Last update: Oct 2026 Madagascar 32.3K

Cost of Living in Ambatolampy

For one person, living costs in Ambatolampy are estimated at $472 a month, including rent and utilities – 24% below the national average. Rent and utilities take less than a third of the total.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Ambatolampy

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Ambatolampy actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

Living costs for one person come to about $472 monthly including rent, or $398 excluding housing.

$472 /mo

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $696 with rent, or $623 without housing.

$696 /mo

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $921 including rent, or $848 for daily expenses alone.

$921 /mo

Ambatolampy sits about 67% below the global median. Within Africa, costs are well below average (48% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.

Currency
Do you live in Ambatolampy? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$2.70 MGA 12.3K
$1.57 MGA 7,176
$4.50 MGA 20.5K
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$10.09 MGA 46.0K
$10.09 MGA 46.0K
$62.8 MGA 286.4K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$5.48 MGA 25.0K
$4.38 MGA 20.0K
$5.48 MGA 25.0K
Cappuccino
$1.63 MGA 7,441
$0.90 MGA 4,088
$2.68 MGA 12.2K
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.81 MGA 3,693
$0.57 MGA 2,604
$1.15 MGA 5,256
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.42 MGA 1,911
$0.34 MGA 1,556
$0.54 MGA 2,444
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$0.99 MGA 4,516
$0.65 MGA 2,980
$1.53 MGA 6,999
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.17 MGA 9,906
$1.52 MGA 6,917
$3.25 MGA 14.8K
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$0.79 MGA 3,605
$0.64 MGA 2,902
$1.39 MGA 6,331
White Bread (500g)
$1.04 MGA 4,732
$0.34 MGA 1,546
$1.37 MGA 6,231
Rice (white) (1kg)
$0.71 MGA 3,229
$0.64 MGA 2,920
$0.81 MGA 3,716
Eggs
$2.05 MGA 9,364
$1.63 MGA 7,454
$2.18 MGA 9,923
Local Cheese (1kg)
$8.36 MGA 38.1K
$4.47 MGA 20.4K
$14.52 MGA 66.2K
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$4.28 MGA 19.5K
$3.47 MGA 15.8K
$5.64 MGA 25.7K
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$4.81 MGA 21.9K
$4.48 MGA 20.4K
$5.38 MGA 24.5K
Apples (1kg)
$1.08 MGA 4,912
$0.34 MGA 1,529
$1.35 MGA 6,163
Banana (1kg)
$0.53 MGA 2,417
$0.42 MGA 1,934
$0.96 MGA 4,395
Oranges (1kg)
$1.00 MGA 4,575
$0.65 MGA 2,960
$2.40 MGA 10.9K
Tomato (1kg)
$0.87 MGA 3,980
$0.46 MGA 2,085
$1.15 MGA 5,259
Potato (1kg)
$0.54 MGA 2,478
$0.38 MGA 1,739
$0.63 MGA 2,869
Onion (1kg)
$0.90 MGA 4,113
$0.75 MGA 3,413
$1.28 MGA 5,820
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.34 MGA 1,573
$0.14 MGA 620
$0.46 MGA 2,098
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.68 MGA 3,094
$0.48 MGA 2,197
$0.77 MGA 3,497
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$1.52 MGA 6,951
$1.31 MGA 5,964
$1.52 MGA 6,951
Wine (Bottle)
$4.97 MGA 22.6K
$4.41 MGA 20.1K
$6.62 MGA 30.2K
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.00 MGA 4,572
$0.56 MGA 2,540
$1.36 MGA 6,188
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.86 MGA 8,479
$1.14 MGA 5,200
$2.73 MGA 12.5K
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.29 MGA 15.0K
$2.20 MGA 10.0K
$4.38 MGA 20.0K
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$2.05 MGA 9,347
$1.14 MGA 5,213
$2.29 MGA 10.4K
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$4.55 MGA 20.7K
$4.55 MGA 20.7K
$6.82 MGA 31.1K
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.85 MGA 3,898
$0.85 MGA 3,898
$1.22 MGA 5,562
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$11.8K MGA 54.0M
$11.2K MGA 51.0M
$12.5K MGA 57.1M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$25.5K MGA 116.1M
$22.5K MGA 102.5M
$25.5K MGA 116.1M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$73.5 MGA 335.5K
$47.52 MGA 216.8K
$224 MGA 1.0M
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$16.55 MGA 75.5K
$8.85 MGA 40.4K
$30.98 MGA 141.3K
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$56.1 MGA 255.7K
$50.1 MGA 228.4K
$66.5 MGA 303.2K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Cinema Ticket
$5.55 MGA 25.3K
$3.33 MGA 15.2K
$7.78 MGA 35.5K
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$24.19 MGA 110.4K
$16.37 MGA 74.7K
$39.29 MGA 179.2K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$14.8K MGA 67.6M
$12.3K MGA 56.2M
$25.0K MGA 113.9M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$28.33 MGA 129.2K
$9.92 MGA 45.2K
$50.8 MGA 231.7K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$27.48 MGA 125.3K
$13.46 MGA 61.4K
$56.1 MGA 255.8K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$77.4 MGA 353.1K
$27.07 MGA 123.5K
$192 MGA 874.7K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$67.3 MGA 306.8K
$38.21 MGA 174.3K
$164 MGA 747.1K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
15.75
12
18

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: October 12, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Ambatolampy $472
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$146
Groceries & Markets
$139
Clothing & Footwear
$90
Eating Out
$72
Getting Around
$14 *
Sport & Entertainment
$11 *

Categories marked with * are only partly priced – their share counts the items that do have prices.

