Published: Monday, 21th October 2024
The cost of living in Malawi is 2.73 times more expensive as compared to Zambia.
On this page, you will find side-by-side cost comparison between Malawi and Zambia. We have created 172 cost-of-living indicators. We average the prices of all those indicators and take a mathematically calculated approach to determine which country is more expensive to live in between Malawi and Zambia.
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 Indicators  | Malawi  | Zambia  |
|---|---|---|
1 BHK Apartment in City Center  | 400,000 MWK (356 USD) | 7,000 ZMW (322 USD) |
2 BHK Apartment in City Center  | 700,000 MWK (623 USD) | 12,000 ZMW (552 USD) |
3 BHK Apartment in City Center  | 1,200,000 MWK (1,068 USD) | 18,000 ZMW (828 USD) |
1 BHK Apartment outside City Center  | 150,000 MWK (133.50 USD) | 4,500 ZMW (207 USD) |
2 BHK Apartment outside City Center  | 300,000 MWK (267 USD) | 8,000 ZMW (368 USD) |
3 BHK Apartment outside City Center  | 500,000 MWK (445 USD) | 12,000 ZMW (552 USD) |
Mortgage Rates Per Month  | 1.5 % | 8 % |
Realtor Commission  | 3 % | 3 % |
Property Taxes  | Yet to Update | 0.1 to 0.3 % |
The average housing cost in Malawi is 1.06 times more expensive than Zambia.
Indicators | Malawi | Zambia |
|---|---|---|
Basic Home Furnishing  | 2,000,000 MWK (1,780 USD) | 15,000 ZMW (690 USD) |
Electricity Cost Per Month  | 40,000 MWK (35.60 USD) | 400 ZMW (18.40 USD) |
Heating Cost Per Month  | 20,000 MWK (17.80 USD) | 300 ZMW (13.80 USD) |
Cooling Cost Per Month  | 15,000 MWK (13.35 USD) | 200 ZMW (9.20 USD) |
Water Supply Cost Per Month  | 15,000 MWK (13.35 USD) | 250 ZMW (11.50 USD) |
If you lived in Malawi, instead of Zambia, you would have to pay 150.38% more for Utilities.
The basic home furnishing in Malawi costs 2.58 times more compared to Zambia.
Indicators | Malawi | Zambia |
|---|---|---|
Standard Wifi Cost Per Month  | 25,000 MWK (22.25 USD) | 600 ZMW (27.60 USD) |
Mobile Phone Basic Plan Cost Per Month  | 15,000 MWK (13.35 USD) | 300 ZMW (13.80 USD) |
Landline Basic Plan Cost Per Month  | 10,000 MWK (8.90 USD) | 200 ZMW (9.20 USD) |
Cable TV Basic Plan Cost Per Month  | 20,000 MWK (17.80 USD) | 500 ZMW (23 USD) |
The internet and communication costs 15.35% less in Malawi compared to Zambia.
Indicators | Malawi | Zambia |
|---|---|---|
Long Grain Rice (1 KG)  | 3,000 MWK (2.67 USD) | 35 ZMW (1.61 USD) |
Milk (1 Liter)  | 1,500 MWK (1.33 USD) | 15 ZMW (0.69 USD) |
Water (1 Liter)  | 1,000 MWK (0.89 USD) | 10 ZMW (0.46 USD) |
Bread (500 gm)  | 1,000 MWK (0.89 USD) | 10 ZMW (0.46 USD) |
Eggs (1 Dozen)  | 2,000 MWK (1.78 USD) | 25 ZMW (1.15 USD) |
Cheese (1 KG)  | 12,000 MWK (10.68 USD) | 80 ZMW (3.68 USD) |
Chicken Breast (1 KG)  | 10,000 MWK (8.90 USD) | 60 ZMW (2.76 USD) |
In Malawi, the cost of 1 Liter Water and 1 Liter Milk is 1.93 times more expensive than the cost in Zambia.
If you lived in Malawi, instead of Zambia, you would have to pay 151.11% more for Groceries.
