Last update: Oct 2026 Madagascar 44.2K

Cost of Living in Manakara

For one person, living costs in Manakara are estimated at $397 a month, including rent and utilities – 36% below the national average. Rent and utilities take less than a third of the total.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Manakara

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

A single person spends around $397 per month with rent, or $354 for everyday expenses alone.

$397 /mo

A couple spends around $609 per month with rent, or $566 for everyday expenses alone.

$609 /mo

A family of three spends around $821 per month with rent, or $778 without housing.

$821 /mo

Overall, Manakara is about 71% below the global median. Within Africa, costs are well below average (56% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$2.23 MGA 10.2K
$2.18 MGA 9,963
$3.34 MGA 15.2K
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$14.63 MGA 66.8K
$13.26 MGA 60.5K
$18.55 MGA 84.6K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$3.44 MGA 15.7K
-
Cappuccino
$1.15 MGA 5,250
$0.87 MGA 3,959
$1.30 MGA 5,917
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.62 MGA 2,806
$0.46 MGA 2,092
$0.81 MGA 3,709
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.57 MGA 2,584
$0.45 MGA 2,068
$0.68 MGA 3,101
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.14 MGA 5,215
$1.09 MGA 4,990
$1.20 MGA 5,485
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.43 MGA 6,505
$1.32 MGA 6,008
$1.54 MGA 7,002
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.80 MGA 8,189
$1.13 MGA 5,136
$2.47 MGA 11.3K
White Bread (500g)
$1.01 MGA 4,627
$0.22 MGA 1,018
$1.80 MGA 8,190
Rice (white) (1kg)
$0.69 MGA 3,140
$0.60 MGA 2,742
$0.86 MGA 3,936
Eggs
$2.34 MGA 10.7K
$1.90 MGA 8,671
$2.93 MGA 13.4K
Local Cheese (1kg)
$6.40 MGA 29.2K
$5.25 MGA 24.0K
$7.55 MGA 34.5K
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$3.31 MGA 15.1K
$2.59 MGA 11.8K
$3.89 MGA 17.7K
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$3.51 MGA 16.0K
$3.51 MGA 16.0K
$3.51 MGA 16.0K
Apples (1kg)
$0.95 MGA 4,313
$0.81 MGA 3,697
$1.07 MGA 4,885
Banana (1kg)
$0.72 MGA 3,268
$0.56 MGA 2,568
$0.91 MGA 4,155
Oranges (1kg)
$0.35 MGA 1,586
$0.32 MGA 1,454
$0.38 MGA 1,718
Tomato (1kg)
$0.72 MGA 3,294
$0.57 MGA 2,588
$0.92 MGA 4,188
Potato (1kg)
$0.54 MGA 2,456
$0.42 MGA 1,930
$0.60 MGA 2,719
Onion (1kg)
$0.75 MGA 3,433
$0.67 MGA 3,061
$0.91 MGA 4,128
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.34 MGA 1,566
$0.23 MGA 1,044
$0.46 MGA 2,088
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.63 MGA 2,887
$0.53 MGA 2,405
$0.75 MGA 3,411
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$1.43 MGA 6,513
$1.37 MGA 6,232
$1.48 MGA 6,747
Wine (Bottle)
$4.52 MGA 20.6K
$4.52 MGA 20.6K
$4.52 MGA 20.6K
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.02 MGA 4,660
$0.97 MGA 4,438
$1.08 MGA 4,926
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.30 MGA 5,918
$1.25 MGA 5,685
$1.36 MGA 6,198
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.23 MGA 1,051
$0.23 MGA 1,051
$0.23 MGA 1,051
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$34.89 MGA 159.1K
-
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.10 MGA 4,995
-
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$2.20 MGA 10.0K
-
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$3.34 MGA 15.2K
-
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.14 MGA 5,215
$0.85 MGA 3,867
$1.29 MGA 5,890
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$15.7K MGA 71.5M
-
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$20.1K MGA 91.6M
-
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$42.27 MGA 192.8K
$16.54 MGA 75.5K
$88.2 MGA 402.4K
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$53.3 MGA 243.0K
$44.15 MGA 201.4K
$60.7 MGA 276.9K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$11.44 MGA 52.2K
$10.12 MGA 46.2K
$13.21 MGA 60.2K
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$22.50 MGA 102.6K
-
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$16.28 MGA 74.2K
$14.96 MGA 68.2K
$17.60 MGA 80.3K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$20.38 MGA 93.0K
$14.31 MGA 65.3K
$26.43 MGA 120.6K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$44.83 MGA 204.5K
$39.18 MGA 178.7K
$50.5 MGA 230.3K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$45.59 MGA 208.0K
$37.14 MGA 169.4K
$54.0 MGA 246.5K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$115 MGA 524.9K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
24
-

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

Last update: October 12, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Manakara $397
Groceries & Markets
$129
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$96 *
Clothing & Footwear
$57
Eating Out
$55
Getting Around
$48
Sport & Entertainment
$11 *

Categories marked with * are only partly priced – their share counts the items that do have prices.

Cost Breakdown

The average net salary is $115 – below monthly costs of $397. Most locals rely on shared housing or dual incomes. Remote workers earning abroad will find stronger purchasing power.

Groceries cost around $129 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $15.00 – well below the African average of $41.00.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $34.89 – roughly in line with the African average of $30.00.

Cost Highlights

Manakara has the 5th cheapest preschool or kindergarten, full day, private, 1 child in Africa

Gym membership is cheaper than 96% of cities in Africa

Chicken fillets is cheaper than 94% of cities in Africa

Good to know
🕒 Local time
05:04 5:04 AM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
44,237
💱 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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Manakara Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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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 $397, 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 $397, 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 $115, while comfortable living starts around $595. With total costs hitting $397 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 $129 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 $34.89 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 $397, 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 $397 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 $397 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 $397 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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