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: $377 in Mahajanga versus $18.91 in Ambatolampy.

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

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

Living in Mahajanga is roughly 1894% more expensive than in Ambatolampy, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.

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

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$2.03 MGA 8,753

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$17.67 MGA 76.2K

Cappuccino

$0.68 MGA 2,950

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

$0.92 MGA 3,969

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.87 MGA 3,748

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.02 MGA 4,415

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.52 MGA 6,551

Milk (1 liter)

$1.04 MGA 4,489

$0.80 MGA 3,454

30.00%

White Bread (500g)

$0.64 MGA 2,749

Rice (white) (1kg)

$0.60 MGA 2,582

Eggs

$1.96 MGA 8,468

Local Cheese (1kg)

$6.64 MGA 28.7K

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$5.26 MGA 22.7K

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$3.37 MGA 14.6K

Apples (1kg)

$0.99 MGA 4,253

Banana (1kg)

$0.55 MGA 2,352

Oranges (1kg)

$0.76 MGA 3,297

Tomato (1kg)

$0.54 MGA 2,348

Potato (1kg)

$0.50 MGA 2,161

Onion (1kg)

$0.45 MGA 1,934

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.43 MGA 1,854

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.59 MGA 2,545

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$1.13 MGA 4,882

Wine (Bottle)

$9.20 MGA 39.7K

$5.26 MGA 22.7K

74.90%

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$0.80 MGA 3,443

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.03 MGA 4,441

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.14 MGA 600

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$8.85 MGA 38.2K

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.13 MGA 4,876

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

$44.93 MGA 193.8K

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 464.2K

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 Mahajanga: July 26, 2026

Last update for Ambatolampy: July 27, 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 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 $566 in Mahajanga and $28.37 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 618% higher in Mahajanga. For households that cook at home regularly, that difference adds up over a month.

All in, you'll spend $377 per month in Mahajanga versus $18.91 in Ambatolampy – 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.