Cost Of Living in Malawi 2024

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Malawi

Whether you're living in Malawi or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.

Average Monthly Expenditure

170,000 MWK

per month
$100

13,000 MWK   $7.7
$1,000   1.7M MWK

Single

120,000 MWK

per month
$69

39,000 MWK   $23
$460   770,000 MWK

Couple

190,000 MWK

per month
$120

65,000 MWK   $38
$610   1M MWK

Family

260,000 MWK

per month
$150

90,000 MWK   $54
$840   1.4M MWK

Student

74,000 MWK

per month
$44

30,000 MWK   $18
$80   130,000 MWK
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Malawi is 120,000 MWK. Expenses can range from 39,000 MWK at the minimum level to 770,000 MWK at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Malawi is 190,000 MWK. Expenditure can range from 65,000 MWK to 1M MWK per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Malawi is 260,000 MWK per month. Families spend anywhere from 90,000 MWK to 1.4M MWK.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Malawi is 74,000 MWK. Students spend from 30,000 MWK to 130,000 MWK per month.


Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.

Prices and cost of goods and services in Malawi


Dining, food, and beverages costs


Large bottle of water
19 MWK 22 MWK 25 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.01 $0.01 $0.02
Fast food combo meal
170 MWK 330 MWK 550 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.10 $0.20 $0.33
Restaurant meal for one
550 MWK 830 MWK 1,700 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.33 $0.49 $0.98
Fine dining meal for one
1,100 MWK 1,700 MWK 6,600 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.65 $0.98 $3.9
Soda or Soft Drink
24 MWK 28 MWK 33 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.01 $0.02 $0.02
Cappuccino or latte
140 MWK 220 MWK 330 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.08 $0.13 $0.20

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle
110 MWK 130 MWK 170 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.07 $0.08 $0.10
Loaf of bread
20 MWK 23 MWK 26 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.01 $0.01 $0.02
12 eggs
83 MWK 110 MWK 170 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.05 $0.07 $0.10
Fresh whole chicken
190 MWK 240 MWK 340 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.11 $0.14 $0.20
Beef 1 kg or 1 lb
220 MWK 330 MWK 660 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.13 $0.20 $0.39
Rice 1 kg or 1 lb
89 MWK 120 MWK 170 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.05 $0.07 $0.10
Tomato 1 kg or 1 lb
33 MWK 44 MWK 83 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.02 $0.03 $0.05
Apples 1 kg or 1 lb
59 MWK 77 MWK 130 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.04 $0.05 $0.08

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride
140 MWK 170 MWK 330 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.08 $0.10 $0.20
Average car full tank
830 MWK 1,100 MWK 2,200 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.49 $0.65 $1.3
Average car 1-day rental
830 MWK 1,100 MWK 1,700 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.49 $0.65 $0.98
Average car price
410,000 MWK 830,000 MWK 1.1M MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$250 $490 $650
Bus ticket one way
28 MWK 41 MWK 83 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.02 $0.02 $0.05
Car Service
1,100 MWK 1,700 MWK 3,300 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.65 $0.98 $2

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual
2,300 MWK 7,000 MWK 46,000 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.4 $4.1 $28
Utility Bill - Couple
3,200 MWK 9,700 MWK 52,000 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.9 $5.8 $31
Utility Bill - Family
2,700 MWK 7,700 MWK 43,000 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.6 $4.6 $25
Internet and cable
830 MWK 1,700 MWK 2,200 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.49 $0.98 $1.3
Mobile phone charges
660 MWK 1,100 MWK 3,300 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.39 $0.65 $2

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket
410 MWK 550 MWK 830 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.25 $0.33 $0.49
One month gym membership
1,300 MWK 1,700 MWK 3,300 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.79 $0.98 $2

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants
970 MWK 1,400 MWK 2,100 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.58 $0.82 $1.2
Woman dress
920 MWK 1,300 MWK 4,100 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.55 $0.76 $2.5
Woman shoes
870 MWK 1,200 MWK 2,800 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.52 $0.70 $1.6
Men's shoes
750 MWK 920 MWK 1,800 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.45 $0.55 $1.1
Men suit
830 MWK 1,000 MWK 5,500 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.49 $0.61 $3.3
Regular t-shirt
410 MWK 550 MWK 1,700 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.25 $0.33 $0.98

