Cost of Living in Antananarivo, Madagascar
Madagascar · Africa
$550
Monthly Cost
avg/person
22
Cost Index
NYC=100
16
Rent Index
NYC=100
36
Quality of Life
Below Average
38
Safety Index
Below Average
3.6M
Population
MGA
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $2 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $8 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $0 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $1 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $2 |
| Cappuccino | $1.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $0.5 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.3 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $0.8 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.4 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.4 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.2 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $2.5 |
| Beef (1kg) | $4 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.3 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.4 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.35 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.3 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.15 |
| Monthly Pass | $6 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.25 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.3 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $25000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $20000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $35 |
| Mobile Plan | $5 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $22 |
| Fitness Club/month | $15 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $200/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $110/mo |
| 3BR Center | $460/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $260/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $750/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $400/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $200 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 20% |
View Cost of Living in Madagascar
Cost of Living in Antananarivo — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Antananarivo, Madagascar is approximately $550 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Antananarivo has a cost index of 22, making it around 78% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Antananarivo costs around $110/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $200/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $460/month. The rent index is 16 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Antananarivo scores 36/100 on the quality of life index and 38/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 28/100. The climate index is 68/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Antananarivo is approximately $200/month. With a purchasing power index of 24/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is MGA, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Antananarivo
The average monthly salary in Antananarivo is approximately $200. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $550, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 24/100.
Healthcare Costs in Antananarivo
Healthcare quality in Antananarivo is rated 28/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Antananarivo
Antananarivo has a quality of life score of 36/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Antananarivo
Students living in Antananarivo should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Antananarivo
Expats moving to Antananarivo often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Antananarivo, Madagascar is approximately $550 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 22 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Antananarivo
Living in Antananarivo offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 22 and a quality of life score of 36/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $200 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Antananarivo provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Madagascar and around the world.
Key Facts About Antananarivo
- Average Monthly Cost: $550
- Cost Index: 22
- Rent Index: 16
- Average Salary: $200
- Quality of Life: 36/100
- Safety Score: 38/100
- Country: Madagascar
- Currency: MGA
Is Antananarivo Expensive?
Antananarivo has a cost index of 22 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Antananarivo compare to other cities?
Antananarivo is located in Africa with a population of approximately 3.6M. At a cost index of 22 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Antananarivo stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Antananarivo?
The average cost of living in Antananarivo, Madagascar is approximately $550 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 22 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Antananarivo?
Rent in Antananarivo varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 16 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Antananarivo alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Antananarivo expensive to live in?
Antananarivo has a cost index of 22 compared to New York City (100). At 22, Antananarivo is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $550.
What is the quality of life in Antananarivo?
Antananarivo has a quality of life index of 36/100 and a safety index of 38/100. The city is located in Africa and offers a below average quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Antananarivo compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Antananarivo with any city worldwide. Antananarivo's cost index is 22 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Antananarivo?
Many residents live comfortably in Antananarivo with a monthly budget of around $550 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Antananarivo good for expats?
Antananarivo is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Antananarivo?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $550 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Antananarivo.
Is Antananarivo cheaper than New York?
Yes, Antananarivo has a cost index of 22 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Antananarivo?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Antananarivo.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Antananarivo
Cheapest Ways to Live in Antananarivo
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Antananarivo typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $110/month compared to $200/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Antananarivo, Madagascar.
Is Antananarivo Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 24/100 and a quality of life score of 36/100, Antananarivo is a budget-friendly option, though residents should weigh lifestyle trade-offs carefully. Combined with a cost index of 22 relative to New York City, Antananarivo remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Madagascar has to offer against other destinations in Africa.
Antananarivo Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Antananarivo", "Antananarivo monthly expenses 2026", and "is Antananarivo affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $550, a safety score of 38/100, and healthcare rated 28/100, Antananarivo offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Madagascar.
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