The cost of living decreased marginally by 0.07 percent in November 2025, driven mainly by slightly lower food costs, the latest Employers Consultative Association of Malawi Cost of Living Report shows.
When transport cost is factored in, the report shows that the total cost of living decreased from K975,268 in October 2025 to K974,542 in November.
Between October and November 2025, the cost of basic needs, excluding transport expenses, decreased by 0.08 percent from K895,268 to K894,542,.
“Overall, food prices decreased by an average of 0.15 percent from K678,405 in October 2025 to K677,375 in November 2025. The prices of maize and beans remained constant at K60,000 per 50kg bag and K5,000 per kg respectively,” the report states.
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However, the cost of non-food items increased by an average of 0.14 percent from K216,863 in October to K217,167 in November. Transport costs remained constant at K80,000 in November.
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Economist Veli Nyirongo said the figures suggest a modest but fragile easing in Malawi’s urban cost of living, driven mainly by slightly lower food costs rather than a broad improvement in economic fundamentals.
He said stability of maize and beans prices at historically high levels pointed more to price stabilisation at an elevated plateau than to a meaningful reduction in the cost of basic staples.
“Within the basket, food costs fell by about 0.15 percent, whereas non-food expenses increased by 0.14 percent, indicating mild relief on groceries offset by continued pressure on items such as rent, soap, fuel and other essentials.
“Broader inflation and food security data for 2025 suggest that, despite recent disinflation, food price levels are likely to remain high through the 2025-26 lean season, with heightened risks for vulnerable households,” Nyirongo said.
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He said for families whose real incomes have been eroded by several years of high inflation, monthly shifts of 0.07 to 0.15 percent in basket costs were unlikely to translate into a noticeable improvement in everyday living conditions.
In an earlier interview, Economics Association of Malawi President Bertha Chikadza said the figures were reflective of the high cost of living in the country.
She said Malawi continues to experience high inflationary pressures although inflation has been on the downward trajectory between the two highlighted months.
“The drop is significantly small, implying that the overall cost of living has remained persistently high over time, challenging the quality of life Malawians can afford,” Chikadza said.