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment
14,000 MWK 21,000 MWK 55,000 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.2 $12 $33
1-bedroom apartment
21,000 MWK 33,000 MWK 83,000 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12 $20 $49
2-bedroom apartment
28,000 MWK 41,000 MWK 110,000 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $25 $65

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment
2.8M MWK 4.1M MWK 8.3M MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,600 $2,500 $4,900
1-bedroom apartment
3.3M MWK 5.5M MWK 21M MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,000 $3,300 $12,000
2-bedroom apartment
5.5M MWK 17M MWK 33M MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3,300 $9,800 $20,000

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed
17,000 MWK 21,000 MWK 28,000 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.8 $12 $16
Double Bed
11,000 MWK 17,000 MWK 21,000 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.5 $9.8 $12
Single Bed
9,700 MWK 13,000 MWK 17,000 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.8 $7.6 $9.8
Living Room
18,000 MWK 24,000 MWK 83,000 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $14 $49
Dining Table
8,300 MWK 11,000 MWK 21,000 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.9 $6.5 $12
Sofa or Couch
11,000 MWK 15,000 MWK 33,000 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.5 $8.9 $20

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set
11,000 MWK 17,000 MWK 33,000 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.5 $9.8 $20
Fridge or Freezer
9,700 MWK 15,000 MWK 21,000 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.8 $8.9 $12
Washing Machine
13,000 MWK 18,000 MWK 33,000 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.6 $11 $20
Stove or Cooker
12,000 MWK 15,000 MWK 21,000 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7 $8.9 $12
Mobile Phone
14,000 MWK 17,000 MWK 24,000 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.2 $9.8 $14
Laptop or Computer
15,000 MWK 18,000 MWK 33,000 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.9 $11 $20

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Malawi

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.


Spending to Income Ratio

87%

81% to 96%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%4%
50% - 60%9%
60% - 70%15%
70% - 80%25%
80% - 90%20%
90% - 100%11%
100% - 110%6%
110% - 120%4%
120% - 130%3%
130% - 140%2%
> 140%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Malawi is 87% This means that on average, people spend around 87% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 15% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.


How can spending be more than income?

A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.



Individual
78%
Spending-Income-Ratio
73%
86%

Couple
83%
Spending-Income-Ratio
77%
91%

Family
91%
Spending-Income-Ratio
85%
100%

How do people spend their money in Malawi?

We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.

The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing Expenditure23%

23% of total expenses on average (12% to 31%)

LOW$2.3   3,900 MWK
AVERAGE$30   50,000 MWK
HIGH$300   500,000 MWK
Per Month

People living in Malawi typically spend from 12% to 31% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 23% being the average. The average spend on housing is 50,000 MWK with expenditure ranging from 3,900 MWK to 500,000 MWK. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.

Utilities, Electricity, Water8%

8% of total expenses on average (5% to 12%)

LOW$0.38   650 MWK
AVERAGE$5   8,400 MWK
HIGH$50   84,000 MWK
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Malawi ranges from 5% to 12% of total expenses with 8% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 8,400 MWK with 650 MWK and 84,000 MWK being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute7%

7% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$0.77   1,300 MWK
AVERAGE$10   17,000 MWK
HIGH$100   170,000 MWK
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 1,300 MWK to 170,000 MWK on commuting with 17,000 MWK being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 7% of total spending on average but can go as low as 3% or as high as 11%.

Food and Groceries Cost28%

28% of total expenses on average (20% to 34%)

LOW$1.9   3,200 MWK
AVERAGE$25   42,000 MWK
HIGH$250   420,000 MWK
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Malawi is 42,000 MWK. The cost of groceries can range between 3,200 MWK to 420,000 MWK. People spend on average about 28% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 20% and 34% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services10%

10% of total expenses on average (5% to 13%)

LOW$0.54   900 MWK
AVERAGE$7   12,000 MWK
HIGH$70   120,000 MWK
Per Month

People in Malawi allocate 5% to 13% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 10%. The range of medical expenses range from 900 MWK to 120,000 MWK with 12,000 MWK being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$0.31   520 MWK
AVERAGE$4   6,700 MWK
HIGH$40   67,000 MWK
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 520 MWK to 67,000 MWK with 6,700 MWK being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 8% of total expenses with an average of 4% for most residents.

