Country profile

Malawi: Costs, Safety, Relocation and Quality of Life

Malawi is best read in the Nomadino comparison through the lens of everyday costs, housing and recurring expenses as well as safety, stability and risk exposure. The current data points to a mixed overall picture; its strongest main categories are Costs and Safety & Risk, while Personal Services, Dining & Going Out and Vacation Costs stand out at topic level. Before making a decision, check infrastructure, mobility and digital usability as well as social freedom, participation and openness more closely, because the largest deductions come from Basic Infrastructure & Logistics, Internet & Connectivity and Social System & Social Cohesion.

Overall rating 50.45 points
Global rank Rank 181 globally
Continental rank Rank 25 in Africa

View main country ranking

Decision areas

The following entry points link directly to detailed articles that are especially relevant for relocation, longer stays, daily life and travel planning.

Key questions about Malawi

Why is Malawi especially relevant in this comparison?

The profile is shaped mainly by everyday costs, housing and recurring expenses as well as safety, stability and risk exposure; its strongest main categories are Costs and Safety & Risk.

Which topics stand out positively for Malawi?

Personal Services, Dining & Going Out and Vacation Costs show the strongest topic-level results.

What should be checked before making a decision?

infrastructure, mobility and digital usability as well as social freedom, participation and openness deserve closer attention; the largest deductions come from Basic Infrastructure & Logistics, Internet & Connectivity and Social System & Social Cohesion.

How important is lower-cost living and longer stays for Malawi?

The detailed articles below help check whether the rating fits residence, work, costs, healthcare, safety or travel.

Strengths and weaknesses

This section only shows categories, topic areas and indicators where Malawi ranks in the top three or bottom three globally or continentally and shares the same score with no more than two other countries. Global ranks take priority over continental ranks.

Strengths

Weaknesses

Comparisons and related countries

Malawi is especially useful to compare with United States, Portugal and Spain, because those countries sit closer to its overall rating profile. Denmark and Germany work as contrast comparisons when everyday costs, housing and recurring expenses as well as safety, stability and risk exposure need to be weighed against different priorities; infrastructure, mobility and digital usability as well as social freedom, participation and openness still deserve closer attention.

All ratings and indicators for Malawi

58 topic areas and 342 indicators are linked directly in the static HTML. Categories and topic areas are collapsed to keep the country profile easy to scan.

๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Safety & Risk ShowHide

Safety & Crime

6 indicators

67
/ 100
ShowHide
Homicide Rate
Rank 81 globally 92
Petty Crime Index
Rank 149 globally 47
Women's Safety
Rank 158 globally 49
Organized Crime
Rank 98 globally 54
Kidnapping Risk
Rank 132 globally 74
BAC Limit (โ€ฐ)
Rank 1 globally 100
90
/ 100
ShowHide
Active Conflicts & War Risk
Rank 7 globally 96
Political Violence
Rank 105 globally 80
Geopolitical Risk
Rank 82 globally 89
Terrorism Risk
Rank 1 globally 100

Natural Hazards

8 indicators

57
/ 100
ShowHide
Flood Risk
Rank 89 globally 52
Storm Risk
Rank 139 globally 68
Earthquake Risk
Rank 149 globally 57
Drought Risk
Rank 181 globally 45
Wildfire Risk
Rank 194 globally 20
Landslide Risk
Rank 135 globally 47
Tsunami Risk
Rank 1 globally 100
Volcano Risk
Rank 159 globally 85

Privacy & Surveillance

6 indicators

54
/ 100
ShowHide
State Surveillance
Rank 140 globally 56
Internet Censorship
Rank 139 globally 60
Internet Freedom
Rank 136 globally 57
Data Protection Laws
Rank 177 globally 31
VPN Access
Rank 140 globally 63
Cybercrime Risk
Rank 134 globally 55
42
/ 100
ShowHide
Rule of Law
Rank 159 globally 42
Property Rights Security
Rank 163 globally 42
Corruption Perception
Rank 154 globally 34
Police Effectiveness
Rank 146 globally 50
Expropriation Risk
Rank 154 globally 42
Extradition Risk
Rank 13 globally 56

