Cost of Living in Toamasina - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $429 monthly including rent, or $419 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $694 with rent, or $651 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $960 including rent, or $884 for daily expenses alone.

Toamasina sits about 68% below the global median. Within Africa, costs are well below average (58% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$2.59 MGA 10.8K
$1.51 MGA 6,321
$3.24 MGA 13.6K
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$15.25 MGA 63.9K
$6.54 MGA 27.4K
$15.25 MGA 63.9K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$4.37 MGA 18.3K
$4.37 MGA 18.3K
$4.37 MGA 18.3K
Cappuccino
$1.16 MGA 4,865
$1.09 MGA 4,577
$1.31 MGA 5,484
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.69 MGA 2,875
$0.55 MGA 2,300
$0.87 MGA 3,656
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.69 MGA 2,887
$0.54 MGA 2,246
$0.85 MGA 3,569
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$0.75 MGA 3,139
$0.64 MGA 2,696
$1.08 MGA 4,507
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.13 MGA 4,727
$1.13 MGA 4,727
$1.46 MGA 6,133
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$0.98 MGA 4,094
$0.80 MGA 3,362
$1.25 MGA 5,258
White Bread (500g)
$0.64 MGA 2,696
$0.21 MGA 885
$1.07 MGA 4,467
Rice (white) (1kg)
$0.70 MGA 2,933
$0.67 MGA 2,801
$0.72 MGA 3,020
Eggs
$1.85 MGA 7,745
$1.85 MGA 7,745
$1.85 MGA 7,745
Local Cheese (1kg)
$10.51 MGA 44.1K
$7.94 MGA 33.3K
$12.58 MGA 52.7K
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.57 MGA 27.6K
$5.48 MGA 23.0K
$7.67 MGA 32.2K
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$4.98 MGA 20.9K
$3.90 MGA 16.3K
$6.06 MGA 25.4K
Apples (1kg)
$1.46 MGA 6,139
$1.13 MGA 4,733
$1.70 MGA 7,120
Banana (1kg)
$0.87 MGA 3,640
$0.35 MGA 1,447
$1.39 MGA 5,833
Oranges (1kg)
$1.35 MGA 5,673
$1.13 MGA 4,735
$1.58 MGA 6,611
Tomato (1kg)
$0.76 MGA 3,204
$0.66 MGA 2,752
$0.87 MGA 3,655
Potato (1kg)
$0.48 MGA 2,004
$0.38 MGA 1,604
$0.57 MGA 2,405
Onion (1kg)
$0.69 MGA 2,909
$0.52 MGA 2,172
$0.87 MGA 3,647
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.35 MGA 1,449
-
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.50 MGA 2,111
$0.46 MGA 1,935
$0.52 MGA 2,199
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$1.79 MGA 7,505
-
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.91 MGA 3,815
$0.59 MGA 2,455
$1.23 MGA 5,174
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.13 MGA 4,741
-
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.34 MGA 1,440
$0.34 MGA 1,440
$0.34 MGA 1,440
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.07 MGA 4,503
-
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$19.12 MGA 80.2K
-
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$66.6 MGA 279.1K
-
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$21.91 MGA 91.9K
-
Cinema Ticket
$6.86 MGA 28.8K
-
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$8.98 MGA 37.7K
-
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$6.47 MGA 27.1K
-
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$54.7 MGA 229.4K
-
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$36.94 MGA 154.9K
$18.74 MGA 78.6K
$55.1 MGA 231.2K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$135 MGA 566.0K
-
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$55.7 MGA 233.6K
-
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$453 MGA 1.9M
-
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$133 MGA 558.1K
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$143 MGA 599.1K
-

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

Last update: May 30, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $135 for a central one-bedroom, or $55.7 outside the center. At 94% of the average salary ($143), rent is manageable but leaves limited room for savings.

Average take-home pay sits at $143, while typical expenses reach $429. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $145 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $15.00 for two – well below the African average of $42.00.

