Cost of Living Comparison Between Manakara and Ambatolampy Cost of Living Comparison Between Manakara and Ambatolampy

Monthly Cost of Living

Monthly costs for one person with rent: $389 in Manakara versus $8.41 in Ambatolampy.

Estimated couple costs with rent: $587 in Manakara versus $14.00 in Ambatolampy.

Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $784 in Manakara versus $20.37 in Ambatolampy.

Living in Manakara is roughly 4526% more expensive than Ambatolampy, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.

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

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$2.25 MGA 9,442

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$14.81 MGA 62.1K

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$3.60 MGA 15.1K

Cappuccino

$1.20 MGA 5,028

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

$0.58 MGA 2,418

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.58 MGA 2,449

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.14 MGA 4,766

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.42 MGA 5,966

Milk (1 liter)

$1.80 MGA 7,540

$0.85 MGA 3,583

111.76%

White Bread (500g)

$1.02 MGA 4,299

Rice (white) (1kg)

$0.74 MGA 3,108

Eggs

$2.25 MGA 9,449

Local Cheese (1kg)

$6.32 MGA 26.5K

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$3.36 MGA 14.1K

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$3.60 MGA 15.1K

Apples (1kg)

$0.94 MGA 3,962

Banana (1kg)

$0.68 MGA 2,856

Oranges (1kg)

$0.35 MGA 1,454

Tomato (1kg)

$0.72 MGA 3,007

Potato (1kg)

$0.55 MGA 2,298

Onion (1kg)

$0.77 MGA 3,241

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.34 MGA 1,429

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.70 MGA 2,933

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$1.41 MGA 5,910

Wine (Bottle)

$4.73 MGA 19.8K

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.03 MGA 4,311

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.30 MGA 5,459

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.21 MGA 879

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$17.89 MGA 75.1K

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.10 MGA 4,595

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.07 MGA 8,680

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$3.30 MGA 13.9K

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.19 MGA 5,008

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$15.6K MGA 65.6M

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$20.6K MGA 86.4M

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

$42.75 MGA 179.4K

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$54.4 MGA 228.3K

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$11.44 MGA 48.0K

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$22.15 MGA 92.9K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$16.74 MGA 70.3K

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$20.87 MGA 87.6K

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$45.39 MGA 190.5K

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$44.88 MGA 188.3K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$127 MGA 531.0K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

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

Last update for Manakara: June 8, 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

Manakara vs Ambatolampy: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions

Ambatolampy wins on cost – living expenses run 4526% lower than in Manakara. 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 $584 in Manakara 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 1429% higher in Manakara. For households that cook at home regularly, that difference adds up over a month.

All in, you'll spend $389 per month in Manakara versus $8.41 in Ambatolampy – a 4526% 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 4526% less than in Manakara. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.