Cost of Living in Manakara - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $389 per month with rent, or $294 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $583 per month with rent, or $516 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $776 per month with rent, or $738 without housing.

Overall, Manakara is about 73% below the global median. Within Africa, costs are well below average (62% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$2.16 MGA 9,041
$2.12 MGA 8,878
$3.23 MGA 13.6K
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$14.90 MGA 62.5K
$13.49 MGA 56.6K
$18.89 MGA 79.2K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$3.53 MGA 14.8K
-
Cappuccino
$1.19 MGA 5,009
$0.90 MGA 3,778
$1.35 MGA 5,646
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.61 MGA 2,571
$0.46 MGA 1,918
$0.81 MGA 3,399
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.55 MGA 2,286
$0.43 MGA 1,796
$0.65 MGA 2,735
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.19 MGA 5,001
$1.13 MGA 4,745
$1.24 MGA 5,215
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.42 MGA 5,963
$1.31 MGA 5,508
$1.53 MGA 6,419
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.82 MGA 7,611
$1.13 MGA 4,746
$2.49 MGA 10.4K
White Bread (500g)
$0.98 MGA 4,123
$0.22 MGA 907
$1.75 MGA 7,340
Rice (white) (1kg)
$0.73 MGA 3,075
$0.64 MGA 2,685
$0.92 MGA 3,854
Eggs
$2.23 MGA 9,330
$1.82 MGA 7,619
$2.80 MGA 11.7K
Local Cheese (1kg)
$6.32 MGA 26.5K
$5.19 MGA 21.8K
$7.46 MGA 31.3K
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$3.36 MGA 14.1K
$2.63 MGA 11.0K
$3.95 MGA 16.6K
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$3.52 MGA 14.8K
$3.52 MGA 14.8K
$3.52 MGA 14.8K
Apples (1kg)
$0.95 MGA 3,977
$0.81 MGA 3,409
$1.07 MGA 4,504
Banana (1kg)
$0.73 MGA 3,075
$0.59 MGA 2,460
$0.93 MGA 3,909
Oranges (1kg)
$0.35 MGA 1,453
$0.32 MGA 1,332
$0.38 MGA 1,574
Tomato (1kg)
$0.73 MGA 3,064
$0.58 MGA 2,451
$0.93 MGA 3,896
Potato (1kg)
$0.54 MGA 2,266
$0.42 MGA 1,781
$0.60 MGA 2,509
Onion (1kg)
$0.76 MGA 3,191
$0.69 MGA 2,889
$0.92 MGA 3,838
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.31 MGA 1,315
$0.21 MGA 876
$0.42 MGA 1,753
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.70 MGA 2,915
$0.58 MGA 2,436
$0.81 MGA 3,393
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$1.41 MGA 5,900
$1.35 MGA 5,646
$1.46 MGA 6,112
Wine (Bottle)
$4.71 MGA 19.8K
$4.71 MGA 19.8K
$4.71 MGA 19.8K
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.07 MGA 4,468
$1.02 MGA 4,255
$1.13 MGA 4,723
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.32 MGA 5,517
$1.25 MGA 5,259
$1.37 MGA 5,733
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.21 MGA 877
$0.21 MGA 877
$0.21 MGA 877
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$17.46 MGA 73.2K
-
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.13 MGA 4,720
-
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$2.18 MGA 9,140
-
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$3.42 MGA 14.3K
-
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.19 MGA 4,992
$0.89 MGA 3,744
$1.34 MGA 5,637
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$15.4K MGA 64.6M
-
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$20.4K MGA 85.6M
-
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$42.44 MGA 177.9K
$16.60 MGA 69.6K
$88.6 MGA 371.3K
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$53.1 MGA 222.8K
$44.04 MGA 184.6K
$60.6 MGA 253.9K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$11.41 MGA 47.8K
$10.09 MGA 42.3K
$13.16 MGA 55.2K
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$21.80 MGA 91.4K
-
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$16.48 MGA 69.1K
$15.14 MGA 63.5K
$17.81 MGA 74.7K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$20.25 MGA 84.9K
$14.23 MGA 59.6K
$26.27 MGA 110.1K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$45.64 MGA 191.4K
$39.89 MGA 167.2K
$51.4 MGA 215.5K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$44.89 MGA 188.2K
$36.58 MGA 153.4K
$53.2 MGA 223.1K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$125 MGA 525.4K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
24
-

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

Last update: June 1, 2026

Cost Breakdown

The average net salary is $125 – below monthly costs of $389. Most locals rely on shared housing or dual incomes. Remote workers earning abroad will find stronger purchasing power.

