Cost of Living: Australia vs Madagascar

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Australia and Madagascar.

Data updated: September 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Australia is 726.8% more expensive than Madagascar. The biggest difference is in Salaries And Financing, where costs are 2,783.5% higher. This means that for every $100 you spend in Madagascar, you would spend about $827 in Australia for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Salaries And Financing 2,783.5%

Australia is 2,783.5% more expensive

Other Expenses 1,669.9%

Australia is 1,669.9% more expensive

Property Prices 936.2%

Australia is 936.2% more expensive

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 726.8%

Australia is 726.8% more expensive than Madagascar

Most Expensive Categories

  • Salaries And Financing +2,783.5%
  • Other Expenses +1,669.9%
  • Property Prices +936.2%

Is Australia cheaper than Madagascar?

No, Madagascar is cheaper than Australia

Overall, living costs in Madagascar are 726.8% lower than in Australia.

Where Madagascar is cheaper:

  • Salaries And Financing 2,783.5% cheaper
  • Other Expenses 1,669.9% cheaper
  • Property Prices 936.2% cheaper

Where Madagascar is more expensive:

No significant cost disadvantages found.

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Australia: 16.22 $ Madagascar: 2.64 $
514.4% more expensive in Australia

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Australia: 1,381.57 $ Madagascar: 295.45 $
367.6% more expensive in Australia

Monthly public transport pass

Australia: 97.35 $ Madagascar: 8.79 $
1,007.5% more expensive in Australia

1 liter of milk

Australia: 1.53 $ Madagascar: 1.06 $
44.3% more expensive in Australia

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Madagascar is indeed cheaper than Australia. You would spend approximately 726.8% on living expenses by choosing Madagascar over Australia. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

