MigrantoCost of living in Madagascar
What a month costs, how prices compare with other countries
Monthly cost in Madagascar
Spending runs from MGA 58,800 a month in the poorest fifth to MGA 349,000 in the richest
Per person, whole country
MGA 126,000
what a typical person spends in a month
Spending across the population
MGA 58,800richest 20%
MGA 349,000
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Key facts
The cost of living in Madagascar in numbers
Among the cheapest countries in the world
Cheaper than 93% of countries. A basket that costs MGA 4,200,000 at world-middle prices costs MGA 2,580,000 here.
Typical spending takes 35% of the average wage
A typical person spends MGA 126,000 a month while the average take-home wage is MGA 361,000, so 65% of an average wage sits above what a typical person spends.
The cheapest of its neighbours
No neighbouring country is cheaper. The same basket costs MGA 2,580,000 here against MGA 3,070,000 in the Comoros, the closest on price.
How living costs in Madagascar compare
Neighbours, region and the world on the same monthly figure
What things cost here
How much the same goods and services cost in Madagascar against other countries
Cheaper than 93% of countries
Where Madagascar sits when every country is lined up from cheapest to most expensive
Pakistanmost expensive
Bermuda
middle
A basket of goods and services that costs MGA 4,200,000 at world-middle prices costs MGA 2,580,000 here.
Data source: household consumption 2024 (World Bank), International Comparison Program 2021 (World Bank), adjusted to 2026 using IMF GDP-per-capita growth
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What it costs to live in Madagascar
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Cost of living in Madagascar
MGA 58,800/mo
vs MGA 3,360,000 in your country
Take-home
MGA 176,000
vs MGA 5,040,000 in your country
Potential savings
MGA 118,000
more than in your country
Standard of living
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Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of living in Madagascar?
A typical person in Madagascar spends about MGA 126,000 a month — around MGA 1,510,000 a year — on housing, groceries, transport and other everyday costs. It's a nationwide average across different regions, cities and types of housing.
What is the standard of living in Madagascar?
By spending, Madagascar ranks #182 of 185 countries. A typical person spends about MGA 126,000 a month, the poorest 20% about MGA 58,800 and the richest 20% about MGA 349,000. The gap between them shows how unevenly people live.
What is the cost of living in Madagascar in US dollars?
The cost of living in Madagascar is about $30 a month, or roughly $360 a year per person.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Madagascar?
It all depends on your standard of living. A modest budget runs about MGA 58,800 a month per person, a typical one around MGA 126,000, and a comfortable life around MGA 164,000. In big cities and for a family, costs are usually higher.
Is the average salary in Madagascar enough to live on?
Yes, with room to spare. Average spending is about MGA 126,000 a month, while the average take-home pay in Madagascar is about MGA 361,000. For more on incomes, see salaries in Madagascar.
Is Madagascar an expensive country to live in?
No. Madagascar is more expensive than 2% of countries worldwide and ranks 50th of 53 in Africa by cost of living.
What currency is used in Madagascar?
Madagascar uses the Malagasy Ariary (MGA). Amounts on this page are shown in it; the currency switcher converts them.
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Living in Madagascar
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