😐A single person spends $377 per month in Mahajanga vs $178 in Toliara, rent included.
😐A couple spends around $706 per month in Mahajanga vs $262 in Toliara, rent included.
😐A family of three spends $1,034 per month in Mahajanga vs $345 in Toliara, rent included.
😐Mahajanga costs about 111% 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
$2.03MGA 8,748
$1.80MGA 7,777
12.78%
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$17.67MGA 76.2K
-
-
Cappuccino
$0.68MGA 2,948
$0.75MGA 3,230
-9.33%
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite(0.33 liter bottle)
$0.92MGA 3,967
$0.64MGA 2,763
43.75%
Water(0.33 liter bottle)
$0.87MGA 3,746
-
-
Local Beer(0.5 liter draught)
$1.02MGA 4,413
-
-
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
$1.52MGA 6,547
-
-
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Mahajanga
Toliara
Difference
Milk(1 liter)
$1.04MGA 4,486
$1.37MGA 5,887
-24.09%
White Bread(500g)
$0.64MGA 2,747
-
-
Rice(white)(1kg)
$0.60MGA 2,580
$0.38MGA 1,618
57.89%
Eggs
$1.96MGA 8,463
$2.10MGA 9,039
-6.67%
Local Cheese(1kg)
$6.64MGA 28.6K
-
-
Chicken Fillets(1kg)
$5.26MGA 22.7K
$4.52MGA 19.5K
16.37%
Beef Round Steak(1kg)
$3.37MGA 14.5K
$5.01MGA 21.6K
-32.73%
Apples(1kg)
$0.99MGA 4,251
-
-
Banana(1kg)
$0.55MGA 2,351
$0.66MGA 2,830
-16.67%
Oranges(1kg)
$0.76MGA 3,295
-
-
Tomato(1kg)
$0.54MGA 2,346
$1.68MGA 7,246
-67.86%
Potato(1kg)
$0.50MGA 2,160
$0.51MGA 2,204
-1.96%
Onion(1kg)
$0.45MGA 1,932
-
-
Lettuce(1 head)
$0.43MGA 1,853
-
-
Water(1.5 liter bottle)
$0.59MGA 2,543
$0.70MGA 2,998
-15.71%
Cigarettes 20 Pack(Marlboro, Camel)
$1.13MGA 4,880
$1.75MGA 7,549
-35.43%
Wine(Bottle)
$9.20MGA 39.7K
$5.91MGA 25.5K
55.67%
Local Beer(0.5 liter bottle)
$0.80MGA 3,441
$0.65MGA 2,798
23.08%
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
$1.03MGA 4,439
-
-
🚌 Getting Around
Mahajanga
Toliara
Difference
One-way Ticket(Public Transport)
$0.14MGA 599
-
-
Public Transport Monthly Pass(Regular Price)
$8.85MGA 38.2K
-
-
Gasoline(1 liter)
$1.13MGA 4,873
-
-
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Mahajanga
Toliara
Difference
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$44.93MGA 193.7K
-
-
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$6.77MGA 29.2K
$16.57MGA 71.4K
-59.14%
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$22.28MGA 96.1K
$32.93MGA 142.0K
-32.34%
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Mahajanga
Toliara
Difference
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$17.41MGA 75.1K
-
-
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Mahajanga
Toliara
Difference
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$330MGA 1.4M
-
-
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$108MGA 463.9K
-
-
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$674MGA 2.9M
-
-
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$439MGA 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 Toliara: 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 Toliara: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions
Which city is more expensive, Mahajanga or Toliara?
Mahajanga costs about 111% 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 and in Toliara?
For a comfortable life, plan on about $566 per month in Mahajanga and $268 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 $377 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 in 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 in Toliara?
$800 covers both cities comfortably – all-in costs are $377 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 to 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.