Education and Schooling5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$0.46   770 MWK
AVERAGE$6   10,000 MWK
HIGH$60   100,000 MWK
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 5% of the monthly expenditure with 3% and 11% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 10,000 MWK per month with 770 MWK being the minimum spent amount and 100,000 MWK being the maximum.

Other Expenses14%

14% of total expenses on average (9% to 21%)

LOW$1.00   1,700 MWK
AVERAGE$13   22,000 MWK
HIGH$130   220,000 MWK
Per Month

How much money can you save in Malawi every month?

We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.


What percentage of people in Malawi manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
50%
Not Saving
50%

Almost 50% of the surveyed people in Malawi said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 50% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Malawi

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles54%46%
Couples49%51%
Families44%56%

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


Saving to Income Ratio

9% 17% of income 29%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

3,600 MWK
$2.1
47,000 MWK
$28
470,000 MWK
$280
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 9% to 29% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 17% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 47,000 MWK on average with savings ranging from 3,600 MWK to 470,000 MWK.

54% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 49% of couples said the same. 44% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Malawi?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.


Singles

Saving to Income Ratio

12% 21% of income 31%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

11,000 MWK
$6.4
32,000 MWK
$19
220,000 MWK
$130
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%31%
10% - 20%25%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%14%
40% - 50%11%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 12% to 31% of their monthly income to savings, with 21% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 32,000 MWK with 11,000 MWK and 220,000 MWK being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

10% 19% of income 30%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

18,000 MWK
$11
54,000 MWK
$32
290,000 MWK
$170
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%35%
10% - 20%27%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%9%
40% - 50%8%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 10% to 30% of their monthly income, with 19% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 54,000 MWK with 18,000 MWK and 290,000 MWK being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

9% 16% of income 28%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

25,000 MWK
$15
72,000 MWK
$43
400,000 MWK
$240
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%38%
10% - 20%30%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%6%
40% - 50%5%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Malawi can save anywhere between 9% to 28% of their monthly income, with 16% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 72,000 MWK with 25,000 MWK and 400,000 MWK being the minimum and maximum respectively.

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Affordable living in Malawi

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Malawi?


Yes
42%
No
58%

Around 42% of surveyed residents think that living in Malawi is affordable with proper budgeting while 58% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Malawi

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options53%

Few low-cost options47%


Based on the survey, 53% of the people living in Malawi have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 47% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents of Malawi whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes40%

No60%


Based on the survey, 60% of the people living in Malawi said that they don't have an emergency fund while 40% said that they do.

Financial Literacy in Malawi

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy37%


We asked residents of Malawi whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 63% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 37% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether residents of Malawi have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so asked the people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 59% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 41% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance59%

Easily manages finances41%

Financial goals of people in Malawi

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Malawi, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund8%
Debt Reduction43%
Retirement Savings10%
Education Funding7%
Homeownership18%
Investing6%
Travel or Lifestyle6%
Healthcare Expenses14%
Financial Independence5%

Around 8% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 43% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 10% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 7% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 18% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 6% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 6% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 14% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Saving Challenges in Malawi

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Malawi. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income5%
High Expenses8%
Debt and Loans13%
Lack of Budgeting Skills12%
Impulsive Spending12%
Financial Emergencies7%
Living the moment5%
Will do it later21%
Inflation13%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability2%

Around 5% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 8% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 13% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 12% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 12% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 7% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 5% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 21% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 13% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or societal expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 2% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Typical saving choices for people in Malawi

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds12%
Gold13%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts10%
Cash Savings21%
Real Estate9%
Investment5%
Stocks4%
Bonds5%
Mutual Funds2%
Certificates of Deposit3%

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Malawi

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Malawi and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in Malawi is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.

Retirement planning and savings

There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.


The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Malawi:
AgeAmount
25430,000 MWK
30860,000 MWK
351.5M MWK
402.1M MWK
453.2M MWK
504.5M MWK
555.4M MWK
606.7M MWK
657.9M MWK

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of Malawi about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions12%
Savings23%
Investments12%
Social Security7%
Annuities7%
Part-time Job15%
Real Estate18%
Dividends and Interest7%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Malawi

29,000 MWK
$17
86,000 MWK
$51
580,000 MWK
$340
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Malawi


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
32%
Debt Free
68%

According to the survey, 32% of the people in Malawi have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 68% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Debt-to-income ratio in Malawi

