Cost of Living in Mahajanga - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $377 per month with rent, or $235 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $709 per month with rent, or $391 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $1,041 per month with rent, or $548 without housing.

Overall, Mahajanga is 63–72% below the global median across household types. Within Africa, costs are well below average (63% 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
$1.97 MGA 8,249
$1.31 MGA 5,486
$2.62 MGA 11.0K
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$17.84 MGA 74.8K
-
Cappuccino
$0.69 MGA 2,880
-
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.86 MGA 3,595
$0.65 MGA 2,706
$1.07 MGA 4,484
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.87 MGA 3,666
$0.87 MGA 3,666
$0.87 MGA 3,666
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.02 MGA 4,294
$0.69 MGA 2,877
$1.36 MGA 5,711
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.57 MGA 6,586
-
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.05 MGA 4,390
$0.55 MGA 2,298
$1.30 MGA 5,457
White Bread (500g)
$0.60 MGA 2,496
$0.16 MGA 655
$0.87 MGA 3,642
Rice (white) (1kg)
$0.61 MGA 2,552
$0.56 MGA 2,332
$0.65 MGA 2,728
Eggs
$1.91 MGA 8,023
$1.57 MGA 6,583
$2.36 MGA 9,874
Local Cheese (1kg)
$6.52 MGA 27.3K
$5.43 MGA 22.8K
$7.61 MGA 31.9K
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$5.31 MGA 22.3K
$2.65 MGA 11.1K
$6.63 MGA 27.8K
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$3.32 MGA 13.9K
$3.10 MGA 13.0K
$3.54 MGA 14.8K
Apples (1kg)
$0.91 MGA 3,825
$0.64 MGA 2,670
$1.05 MGA 4,423
Banana (1kg)
$0.57 MGA 2,404
$0.45 MGA 1,889
$0.69 MGA 2,876
Oranges (1kg)
$0.76 MGA 3,188
$0.69 MGA 2,886
$0.91 MGA 3,834
Tomato (1kg)
$0.50 MGA 2,100
$0.21 MGA 888
$0.65 MGA 2,705
Potato (1kg)
$0.50 MGA 2,092
$0.46 MGA 1,917
$0.58 MGA 2,440
Onion (1kg)
$0.45 MGA 1,885
$0.32 MGA 1,352
$0.55 MGA 2,295
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.40 MGA 1,675
$0.32 MGA 1,348
$0.55 MGA 2,287
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.58 MGA 2,444
$0.54 MGA 2,244
$0.64 MGA 2,684
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$1.13 MGA 4,725
-
Wine (Bottle)
$9.41 MGA 39.5K
-
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.79 MGA 3,298
$0.65 MGA 2,728
$0.86 MGA 3,623
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.03 MGA 4,309
$0.91 MGA 3,835
$1.14 MGA 4,783
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.13 MGA 526
$0.09 MGA 364
$0.32 MGA 1,336
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$9.07 MGA 38.0K
-
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.09 MGA 4,578
$0.88 MGA 3,671
$1.31 MGA 5,485
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$43.80 MGA 183.6K
-
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$6.62 MGA 27.7K
-
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$22.07 MGA 92.5K
-
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$18.06 MGA 75.7K
-
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$334 MGA 1.4M
-
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$109 MGA 457.5K
-
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$667 MGA 2.8M
-
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$445 MGA 1.9M
-

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

Last update: June 1, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Groceries cost around $132 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $18.00 – well below the African average of $42.00.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $9.07 – among the cheapest in Africa (average $29.00).

Cost Highlights

Rice is cheaper than 97% of cities in Africa

Imported beer is cheaper than 95% of cities in Africa

Local beer is cheaper than 94% 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 $377 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $235. 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 $377, 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 $566 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?
In Mahajanga's center, a one-bedroom apartment runs about $334 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $109. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.
How much does public transport cost per month in Mahajanga?
Public transport in Mahajanga costs about $9.07 per month – usually unlimited rides on buses, metro, or trams within the main zone. Much cheaper than owning a car, and the practical choice for most residents.
How much is public transport in Mahajanga?
Getting around Mahajanga by public transport costs about $9.07 per month. A monthly pass generally covers buses, trams, and metro – much cheaper than owning a car for the daily commute.
Can you live on $800 a month in Mahajanga?
$800 a month in Mahajanga? Very doable. Average costs with rent come to just $377, 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 $377 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 $377 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