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

Monthly Cost of Living

Monthly costs for one person with rent: $383 in Mahajanga versus $8.41 in Ambatolampy.

Estimated couple costs with rent: $704 in Mahajanga versus $14.00 in Ambatolampy.

Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $1,025 in Mahajanga versus $20.37 in Ambatolampy.

Living in Mahajanga is roughly 4457% more expensive than Ambatolampy, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.

Both cities sit below the global median: Mahajanga 71% lower, Ambatolampy 99% lower.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$1.95 MGA 8,196

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$17.57 MGA 73.7K

Cappuccino

$0.70 MGA 2,947

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

$0.93 MGA 3,895

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.91 MGA 3,806

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.03 MGA 4,304

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.52 MGA 6,368

Milk (1 liter)

$1.06 MGA 4,433

$0.85 MGA 3,583

24.71%

White Bread (500g)

$0.64 MGA 2,684

Rice (white) (1kg)

$0.56 MGA 2,344

Eggs

$1.94 MGA 8,125

Local Cheese (1kg)

$6.80 MGA 28.5K

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$5.40 MGA 22.7K

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$3.36 MGA 14.1K

Apples (1kg)

$0.97 MGA 4,070

Banana (1kg)

$0.58 MGA 2,455

Oranges (1kg)

$0.77 MGA 3,236

Tomato (1kg)

$0.50 MGA 2,111

Potato (1kg)

$0.49 MGA 2,063

Onion (1kg)

$0.45 MGA 1,869

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.39 MGA 1,650

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.58 MGA 2,441

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$1.09 MGA 4,589

Wine (Bottle)

$9.76 MGA 41.0K

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$0.82 MGA 3,444

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.02 MGA 4,276

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.14 MGA 601

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$9.07 MGA 38.0K

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.08 MGA 4,543

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

$45.03 MGA 188.9K

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

$6.74 MGA 28.3K

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$21.77 MGA 91.3K

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$17.57 MGA 73.7K

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$327 MGA 1.4M

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$107 MGA 448.3K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$670 MGA 2.8M

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$443 MGA 1.9M

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

Last update for Mahajanga: June 7, 2026

Last update for Ambatolampy: June 7, 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

Mahajanga vs Ambatolampy: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions

Ambatolampy wins on cost – living expenses run 4457% 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 $575 in Mahajanga and $12.62 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.

Supermarket bills run roughly 1481% higher in Mahajanga. For households that cook at home regularly, that difference adds up over a month.

All in, you'll spend $383 per month in Mahajanga versus $8.41 in Ambatolampy – a 4457% 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 4457% less than in Mahajanga. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.