Cost of Living: Japan vs Madagascar

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

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Japan is 337.4% more expensive than Madagascar. The biggest difference is in Salaries And Financing, where costs are 1,632.8% higher. This means that for every $100 you spend in Madagascar, you would spend about $437 in Japan for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Salaries And Financing 1,632.8%

Japan is 1,632.8% more expensive

Property Prices 772.6%

Japan is 772.6% more expensive

Household Utilities 290.1%

Japan is 290.1% more expensive

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 337.4%

Japan is 337.4% more expensive than Madagascar

Most Expensive Categories

  • Salaries And Financing +1,632.8%
  • Property Prices +772.6%
  • Household Utilities +290.1%

Is Japan cheaper than Madagascar?

No, Madagascar is cheaper than Japan

Overall, living costs in Madagascar are 337.4% lower than in Japan.

Where Madagascar is cheaper:

  • Salaries And Financing 1,632.8% cheaper
  • Property Prices 772.6% cheaper
  • Household Utilities 290.1% cheaper

Where Madagascar is more expensive:

  • Mobile and Internet 5.9% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Japan: 7.01 $ Madagascar: 2.64 $
165.5% more expensive in Japan

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Japan: 624.64 $ Madagascar: 295.45 $
111.4% more expensive in Japan

Monthly public transport pass

Japan: 58.97 $ Madagascar: 8.79 $
570.9% more expensive in Japan

1 liter of milk

Japan: 1.56 $ Madagascar: 1.06 $
47.2% more expensive in Japan

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Madagascar is indeed cheaper than Japan. You would spend approximately 337.4% on living expenses by choosing Madagascar over Japan. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

