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Lilongwe vs Johannesburg – Digital Nomad Guide

Trying to decide between Lilongwe, Malawi and Johannesburg, South Africa? Here's a detailed comparison to help digital nomads and remote workers make an informed choice.

💰 Cost of Living

Lilongwe has a monthly cost of $2,180, which is 21.6% lower than Johannesburg's $2,780.

🌐 Internet Infrastructure

For internet speeds, Lilongwe offers 20 Mbps, while Johannesburg provides 30 Mbps making Johannesburg's connection 50.0% faster .

☀️ Current Weather

The weather in Lilongwe is currently 21°C 🌤️, while Johannesburg is experiencing 18°C 🌫️.

🛡️ Safety Comparison

Lilongwe has a safety score of 55.0 , while Johannesburg scores 38.0 .

Costs
$2,180
per month
Internet
20
Mbps
Weather
21° 🌤️
High today
Costs
$2,780
per month
Internet
30
Mbps
Weather
18° 🌫️
High today
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Overall Johannesburg wins

51.0
Overall Score
61.0

Johannesburg is 10% better

Quality of Life Johannesburg wins

55.0
Safety
38.0

Lilongwe is 17% better

41.0
Healthcare
67.0

Johannesburg is 26% better

Cost Lilongwe wins

81.0
Cost of Living
71.0

Lilongwe is 10% better

Climate Lilongwe wins

78.0
Air Quality
40.0

Lilongwe is 38% better

Infrastructure Johannesburg wins

48.0
Internet Speed
67.0

Johannesburg is 19% better

Social Johannesburg wins

32.0
Nightlife
76.0

Johannesburg is 44% better

69.0
Culture
80.0

Johannesburg is 11% better

57.0
Food Scene
79.0

Johannesburg is 22% better

Total Cost of Living Comparison

Category Lilongwe Johannesburg Difference
Monthly Total $2,180 $2,780 -21.6%
Daily Average $73 $93 per day

Housing

Item Lilongwe Johannesburg Difference
Apartment (1 bedroom) $180.00 per month $450.00 per month -60.0%

Daily Life

Item Lilongwe Johannesburg Difference
Coffee $1.20 per cup $1.50 per cup -20.0%

Transportation

Item Lilongwe Johannesburg Difference

Utilities

Item Lilongwe Johannesburg Difference
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Final Verdict: Lilongwe vs Johannesburg

Johannesburg ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 10.0% higher than Lilongwe overall.

💰 Cost Analysis

  • Monthly Budget: $2,180 vs $2,780
  • Daily Expenses: $73 vs $93
  • Lilongwe is 21.6% cheaper for digital nomads

🌐 Infrastructure

  • Internet Speed: Johannesburg leads with 33% faster connection
  • Public Transport: Johannesburg has better public transportation

🎯 Key Advantages

Lilongwe Wins In:
  • Safety (17% better)
  • Cost of Living (10% better)
  • Air Quality (38% better)
Johannesburg Wins In:
  • Overall Score (10% better)
  • Healthcare (26% better)
  • Internet Speed (19% better)
  • Nightlife (44% better)
  • Culture (11% better)
  • Food Scene (22% better)

💡 Final Recommendation

Choose Johannesburg if you prioritize cost effectiveness and Overall Score. However, Lilongwe might be preferable if Overall Score is your top priority. Both cities offer unique advantages for digital nomads, with distinct trade-offs in cost of living, infrastructure, and lifestyle options.

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