Long-Term Stability

4 indicators

47
/ 100
ShowHide
Political Stability
Rank 132 globally 57
Economic Resilience
Rank 203 globally 41
Government Efficiency
Rank 168 globally 45
Climate Vulnerability
Rank 173 globally 43
โค๏ธ Health ShowHide

Healthcare & Access

12 indicators

48
/ 100
ShowHide
Healthcare Quality
Rank 186 globally 40
Universal Healthcare Coverage
Rank 151 globally 61
Emergency Care
Rank 182 globally 41
Medicine Access
Rank 164 globally 54
Hospital Infections & Patient Safety
Rank 177 globally 43
Health Insurance for Foreigners
Rank 194 globally 44
Out-of-Pocket Health Expenditure
Rank 48 globally 85
Doctor Density
Rank 225 globally 2
Hospital Beds
Rank 165 globally 25
Healthcare Coverage (%)
Rank 183 globally 65
Specialist Visit Cost
Rank 3 globally 88
English-Speaking Doctors
Rank 210 globally 18

Environmental Health

6 indicators

41
/ 100
ShowHide
Fine Particulate Matter Exposure (PM2.5)
Rank 146 globally 58
Noise Pollution
Rank 67 globally 62
UV Radiation
Rank 103 globally 26
Tap Water Safety
Rank 220 globally 26
Sanitation
Rank 154 globally 49
Waste Management
Rank 192 globally 13
51
/ 100
ShowHide
Life Expectancy
Rank 180 globally 50
Infectious Diseases
Rank 206 globally 34
Obesity Rate
Rank 17 globally 90
Infant Mortality (per 1,000)
Rank 200 globally 18
Mental Health
Rank 176 globally 54
Suicide Rate
Rank 195 globally 40
Maternal Mortality
Rank 192 globally 29
Vaccination Rate
Rank 133 globally 87
Alcohol & Tobacco Consumption
Rank 52 globally 78
Drug and Substance-Use Burden
Rank 113 globally 77
๐Ÿ’ธ Finance & Taxes ShowHide

Taxes & Finance

10 indicators

73
/ 100
ShowHide
Effective Income Tax Rate (%)
Rank 27 globally 94
Top Income Tax Rate
Rank 98 globally 56
Social Security Burden
Rank 50 globally 85
VAT / GST Rate
Rank 141 globally 48
Capital Gains Tax
Rank 112 globally 79
Dividend Tax Rate
Rank 91 globally 79
Inheritance / Estate Tax
Rank 1 globally 100
Territorial Tax System
Rank 97 globally 25
Tax Filing Effort (hours/year)
Rank 101 globally 68
Double Taxation Agreements
Rank 146 globally 14
42
/ 100
ShowHide
Capital Flow Freedom
Rank 210 globally 47
Capital Market Depth
Rank 210 globally 39
Business Credit Access
Rank 186 globally 44
Investor Protection
Rank 166 globally 40
Foreign Investment Openness
Rank 170 globally 40
Currency Convertibility & Transferability
Rank 215 globally 40
Venture Capital & Startup Financing
Rank 197 globally 35
Alternative Financing Access
Rank 157 globally 44

Banking & Fintech

8 indicators

55
/ 100
ShowHide
Expat Banking Ease
Rank 177 globally 24
Banking Stability
Rank 111 globally 76
SWIFT / Wire Access
Rank 184 globally 71
Fintech Development
Rank 154 globally 41
ATM Availability
Rank 207 globally 22
Banking Secrecy Index
Rank 113 globally 50
Automatic Tax Information Exchange
Rank 15 globally 93
Cash Transaction Limit
Rank 1 globally 100

Bitcoin & Crypto

6 indicators

25
/ 100
ShowHide
Crypto Adoption
Rank 140 globally 25
Crypto Regulation
Rank 159 globally 29
Legal Status
Rank 159 globally 32
Bitcoin Merchant Acceptance
Rank 168 globally 9
Crypto Tax Rate
Rank 182 globally 40
Bitcoin Cash Access
Rank 163 globally 7

