The Cost of Living Index is 47.3 (NYC = 100), indicating affordability. Groceries are at 53.1 and restaurant prices at 41.3, making daily expenses relatively low compared to major global cities.

The Property Price to Income Ratio is 11.6 years, suggesting a moderate housing market. The Rent Index is 22.2, indicating that rental costs are relatively affordable.

The Purchasing Power Index is 45.5 (NYC = 100), which indicates low buying power for residents.

Maldives has a progressive individual income tax system with rates from 0% (up to MVR 720,000) to 15% (above MVR 2,400,000). Corporate income tax is 0% for profits up to MVR 500,000 and 15% thereafter, with banks taxed at 25%. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is 8% for general goods and services, and 16% for tourism-related services, increasing to 17% from July 1, 2025.

Maldives was ranked 147 out of 190 economies in the World Bank's 2020 Ease of Doing Business index, indicating significant regulatory challenges. While there is an emerging startup ecosystem with government support and incubators, areas like registering property and resolving insolvency remain difficult.

The country offers universal healthcare coverage through the 'Aasandha' scheme, providing free healthcare for all citizens. A two-pillar pension system includes a government-funded Old-Age Basic Pension and a mandatory contributory Maldives Retirement Pension Scheme. Plans to introduce an unemployment insurance scheme are underway, with a World Bank-supported project to establish it.

Deposits are protected up to MVR 30,000 (approximately USD 1,941) per depositor per bank under the Deposit Insurance Scheme. While the banking sector has shown stability, an IMF assessment in 2023 highlighted systemic risks and recommended enhancing the deposit insurance system and crisis management arrangements.