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: $383 in Manakara versus $8.16 in Ambatolampy.

Estimated couple costs with rent: $582 in Manakara versus $14.00 in Ambatolampy.

Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $781 in Manakara versus $20.40 in Ambatolampy.

Living in Manakara is roughly 4598% 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

$2.27 MGA 9,410

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$14.58 MGA 60.5K

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$3.56 MGA 14.8K

Cappuccino

$1.15 MGA 4,778

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

$0.61 MGA 2,552

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.59 MGA 2,434

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.20 MGA 4,975

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.42 MGA 5,876

Milk (1 liter)

$1.75 MGA 7,256

$0.84 MGA 3,482

108.33%

White Bread (500g)

$1.03 MGA 4,255

Rice (white) (1kg)

$0.68 MGA 2,826

Eggs

$2.33 MGA 9,648

Local Cheese (1kg)

$6.60 MGA 27.4K

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$3.48 MGA 14.5K

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$3.64 MGA 15.1K

Apples (1kg)

$1.01 MGA 4,200

Banana (1kg)

$0.73 MGA 3,022

Oranges (1kg)

$0.37 MGA 1,539

Tomato (1kg)

$0.68 MGA 2,813

Potato (1kg)

$0.53 MGA 2,213

Onion (1kg)

$0.75 MGA 3,122

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.32 MGA 1,312

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.70 MGA 2,906

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$1.41 MGA 5,846

Wine (Bottle)

$4.87 MGA 20.2K

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.07 MGA 4,460

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.29 MGA 5,359

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.23 MGA 956

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$17.61 MGA 73.1K

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.14 MGA 4,726

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.08 MGA 8,617

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$3.36 MGA 13.9K

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.17 MGA 4,874

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

$15.6K MGA 64.9M

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

$20.8K MGA 86.3M

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

$42.05 MGA 174.5K

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$53.2 MGA 220.8K

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$11.52 MGA 47.8K

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

$22.46 MGA 93.2K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$16.14 MGA 67.0K

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$20.18 MGA 83.7K

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$46.11 MGA 191.3K

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$44.31 MGA 183.9K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$126 MGA 521.6K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

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

Last update for Manakara: April 26, 2026

Last update for Ambatolampy: April 25, 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 4598% 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 $575 in Manakara and $12.24 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 1481% higher in Manakara. For households that cook at home regularly, that difference adds up over a month.

All in, you'll spend $383 per month in Manakara versus $8.16 in Ambatolampy – a 4598% 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 4598% less than in Manakara. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.