Real Estate & Property

4 indicators

60
/ 100
ShowHide
Foreigner Ownership Rights
Rank 143 globally 30
Transaction Costs
Rank 154 globally 60
Affordability
Rank 17 globally 85
Gross Rental Yield
Rank 74 globally 68
36
/ 100
ShowHide
Corporate Tax Rate
Rank 176 globally 25
Cost to Start a Business
Rank 189 globally 35
Labor Market Flexibility
Rank 132 globally 55
Days to Register a Company
Rank 205 globally 30

Macroeconomics

9 indicators

39
/ 100
ShowHide
GDP per Capita (PPP, USD)
Rank 220 globally 13
Inflation Rate (CPI, %)
Rank 217 globally 16
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Rank 142 globally 53
GDP Growth Rate (%)
Rank 159 globally 72
Economic Freedom Index
Rank 172 globally 49
Tax Burden (% of GDP)
Rank 147 globally 77
Central Bank Independence
Rank 201 globally 43
Foreign Exchange Reserves (months of imports)
Rank 183 globally 34
Current Account Balance (% of GDP)
Rank 216 globally 17
26
/ 100
ShowHide
Avg. Monthly Net Salary ($/month)
Rank 214 globally 6
Purchasing Power Index
Rank 226 globally 4
Unemployment Rate (%)
Rank 107 globally 77
Wage Growth Rate (%)
Rank 155 globally 69
Salary-to-Rent Ratio
Rank 177 globally 39
Minimum Wage (USD/month)
Rank 218 globally 6
๐Ÿ  Costs ShowHide

Housing & Utilities

5 indicators

94
/ 100
ShowHide
City Rent per Square Meter
Rank 2 globally 89
Rural Rent per Square Meter
Rank 1 globally 100
Electricity Cost
Rank 51 globally 88
Heating & Gas Cost
Rank 27 globally 99
Water & Sewage Cost
Rank 1 globally 100

Food & Basic Goods

7 indicators

92
/ 100
ShowHide
Milk Price per Liter
Rank 15 globally 90
Bread Price per 500 Grams
Rank 32 globally 88
Egg Price for 12 Eggs
Rank 21 globally 94
Chicken Fillet Price per Kilogram
Rank 28 globally 88
Beef Round Price per Kilogram
Rank 23 globally 86
Vegetable Basket Price per Kilogram
Rank 22 globally 96
Water Price per Liter in Supermarket
Rank 12 globally 95

Dining & Going Out

9 indicators

97
/ 100
ShowHide
Price of an Inexpensive Restaurant Meal
Rank 13 globally 92
Burger Menu Price
Rank 1 globally 100
Cappuccino (Cafรฉ)
Rank 1 globally 100
Local Beer (Restaurant)
Rank 1 globally 100
Local Beer Price in a Market
Rank 1 globally 100
Imported Beer Price in a Market
Rank 14 globally 96
Cocktail (Bar)
Rank 1 globally 100
Mid-Range Wine Bottle Price
Rank 13 globally 92
Soft Drink Price in a Market
Rank 1 globally 100

Mobility Costs

7 indicators

77
/ 100
ShowHide
Transit Cost
Rank 46 globally 96
Fuel Price ($/L)
Rank 124 globally 62
Car Rental ($/day)
Rank 86 globally 86
Car Insurance ($/yr)
Rank 21 globally 98
Car Purchase Index
Rank 153 globally 1
Driving License Cost ($)
Rank 40 globally 97
City Parking ($/hr)
Rank 17 globally 98
64
/ 100
ShowHide
Internet Cost
Rank 173 globally 46
Mobile Plan Cost
Rank 112 globally 67
Prepaid SIM & Data Package Cost
Rank 104 globally 81
eSIM & Travel Data Cost
Rank 118 globally 86
Coworking Day Pass Cost
Rank 84 globally 67

