,100 and the richest 20% about MWK 218,000. The gap between them shows how unevenly people live.
What is the cost of living in Malawi in US dollars?
The cost of living in Malawi is about $42 a month, or roughly $504 a year per person.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Malawi?
It all depends on your standard of living. A modest budget runs about MWK 33,100 a month per person, a typical one around MWK 73,300, and a comfortable life around MWK 99,400. In big cities and for a family, costs are usually higher.
Is the average salary in Malawi enough to live on?
Yes, with room to spare. Average spending is about MWK 73,300 a month, while the average take-home pay in Malawi is about MWK 140,000. For more on incomes, see salaries in Malawi.
Is Malawi an expensive country to live in?
No. Malawi is more expensive than 4% of countries worldwide and ranks 45th of 53 in Africa by cost of living.
What currency is used in Malawi?
Malawi uses the Malawian Kwacha (MWK). Amounts on this page are shown in it; the currency switcher converts them.
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Living in Malawi
See the full country overview