Last update: Oct 2026 Madagascar 246K

Cost of Living in Mahajanga

For one person, living costs in Mahajanga are estimated at $546 a month, including rent and utilities, which take more than half of the total. Other living expenses average about $8 a day.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Mahajanga

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Mahajanga actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

A single person spends around $546 per month with rent, or $232 for everyday expenses alone.

$546 /mo

A couple spends around $798 per month with rent, or $401 for everyday expenses alone.

$798 /mo

A family of three spends around $1,050 per month with rent, or $569 without housing.

$1,050 /mo

Overall, Mahajanga is 60–63% 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.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$2.04 MGA 9,285
$1.36 MGA 6,205
$2.72 MGA 12.4K
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$17.55 MGA 80.1K
-
Cappuccino
$0.63 MGA 2,890
-
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.87 MGA 3,963
$0.64 MGA 2,939
$1.08 MGA 4,943
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.92 MGA 4,202
$0.92 MGA 4,202
$0.92 MGA 4,202
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$0.99 MGA 4,509
$0.65 MGA 2,976
$1.31 MGA 5,997
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.54 MGA 7,016
-
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.35 MGA 6,149
$1.35 MGA 6,149
$1.35 MGA 6,149
White Bread (500g)
$0.84 MGA 3,851
$0.79 MGA 3,619
$0.91 MGA 4,129
Rice (white) (1kg)
$0.59 MGA 2,695
$0.58 MGA 2,650
$0.60 MGA 2,739
Eggs
$2.11 MGA 9,622
$1.84 MGA 8,402
$2.37 MGA 10.8K
Local Cheese (1kg)
$6.69 MGA 30.5K
$5.57 MGA 25.4K
$7.80 MGA 35.6K
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.62 MGA 30.2K
$6.62 MGA 30.2K
$6.62 MGA 30.2K
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$3.62 MGA 16.5K
-
Apples (1kg)
$1.10 MGA 5,016
$1.10 MGA 5,016
$1.10 MGA 5,016
Banana (1kg)
$0.59 MGA 2,714
$0.54 MGA 2,447
$0.64 MGA 2,936
Oranges (1kg)
$0.63 MGA 2,890
$0.63 MGA 2,890
$0.63 MGA 2,890
Tomato (1kg)
$0.64 MGA 2,931
$0.64 MGA 2,931
$0.64 MGA 2,931
Potato (1kg)
$0.48 MGA 2,211
$0.43 MGA 1,945
$0.53 MGA 2,432
Onion (1kg)
$0.54 MGA 2,466
$0.51 MGA 2,324
$0.57 MGA 2,608
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.34 MGA 1,573
$0.34 MGA 1,573
$0.34 MGA 1,573
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.58 MGA 2,631
-
Wine (Bottle)
$8.79 MGA 40.1K
-
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.74 MGA 3,385
$0.63 MGA 2,864
$0.85 MGA 3,863
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.90 MGA 4,123
-
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.24 MGA 1,098
$0.14 MGA 621
$0.35 MGA 1,576
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.34 MGA 6,126
-
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$44.10 MGA 201.2K
-
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$6.48 MGA 29.5K
-
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$22.44 MGA 102.3K
-
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$17.65 MGA 80.5K
-
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$339 MGA 1.5M
-
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$269 MGA 1.2M
-
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$653 MGA 3.0M
-
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$437 MGA 2.0M
-

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

Last update: October 12, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Groceries cost around $145 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $18.00 – well below the African average of $41.00.

Cost Highlights

Rice is cheaper than 96% of cities in Africa

Imported beer is cheaper than 95% of cities in Africa

Cappuccino is cheaper than 94% of cities in Africa

Good to know
🕒 Local time
05:04 5:04 AM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
246,022
💱 Currency
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to MGA – Malagasy Ariary Converter

Malagasy Ariary exchange rates as of October 18, 2026: 1 USD = 4,562 MGA (10,000 MGA = 2.19 USD). 1 EUR = 5,128 MGA (10,000 MGA = 1.95 EUR).

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Mahajanga Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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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 $546 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $232. 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 $546, 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 $818 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 $339 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $269. 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 $145 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 $17.65 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 $546, 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 $546 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 $546 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.

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