Personal Services

4 indicators

98
/ 100
ShowHide
Haircut Cost
Rank 7 globally 94
Fitness Club Monthly Fee
Rank 1 globally 100
Laundry & Dry Cleaning Cost
Rank 1 globally 100
Local Services Cost
Rank 5 globally 98
๐Ÿ—๏ธ Infrastructure ShowHide
10
/ 100
ShowHide
Logistics Performance
Rank 188 globally 10
Rail Network Density
Rank 100 globally 15
Airport Connectivity
Rank 202 globally 12
Port Connectivity
Rank 182 globally 1
35
/ 100
ShowHide
Road Quality
Rank 173 globally 33
Traffic Congestion
Rank 63 globally 62
Road Density
Rank 166 globally 49
Traffic Deaths
Rank 225 globally 13
EV Charging Infrastructure
Rank 199 globally 2

Electricity & Energy

6 indicators

44
/ 100
ShowHide
Power Outages
Rank 203 globally 21
Electrification Rate
Rank 222 globally 11
Energy Self-Sufficiency
Rank 138 globally 30
Renewable Energy Share
Rank 11 globally 95
CO2 Intensity
Rank 50 globally 61
Nuclear Exposure
Rank 1 globally 100
12
/ 100
ShowHide
Broadband Speed
Rank 209 globally 15
Fixed Broadband Subscriptions
Rank 212 globally 0
Mobile Speed
Rank 210 globally 25
5G Coverage
Rank 181 globally 2

Public Transport

4 indicators

27
/ 100
ShowHide
Transit Coverage
Rank 186 globally 22
Transit Punctuality
Rank 191 globally 42
Cycling Infrastructure
Rank 154 globally 8
Walkability Score
Rank 192 globally 38
๐ŸŒฟ Lifestyle ShowHide

Work-Life Balance

5 indicators

43
/ 100
ShowHide
Annual Working Hours
Rank 171 globally 40
Paid Vacation Days
Rank 117 globally 60
Happiness Index (UN)
Rank 214 globally 38
Burnout Risk
Rank 192 globally 35
Public Holidays
Rank 136 globally 44

Climate & Weather

6 indicators

83
/ 100
ShowHide
Temperature Comfort
Rank 33 globally 74
Sunshine Hours
Rank 63 globally 88
Humidity Comfort
Rank 24 globally 96
Rainy Days
Rank 67 globally 72
Extreme Heat Days
Rank 108 globally 91
Seasonal Variation
Rank 105 globally 81

Outdoor & Lifestyle

5 indicators

52
/ 100
ShowHide
Beach Quality
Rank 180 globally 29
Mountain Access
Rank 88 globally 45
Protected Land Area (%)
Rank 67 globally 77
Biodiversity Index
Rank 84 globally 68
Forest Cover
Rank 139 globally 30

Leisure & Recreation

4 indicators

33
/ 100
ShowHide
Sports & Fitness Facilities
Rank 198 globally 13
Urban Green Space Access
Rank 159 globally 48
Leisure Infrastructure
Rank 200 globally 19
Recovery Time
Rank 202 globally 53

Arts & Entertainment

6 indicators

25
/ 100
ShowHide
Museums per 100,000 People
Rank 189 globally 14
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Rank 110 globally 16
Music & Nightlife
Rank 174 globally 28
Cinema Density
Rank 180 globally 6
Cultural Freedom
Rank 160 globally 38
Football and Stadium Culture
Rank 163 globally 56
23
/ 100
ShowHide
Cuisine Diversity
Rank 207 globally 18
Restaurant Density
Rank 190 globally 23
Street Food Scene
Rank 195 globally 21
Local Market Quality
Rank 173 globally 30
Cafรฉ Culture
Rank 199 globally 16
Local Freshness
Rank 171 globally 34
Local Authenticity
Rank 217 globally 17

Family-Friendly

7 indicators

30
/ 100
ShowHide
Childcare Cost ($/month)
Rank 13 globally 99
Paid Parental Leave (weeks)
Rank 162 globally 23
Child Benefit ($/month)
Rank 187 globally 17
Child Poverty Rate (%)
Rank 210 globally 21
Child Safety Score
Rank 209 globally 28
Childcare Coverage (%)
Rank 204 globally 5
Playground Density
Rank 216 globally 15