Debt to income ratio

32%

24% to 41%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 32% of the people's monthly income in Malawi goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%18%
40% - 50%15%
30% - 40%17%
20% - 30%10%
10% - 20%12%
0% - 10%25%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Malawi pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 18% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 15% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 17% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 10% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Malawi

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage8%
Auto Loan15%
Student Loan4%
Credit Card30%
Personal Loan43%

8% of debtors in Malawi confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 30% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 15% of people and personal loans rose at 43%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 4% of debtors in Malawi.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Malawi

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Malawi how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never50%
Once a year24%
Twice a year13%
Three times a year9%
Four times a year4%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Malawi

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Malawi

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment
14,000 MWK 21,000 MWK 55,000 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.2 $12 $33
1-bedroom apartment
21,000 MWK 33,000 MWK 83,000 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12 $20 $49
2-bedroom apartment
28,000 MWK 41,000 MWK 110,000 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $25 $65
3-bedroom apartment
33,000 MWK 55,000 MWK 150,000 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $33 $89
Furnished apartment
66,000 MWK 170,000 MWK 330,000 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$39 $98 $200
Townhouse
55,000 MWK 83,000 MWK 240,000 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$33 $49 $140
House
66,000 MWK 170,000 MWK 330,000 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$39 $98 $200
Villa
83,000 MWK 210,000 MWK 330,000 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$49 $120 $200

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Malawi ranges between 14,000 MWK and 55,000 MWK, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 21,000 MWK to 83,000 MWK. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 28,000 MWK and 110,000 MWK per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 33,000 MWK to 150,000 MWK. The average rent of a townhouse in Malawi is around 83,000 MWK while house rental costs can be as high as 170,000 MWK per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 83,000 MWK to 330,000 MWK per month.



Apartment and house prices in Malawi

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment
2.8M MWK 4.1M MWK 8.3M MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,600 $2,500 $4,900
1-bedroom apartment
3.3M MWK 5.5M MWK 21M MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,000 $3,300 $12,000
2-bedroom apartment
5.5M MWK 17M MWK 33M MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3,300 $9,800 $20,000
3-bedroom apartment
18M MWK 28M MWK 83M MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11,000 $16,000 $49,000
Townhouse
24M MWK 55M MWK 210M MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$14,000 $33,000 $120,000
House
28M MWK 170M MWK 240M MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16,000 $98,000 $140,000
Villa
33M MWK 180M MWK 280M MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20,000 $110,000 $160,000

The average price of a studio apartment in Malawi can range from 2.8M MWK to 8.3M MWK depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 3.3M MWK to 21M MWK. A villa can cost you 180M MWK on average with prices ranging from 33M MWK to 280M MWK.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Malawi will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


30 x84 monthly income 191
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Malawi can be x84 to x191 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x84 multiples of the average monthly salary in Malawi.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


18% 28% of income 38%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Malawi is around 28%. This means that people pay 28% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 18% to 38% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
26%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
1.8%
AVERAGE
2.8%
TO
3.8%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


260 MWK 3,400 MWK 34,000 MWK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.


Single
Spending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Malawi

Housing29%

29% of total expenses on average (17% to 41%)

LOW$8.3   14,000 MWK
AVERAGE$25   42,000 MWK
HIGH$170   280,000 MWK
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water9%

9% of total expenses on average (5% to 14%)

LOW$1.4   2,300 MWK
AVERAGE$4.1   7,000 MWK
HIGH$28   46,000 MWK
Per Month

Transport, Fuel5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$1.8   3,100 MWK
AVERAGE$5.5   9,300 MWK
HIGH$37   62,000 MWK
Per Month

Food and Groceries19%

19% of total expenses on average (13% to 24%)

LOW$3.7   6,200 MWK
AVERAGE$11   19,000 MWK
HIGH$74   120,000 MWK
Per Month

Healthcare12%

12% of total expenses on average (6% to 16%)

LOW$2.1   3,500 MWK
AVERAGE$6.2   10,000 MWK
HIGH$41   70,000 MWK
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping2%

2% of total expenses on average (2% to 5%)

LOW$1.2   1,900 MWK
AVERAGE$3.5   5,800 MWK
HIGH$23   39,000 MWK
Per Month

Education1%

1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)

LOW$0.46   770 MWK
AVERAGE$1.4   2,300 MWK
HIGH$9.2   15,000 MWK
Per Month

Other Expenses22%

22% of total expenses on average (14% to 26%)

