MigrantoCost of living in the Maldives
What a month costs, how prices compare with other countries
Monthly cost in the Maldives
Spending runs from MVR 4,430 a month in the poorest fifth to MVR 19,100 in the richest
Per person, whole country
MVR 8,630
what a typical person spends in a month
Spending across the population
MVR 4,430richest 20%
MVR 19,100
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Key facts
The cost of living in the Maldives in numbers
Typical spending takes 65% of the average wage
A typical person spends MVR 8,630 a month while the average take-home wage is MVR 13,200, so 35% of an average wage sits above what a typical person spends.
How living costs in the Maldives compare
Neighbours, region and the world on the same monthly figure
What things cost here
How much the same goods and services cost in the Maldives against other countries
More expensive than 64% of countries
Where Maldives sits when every country is lined up from cheapest to most expensive
Pakistanmost expensive
Bermuda
middle
A basket of goods and services that costs MVR 15,400 at world-middle prices costs MVR 18,400 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 the Maldives
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Cost of living in the Maldives
MVR 4,430/mo
vs MVR 12,400 in your country
Take-home
MVR 5,600
vs MVR 18,500 in your country
Potential savings
MVR 1,160
more than in your country
Standard of living
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Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of living in the Maldives?
A typical person in the Maldives spends about MVR 8,630 a month — around MVR 104,000 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 the Maldives?
By spending, The Maldives ranks #76 of 185 countries. A typical person spends about MVR 8,630 a month, the poorest 20% about MVR 4,430 and the richest 20% about MVR 19,100. The gap between them shows how unevenly people live.
What is the cost of living in the Maldives in US dollars?
The cost of living in the Maldives is about $559 a month, or roughly $6,708 a year per person.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in the Maldives?
It all depends on your standard of living. A modest budget runs about MVR 4,430 a month per person, a typical one around MVR 8,630, and a comfortable life around MVR 11,100. In big cities and for a family, costs are usually higher.
Is the average salary in the Maldives enough to live on?
Yes, with room to spare. Average spending is about MVR 8,630 a month, while the average take-home pay in the Maldives is about MVR 13,200. For more on incomes, see salaries in the Maldives.
Is the Maldives an expensive country to live in?
Somewhat. The Maldives is more expensive than 59% of countries worldwide and ranks 8th of 27 in Asia by cost of living.
What currency is used in the Maldives?
The Maldives uses the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR). Amounts on this page are shown in it; the currency switcher converts them.
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Living in the Maldives
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