🙂Monthly costs for one person with rent: $8.41 in Ambatolampy versus $380 in Mahajanga.
🙂Estimated couple costs with rent: $14.00 in Ambatolampy versus $708 in Mahajanga.
🙂Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $20.40 in Ambatolampy versus $1,036 in Mahajanga.
🙂Living in Ambatolampy costs roughly 98% less than in Mahajanga, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.
📊Both cities sit below the global median: Ambatolampy99% lower, Mahajanga72% lower.
Currency
🍽 Eating Out
Ambatolampy
Mahajanga
Difference
Meal at Budget Restaurant
-
$1.99MGA 8,345
-
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
-
$17.91MGA 75.1K
-
Cappuccino
-
$0.69MGA 2,910
-
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite(0.33 liter bottle)
-
$0.86MGA 3,615
-
Water(0.33 liter bottle)
-
$0.87MGA 3,666
-
Local Beer(0.5 liter draught)
-
$0.98MGA 4,098
-
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
-
$1.51MGA 6,325
-
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Ambatolampy
Mahajanga
Difference
Milk(1 liter)
$0.84MGA 3,543
$1.06MGA 4,446
-20.75%
White Bread(500g)
-
$0.59MGA 2,471
-
Rice(white)(1kg)
-
$0.59MGA 2,482
-
Eggs
-
$1.90MGA 7,978
-
Local Cheese(1kg)
-
$6.57MGA 27.6K
-
Chicken Fillets(1kg)
-
$5.29MGA 22.2K
-
Beef Round Steak(1kg)
-
$3.38MGA 14.2K
-
Apples(1kg)
-
$1.00MGA 4,196
-
Banana(1kg)
-
$0.55MGA 2,294
-
Oranges(1kg)
-
$0.73MGA 3,056
-
Tomato(1kg)
-
$0.54MGA 2,279
-
Potato(1kg)
-
$0.46MGA 1,941
-
Onion(1kg)
-
$0.44MGA 1,864
-
Lettuce(1 head)
-
$0.39MGA 1,655
-
Water(1.5 liter bottle)
-
$0.63MGA 2,648
-
Cigarettes 20 Pack(Marlboro, Camel)
-
$1.10MGA 4,596
-
Wine(Bottle)
-
$9.33MGA 39.2K
-
Local Beer(0.5 liter bottle)
-
$0.78MGA 3,254
-
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
-
$1.02MGA 4,259
-
🚌 Getting Around
Ambatolampy
Mahajanga
Difference
One-way Ticket(Public Transport)
-
$0.12MGA 510
-
Public Transport Monthly Pass(Regular Price)
-
$8.95MGA 37.5K
-
Gasoline(1 liter)
-
$1.14MGA 4,782
-
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Ambatolampy
Mahajanga
Difference
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
-
$43.57MGA 182.8K
-
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
-
$6.68MGA 28.0K
-
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
-
$22.54MGA 94.5K
-
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Ambatolampy
Mahajanga
Difference
Gym Membership(Monthly)
-
$17.64MGA 74.0K
-
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Ambatolampy
Mahajanga
Difference
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
-
$332MGA 1.4M
-
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
-
$110MGA 463.2K
-
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
-
$663MGA 2.8M
-
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
-
$445MGA 1.9M
-
CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update for Ambatolampy: June 14, 2026
Last update for Mahajanga: June 14, 2026
City Median Internet Speeds Comparison (Updated April 2026)
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
Ambatolampy vs Mahajanga: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions
Which city is more expensive, Ambatolampy or Mahajanga?
Ambatolampy wins on cost – living expenses run 4413% lower than in Mahajanga. Housing and daily spending are where you'll feel the difference most, making Ambatolampy the obvious pick if budget is a priority.
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Ambatolampy vs Mahajanga?
You'd need roughly $12.62 in Ambatolampy and $569 in Mahajanga to live well. The gap comes down to housing and overall price levels. Both cities are liveable on less, but these numbers represent actual comfort.
Are groceries more expensive in Ambatolampy or Mahajanga?
Supermarket bills run roughly 1472% higher in Mahajanga. For households that cook at home regularly, that difference adds up over a month.
How much does it cost to live in Ambatolampy compared to Mahajanga?
All in, you'll spend $8.41 per month in Ambatolampy versus $380 in Mahajanga – a 4413% gap that adds up to real savings over time for anyone picking the cheaper option.
Can you live on $800/month in Ambatolampy or Mahajanga?
Either city works on $800 a month, though Ambatolampy gives you more room to save. At this income level, the choice is more about lifestyle than financial pressure.
Which city offers a better quality of life: Ambatolampy or Mahajanga?
Both cities offer a good standard of living with different trade-offs. Neither is objectively better – the right pick depends on what matters most: affordability, career, cultural scene, or climate.
Which city is more affordable for expats?
Expats usually find Ambatolampy gentler on the wallet – expenses run 4413% less than in Mahajanga. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.
Ambatolampy vs other spots: cost of living compared