Indicators | Malawi | Zambia |
|---|---|---|
Apples (1 KG)  | 4,000 MWK (3.56 USD) | 50 ZMW (2.30 USD) |
Bananas (1 KG)  | 2,500 MWK (2.23 USD) | 25 ZMW (1.15 USD) |
Oranges (1 KG)  | 3,000 MWK (2.67 USD) | 30 ZMW (1.38 USD) |
Tomatoes (1 KG)  | 2,500 MWK (2.23 USD) | 20 ZMW (0.92 USD) |
Potatoes (1 KG)  | 2,000 MWK (1.78 USD) | 15 ZMW (0.69 USD) |
Lemons (1 KG)  | 3,500 MWK (3.11 USD) | 50 ZMW (2.30 USD) |
Onions (1 KG)  | 2,500 MWK (2.23 USD) | 25 ZMW (1.15 USD) |
Lentils (1 KG)  | 3,500 MWK (3.11 USD) | 40 ZMW (1.84 USD) |
If you lived in Malawi, instead of Zambia, you would have to pay 1.78 times more for Fruits and Vegetables.
Indicators | Malawi | Zambia |
|---|---|---|
Meal at a Resonable Restaurant  | 10,000 MWK (8.90 USD) | 70 ZMW (3.22 USD) |
Three-Course Meal for Two  | 35,000 MWK (31.15 USD) | 300 ZMW (13.80 USD) |
Fast Food Combo Meal  | 8,000 MWK (7.12 USD) | 40 ZMW (1.84 USD) |
Normal Coffee  | 1,500 MWK (1.33 USD) | 20 ZMW (0.92 USD) |
Soft Drink  | 1,000 MWK (0.89 USD) | 10 ZMW (0.46 USD) |
Pizza for One  | 15,000 MWK (13.35 USD) | 100 ZMW (4.60 USD) |
Take-Out Delivery Meal  | 20,000 MWK (17.80 USD) | 60 ZMW (2.76 USD) |
Cigarette Pack of 20  | 6,000 MWK (5.34 USD) | 30 ZMW (1.38 USD) |
Dining-Out costs 196.36% more in Malawi compared to Zambia.
Indicators | Malawi | Zambia |
|---|---|---|
Wine Mid-Range Bottle  | 15,000 MWK (13.35 USD) | 200 ZMW (9.20 USD) |
Glass of Wine  | 5,000 MWK (4.45 USD) | 100 ZMW (4.60 USD) |
Domestic Beer Half Liter  | 2,000 MWK (1.78 USD) | 20 ZMW (0.92 USD) |
Imported Beer Half Liter  | 3,000 MWK (2.67 USD) | 30 ZMW (1.38 USD) |
Domestic Alcohol 1 Liter  | 20,000 MWK (17.80 USD) | 120 ZMW (5.52 USD) |
Branded Alcohol 1 Liter  | 30,000 MWK (26.70 USD) | 200 ZMW (9.20 USD) |
If you lived in Malawi, instead of Zambia, you would have to pay 2.17 times more for usual hard drinks.
Indicators | Malawi | Zambia |
|---|---|---|
Monthly Public Transportation Pass  | 30,000 MWK (26.70 USD) | 300 ZMW (13.80 USD) |
Single Public Transportation Ticket  | 500 MWK (0.44 USD) | 10 ZMW (0.46 USD) |
Single Train Ticket  | Yet to Update () | Yet to Update () |
Domestic Airplane Ticket  | 200,000 MWK (178 USD) | 1,500 ZMW (69 USD) |
Taxi Start Fare  | 1,500 MWK (1.33 USD) | 20 ZMW (0.92 USD) |
Taxi Rate Per Kilometer  | 800 MWK (0.71 USD) | 5 ZMW (0.23 USD) |
Car Rental Per Day  | 50,000 MWK (44.50 USD) | 400 ZMW (18.40 USD) |
Parking Fees in City Center Per Hour  | 1,000 MWK (0.89 USD) | 10 ZMW (0.46 USD) |
Parking Fees outside City Center Per Hour  | 500 MWK (0.44 USD) | 5 ZMW (0.23 USD) |
If you lived in Malawi, instead of Zambia, you would have to pay 2.44 times more for transportation.
