Moving to Malawi from Pennsylvania

moving to

What to Expect

Considering a move from Pennsylvania to Malawi? Here's how the two compare on cost, climate, safety, and more.

If you moved from Pennsylvania to Malawi. You’ll also switch from driving on the right to the left. Expect a noticeable climate shift — Lilongwe averages 75°F vs 65°F in Philadelphia, making it significantly warmer.

Planning this move? Get up to 5 free, no-obligation quotes from vetted international movers. Get free quotes ↓

Get free moving quotes to Malawi

We've teamed up with a vetted network of international movers to help MyLifeElsewhere readers plan their move with confidence. Tell us about your move and get up to 5 free, no-obligation quotes in under 2 minutes.

  • ✅ Up to 5 quotes from screened movers
  • ✅ Licensed and insured providers only
  • ✅ 100% free — you choose who contacts you

Key Indicator Comparison

The numbers behind daily life in Malawi compared to Pennsylvania.

How's the healthcare?

Adult obesity rate Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (PLACES), 2024

share of adults with obesity

PA
34.4%
MW
8.0%

Malawi performs significantly better than Pennsylvania across all health & wellbeing metrics.

Will I have good infrastructure?

Internet access US Census Bureau (American Community Survey), 2024

share of households with internet

PA
88.8%
MW
19.0%

Pennsylvania performs better than Malawi across all infrastructure metrics.

What are the job prospects?

Unemployment rate Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025

percentage of the labour force without work

PA
3.7%
MW
5.1%
GDP per capita Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2025

a broad measure of economic output per person

PA
$61,506
MW
$672

Pennsylvania performs better than Malawi across all employment & economy metrics.

Is it good for families?

Life expectancy OECD Regional Demography, 2024

average years of life at birth

PA
76.8 yrs
MW
67.6 yrs

Pennsylvania performs better than Malawi across all family life metrics.

Weather in Malawi vs Pennsylvania

Monthly averages — select a city to compare.

Philadelphia Rain: 41.5 in/yr (1055 mm)
65° / 47°F

Avg. annual high / low

Lilongwe Rain: 50.7 in/yr (1289 mm)
75° / 54°F

Avg. annual high / low

Months Philadelphia Lilongwe
Jan–Mar 46°/29°F (8°/-2°C) 78°/61°F (25°/16°C)
Apr–Jun 74°/54°F (23°/12°C) 72°/53°F (22°/11°C)
Jul–Sep 83°/66°F (29°/19°C) 72°/45°F (22°/7°C)
Oct–Dec 56°/39°F (13°/4°C) 80°/57°F (27°/14°C)
View all months
Month Philadelphia Lilongwe
Jan 40°/26°F (4.6°/-3.6°C) 78°/61°F (25.5°/16.1°C)
Feb 44°/28°F (6.6°/-2.4°C) 78°/62°F (25.6°/16.5°C)
Mar 53°/34°F (11.5°/1.3°C) 77°/61°F (24.8°/16.0°C)
Apr 64°/44°F (17.7°/6.7°C) 74°/59°F (23.5°/14.9°C)
May 74°/54°F (23.2°/12.2°C) 72°/53°F (22.1°/11.6°C)
Jun 83°/64°F (28.2°/17.7°C) 69°/46°F (20.4°/7.9°C)
Jul 87°/69°F (30.6°/20.7°C) 69°/44°F (20.3°/6.5°C)
Aug 85°/68°F (29.6°/19.9°C) 71°/44°F (21.9°/6.6°C)
Sep 78°/60°F (25.6°/15.7°C) 77°/48°F (25.1°/8.7°C)
Oct 67°/48°F (19.2°/9.1°C) 81°/53°F (27.2°/11.7°C)
Nov 56°/39°F (13.3°/4.0°C) 81°/58°F (27.2°/14.2°C)
Dec 45°/30°F (7.1°/-1.1°C) 79°/61°F (26.1°/15.9°C)

Data: National Weather Service National Weather Service, Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services

Can you move from Pennsylvania to Malawi?

Short-stay tourist visa rules between United States and Malawi. To live, work, or study long-term in Malawi, you'll need a separate residence or work visa — check Malawi's immigration authority.

United States passport

United States passport holder visiting Malawi

Visa Online (e-Visa)
United States passport holders need to apply for an e-Visa before travelling to Malawi.
Malawi passport

Malawi passport holder visiting United States

Visa Required
Malawi passport holders need a visa to enter United States.

Data: Henley Passport Index. Check with the destination country's embassy for the most current requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work remotely from Malawi?

From major Malawi cities the network usually holds up. Visa rules, your employer's stance on overseas employees, and tax residency in Pennsylvania and Malawi are what actually decide it long-term.

How is healthcare in Malawi compared to Pennsylvania?

Malawi performs significantly better than Pennsylvania across all health & wellbeing metrics.

What's the weather like in Malawi compared to Pennsylvania?

The average high temperature in Lilongwe is 75°F, compared to 65°F in Philadelphia. Lilongwe receives around 50.7 in of rainfall per year, while Philadelphia gets 41.5 in.

What language do they speak in Malawi?

The official languages in Malawi are Chewa and English. In Pennsylvania, the official language is English.

Share this

At a Glance

MW
Population 13,059,432 22,216,120
Currency United States Dollar ($) Malawian Kwacha (MWK)
Languages English Chewa, English
Driving side Right Left
Calling code +1 +265
Time zones 11 1
Emergency number 911 —