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: $390 in Manakara versus $18.91 in Ambatolampy.

Estimated couple costs with rent: $584 in Manakara versus $27.00 in Ambatolampy.

Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $778 in Manakara versus $35.90 in Ambatolampy.

Living in Manakara is roughly 1960% more expensive than in Ambatolampy, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.

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

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$2.28 MGA 9,821

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$14.98 MGA 64.6K

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$3.57 MGA 15.4K

Cappuccino

$1.16 MGA 5,023

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

$0.57 MGA 2,450

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.59 MGA 2,529

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.20 MGA 5,179

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.47 MGA 6,346

Milk (1 liter)

$1.82 MGA 7,853

$0.80 MGA 3,452

127.50%

White Bread (500g)

$1.03 MGA 4,426

Rice (white) (1kg)

$0.68 MGA 2,934

Eggs

$2.26 MGA 9,738

Local Cheese (1kg)

$6.66 MGA 28.7K

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$3.45 MGA 14.9K

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$3.62 MGA 15.6K

Apples (1kg)

$0.97 MGA 4,175

Banana (1kg)

$0.67 MGA 2,877

Oranges (1kg)

$0.38 MGA 1,621

Tomato (1kg)

$0.69 MGA 2,969

Potato (1kg)

$0.58 MGA 2,519

Onion (1kg)

$0.73 MGA 3,147

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.34 MGA 1,484

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.64 MGA 2,774

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$1.43 MGA 6,173

Wine (Bottle)

$4.52 MGA 19.5K

$5.26 MGA 22.7K

-14.07%

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.02 MGA 4,408

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.24 MGA 5,367

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.21 MGA 902

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$18.03 MGA 77.8K

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.09 MGA 4,689

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.13 MGA 9,205

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$3.23 MGA 13.9K

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.13 MGA 4,872

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

$15.8K MGA 68.3M

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

$20.3K MGA 87.4M

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

$43.00 MGA 185.4K

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$53.2 MGA 229.2K

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$11.68 MGA 50.4K

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

$22.48 MGA 96.9K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$16.24 MGA 70.0K

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$20.24 MGA 87.3K

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$45.87 MGA 197.8K

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$44.81 MGA 193.2K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$122 MGA 527.3K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

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

Last update for Manakara: July 26, 2026

Last update for Ambatolampy: 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

Manakara vs Ambatolampy: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions

Ambatolampy wins on cost – living expenses run 1960% 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 $28.37 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 607% higher in Manakara. For households that cook at home regularly, that difference adds up over a month.

All in, you'll spend $390 per month in Manakara versus $18.91 in Ambatolampy – a 1960% 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 1960% less than in Manakara. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.