Indicators | Malawi | Zambia |
|---|---|---|
Reasonable Vehicle Purchase Cost  | 30,000,000 MWK (26,700 USD) | 100,000 ZMW (4,600 USD) |
Vehicle Registration Cost  | 100,000 MWK (89 USD) | 500 ZMW (23 USD) |
Driving License Fees  | 50,000 MWK (44.50 USD) | 200 ZMW (9.20 USD) |
Car Insurance Cost  | 200,000 MWK (178 USD) | 1,000 ZMW (46 USD) |
Car Maintenance Cost  | 100,000 MWK (89 USD) | 400 ZMW (18.40 USD) |
Car Loan Interest Rates  | 15 % | 8 % |
Fuel Per Liter  | 1,500 MWK (1.33 USD) | 15 ZMW (0.69 USD) |
Fuel Per Gallon  | 6,000 MWK (5.34 USD) | 60 ZMW (2.76 USD) |
Average Toll Fees  | Yet to Update | Yet to Update |
You would have to pay 5.77 times more for Vehicle purchase, daily operation and maintenance in Malawi compared to that of Zambia.
Indicators | Malawi | Zambia |
|---|---|---|
Doctor Visit  | 30,000 MWK (26.70 USD) | 200 ZMW (9.20 USD) |
Specialist Visit  | 60,000 MWK (53.40 USD) | 500 ZMW (23 USD) |
Dentist Visit  | 40,000 MWK (35.60 USD) | 300 ZMW (13.80 USD) |
Eye Exam  | 20,000 MWK (17.80 USD) | 100 ZMW (4.60 USD) |
Mental Health Counseling  | 50,000 MWK (44.50 USD) | 300 ZMW (13.80 USD) |
Preventive Health Screening  | 25,000 MWK (22.25 USD) | 100 ZMW (4.60 USD) |
Physical Therapy  | 40,000 MWK (35.60 USD) | 200 ZMW (9.20 USD) |
Emergency Room Visit  | 100,000 MWK (89 USD) | 1,000 ZMW (46 USD) |
Hospital Stay Per Night  | 150,000 MWK (133.50 USD) | 800 ZMW (36.80 USD) |
Vaccinations  | 20,000 MWK (17.80 USD) | 100 ZMW (4.60 USD) |
Prescription Medication  | 10,000 MWK (8.90 USD) | 50 ZMW (2.30 USD) |
Over the Counter Medication  | 5,000 MWK (4.45 USD) | 20 ZMW (0.92 USD) |
Health Insurance Premiums  | 80,000 MWK (71.20 USD) | 1,000 ZMW (46 USD) |
Health Insurance Deductibles  | 20,000 MWK (17.80 USD) | 500 ZMW (23 USD) |
If you lived in Malawi, instead of Zambia, you would have to pay 2.43 times more for Health and Medical Treatment.
Indicators | Malawi | Zambia |
|---|---|---|
Cosmetic Procedures  | 700,000 MWK (623 USD) | 1,000 ZMW (46 USD) |
Spa Treatment  | 50,000 MWK (44.50 USD) | 500 ZMW (23 USD) |
Manicure Pedicure Cost  | 30,000 MWK (26.70 USD) | 100 ZMW (4.60 USD) |
Optical Glasses Cost  | 100,000 MWK (89 USD) | 200 ZMW (9.20 USD) |
Contact Lenses Cost  | 70,000 MWK (62.30 USD) | 150 ZMW (6.90 USD) |
Haircuts  | 15,000 MWK (13.35 USD) | 50 ZMW (2.30 USD) |
Hair Coloring  | 30,000 MWK (26.70 USD) | 150 ZMW (6.90 USD) |
Shampoo Price  | 2,500 MWK (2.23 USD) | 30 ZMW (1.38 USD) |
Toothpaste Price  | 1,000 MWK (0.89 USD) | 10 ZMW (0.46 USD) |
If you lived in Malawi, instead of Zambia, you would have to pay 8.82 times more for Personal Care Items and Treatment.
