Is Malawi Expensive?

Is Malawi expensive to visit?

Despite being a very popular country to visit, Malawi can be surprisingly affordable. Compared to the rest of Africa, it is a very affordable place to visit. It's ranked in the top 10% of countries in Africa for its affordability - comparable to places like Mali and Ethiopia.



Lake Malawi

How expensive is Malawi?

On average, visitors spend about $36 per day during their visit to Malawi (U.S. Dollars). Prices vary dramatically by travel style and length of trip, but if you stay at moderately priced hotels, eat at affordable restaurants, and use public transportation when possible, you can expect to stay close to this budget. See more travel costs for Malawi here.

How expensive is a one week trip to Malawi?

Based on the travel expenses of others, a one week trip to Malawi costs around $255 on average, per person. This includes food, sightseeing, local transportation, accommodation, and nightlife. For two people, a one week trip costs $510.

How expensive is a two week trip to Malawi?

Based on our calculations from previous travelers, a two week trip to Malawi will cost around $510 per person. This amount includes sightseeing activities, hotels, restaurants, local transportation, and other travel expenses. For two people, a two week trip would cost $1,020.

How expensive is a month long trip to Malawi?

On average, a one month trip to Malawi costs about $1,092 per person. This is based on the previous expenses of actual travelers, and includes accommodation, food, activities, local transportation, and more. For two people, a one month trip costs $2,185.

Is it expensive to backpack in Malawi?

Malawi isn't the first place that comes to mind for most backpackers. There aren't many hostels around the country, so traveling here as a backpacker on a budget could be challenging. This is especially true for solo travelers who might need to pay for the full price of a hotel room on their own. To save money, look for budget hotels or guest houses.

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Malawi.

  • $10 for a dorm bed at Blend. Lodge & Kitchen (pakachere) in Zomba

Where to find affordable hostels in Malawi
City Number of Hostels Average Price for a Dorm
Zomba 1 $10

How expensive are sightseeing activities in Malawi?

Activities and things to do in Malawi can vary in price depending on the type of activity, length, and location. Below are a number of popular activities to give you an idea of what to expect when visiting. Generally, previous travelers have spent $14 per day on sightseeing activities and things to do when visiting.

Is food expensive in Malawi?

Food in Malawi can vary in price depending on the restaurant and food options available. Generally, other travelers have spent $10 on food per person per day. To save money, eat at less expensive restaurants, try street food, or cook your own meals when possible.

Is transportation expensive in Malawi?

Local transportation in Malawi can vary in price depending on the type of transit used. Generally, other travelers have spent $13 on local transportation per person per day. To save money, take public transit whenever possible, as it will almost always be cheaper than a taxi or private driver.

Intercity transportation in Malawi can vary widely in price depending on the type of transit used and the distance traveled. Generally, other travelers have spent $11 on intercity transportation per person per day. To save money, take long distance buses or trains instead of flying, as it will almost always be cheaper, even if it's slower.

More for Malawi

If you're planning a trip to Malawi, check out these other informative travel guides.



We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



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