Cost Breakdown

Expect to spend about $139 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $10.00 for two – well below the African average of $41.00.

Cost Highlights

Ambatolampy has the 8th cheapest preschool or kindergarten, full day, private, 1 child in Africa

Three-course dinner for two, mid-range is cheaper than 97% of cities in Africa

Rice is cheaper than 90% of cities in Africa

Good to know
🕒 Local time
05:04 5:04 AM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
32,291
💱 Currency
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to MGA – Malagasy Ariary Converter

Malagasy Ariary exchange rates as of October 18, 2026: 1 USD = 4,562 MGA (10,000 MGA = 2.19 USD). 1 EUR = 5,128 MGA (10,000 MGA = 1.95 EUR).

On the map
From you
  • Ambatolampy

Distances are measured in a straight line. Your location is detected approximately.

Ambatolampy Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
City tags:
Cost of Living in Ambatolampy - Frequently Asked Questions
How does the overall affordability stack up in Ambatolampy for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Cost of Living in Ambatolampy tends to favor modest budgets for everyday essentials. Local markets offer affordable produce, and simple guesthouses or small apartments help keep lodging costs predictable. For travelers, expats, and digital nomads, value comes from a slower pace, close-knit communities, and access to nature – not from luxury conveniences. Savings come from shopping locally, cooking at your lodging, and using shared transport rather than private rides. Seasonal variations affect prices and availability, so flexibility beats fixed plans. If you balance occasional meals out with longer-stay accommodations and steady offline routines, you’ll find a practical, human-scale environment. Tip: Keep a flexible schedule and lean on local options to stretch your stay.
What does a typical day look like in Ambatolampy for housing, food, transport, and errands?
In terms of day-to-day life, housing options range from modest apartments to family stays, with location influencing price and convenience. Food thrives at markets and inexpensive local eateries, letting you eat well without breaking the budget. Transport includes local taxis and shared vehicles, plus walking or biking in town. For digital nomads, reliable wifi can vary by lodging, so you may want a coffee spot or coworking-friendly base. Errands cluster in central districts, with basic services available but queues that shift with weekends. In terms of Ambatolampy living cost, plan ahead for steady routines and a little seasonal flexibility. Tip: Confirm wifi options in advance and choose a base near reliable cafes.
How can you optimize your quality of life in Ambatolampy through budgeting, seasons, and neighborhood fit?
Quality of life hinges on pace, safety, and access to nature. Build a budgeting framework around housing, food, transport, utilities, and personal care, with a small buffer for seasonal changes. Save by choosing local staples, cooking at home, and negotiating longer stays for lower rates. Neighborhood fit matters: central districts give quick access to markets and clinics, while outlying areas offer quieter streets and more space. Seasonality affects markets, travel times, and outdoor activities, so plan flexible schedules and outdoor-friendly rituals. Pair practical routines with occasional explorations to keep life inspired. Tip: Focus on neighborhood vibes and seasonal markets to maximize value.
Why is Ambatolampy considered affordable?
Compared to most cities worldwide, Ambatolampy is just cheap – all-in costs average $472 monthly. Both housing and daily necessities sit below the international median, which explains its popularity with budget travelers, nomads, and locals on modest incomes.
What is the average cost of living in Ambatolampy in 2026?
As of 2026, monthly living costs in Ambatolampy come to around $472 including rent, or roughly $398 excluding it. Numbers shift a bit by season and neighborhood, but this range works well as a planning baseline.
What is a good salary in Ambatolampy?
Earning $707 monthly in Ambatolampy means you're living well – a one-bedroom, regular groceries, transport, and some entertainment without stress. That's the threshold where most residents feel genuinely comfortable rather than just getting by.
Is food expensive in Ambatolampy?
Groceries in Ambatolampy cost around $139 monthly – well below what you'd pay in most cities. Fresh produce, staples, and locally made goods are all well-priced, so eating well on a budget is straightforward here.
How much does childcare cost in Ambatolampy?
Childcare averages $24.19 monthly at a private kindergarten in Ambatolampy. For many families, this single cost rivals rent, so it's essential to factor in before making a move.
Can you live on $800 a month in Ambatolampy?
$800 stretches far in Ambatolampy – all-in monthly costs average only $472. The surplus means you can build savings, travel a bit, and live above the local average without much effort.
What is quality of life like in Ambatolampy?
Ambatolampy offers genuinely appealing day-to-day living. Residents value multilingual environment, and at around $472 per month, it's accessible to a broad range of incomes. Most people find the cost-to-quality balance sustainable long-term.
Can you save money living in Ambatolampy?
Monthly expenses in Ambatolampy run around $472, so putting money aside takes more than $707 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.

Ambatolampy vs other spots: cost of living compared

Nearby cities

Similar cities

Show times on the 12-hour clock, temperatures in °F and distances in miles?