Pet-Friendly

7 indicators

44
/ 100
ShowHide
Pet Entry Rules
Rank 132 globally 40
Veterinary Quality
Rank 207 globally 15
Vet Cost Affordability
Rank 3 globally 80
Pet Food Prices
Rank 3 globally 75
Animal Welfare Laws
Rank 179 globally 22
Pet-Friendly Housing
Rank 132 globally 45
Outdoor Pet Access
Rank 171 globally 32
โœˆ๏ธ Relocation & Residency ShowHide
46
/ 100
ShowHide
Residence Permit Ease
Rank 153 globally 60
E-Government
Rank 202 globally 37
Visa Processing Time
Rank 57 globally 62
Local Registration Requirements
Rank 178 globally 46
Foreign Document & Qualification Recognition
Rank 188 globally 38
Household Goods & Customs
Rank 192 globally 22
International Licence Compatibility
Rank 200 globally 34
48
/ 100
ShowHide
Visa-Free Tourist Stay Days
Rank 129 globally 35
Visa Application Ease
Rank 169 globally 48
Border Openness
Rank 151 globally 48
Travel & Entry Comfort
Rank 181 globally 32
Visa Income & Asset Requirements
Rank 28 globally 94
35
/ 100
ShowHide
Digital Nomad Visa
Rank 156 globally 33
Remote Work Legality
Rank 184 globally 41
Freelance Legal Framework
Rank 178 globally 49
Remote Job Market
Rank 190 globally 40
Coworking Density
Rank 190 globally 22
Nomad Community
Rank 178 globally 21
Avg. Remote Salary (USD)
Rank 197 globally 24
46
/ 100
ShowHide
Work Rights for Foreigners
Rank 168 globally 47
Work Permit Access for Foreigners
Rank 170 globally 51
Local Self-Employment and Freelancing Rights
Rank 182 globally 45
Employment Restrictions for Foreigners
Rank 163 globally 47
Professional Qualification Recognition
Rank 187 globally 36
Business Ownership by Foreigners
Rank 185 globally 46
47
/ 100
ShowHide
Time to Permanent Residency or Citizenship
Rank 124 globally 42
Family Reunification
Rank 167 globally 48
Naturalization Requirements
Rank 140 globally 54
Residence Status Stability
Rank 155 globally 53
Residence Status for Spouses and Children
Rank 168 globally 46
Passport Power (Henley Index)
Rank 149 globally 28
Dual Citizenship Allowed
Rank 57 globally 90
Citizenship by Investment
Rank 13 globally 0

Language & Integration

7 indicators

55
/ 100
ShowHide
English Proficiency (EF EPI)
Rank 57 globally 69
Local Language Barrier
Rank 80 globally 65
Integration Ease
Rank 146 globally 58
Cultural Etiquette Gap
Rank 139 globally 56
Expat Community Size
Rank 186 globally 25
Cultural Distance to West
Rank 125 globally 60
International Schools
Rank 149 globally 39
34
/ 100
ShowHide
Expat Welcome Culture
Rank 173 globally 40
Foreigner Discrimination
Rank 164 globally 30
Xenophobia Levels
Rank 174 globally 34
Racial Safety for Foreigners
Rank 164 globally 32
42
/ 100
ShowHide
Rental Access for Foreigners
Rank 162 globally 44
Tax Residency Clarity for Expats
Rank 147 globally 42
Local Contracts and Utilities Access
Rank 180 globally 39
Local Identity and Address Proof
Rank 180 globally 37
Everyday Accounts and Payments for Foreigners
Rank 172 globally 46
๐Ÿ–๏ธ Travel & Vacation ShowHide
33
/ 100
ShowHide
Hotel Quality
Rank 195 globally 30
Vacation Rental Quality
Rank 183 globally 36
Accommodation Availability
Rank 202 globally 27
Booking & Transparency
Rank 187 globally 38