337.4%

Japan is 337.4% more expensive than Madagascar

Restaurants

67.0%

Japan is 67.0% more expensive than Madagascar in this category

Markets

236.0%

Japan is 236.0% more expensive than Madagascar in this category

Other Expenses

138.6%

Japan is 138.6% more expensive than Madagascar in this category

Transportation

14.6%

Japan is 14.6% more expensive than Madagascar in this category

Household Utilities

290.1%

Japan is 290.1% more expensive than Madagascar in this category

Mobile and Internet

5.9%

Japan is 5.9% cheaper than Madagascar in this category

Sports And Leisure

154.1%

Japan is 154.1% more expensive than Madagascar in this category

Childcare

19.4%

Japan is 19.4% more expensive than Madagascar in this category

Clothing And Shoes

33.5%

Japan is 33.5% more expensive than Madagascar in this category

Rent Per Month

207.9%

Japan is 207.9% more expensive than Madagascar in this category

Property Prices

772.6%

Japan is 772.6% more expensive than Madagascar in this category

Salaries And Financing

1,632.8%

Japan is 1,632.8% more expensive than Madagascar in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Japan Madagascar Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 7.01 $ 2.64 $ 165.5%
Japan is 165.5% more expensive
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 35.03 $ 17.58 $ 99.3%
Japan is 99.3% more expensive
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 5.61 $ 4.40 $ 27.5%
Japan is 27.5% more expensive
Regular Cappuccino 3.36 $ 1.25 $ 168.8%
Japan is 168.8% more expensive
Soft Drink (330ml) 1.12 $ 0.95 $ 17.9%
Japan is 17.9% more expensive
Bottled Water (330ml) 0.82 $ 0.62 $ 32.3%
Japan is 32.3% more expensive
Bottled Water (1.5L) 0.94 $ 0.62 $ 51.6%
Japan is 51.6% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml) 2.32 $ 6.83 $ 66.0%
Japan is 66.0% cheaper
Imported Beer (330ml) 8.42 $ 1.40 $ 501.4%
Japan is 501.4% more expensive
Mid-Range Wine 11.20 $ 8.59 $ 30.4%
Japan is 30.4% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 2.04 $ 1.76 $ 15.9%
Japan is 15.9% more expensive
Milk (1L) 1.56 $ 1.06 $ 47.2%
Japan is 47.2% more expensive
Fresh Bread (500g) 1.59 $ 0.93 $ 71.0%
Japan is 71.0% more expensive
White Rice (1kg) 4.51 $ 0.69 $ 553.6%
Japan is 553.6% more expensive
Eggs (12 pack) 2.24 $ 2.02 $ 10.9%
Japan is 10.9% more expensive
Local Cheese (1kg) 12.14 $ 9.62 $ 26.2%
Japan is 26.2% more expensive
Chicken Breast (1kg) 6.92 $ 4.77 $ 45.1%
Japan is 45.1% more expensive
Beef (1kg) 17.18 $ 5.39 $ 218.7%
Japan is 218.7% more expensive
Apples (1kg) 5.37 $ 1.17 $ 359.0%
Japan is 359.0% more expensive
Bananas (1kg) 2.62 $ 0.60 $ 336.7%
Japan is 336.7% more expensive
Oranges (1kg) 4.78 $ 0.97 $ 392.8%
Japan is 392.8% more expensive
Tomatoes (1kg) 4.84 $ 0.89 $ 443.8%
Japan is 443.8% more expensive
Potatoes (1kg) 2.85 $ 0.55 $ 418.2%
Japan is 418.2% more expensive
Onions (1kg) 2.65 $ 0.76 $ 248.7%
Japan is 248.7% more expensive
Lettuce (1 head) 1.39 $ 0.36 $ 286.1%
Japan is 286.1% more expensive
Monthly Transit Pass 58.97 $ 8.79 $ 570.9%
Japan is 570.9% more expensive
Cigarettes (20 pack) 4.20 $ 1.76 $ 138.6%
Japan is 138.6% more expensive
Single Bus/Train Ticket 1.54 $ 0.15 $ 926.7%
Japan is 926.7% more expensive
Taxi Base Fare 4.20 $ 2.20 $ 90.9%
Japan is 90.9% more expensive
Taxi per Kilometer 3.15 $ 2.09 $ 50.7%
Japan is 50.7% more expensive
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 23.82 $ 4.40 $ 441.4%
Japan is 441.4% more expensive
Gasoline (1L) 1.22 $ 1.24 $ 1.6%
Japan is 1.6% cheaper
New Economy Car 23,415.29 $ 13,185.28 $ 77.6%
Japan is 77.6% more expensive
New Mid-Range Car 17,953.06 $ 22,931.40 $ 21.7%
Japan is 21.7% cheaper
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 178.92 $ 45.86 $ 290.1%
Japan is 290.1% more expensive
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 27.25 $ 14.86 $ 83.4%
Japan is 83.4% more expensive
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 35.66 $ 51.98 $ 31.4%
Japan is 31.4% cheaper
Gym Membership 60.05 $ 22.09 $ 171.8%
Japan is 171.8% more expensive
Tennis Court (Weekend) 15.69 $ 6.37 $ 146.3%
Japan is 146.3% more expensive
Movie Ticket 13.31 $ 6.59 $ 102.0%
Japan is 102.0% more expensive
Private Preschool (Full Day) 348.57 $ 70.32 $ 395.7%
Japan is 395.7% more expensive
International School (Yearly) 13,519.03 $ 11,548.92 $ 17.1%
Japan is 17.1% more expensive
1 Pair of Jeans 49.02 $ 24.54 $ 99.8%
Japan is 99.8% more expensive
1 Summer Dress 32.77 $ 27.00 $ 21.4%
Japan is 21.4% more expensive
1 Pair of Running Shoes 63.16 $ 71.75 $ 12.0%
Japan is 12.0% cheaper
1 Pair of Business Shoes 87.75 $ 51.03 $ 72.0%
Japan is 72.0% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 624.64 $ 295.45 $ 111.4%
Japan is 111.4% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 424.63 $ 70.66 $ 500.9%
Japan is 500.9% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,366.33 $ 425.77 $ 220.9%
Japan is 220.9% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 825.90 $ 260.96 $ 216.5%
Japan is 216.5% more expensive
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 6,447.80 $ 651.94 $ 889.0%
Japan is 889.0% more expensive
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 3,555.73 $ 494.45 $ 619.1%
Japan is 619.1% more expensive
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 2,177.14 $ 108.50 $ 1,906.6%
Japan is 1,906.6% more expensive
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 1.82 17.25 89.4%
Japan is 89.4% cheaper

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Madagascar. Enter your monthly expenses in Japan 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 Japan 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 Japan vs Madagascar

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

Cultural Cost Differences

Japan

  • 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 Japan Cost of living in Madagascar

Related comparisons