Indicators | Malawi | Zambia |
|---|---|---|
Pair of Nike Running Shoes  | 100,000 MWK (89 USD) | 700 ZMW (32.20 USD) |
Men's Shirt  | 50,000 MWK (44.50 USD) | 150 ZMW (6.90 USD) |
Women's Dress  | 80,000 MWK (71.20 USD) | 500 ZMW (23 USD) |
Summer Dress  | 50,000 MWK (44.50 USD) | 300 ZMW (13.80 USD) |
Men's Suit  | 250,000 MWK (222.50 USD) | 2,000 ZMW (92 USD) |
Men's Jeans  | 60,000 MWK (53.40 USD) | 300 ZMW (13.80 USD) |
Women's Jeans  | 50,000 MWK (44.50 USD) | 300 ZMW (13.80 USD) |
Men's Formal Shoes  | 90,000 MWK (80.10 USD) | 500 ZMW (23 USD) |
Women's Formal Shoes  | 80,000 MWK (71.20 USD) | 500 ZMW (23 USD) |
Men's Casual Shoes  | 70,000 MWK (62.30 USD) | 400 ZMW (18.40 USD) |
Women's Casual Shoes  | 60,000 MWK (53.40 USD) | 400 ZMW (18.40 USD) |
Underwear For Men  | 15,000 MWK (13.35 USD) | 50 ZMW (2.30 USD) |
Underwear For Women  | 20,000 MWK (17.80 USD) | 50 ZMW (2.30 USD) |
Socks For Men  | 5,000 MWK (4.45 USD) | 20 ZMW (0.92 USD) |
Socks For Women  | 5,000 MWK (4.45 USD) | 20 ZMW (0.92 USD) |
Wintercoat for Adults  | 100,000 MWK (89 USD) | 500 ZMW (23 USD) |
Sportswear  | 60,000 MWK (53.40 USD) | 300 ZMW (13.80 USD) |
If you lived in Malawi, instead of Zambia, you would have to pay 3.17 times more for Clothing and Footwear for Adults.
Indicators | Malawi | Zambia |
|---|---|---|
Children's Jeans  | 30,000 MWK (26.70 USD) | 150 ZMW (6.90 USD) |
Children's Normal Sneakers  | 40,000 MWK (35.60 USD) | 200 ZMW (9.20 USD) |
Children's Winter Coat  | 60,000 MWK (53.40 USD) | 300 ZMW (13.80 USD) |
Daycare for Infant  | 70,000 MWK (62.30 USD) | 1,500 ZMW (69 USD) |
Daycare for Toddler  | 60,000 MWK (53.40 USD) | 2,000 ZMW (92 USD) |
Childcare for Sick Days  | 20,000 MWK (17.80 USD) | 500 ZMW (23 USD) |
Early Childhood Education Programs  | 50,000 MWK (44.50 USD) | 800 ZMW (36.80 USD) |
Extra Curricular Activities  | 25,000 MWK (22.25 USD) | 500 ZMW (23 USD) |
Summer Camp for Kids  | 100,000 MWK (89 USD) | 1,000 ZMW (46 USD) |
If you lived in Malawi, instead of Zambia, you would have to pay 1.27 times more for Childcare and kids clothing.
Indicators | Malawi | Zambia |
|---|---|---|
PreSchool Fees  | 90,000 MWK (80.10 USD) | 2,500 ZMW (115 USD) |
Primary School Fees  | 200,000 MWK (178 USD) | 5,000 ZMW (230 USD) |
Secondary School Fees  | 300,000 MWK (267 USD) | 7,000 ZMW (322 USD) |
Private School Fees  | 600,000 MWK (534 USD) | 10,000 ZMW (460 USD) |
University Tuition Fees  | 1,200,000 MWK (1,068 USD) | 25,000 ZMW (1,150 USD) |
University Private Tuition Fees  | 1,500,000 MWK (1,335 USD) | 35,000 ZMW (1,610 USD) |
After School Activities  | 25,000 MWK (22.25 USD) | 500 ZMW (23 USD) |
Special Education Services  | 50,000 MWK (44.50 USD) | 800 ZMW (36.80 USD) |
Tutoring  | 20,000 MWK (17.80 USD) | 200 ZMW (9.20 USD) |
Textbooks Cost  | 25,000 MWK (22.25 USD) | 200 ZMW (9.20 USD) |
School Supplies  | 15,000 MWK (13.35 USD) | 100 ZMW (4.60 USD) |
If you lived in Malawi, instead of Zambia, you would have to pay 1.11 times less for school and education.
