Mbeya vs Lilongwe – Digital Nomad Guide
Trying to decide between Mbeya, Tanzania and Lilongwe, Malawi? Here's a detailed comparison to help digital nomads and remote workers make an informed choice.
💰 Cost of Living
Mbeya has a monthly cost of $1,460, which is 33.0% lower than Lilongwe's $2,180.
🌐 Internet Infrastructure
For internet speeds, Mbeya offers 20 Mbps, while Lilongwe provides 20 Mbps – making Lilongwe's connection 0.0% faster .
☀️ Current Weather
The weather in Mbeya is currently 27°C 🌤️, while Lilongwe is experiencing 23°C 🌤️.
🛡️ Safety Comparison
Mbeya has a safety score of 65.0 , while Lilongwe scores 58.0 .
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Overall
Mbeya wins
Quality of Life
Mbeya wins
Mbeya is 7% better
Mbeya is 5% better
Cost
Mbeya wins
Mbeya is 6% better
Climate
Mbeya wins
Mbeya is 14% better
Infrastructure
Lilongwe wins
Lilongwe is 6% better
Social
Lilongwe is 6% better
Total Cost of Living Comparison
Category | Mbeya | Lilongwe | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Monthly Total | $1,460 | $2,180 | -33.0% |
Daily Average | $49 | $73 | per day |
Housing
Item | Mbeya | Lilongwe | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Apartment (1 bedroom) | $150.00 per month | $180.00 per month | -16.7% |
Daily Life
Item | Mbeya | Lilongwe | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Coffee | $0.80 per cup | $1.20 per cup | -33.3% |
Transportation
Item | Mbeya | Lilongwe | Difference |
---|
Utilities
Item | Mbeya | Lilongwe | Difference |
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Final Verdict: Mbeya vs Lilongwe
Mbeya ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 4.0% higher than Lilongwe overall.
💰 Cost Analysis
- Monthly Budget: $1,460 vs $2,180
- Daily Expenses: $49 vs $73
- Mbeya is 33.0% cheaper for digital nomads
🌐 Infrastructure
- Internet Speed: Lilongwe leads with 0% faster connection
- Public Transport: Lilongwe has better public transportation
🎯 Key Advantages
Mbeya Wins In:
- Safety (7% better)
- Healthcare (5% better)
- Cost of Living (6% better)
- Air Quality (14% better)
Lilongwe Wins In:
- Internet Speed (6% better)
- Nightlife (6% better)
💡 Final Recommendation
Choose Mbeya if you prioritize better quality of life metrics and Safety. However, Lilongwe might be preferable if Safety 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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