Cost of Living Comparison Between Ambatolampy and Mahajanga Cost of Living Comparison Between Ambatolampy and Mahajanga

Monthly Cost of Living

Monthly costs for one person with rent: $18.91 in Ambatolampy versus $377 in Mahajanga.

Estimated couple costs with rent: $27.00 in Ambatolampy versus $706 in Mahajanga.

Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $35.90 in Ambatolampy versus $1,034 in Mahajanga.

Living in Ambatolampy costs roughly 95% less than in Mahajanga, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.

Both cities sit below the global median: Ambatolampy 99% lower, Mahajanga 72% lower.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$2.03 MGA 8,748

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$17.67 MGA 76.2K

Cappuccino

$0.68 MGA 2,948

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.92 MGA 3,967

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.87 MGA 3,746

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.02 MGA 4,413

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.52 MGA 6,547

Milk (1 liter)

$0.80 MGA 3,452

$1.04 MGA 4,486

-23.08%

White Bread (500g)

$0.64 MGA 2,747

Rice (white) (1kg)

$0.60 MGA 2,580

Eggs

$1.96 MGA 8,463

Local Cheese (1kg)

$6.64 MGA 28.6K

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$5.26 MGA 22.7K

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$3.37 MGA 14.5K

Apples (1kg)

$0.99 MGA 4,251

Banana (1kg)

$0.55 MGA 2,351

Oranges (1kg)

$0.76 MGA 3,295

Tomato (1kg)

$0.54 MGA 2,346

Potato (1kg)

$0.50 MGA 2,160

Onion (1kg)

$0.45 MGA 1,932

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.43 MGA 1,853

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.59 MGA 2,543

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$1.13 MGA 4,880

Wine (Bottle)

$5.26 MGA 22.7K

$9.20 MGA 39.7K

-42.83%

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$0.80 MGA 3,441

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.03 MGA 4,439

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.14 MGA 599

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$8.85 MGA 38.2K

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.13 MGA 4,873

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$44.93 MGA 193.7K

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$6.77 MGA 29.2K

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$22.28 MGA 96.1K

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$17.41 MGA 75.1K

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$330 MGA 1.4M

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$108 MGA 463.9K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$674 MGA 2.9M

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$439 MGA 1.9M

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

Last update for Ambatolampy: July 27, 2026

Last update for Mahajanga: July 26, 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

Ambatolampy wins on cost – living expenses run 1894% 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.

You'd need roughly $28.37 in Ambatolampy and $566 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.

Supermarket bills run roughly 618% higher in Mahajanga. For households that cook at home regularly, that difference adds up over a month.

All in, you'll spend $18.91 per month in Ambatolampy versus $377 in Mahajanga – a 1894% gap that adds up to real savings over time for anyone picking the cheaper option.

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.

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.

Expats usually find Ambatolampy gentler on the wallet – expenses run 1894% less than in Mahajanga. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.