Cost of Living in Mahajanga - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $564 per month with rent, or $231 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $843 per month with rent, or $406 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $1,123 per month with rent, or $582 without housing.

Overall, Mahajanga is 59–62% below the global median across household types. Within Africa, costs are well below average (40% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.

Currency
Do you live in Mahajanga? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$2.04 MGA 8,825
$1.36 MGA 5,869
$2.73 MGA 11.8K
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$18.28 MGA 79.0K
-
Cappuccino
$0.72 MGA 3,103
-
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.94 MGA 4,070
$0.71 MGA 3,063
$1.17 MGA 5,077
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.91 MGA 3,914
$0.91 MGA 3,914
$0.91 MGA 3,914
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.03 MGA 4,449
$0.69 MGA 2,995
$1.38 MGA 5,947
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.59 MGA 6,857
-
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.38 MGA 5,962
$1.38 MGA 5,962
$1.38 MGA 5,962
White Bread (500g)
$0.85 MGA 3,667
$0.79 MGA 3,414
$0.91 MGA 3,920
Rice (white) (1kg)
$0.61 MGA 2,642
$0.60 MGA 2,601
$0.62 MGA 2,683
Eggs
$2.22 MGA 9,577
$1.94 MGA 8,374
$2.49 MGA 10.8K
Local Cheese (1kg)
$7.15 MGA 30.9K
$5.96 MGA 25.8K
$8.34 MGA 36.0K
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$7.11 MGA 30.7K
$7.11 MGA 30.7K
$7.11 MGA 30.7K
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$3.81 MGA 16.5K
-
Apples (1kg)
$1.19 MGA 5,148
$1.19 MGA 5,148
$1.19 MGA 5,148
Banana (1kg)
$0.66 MGA 2,843
$0.60 MGA 2,577
$0.72 MGA 3,110
Oranges (1kg)
$0.73 MGA 3,147
$0.73 MGA 3,147
$0.73 MGA 3,147
Tomato (1kg)
$0.72 MGA 3,129
$0.72 MGA 3,129
$0.72 MGA 3,129
Potato (1kg)
$0.53 MGA 2,303
$0.47 MGA 2,037
$0.59 MGA 2,569
Onion (1kg)
$0.53 MGA 2,311
$0.50 MGA 2,143
$0.56 MGA 2,438
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.36 MGA 1,565
$0.36 MGA 1,565
$0.36 MGA 1,565
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.56 MGA 2,433
-
Wine (Bottle)
$9.04 MGA 39.1K
-
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.78 MGA 3,357
$0.67 MGA 2,901
$0.89 MGA 3,854
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.91 MGA 3,923
-
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.25 MGA 1,084
$0.15 MGA 632
$0.37 MGA 1,581
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.42 MGA 6,152
-
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$46.86 MGA 202.6K
-
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$6.92 MGA 29.9K
-
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$23.11 MGA 99.9K
-
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$18.50 MGA 80.0K
-
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$346 MGA 1.5M
-
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$276 MGA 1.2M
-
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$689 MGA 3.0M
-
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$467 MGA 2.0M
-

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

Last update: August 29, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Groceries cost around $153 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $18.00 – well below the African average of $42.00.