Groceries cost around $130 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $15.00 – well below the African average of $42.00.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $17.46 – among the cheapest in Africa (average $29.00).

Cost Highlights

Manakara has the 4th cheapest preschool or kindergarten, full day, private, 1 child in Africa

Gym membership is cheaper than 97% of cities in Africa

Fast food meal is cheaper than 92% of cities in Africa

Manakara 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
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Cost of Living in Manakara - Frequently Asked Questions
How would you rate the overall affordability for a traveler or remote worker staying in Manakara?
Manakara offers a fairly approachable backdrop for travelers, expats, and digital nomads. You'll find a range of options from simple guesthouses to modest apartments, with longer stays usually benefiting from monthly rates. Local markets and street food provide very budget-friendly meals, while imported goods and western comforts can push costs higher. Overall, Cost of Living in Manakara, Madagascar tends to be more affordable than many urban hubs, especially for daily necessities and services. Electricity and internet reliability can vary by neighborhood, so plan back-up options and a flexible schedule. Tip: start with short stays to test neighborhoods before committing long-term.
What does daily life look like in Manakara in terms of housing, food, transport, and coworking or errands?
Daily life in Manakara blends coastal charm with practical living. You'll likely shop at open-air markets for fresh produce, fish, and rice, and you'll find affordable prepared meals in local eateries. Housing ranges from beach-adjacent rooms to compact city apartments, with flexible short-term leases available through guesthouses or local landlords. Getting around is straightforward by taxi-brousse-style transports, bicycles, or on foot, and some cafés offer reliable wifi for remote work. Co-working is modest but rising, with seasonal changes in crowd size. Manakara, Madagascar living cost is influenced by proximity to the canal and sea, so plan for occasional price shifts. Tip: test a few neighborhoods nearby to judge noise and safety.
What budgeting framework helps you maximize your stay and find the best neighborhood fit in Manakara, considering seasonality and lifestyle?
Quality of life here hinges on a simple budgeting approach and neighborhood scouting. Start with a flexible housing plan – short stays let you compare areas near the waterfront, markets, and quieter residential streets. Tally essential weekly costs like meals, transport, and basic utilities, then add a cushion for occasional excursions and repairs. Seasonality affects mood and pace more than prices, with rainier months slowing travel but delivering cooler evenings. To save, favor local eateries, fruit stalls, and cash-based transactions where accepted; consider a SIM card with reliable data for easier navigation. Tip: map three go-to neighborhoods and rotate visits to feel the rhythm.
What makes Manakara a budget-friendly city to live in?
Manakara is affordable because both rent and daily expenses are genuinely low. Total monthly costs with housing come to just $389, making it firmly budget-friendly for residents and long-term visitors alike.
How affordable is daily life in Manakara?
By most standards, Manakara is a budget-friendly place to live. Total monthly costs with rent usually land around $389, and both housing and daily expenses fall below global averages. It's a solid pick for remote workers, long-term travelers, or anyone watching their spending.
Is the average income in Manakara enough to cover living costs and save?
The average net salary in Manakara is about $125, while comfortable living starts around $584. With total costs hitting $389 monthly, saving is possible if you earn above average – but it takes intentional budgeting.
Is grocery shopping affordable in Manakara?
Groceries in Manakara are cheap – a single person spends about $130 per month. Local markets and budget supermarkets push costs even lower. Food is one of the city's strongest affordability points.
What is a monthly transit pass in Manakara?
Public transport in Manakara costs about $17.46 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.
Is $1,000 enough to live comfortably in Manakara?
$1,000 a month in Manakara? Very doable. Average costs with rent come to just $389, which leaves real room to save, eat out, and enjoy the city without watching every dollar.
Is Manakara a good city to live in long-term?
Quality of life in Manakara is solid. Standout factors include coastal lifestyle, beach access, café culture, backed by good public transport, varied dining and leisure, and well-maintained infrastructure. At about $389 monthly all-in, it suits mid-range budgets for a comfortable – if not luxurious – lifestyle.
Is Manakara a cheap city to live in?
Manakara is affordable by most measures, which is why it appeals to long-term travelers, remote workers, and budget-conscious residents. At $389 per month with rent, it sits well below the global average for cities of similar size.
Can you backpack through Manakara cheaply?
Manakara is great for backpackers. All-in costs average just $389 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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