😐Monthly costs for one person with rent: $579 in Antananarivo versus $18.13 in Ambatolampy.
😐Estimated couple costs with rent: $1,036 in Antananarivo versus $27.00 in Ambatolampy.
😐Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $1,493 in Antananarivo versus $36.25 in Ambatolampy.
🌍Living in Antananarivo is roughly 3094% more expensive than in Ambatolampy, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.
📊Both cities sit below the global median: Antananarivo57% lower, Ambatolampy99% lower.
Currency
🍽 Eating Out
Antananarivo
Ambatolampy
Difference
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$3.32MGA 14.2K
-
-
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$18.84MGA 80.8K
-
-
Fast Food Meal(McDonalds, etc)
$4.95MGA 21.2K
-
-
Cappuccino
$1.29MGA 5,534
-
-
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite(0.33 liter bottle)
$1.05MGA 4,501
-
-
Water(0.33 liter bottle)
$0.60MGA 2,577
-
-
Local Beer(0.5 liter draught)
$0.80MGA 3,428
-
-
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
$1.60MGA 6,850
-
-
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Antananarivo
Ambatolampy
Difference
Milk(1 liter)
$1.12MGA 4,799
$0.80MGA 3,427
40.00%
White Bread(500g)
$1.09MGA 4,675
-
-
Rice(white)(1kg)
$0.77MGA 3,297
-
-
Eggs
$1.98MGA 8,472
-
-
Local Cheese(1kg)
$10.33MGA 44.3K
-
-
Chicken Fillets(1kg)
$4.69MGA 20.1K
-
-
Beef Round Steak(1kg)
$4.49MGA 19.3K
-
-
Apples(1kg)
$1.35MGA 5,788
-
-
Banana(1kg)
$0.60MGA 2,556
-
-
Oranges(1kg)
$1.07MGA 4,608
-
-
Tomato(1kg)
$1.04MGA 4,450
-
-
Potato(1kg)
$0.73MGA 3,128
-
-
Onion(1kg)
$0.99MGA 4,239
-
-
Lettuce(1 head)
$0.35MGA 1,488
-
-
Water(1.5 liter bottle)
$0.70MGA 3,008
-
-
Cigarettes 20 Pack(Marlboro, Camel)
$2.60MGA 11.1K
-
-
Wine(Bottle)
$5.06MGA 21.7K
$5.30MGA 22.7K
-4.53%
Local Beer(0.5 liter bottle)
$0.87MGA 3,739
-
-
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
$1.21MGA 5,205
-
-
🚌 Getting Around
Antananarivo
Ambatolampy
Difference
One-way Ticket(Public Transport)
$0.12MGA 514
-
-
Taxi Start(Normal Tariff)
$2.93MGA 12.6K
-
-
Taxi(Normal Tariff)(1km)
$1.65MGA 7,089
-
-
Taxi 1hour Waiting(Normal Tariff)
$4.49MGA 19.2K
-
-
Gasoline(1 liter)
$1.22MGA 5,249
-
-
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l(Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$12.1KMGA 51.9M
-
-
Compact Sedan 1.6l(Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$24.1KMGA 103.2M
-
-
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Antananarivo
Ambatolampy
Difference
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$58.0MGA 248.8K
-
-
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$15.65MGA 67.1K
-
-
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$46.19MGA 198.1K
-
-
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Antananarivo
Ambatolampy
Difference
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$35.71MGA 153.1K
-
-
Tennis Court(1 Hour on Weekend)
$6.41MGA 27.5K
-
-
Cinema Ticket
$6.54MGA 28.1K
-
-
🧸 Childcare & Education
Antananarivo
Ambatolampy
Difference
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
$71.1MGA 305.1K
-
-
International Primary School, 1 Child(Yearly)
$11.7KMGA 50.1M
-
-
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Antananarivo
Ambatolampy
Difference
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$31.34MGA 134.4K
-
-
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
$30.26MGA 129.8K
-
-
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$77.1MGA 330.8K
-
-
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$75.9MGA 325.5K
-
-
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Antananarivo
Ambatolampy
Difference
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$387MGA 1.7M
-
-
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$78.8MGA 337.9K
-
-
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$575MGA 2.5M
-
-
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$439MGA 1.9M
-
-
Buy Apartment in City Center(m2)
$688MGA 3.0M
-
-
Buy Apartment Outside City Center(m2)
$574MGA 2.5M
-
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Antananarivo
Ambatolampy
Difference
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$122MGA 522.4K
-
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate(Annual %)
15
0
-
CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update for Antananarivo: July 11, 2026
Last update for Ambatolampy: July 12, 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
Antananarivo vs Ambatolampy: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions
Which city is more expensive, Antananarivo or Ambatolampy?
Ambatolampy wins on cost – living expenses run 3094% lower than in Antananarivo. 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 Antananarivo and in Ambatolampy?
You'd need roughly $869 in Antananarivo and $27.20 in Ambatolampy 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 Antananarivo or in Ambatolampy?
Supermarket bills run roughly 716% higher in Antananarivo. For households that cook at home regularly, that difference adds up over a month.
How much does it cost to live in Antananarivo compared to Ambatolampy?
All in, you'll spend $579 per month in Antananarivo versus $18.13 in Ambatolampy – a 3094% gap that adds up to real savings over time for anyone picking the cheaper option.
Can you live on $800/month in Antananarivo or in Ambatolampy?
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: Antananarivo or Ambatolampy?
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 3094% less than in Antananarivo. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.
Antananarivo vs other spots: cost of living compared