😐A single person spends $383 per month in Mahajanga vs $178 in Toliara, rent included.
😐A couple spends around $704 per month in Mahajanga vs $267 in Toliara, rent included.
😐A family of three spends $1,025 per month in Mahajanga vs $356 in Toliara, rent included.
😐Mahajanga costs about 115% more than Toliara, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.
📊Both Mahajanga and Toliara are more affordable than the global median – Mahajanga71% lower, Toliara87% lower.
Currency
🍽 Eating Out
Mahajanga
Toliara
Difference
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$1.95MGA 8,196
$1.81MGA 7,597
7.73%
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$17.57MGA 73.7K
-
-
Cappuccino
$0.70MGA 2,947
$0.76MGA 3,191
-7.89%
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite(0.33 liter bottle)
$0.93MGA 3,895
$0.70MGA 2,924
32.86%
Water(0.33 liter bottle)
$0.91MGA 3,806
-
-
Local Beer(0.5 liter draught)
$1.03MGA 4,304
-
-
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
$1.52MGA 6,368
-
-
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Mahajanga
Toliara
Difference
Milk(1 liter)
$1.06MGA 4,433
$1.42MGA 5,948
-25.35%
White Bread(500g)
$0.64MGA 2,684
-
-
Rice(white)(1kg)
$0.56MGA 2,344
$0.40MGA 1,681
40.00%
Eggs
$1.94MGA 8,125
$2.18MGA 9,159
-11.01%
Local Cheese(1kg)
$6.80MGA 28.5K
-
-
Chicken Fillets(1kg)
$5.40MGA 22.7K
$4.71MGA 19.8K
14.65%
Beef Round Steak(1kg)
$3.36MGA 14.1K
$4.99MGA 20.9K
-32.67%
Apples(1kg)
$0.97MGA 4,070
-
-
Banana(1kg)
$0.58MGA 2,455
$0.69MGA 2,892
-15.94%
Oranges(1kg)
$0.77MGA 3,236
-
-
Tomato(1kg)
$0.50MGA 2,111
$1.69MGA 7,101
-70.41%
Potato(1kg)
$0.49MGA 2,063
$0.51MGA 2,151
-3.92%
Onion(1kg)
$0.45MGA 1,869
-
-
Lettuce(1 head)
$0.39MGA 1,650
-
-
Water(1.5 liter bottle)
$0.58MGA 2,441
$0.65MGA 2,738
-10.77%
Cigarettes 20 Pack(Marlboro, Camel)
$1.09MGA 4,589
$1.83MGA 7,659
-40.44%
Wine(Bottle)
$9.76MGA 41.0K
$5.85MGA 24.5K
66.84%
Local Beer(0.5 liter bottle)
$0.82MGA 3,444
$0.65MGA 2,734
26.15%
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
$1.02MGA 4,276
-
-
🚌 Getting Around
Mahajanga
Toliara
Difference
One-way Ticket(Public Transport)
$0.14MGA 601
-
-
Public Transport Monthly Pass(Regular Price)
$9.07MGA 38.0K
-
-
Gasoline(1 liter)
$1.08MGA 4,543
-
-
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Mahajanga
Toliara
Difference
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$45.03MGA 188.9K
-
-
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$6.74MGA 28.3K
$16.83MGA 70.6K
-59.95%
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$21.77MGA 91.3K
$33.46MGA 140.4K
-34.94%
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Mahajanga
Toliara
Difference
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$17.57MGA 73.7K
-
-
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Mahajanga
Toliara
Difference
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$327MGA 1.4M
-
-
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$107MGA 448.3K
-
-
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$670MGA 2.8M
-
-
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$443MGA 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 Toliara: June 6, 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 Toliara: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions
Which city is more expensive, Mahajanga or Toliara?
Mahajanga costs about 115% more than Toliara, with the gap driven mainly by Groceries & Markets. That's enough to noticeably affect everyday spending and lifestyle for anyone choosing between the two.
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Mahajanga vs Toliara?
For a comfortable life, plan on about $575 per month in Mahajanga and $267 in Toliara. That covers rent, food, utilities, transport, and enough left over to feel settled – not just surviving.
How much does it cost to live in Mahajanga compared to Toliara?
Monthly expenses with rent come to $383 in Mahajanga and $178 in Toliara. The difference isn't just one category – it shows up across housing, food, transport, and services.
Are groceries more expensive in Mahajanga or Toliara?
Groceries cost about 35% more in Mahajanga, though it depends on what you buy. Local produce may be comparable; imported and premium items show the biggest price gap.
Can you live on $800/month in Mahajanga or Toliara?
$800 covers both cities comfortably – all-in costs are $383 in Mahajanga and $178 in Toliara, leaving budget for savings and extras in both cases.
Which city is better for families?
Families tend to lean toward Toliara – lower housing and cheaper childcare make a real difference, especially on a single income or when paying for private education.
Should I move to Mahajanga or Toliara?
If budget matters most, go with Toliara. If higher salaries, better infrastructure, or specific career opportunities are the priority, Mahajanga makes more sense. Both are solid long-term options with distinct trade-offs.