Tourism Infrastructure

4 indicators

40
/ 100
ShowHide
Airport-to-Destination Transfer
Rank 192 globally 28
Digital Travel Services
Rank 196 globally 36
Traveler Payment Infrastructure
Rank 182 globally 47
Tourist Information Quality
Rank 172 globally 49
40
/ 100
ShowHide
Major Attractions Density
Rank 190 globally 29
Guided Tours & Bookable Experiences
Rank 179 globally 42
Tourist Outdoor Activities
Rank 155 globally 55
Nightlife & Entertainment for Visitors
Rank 189 globally 33
46
/ 100
ShowHide
Tourist Beach Quality
Rank 180 globally 37
Swimming & Water Sports
Rank 193 globally 38
National Parks & Nature Access
Rank 117 globally 62

Vacation Costs

5 indicators

94
/ 100
ShowHide
Hotel Cost
Rank 17 globally 96
Vacation Rental Cost
Rank 16 globally 97
Attraction Entry Cost
Rank 18 globally 94
Tour & Activity Cost
Rank 47 globally 92
Tourist Taxes & Fees
Rank 1 globally 88
69
/ 100
ShowHide
High-Season Overcrowding
Rank 134 globally 83
Off-Season Usability
Rank 190 globally 57
Seasonal Capacity Shortage
Rank 193 globally 50
Seasonal Price Surcharges
Rank 38 globally 87
๐ŸŒ Society & Participation ShowHide

Society & Freedom

4 indicators

58
/ 100
ShowHide
Press Freedom
Rank 111 globally 59
Democracy Index
Rank 126 globally 58
Personal Freedom
Rank 146 globally 58
Freedom of Political Expression
Rank 125 globally 58

Education & Knowledge

5 indicators

40
/ 100
ShowHide
Adult Literacy Rate
Rank 201 globally 68
PISA Score
Rank 203 globally 4
Tertiary Enrollment Rate
Rank 220 globally 5
Education Expenditure
Rank 121 globally 67
School Life Expectancy
Rank 186 globally 55
17
/ 100
ShowHide
Pension Replacement Rate (%)
Rank 160 globally 0
Unemployment Benefit Duration (months)
Rank 151 globally 0
Social Spending (% of GDP)
Rank 218 globally 10
Gini Index
Rank 165 globally 43
Poverty Rate (%)
Rank 191 globally 0
Housing Support Score
Rank 206 globally 12
Social Mobility Score
Rank 207 globally 16
Social Cohesion
Rank 160 globally 45
46
/ 100
ShowHide
Gender Equality
Rank 123 globally 56
Womenโ€™s Rights & Equality
Rank 136 globally 51
Anti-Discrimination Protection
Rank 149 globally 39
Minority Rights Protection
Rank 157 globally 34
Everyday Discrimination Risk
Rank 154 globally 37

LGBTQ+ Friendliness

5 indicators

21
/ 100
ShowHide
Same-Sex Legal Status
Rank 158 globally 12
LGBTQ+ Anti-Discrimination
Rank 161 globally 25
LGBTQ+ Social Acceptance
Rank 166 globally 26
LGBTQ+ Rights
Rank 164 globally 24
Pride Culture
Rank 160 globally 20
29
/ 100
ShowHide
Disability Support Score
Rank 189 globally 25
Public Accessibility
Rank 180 globally 32
Digital Accessibility
Rank 189 globally 26
Inclusion in Education and Work
Rank 186 globally 33

Religion & Worldviews

4 indicators

57
/ 100
ShowHide
Religious Freedom Index
Rank 125 globally 73
Secularization Score
Rank 158 globally 35
Religious Diversity Index
Rank 103 globally 38
Religious Influence in Public Life
Rank 140 globally 62

Demography

10 indicators

50
/ 100
ShowHide
Median Age
Rank 12 globally 93
Fertility Rate
Rank 184 globally 35
Population Growth
Rank 13 globally 76
Net Migration Rate
Rank 107 globally 47
Urbanization Rate
Rank 221 globally 4
Foreign Population Share
Rank 186 globally 25
Population Density
Rank 160 globally 49
Gender Ratio (F/100 M)
Rank 90 globally 53
Youth Gender Ratio (15-29)
Rank 22 globally 91
Single-Person Households
Rank 201 globally 9