Cost Highlights

Local beer is cheaper than 97% of cities in Africa

1-bedroom apartment, outside city center is cheaper than 96% of cities in Africa

3-bedroom apartment, outside city center is cheaper than 93% of cities in Africa

Toamasina 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 Toamasina - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Toamasina an affordable option for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who tends to get the best value here?
Toamasina offers a mix of affordability and moderate costs for a coastal city in Madagascar. As a traveler, expat, or digital nomad, you can usually find value in simple accommodations, local eateries, and essential services without paying international rates. The Cost of Living in Toamasina tends to be steadier and more predictable than in larger regional capitals, with prices shaped by local supply and seasonal fluctuations. For longer stays, prioritize neighborhoods a short ride from the port and markets, where you can balance safety, comfort, and access. Tip: book ahead during peak season and use local transport to save on daily expenses.
What does daily life look like in Toamasina for housing, food, transport, and remote-work setups?
Daily life centers on markets, casual eateries, and a beachside pace. For housing, search near central markets or quieter residential belts away from the busiest docks to balance safety and value. Local coworking spaces and cafes support remote work with flexible terms. In daily errands, you’ll rely on bus services, shared taxis, and walking routes. Toamasina living cost can be lean when you choose local staples over imported goods and use short trips for errands. Tip: establish a weekly routine to minimize transport and time away from work.
How can you optimize your budget and choose a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle in Toamasina, considering seasons and daily rhythms?
In Toamasina, your quality of life often hinges on neighborhood vibe, safety, and access to amenities rather than pure price alone. Build a simple budgeting framework: fixed housing, flexible food, and transport costs. Favor mixed-use neighborhoods near markets, beaches, or cafes so errands and social life stay nearby. During the rainy season, expect occasional travel delays; plan with extra time and backup routes. Seasonal shifts can affect guesthouse rates, so consider longer stays during shoulder periods. For savings, buy staples at local markets, share accommodation with a friend, and use public transport when feasible. Tip: map a short weekly loop to compare options and stick to a plan.
What are typical monthly expenses for a single person in Toamasina?
All in, Toamasina runs about $429 monthly with rent, or $419 without it. These numbers assume a moderate lifestyle – comfortable but not lavish. Choosing a cheaper neighborhood and cooking at home are the easiest ways to spend less.
What are the monthly living expenses in Toamasina as of 2026?
As of 2026, monthly living costs in Toamasina come to around $429 including rent, or roughly $419 excluding it. Numbers shift a bit by season and neighborhood, but this range works well as a planning baseline.
What income do you need to cover all expenses in Toamasina?
Around $644 take-home puts you in a comfortable spot in Toamasina – enough for rent, food, bills, and a bit of savings. Drop below that and you'll probably need to share a flat, stick to cooking at home, or pick a neighborhood further out.
What does a one-bedroom apartment cost in Toamasina per month?
Where you live in Toamasina makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $135; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $55.7. Overall, the market runs from $55.7 to $135 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
What is a typical monthly food budget in Toamasina?
Toamasina is great for eating affordably at home. Monthly grocery bills run about $145, and local produce is plentiful and well-priced, making home cooking both practical and cost-effective.
What is a typical monthly grocery bill in Toamasina?
Groceries in Toamasina cost around $145 monthly – well below what you'd pay in most cities. Fresh produce, staples, and locally made goods are all well-priced, so eating well on a budget is straightforward here.
Does $1,200 cover living expenses in Toamasina?
$1,200 stretches far in Toamasina – all-in monthly costs average only $429. The surplus means you can build savings, travel a bit, and live above the local average without much effort.
What are the pros and cons of living in Toamasina?
Toamasina offers genuinely appealing day-to-day living. Residents value coastal lifestyle, beach access, great local cuisine, and at around $429 per month, it's accessible to a broad range of incomes. Most people find the cost-to-quality balance sustainable long-term.
How much can you save per month in Toamasina?
Monthly expenses in Toamasina run around $429, so putting money aside takes more than $644 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.
How much does a backpacker need per day in Toamasina?
Budget travelers love Toamasina – low prices across accommodation, food, and transport make it one of the most backpacker-friendly cities around. Long-stay costs come to just $429 monthly; short-term visitors can get by on even less with hostels and local food.

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