Cost Highlights

Imported beer is cheaper than 96% of cities in Africa

Rice is cheaper than 96% of cities in Africa

Local beer is cheaper than 93% of cities in Africa

Mahajanga Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
City tags:
Cost of Living in Mahajanga - Frequently Asked Questions
How affordable is Mahajanga for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who tends to find it a good value?
Cost of Living in Mahajanga is generally approachable for budget-conscious travelers, expats, and remote workers. Local street food and markets offer fresh produce at predictable, affordable prices, and you can assemble meals cheaply. For longer stays, a range of lodging exists – from simple guesthouses to modest apartments – with room to negotiate longer-term rent. Within the center and waterfront districts, short trips for groceries or errands stay quick and inexpensive, while taxis offer predictable fare scales for occasional nights out. The climate and seasonality shape daily routines, with sea breezes and occasional rain guiding outdoor plans. Tip: Prioritize neighborhoods with reliable Wi‑Fi, safe walking routes, and easy access to markets and transit.
What does daily life look like in Mahajanga, including housing search, food options, transport, and coworking or work-friendly spaces?
Daily life centers on the waterfront and markets, with a laid-back rhythm that suits longer stays. For housing, check local listings, ask hosts for introductions, and visit several neighborhoods to compare noise, safety, and proximity to groceries. Food options span busy markets, seafood stalls, and casual restaurants offering affordable meals. Transport is flexible: taxis, shared minibuses, and bicycles are common, with walking often practical in central areas. If you work remotely, seek cafes or hotel lobbies with steady Wi‑Fi or a light coworking zone. Mahajanga living cost can shift with seasons, so budget for seasonal changes. Tip: test connectivity before committing to a long-term rental.
What factors influence quality of life and budgeting in Mahajanga, and how can you save while navigating seasonality and finding the right neighborhood?
Quality of life here hinges on balance: you want safety, access to groceries, and a pleasant climate, all within a reasonable budget. A practical budgeting framework is to bucket expenses into housing, food, transport, and incidental costs, then track any seasonal shifts. Neighborhood fit matters: central waterfront areas offer easy access to markets and transit, while inland pockets can be quieter and cheaper. Save by buying fresh produce at markets, cooking at home, and choosing accommodations with stable internet and good insulation. Take advantage of shoulder seasons for lower rates on stays, and use public transport or bicycles to keep daily costs predictable. Tip: map a few favorite routes and routines to reduce impulse trips and save time.
What is the average cost of living in Mahajanga?
A single person in Mahajanga typically spends $564 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $231. The final number shifts depending on your neighborhood, eating habits, and general lifestyle.
Why is Mahajanga considered affordable?
Mahajanga is affordable because both rent and daily expenses are genuinely low. Total monthly costs with housing come to just $564, making it firmly budget-friendly for residents and long-term visitors alike.
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Mahajanga?
You'll want at least $846 per month after taxes to live comfortably in Mahajanga. That covers a decent apartment, groceries, utilities, transport, and enough left over for dining out occasionally. Families or people wanting a central location should budget higher.
How much is rent in Mahajanga?
A central one-bedroom apartment in Mahajanga runs about $346 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $276. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.
Is food expensive in Mahajanga?
Food in Mahajanga is genuinely cheap. A single person's grocery bill runs about $153 per month, and local markets and street vendors push costs even lower. Cooking at home is easy and affordable, and eating out at local spots won't break the bank either.
How expensive is a gym membership in Mahajanga?
A gym membership in Mahajanga runs about $18.50 per month – affordable by regional standards. Most gyms include basic equipment, group classes, and locker rooms. Boutique studios and personal training cost more, but the baseline is budget-friendly.
Can you live on $800 a month in Mahajanga?
$800 a month in Mahajanga? Very doable. Average costs with rent come to just $564, which leaves real room to save, eat out, and enjoy the city without watching every dollar.
Is Mahajanga good for expats?
Mahajanga works well for expats – there's a solid range of international services, diverse housing, and established communities of foreigners. English-language options for healthcare, banking, and real estate are increasingly available, making the transition fairly smooth.
How affordable is Mahajanga?
Mahajanga is affordable by most measures, which is why it appeals to long-term travelers, remote workers, and budget-conscious residents. At $564 per month with rent, it sits well below the global average for cities of similar size.
Is Mahajanga good for backpackers on a budget?
Mahajanga is great for backpackers. All-in costs average just $564 monthly, and even short-term visitors on tight budgets can stretch their money. Cheap hostels, affordable street food, budget transport, and free attractions make it easy to explore without overspending.

Mahajanga vs other spots: cost of living compared

Nearby cities

Similar cities