LOW$4.1   7,000 MWK
AVERAGE$12   21,000 MWK
HIGH$83   140,000 MWK
Per Month


Couple
Average monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Malawi

Housing26%

26% of total expenses on average (19% to 36%)

LOW$13   21,000 MWK
AVERAGE$38   64,000 MWK
HIGH$200   340,000 MWK
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water8%

8% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)

LOW$1.9   3,200 MWK
AVERAGE$5.8   9,700 MWK
HIGH$31   52,000 MWK
Per Month

Transport, Fuel9%

9% of total expenses on average (3% to 14%)

LOW$4.6   7,700 MWK
AVERAGE$14   23,000 MWK
HIGH$74   120,000 MWK
Per Month

Food and Groceries17%

17% of total expenses on average (12% to 22%)

LOW$5.4   9,000 MWK
AVERAGE$16   27,000 MWK
HIGH$86   140,000 MWK
Per Month

Healthcare14%

14% of total expenses on average (8% to 18%)

LOW$4.2   7,100 MWK
AVERAGE$13   21,000 MWK
HIGH$68   110,000 MWK
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)

LOW$2.3   3,900 MWK
AVERAGE$6.9   12,000 MWK
HIGH$37   62,000 MWK
Per Month

Education1%

1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)

LOW$0.77   1,300 MWK
AVERAGE$2.3   3,900 MWK
HIGH$12   21,000 MWK
Per Month

Other Expenses21%

21% of total expenses on average (15% to 27%)

LOW$6.5   11,000 MWK
AVERAGE$20   33,000 MWK
HIGH$100   180,000 MWK
Per Month


Family
Average monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Malawi

Housing25%

25% of total expenses on average (20% to 35%)

LOW$17   29,000 MWK
AVERAGE$49   83,000 MWK
HIGH$270   450,000 MWK
Per Month

Transport, Fuel5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)

LOW$4.3   7,200 MWK
AVERAGE$12   21,000 MWK
HIGH$68   110,000 MWK
Per Month

Food and Groceries21%

21% of total expenses on average (14% to 27%)

LOW$9.7   16,000 MWK
AVERAGE$28   46,000 MWK
HIGH$150   260,000 MWK
Per Month

Healthcare11%

11% of total expenses on average (7% to 16%)

LOW$4.3   7,200 MWK
AVERAGE$12   21,000 MWK
HIGH$68   110,000 MWK
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)

LOW$2.7   4,500 MWK
AVERAGE$7.7   13,000 MWK
HIGH$42   71,000 MWK
Per Month

Education13%

13% of total expenses on average (6% to 21%)

LOW$7.5   13,000 MWK
AVERAGE$22   36,000 MWK
HIGH$120   200,000 MWK
Per Month

Other Expenses16%

16% of total expenses on average (9% to 21%)

LOW$6.5   11,000 MWK
AVERAGE$18   31,000 MWK
HIGH$100   170,000 MWK
Per Month


Student
Cost of living and expenses break down for students living in Malawi

Housing17%

17% of total expenses on average (12% to 23%)

LOW$4.2   7,100 MWK
AVERAGE$11   18,000 MWK
HIGH$19   32,000 MWK
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$0.71   1,200 MWK
AVERAGE$1.8   3,000 MWK
HIGH$3.2   5,300 MWK
Per Month

Transport, Fuel4%

4% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$1.2   2,100 MWK
AVERAGE$3.1   5,200 MWK
HIGH$5.6   9,400 MWK
Per Month

Food and Groceries23%

23% of total expenses on average (17% to 27%)

LOW$3.5   5,900 MWK
AVERAGE$8.8   15,000 MWK
HIGH$16   27,000 MWK
Per Month

Healthcare9%

9% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)

LOW$1.1   1,800 MWK
AVERAGE$2.7   4,500 MWK
HIGH$4.8   8,000 MWK
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping2%

2% of total expenses on average (2% to 6%)

LOW$0.88   1,500 MWK
AVERAGE$2.2   3,700 MWK
HIGH$4   6,700 MWK
Per Month

Education18%

18% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)

LOW$3.4   5,600 MWK
AVERAGE$8.4   14,000 MWK
HIGH$15   25,000 MWK
Per Month

Other Expenses19%

19% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)

LOW$2.7   4,500 MWK
AVERAGE$6.6   11,000 MWK
HIGH$12   20,000 MWK
Per Month
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