726.8%

Australia is 726.8% more expensive than Madagascar

Restaurants

178.7%

Australia is 178.7% more expensive than Madagascar in this category

Markets

312.0%

Australia is 312.0% more expensive than Madagascar in this category

Other Expenses

1,669.9%

Australia is 1,669.9% more expensive than Madagascar in this category

Transportation

42.7%

Australia is 42.7% more expensive than Madagascar in this category

Household Utilities

283.6%

Australia is 283.6% more expensive than Madagascar in this category

Mobile and Internet

19.2%

Australia is 19.2% more expensive than Madagascar in this category

Sports And Leisure

123.4%

Australia is 123.4% more expensive than Madagascar in this category

Childcare

19.8%

Australia is 19.8% more expensive than Madagascar in this category

Clothing And Shoes

91.8%

Australia is 91.8% more expensive than Madagascar in this category

Rent Per Month

521.2%

Australia is 521.2% more expensive than Madagascar in this category

Property Prices

936.2%

Australia is 936.2% more expensive than Madagascar in this category

Salaries And Financing

2,783.5%

Australia is 2,783.5% more expensive than Madagascar in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Australia Madagascar Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 16.22 $ 2.64 $ 514.4%
Australia is 514.4% more expensive
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 77.88 $ 17.58 $ 343.0%
Australia is 343.0% more expensive
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 9.73 $ 4.40 $ 121.1%
Australia is 121.1% more expensive
Regular Cappuccino 3.48 $ 1.25 $ 178.4%
Australia is 178.4% more expensive
Soft Drink (330ml) 2.62 $ 0.95 $ 175.8%
Australia is 175.8% more expensive
Bottled Water (330ml) 2.16 $ 0.62 $ 248.4%
Australia is 248.4% more expensive
Bottled Water (1.5L) 1.51 $ 0.62 $ 143.5%
Australia is 143.5% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml) 5.69 $ 6.83 $ 16.7%
Australia is 16.7% cheaper
Imported Beer (330ml) 1.29 $ 1.40 $ 7.9%
Australia is 7.9% cheaper
Mid-Range Wine 7.97 $ 8.59 $ 7.2%
Australia is 7.2% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 1.43 $ 1.76 $ 18.8%
Australia is 18.8% cheaper
Milk (1L) 1.53 $ 1.06 $ 44.3%
Australia is 44.3% more expensive
Fresh Bread (500g) 2.45 $ 0.93 $ 163.4%
Australia is 163.4% more expensive
White Rice (1kg) 2.05 $ 0.69 $ 197.1%
Australia is 197.1% more expensive
Eggs (12 pack) 4.31 $ 2.02 $ 113.4%
Australia is 113.4% more expensive
Local Cheese (1kg) 8.89 $ 9.62 $ 7.6%
Australia is 7.6% cheaper
Chicken Breast (1kg) 8.44 $ 4.77 $ 76.9%
Australia is 76.9% more expensive
Beef (1kg) 13.88 $ 5.39 $ 157.5%
Australia is 157.5% more expensive
Apples (1kg) 3.19 $ 1.17 $ 172.6%
Australia is 172.6% more expensive
Bananas (1kg) 2.75 $ 0.60 $ 358.3%
Australia is 358.3% more expensive
Oranges (1kg) 2.93 $ 0.97 $ 202.1%
Australia is 202.1% more expensive
Tomatoes (1kg) 4.30 $ 0.89 $ 383.1%
Australia is 383.1% more expensive
Potatoes (1kg) 2.47 $ 0.55 $ 349.1%
Australia is 349.1% more expensive
Onions (1kg) 2.14 $ 0.76 $ 181.6%
Australia is 181.6% more expensive
Lettuce (1 head) 2.22 $ 0.36 $ 516.7%
Australia is 516.7% more expensive
Monthly Transit Pass 97.35 $ 8.79 $ 1,007.5%
Australia is 1,007.5% more expensive
Cigarettes (20 pack) 31.15 $ 1.76 $ 1,669.9%
Australia is 1,669.9% more expensive
Single Bus/Train Ticket 2.92 $ 0.15 $ 1,846.7%
Australia is 1,846.7% more expensive
Taxi Base Fare 3.89 $ 2.20 $ 76.8%
Australia is 76.8% more expensive
Taxi per Kilometer 1.88 $ 2.09 $ 10.0%
Australia is 10.0% cheaper
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 37.90 $ 4.40 $ 761.4%
Australia is 761.4% more expensive
Gasoline (1L) 1.18 $ 1.24 $ 4.8%
Australia is 4.8% cheaper
New Economy Car 28,829.12 $ 13,185.28 $ 118.6%
Australia is 118.6% more expensive
New Mid-Range Car 22,658.59 $ 22,931.40 $ 1.2%
Australia is 1.2% cheaper
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 175.90 $ 45.86 $ 283.6%
Australia is 283.6% more expensive
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 26.66 $ 14.86 $ 79.4%
Australia is 79.4% more expensive
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 52.98 $ 51.98 $ 1.9%
Australia is 1.9% more expensive
Gym Membership 47.43 $ 22.09 $ 114.7%
Australia is 114.7% more expensive
Tennis Court (Weekend) 16.59 $ 6.37 $ 160.4%
Australia is 160.4% more expensive
Movie Ticket 14.28 $ 6.59 $ 116.7%
Australia is 116.7% more expensive
Private Preschool (Full Day) 1,570.69 $ 70.32 $ 2,133.6%
Australia is 2,133.6% more expensive
International School (Yearly) 12,354.33 $ 11,548.92 $ 7.0%
Australia is 7.0% more expensive
1 Pair of Jeans 71.57 $ 24.54 $ 191.6%
Australia is 191.6% more expensive
1 Summer Dress 50.87 $ 27.00 $ 88.4%
Australia is 88.4% more expensive
1 Pair of Running Shoes 102.13 $ 71.75 $ 42.3%
Australia is 42.3% more expensive
1 Pair of Business Shoes 109.73 $ 51.03 $ 115.0%
Australia is 115.0% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,381.57 $ 295.45 $ 367.6%
Australia is 367.6% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 1,095.96 $ 70.66 $ 1,451.0%
Australia is 1,451.0% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 2,332.99 $ 425.77 $ 447.9%
Australia is 447.9% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 1,729.44 $ 260.96 $ 562.7%
Australia is 562.7% more expensive
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 6,794.53 $ 651.94 $ 942.2%
Australia is 942.2% more expensive
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 5,084.33 $ 494.45 $ 928.3%
Australia is 928.3% more expensive
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 3,619.71 $ 108.50 $ 3,236.1%
Australia is 3,236.1% more expensive
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 6.35 17.25 63.2%
Australia is 63.2% cheaper

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Madagascar. Enter your monthly expenses in Australia to see the equivalent costs.

Housing

Food & Dining

Transportation

Other Expenses

Our Methodology

Our cost of living comparisons are based on a robust methodology that combines multiple data sources and regular updates to ensure accuracy:

Data Collection

  • Regular price surveys conducted in major cities
  • Official government statistics and economic indicators
  • User-contributed data from expatriates and local residents
  • Real estate market reports and rental price indices
  • Consumer price indices and inflation data

Calculation Methods

  • Prices are normalized to USD for consistent comparison
  • Exchange rates are updated monthly
  • Regional price variations are weighted by population
  • Seasonal fluctuations are accounted for in the averages
  • Quality of life factors are considered in the overall assessment

Quality Assurance

  • Data is verified by local experts
  • Regular cross-checking with multiple sources
  • User feedback is incorporated into updates
  • Statistical outliers are identified and reviewed
  • Methodology is reviewed quarterly

Note: While we strive for accuracy, cost of living data can vary significantly within countries and cities. These comparisons should be used as a general guide, and we recommend conducting additional research for specific locations.

Lifestyle Impact

Understanding the cost of living differences between Australia and Madagascar goes beyond just numbers. Here's how these differences might affect your daily life:

Daily Living

  • Grocery shopping habits and meal planning
  • Public transportation usage vs. car ownership
  • Frequency of dining out and entertainment
  • Healthcare access and insurance coverage
  • Housing choices and neighborhood selection

Long-term Planning

  • Savings and investment strategies
  • Retirement planning considerations
  • Education costs for children
  • Property ownership opportunities
  • Business and career development

Quality of Life Considerations

While cost of living is important, it's just one aspect of quality of life. Consider also:

  • Healthcare system quality and accessibility
  • Education system standards
  • Public safety and security
  • Environmental quality
  • Cultural and recreational opportunities
  • Work-life balance norms

Making the Most of Your Budget

Tips for adapting to cost of living differences:

  • Research local shopping habits and markets
  • Learn about public transportation options
  • Understand local tax systems and benefits
  • Explore community resources and discounts
  • Network with locals for insider tips

Local Insights for Australia vs Madagascar

While both countries have similar overall costs, there are nuanced differences in how money is spent on daily necessities.

Cultural Cost Differences

Australia

  • Basic groceries tend to be more expensive, suggesting different shopping patterns.

Madagascar

  • Lower fuel costs indicate different transportation infrastructure.

Seasonal Cost Variations

Both countries experience moderate seasonal variations in living costs, with prices typically higher during peak tourist seasons and major holidays.

Explore more

Cost of living in Australia Cost of living in Madagascar

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