😐A single person spends $376 per month in Mahajanga vs $174 in Toliara, rent included.
😐A couple spends around $713 per month in Mahajanga vs $259 in Toliara, rent included.
😐A family of three spends $1,050 per month in Mahajanga vs $345 in Toliara, rent included.
😐Mahajanga costs about 116% more than Toliara, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.
📊Both Mahajanga and Toliara are more affordable than the global median – Mahajanga72% lower, Toliara87% lower.
Currency
🍽 Eating Out
Mahajanga
Toliara
Difference
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$1.98MGA 8,209
$1.77MGA 7,325
11.86%
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$17.88MGA 74.2K
-
-
Cappuccino
$0.66MGA 2,730
$0.80MGA 3,336
-17.50%
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite(0.33 liter bottle)
$0.88MGA 3,632
$0.66MGA 2,724
33.33%
Water(0.33 liter bottle)
$0.92MGA 3,809
-
-
Local Beer(0.5 liter draught)
$1.03MGA 4,272
-
-
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
$1.60MGA 6,623
-
-
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Mahajanga
Toliara
Difference
Milk(1 liter)
$1.05MGA 4,341
$1.43MGA 5,925
-26.57%
White Bread(500g)
$0.59MGA 2,466
-
-
Rice(white)(1kg)
$0.55MGA 2,298
$0.38MGA 1,576
44.74%
Eggs
$1.93MGA 8,017
$2.18MGA 9,063
-11.47%
Local Cheese(1kg)
$6.83MGA 28.3K
-
-
Chicken Fillets(1kg)
$5.26MGA 21.8K
$4.56MGA 18.9K
15.35%
Beef Round Steak(1kg)
$3.31MGA 13.7K
$4.75MGA 19.7K
-30.32%
Apples(1kg)
$0.94MGA 3,900
-
-
Banana(1kg)
$0.54MGA 2,232
$0.65MGA 2,706
-16.92%
Oranges(1kg)
$0.78MGA 3,222
-
-
Tomato(1kg)
$0.51MGA 2,100
$1.69MGA 6,999
-69.82%
Potato(1kg)
$0.49MGA 2,035
$0.48MGA 1,971
2.08%
Onion(1kg)
$0.45MGA 1,856
-
-
Lettuce(1 head)
$0.39MGA 1,623
-
-
Water(1.5 liter bottle)
$0.62MGA 2,592
$0.70MGA 2,917
-11.43%
Cigarettes 20 Pack(Marlboro, Camel)
$1.14MGA 4,736
$1.73MGA 7,193
-34.10%
Wine(Bottle)
$9.58MGA 39.7K
$6.15MGA 25.5K
55.77%
Local Beer(0.5 liter bottle)
$0.84MGA 3,466
$0.70MGA 2,892
20.00%
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
$1.03MGA 4,260
-
-
🚌 Getting Around
Mahajanga
Toliara
Difference
One-way Ticket(Public Transport)
$0.13MGA 521
-
-
Public Transport Monthly Pass(Regular Price)
$8.86MGA 36.8K
-
-
Gasoline(1 liter)
$1.13MGA 4,673
-
-
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Mahajanga
Toliara
Difference
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$45.23MGA 187.6K
-
-
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$6.57MGA 27.2K
$16.75MGA 69.5K
-60.78%
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$21.83MGA 90.6K
$32.81MGA 136.1K
-33.47%
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Mahajanga
Toliara
Difference
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$17.68MGA 73.3K
-
-
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Mahajanga
Toliara
Difference
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$330MGA 1.4M
-
-
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$110MGA 455.0K
-
-
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$660MGA 2.7M
-
-
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$441MGA 1.8M
-
-
CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update for Mahajanga: April 27, 2026
Last update for Toliara: April 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
Mahajanga vs Toliara: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions
Which city is more expensive, Mahajanga or Toliara?
Mahajanga costs about 116% 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 $564 per month in Mahajanga and $261 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 $376 in Mahajanga and $174 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 34% 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 $376 in Mahajanga and $174 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.