Indicators | Malawi | Zambia |
|---|---|---|
Movie Ticket (Single)  | 2,000 MWK (1.78 USD) | 50 ZMW (2.30 USD) |
Theater Ticket (Single)  | 5,000 MWK (4.45 USD) | 100 ZMW (4.60 USD) |
Concert Ticket (Single)  | 10,000 MWK (8.90 USD) | 150 ZMW (6.90 USD) |
Sports Event Ticket (Single)  | 15,000 MWK (13.35 USD) | 100 ZMW (4.60 USD) |
Gym Membership  | 30,000 MWK (26.70 USD) | 400 ZMW (18.40 USD) |
Swimming Pool Access  | 10,000 MWK (8.90 USD) | 150 ZMW (6.90 USD) |
Museum Entry Ticket  | 2,000 MWK (1.78 USD) | 50 ZMW (2.30 USD) |
Zoo Entry Ticket  | 3,000 MWK (2.67 USD) | 30 ZMW (1.38 USD) |
Amusement Park Entry Ticket  | 10,000 MWK (8.90 USD) | 100 ZMW (4.60 USD) |
Bowling  | 15,000 MWK (13.35 USD) | 80 ZMW (3.68 USD) |
Mini Golf  | 10,000 MWK (8.90 USD) | 50 ZMW (2.30 USD) |
Video Games  | 60,000 MWK (53.40 USD) | 500 ZMW (23 USD) |
Streaming Services  | 15,000 MWK (13.35 USD) | 200 ZMW (9.20 USD) |
Outdoor Equipment Rental  | 10,000 MWK (8.90 USD) | 80 ZMW (3.68 USD) |
Theme Park Annual Pass  | 150,000 MWK (133.50 USD) | 1,000 ZMW (46 USD) |
If you lived in Malawi, instead of Zambia, you would have to pay 2.21 times more for entertainment, recreation and fun activities.
Indicators | Malawi | Zambia |
|---|---|---|
Language Classes  | 30,000 MWK (26.70 USD) | 500 ZMW (23 USD) |
Parenting Classes  | 20,000 MWK (17.80 USD) | 500 ZMW (23 USD) |
Art Classes  | 35,000 MWK (31.15 USD) | 100 ZMW (4.60 USD) |
Fitness Classes  | 20,000 MWK (17.80 USD) | 60 ZMW (2.76 USD) |
Music Lessons  | 30,000 MWK (26.70 USD) | 200 ZMW (9.20 USD) |
Dance Lessons  | 25,000 MWK (22.25 USD) | 200 ZMW (9.20 USD) |
Reading Materials for Classes  | 5,000 MWK (4.45 USD) | 50 ZMW (2.30 USD) |
Educational Software  | 50,000 MWK (44.50 USD) | 400 ZMW (18.40 USD) |
If you lived in Malawi, instead of Zambia, you would have to pay 2.07 times more for Private Classes.
Indicators | Malawi | Zambia |
|---|---|---|
Average Gross Monthly Salary  | 300,000 MWK (267 USD) | 7,000 ZMW (322 USD) |
Average Net Monthly Salary  | 200,000 MWK (178 USD) | 5,000 ZMW (230 USD) |
Minimum Wages  | 1,666.67 MWK per hour (1.48 USD) | 100 ZMW per hour (4.60 USD) |
Average Bonus  | 20,000 MWK (17.80 USD) | 1,000 ZMW (46 USD) |
Income Tax Rate  | 0 to 16.5 % | 0 to 16 % |
Social Security Contributions  | 5 % | 5 % |
Pension Contributions  | 10 % | 5 % |
Cost of Living Index  | 45 | 40 |
Median Household Income  | 250,000 MWK (222.50 USD) | 6,000 ZMW (276 USD) |
If you lived in Malawi, you would earn 1.28 times less salary as compared to Zambia.
Indicators | Malawi | Zambia |
|---|---|---|
Legal Consultation Per Hour Rate  | 50,000 MWK (44.50 USD) | 300 ZMW (13.80 USD) |
Accounting Services Per Hour Rate  | 60,000 MWK (53.40 USD) | 250 ZMW (11.50 USD) |
IT Support Services Per Hour Rate  | 40,000 MWK (35.60 USD) | 200 ZMW (9.20 USD) |
Technician Services Per Hour Rate  | 45,000 MWK (40.05 USD) | 250 ZMW (11.50 USD) |
Professional Services cost 3.77 times more in Malawi, as compared to Zambia.
We hope you enjoyed the detailed guide on the cost of living comparsion between Malawi and Zambia.
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