Madagascar flagCost of Living Guide · Madagascar

Cost of Living Guide in Madagascar

Complete pricing for housing, food, transportation, and everyday expenses

Madagascar offers one of the lowest costs of living in Africa, with overall expenses including rent about 37% cheaper than the Africa average and consumer prices excluding rent 36% below the regional norm. It's an exceptionally budget-friendly destination for expats and digital nomads, roughly 65-68% less expensive than the United States. Single expats can live comfortably on $650-1,080 USD monthly, while families of four need around $1,400 USD excluding premium options.

Estimated Monthly Budget

Frugal
900,000-2,000,000 Ariary ($200-460 USD) — local food, public transport, modest housing
Comfortable
2,800,000-4,700,000 Ariary ($650-1,080 USD) — decent housing, mix of local/imported goods, occasional dining
Family of four
6,000,000-7,000,000 Ariary ($1,400-1,620 USD) base, up to 13,000,000 Ariary ($3,000 USD) for premium with staff and schooling

Madagascar delivers outstanding value for money, with costs 37% below the Africa average overall, ideal for expats seeking a high quality of life on a tight budget. It's among the cheapest in the region, perfect for digital nomads and retirees.

Economic & Living Costs in Madagascar
Food & Dining Costs

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

7000-20000 MGA
Avg: 13500 MGA
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant (3-course)

60000-150000 MGA
Avg: 105000 MGA
0.0% vs 3 months ago

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

20000-25000 MGA
Avg: 22500 MGA
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Domestic Beer (0.5L draught)

3000-7000 MGA
Avg: 5000 MGA
0.0% vs 3 months ago
Housing & Real Estate Costs

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

600000-2000000 MGA
Avg: 1300000 MGA
-16.1% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside Centre

250000-1200000 MGA
Avg: 725000 MGA
+3.6% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

1500000-5590000 MGA
Avg: 3545000 MGA
+18.2% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside Centre

700000-2500000 MGA
Avg: 1600000 MGA
-37.3% vs 3 months ago
Transportation Costs

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

600-1500 MGA
Avg: 1050 MGA
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

16000-33000 MGA
Avg: 24500 MGA
+8.9% vs 3 months ago

Monthly Transport Pass

160000 MGA
Avg: 80000 MGA
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Gasoline (1L)

4800-5990 MGA
Avg: 5395 MGA
0.0% vs 3 months ago
Utilities & Communications Costs

Utilities for 85m² Apartment

100000-500000 MGA
Avg: 300000 MGA
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Internet (60 Mbps+, Unlimited)

150000-300000 MGA
Avg: 225000 MGA
+2.3% vs 3 months ago

Mobile Plan (10GB+ Data)

40000-200000 MGA
Avg: 120000 MGA
+33.3% vs 3 months ago
Grocery Costs

Milk (1L)

3000-6800 MGA
Avg: 4900 MGA
+3.2% vs 3 months ago

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

1000-8000 MGA
Avg: 4500 MGA
-30.8% vs 3 months ago

Eggs (12)

8400-12960 MGA
Avg: 10680 MGA
+27.1% vs 3 months ago

Local Cheese (1kg)

24000-78085 MGA
Avg: 51042.5 MGA
-1.0% vs 3 months ago
Entertainment & Sports Costs

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee

50000-250000 MGA
Avg: 150000 MGA
-25.0% vs 3 months ago

Tennis Court (1 hour, weekend)

20000-30000 MGA
Avg: 25000 MGA
-16.7% vs 3 months ago

Cinema Ticket

20000-35000 MGA
Avg: 27500 MGA
-8.3% vs 3 months ago

Preschool / Kindergarten (monthly, private)

100000-400000 MGA
Avg: 250000 MGA
-35.1% vs 3 months ago
Last updated: 2026-04-03