Cost of Living in Toamasina - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $480 monthly including rent, or $456 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $757 with rent, or $696 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,034 including rent, or $936 for daily expenses alone.

Toamasina sits about 65% below the global median. Within Africa, costs are well below average (48% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$2.28 MGA 9,776
$1.67 MGA 7,178
$2.87 MGA 12.3K
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$16.13 MGA 69.2K
$16.13 MGA 69.2K
$16.13 MGA 69.2K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$4.64 MGA 19.9K
$4.64 MGA 19.9K
$4.64 MGA 19.9K
Cappuccino
$1.19 MGA 5,107
$1.19 MGA 5,107
$1.19 MGA 5,107
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.79 MGA 3,373
$0.60 MGA 2,574
$0.96 MGA 4,127
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.59 MGA 2,552
-
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$0.97 MGA 4,162
$0.80 MGA 3,413
$1.14 MGA 4,911
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.31 MGA 5,638
$1.15 MGA 4,922
$1.49 MGA 6,395
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.04 MGA 4,445
$0.81 MGA 3,471
$1.26 MGA 5,419
White Bread (500g)
$0.73 MGA 3,141
$0.24 MGA 1,032
$1.22 MGA 5,250
Rice (white) (1kg)
$0.92 MGA 3,966
$0.67 MGA 2,869
$1.43 MGA 6,117
Eggs
$1.92 MGA 8,221
$1.92 MGA 8,221
$1.92 MGA 8,221
Local Cheese (1kg)
$12.69 MGA 54.4K
$11.85 MGA 50.9K
$13.52 MGA 58.0K
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$7.10 MGA 30.5K
$5.92 MGA 25.4K
$8.29 MGA 35.6K
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$5.34 MGA 22.9K
$4.18 MGA 17.9K
$6.50 MGA 27.9K
Apples (1kg)
$1.67 MGA 7,150
$1.61 MGA 6,896
$1.73 MGA 7,404
Banana (1kg)
$1.44 MGA 6,170
-
Oranges (1kg)
$1.62 MGA 6,929
-
Tomato (1kg)
$0.67 MGA 2,874
-
Potato (1kg)
$0.64 MGA 2,763
-
Onion (1kg)
$0.58 MGA 2,503
-
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.34 MGA 1,452
-
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.52 MGA 2,229
$0.49 MGA 2,095
$0.55 MGA 2,362
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$1.79 MGA 7,684
-
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.94 MGA 4,046
$0.60 MGA 2,595
$1.27 MGA 5,454
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.19 MGA 5,091
-
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.34 MGA 1,442
$0.34 MGA 1,442
$0.34 MGA 1,442
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.21 MGA 5,197
$1.16 MGA 4,978
$1.26 MGA 5,415
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$33.30 MGA 142.9K
$19.86 MGA 85.2K
$46.73 MGA 200.5K
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$69.8 MGA 299.4K
-
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$23.65 MGA 101.4K
-
Cinema Ticket
$7.15 MGA 30.7K
-
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$9.46 MGA 40.6K
-
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$6.81 MGA 29.2K
-
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$57.2 MGA 245.5K
-
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$39.52 MGA 169.5K
$20.05 MGA 86.0K
$59.0 MGA 253.0K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$142 MGA 610.4K
-
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$59.2 MGA 253.8K
-
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$470 MGA 2.0M
-
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$137 MGA 589.2K
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$142 MGA 608.8K
-

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

Last update: August 11, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $142 for a central one-bedroom, or $59.2 outside the center. At 100% of the average salary ($142), rent is manageable but leaves limited room for savings.

Average take-home pay sits at $142, while typical expenses reach $480. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $163 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $16.00 for two – well below the African average of $41.00.

Cost Highlights

1-bedroom apartment, outside city center is cheaper than 95% of cities in Africa

Internet is more expensive than 93% of cities in Africa

3-bedroom apartment, outside city center is cheaper than 92% 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 $480 monthly with rent, or $456 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 $480 including rent, or roughly $456 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 $719 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 $142; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $59.2. Overall, the market runs from $59.2 to $142 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 $163, 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 $163 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 $480. 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 $480 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 $480, so putting money aside takes more than $719 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 $480 monthly; short-term visitors can get by on even less with hostels and local food.

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