Cost of Living: Madagascar vs Australia

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

Data updated: September 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Madagascar is 85.0% cheaper than Australia. The biggest difference is in Salaries And Financing, where costs are 96.5% lower. This means that for every $100 you spend in Australia, you would spend about $15 in Madagascar for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Salaries And Financing 96.5%

Madagascar is 96.5% cheaper

Other Expenses 94.3%

Madagascar is 94.3% cheaper

Property Prices 90.3%

Madagascar is 90.3% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 85.0%

Madagascar is 85.0% cheaper than Australia

Most Expensive Categories

Is Madagascar cheaper than Australia?

Yes, Madagascar is cheaper than Australia

Overall, living costs in Madagascar are 85.0% lower than in Australia.

Where Madagascar is cheaper:

  • Salaries And Financing 96.5% cheaper
  • Other Expenses 94.3% cheaper
  • Property Prices 90.3% cheaper

Where Madagascar is more expensive:

No significant cost disadvantages found.

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Madagascar: 2.64 $ Australia: 16.22 $
83.7% cheaper in Madagascar

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Madagascar: 295.45 $ Australia: 1,381.57 $
78.6% cheaper in Madagascar

Monthly public transport pass

Madagascar: 8.79 $ Australia: 97.35 $
91.0% cheaper in Madagascar

1 liter of milk

Madagascar: 1.06 $ Australia: 1.53 $
30.7% cheaper in Madagascar

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Madagascar is indeed cheaper than Australia. You would save approximately 85.0% 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

85.0%

Madagascar is 85.0% cheaper than Australia

Restaurants

64.1%

Madagascar is 64.1% cheaper than Australia in this category

Markets

75.7%

Madagascar is 75.7% cheaper than Australia in this category

Other Expenses

94.3%

Madagascar is 94.3% cheaper than Australia in this category

Transportation

29.9%

Madagascar is 29.9% cheaper than Australia in this category

Household Utilities

73.9%

Madagascar is 73.9% cheaper than Australia in this category

Mobile and Internet

16.1%

Madagascar is 16.1% cheaper than Australia in this category

Sports And Leisure

55.2%

Madagascar is 55.2% cheaper than Australia in this category

Childcare

16.6%

Madagascar is 16.6% cheaper than Australia in this category

Clothing And Shoes

47.9%

Madagascar is 47.9% cheaper than Australia in this category

Rent Per Month

83.9%

Madagascar is 83.9% cheaper than Australia in this category

Property Prices

90.3%

Madagascar is 90.3% cheaper than Australia in this category

Salaries And Financing

96.5%

Madagascar is 96.5% cheaper than Australia in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Madagascar Australia Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 2.64 $ 16.22 $ 83.7%
Madagascar is 83.7% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 17.58 $ 77.88 $ 77.4%
Madagascar is 77.4% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 4.40 $ 9.73 $ 54.8%
Madagascar is 54.8% cheaper
Regular Cappuccino 1.25 $ 3.48 $ 64.1%
Madagascar is 64.1% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 0.95 $ 2.62 $ 63.7%
Madagascar is 63.7% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 0.62 $ 2.16 $ 71.3%
Madagascar is 71.3% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 0.62 $ 1.51 $ 58.9%
Madagascar is 58.9% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml) 6.83 $ 5.69 $ 20.0%
Madagascar is 20.0% more expensive
Imported Beer (330ml) 1.40 $ 1.29 $ 8.5%
Madagascar is 8.5% more expensive
Mid-Range Wine 8.59 $ 7.97 $ 7.8%
Madagascar is 7.8% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 1.76 $ 1.43 $ 23.1%
Madagascar is 23.1% more expensive
Milk (1L) 1.06 $ 1.53 $ 30.7%
Madagascar is 30.7% cheaper
Fresh Bread (500g) 0.93 $ 2.45 $ 62.0%
Madagascar is 62.0% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 0.69 $ 2.05 $ 66.3%
Madagascar is 66.3% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 2.02 $ 4.31 $ 53.1%
Madagascar is 53.1% cheaper
Local Cheese (1kg) 9.62 $ 8.89 $ 8.2%
Madagascar is 8.2% more expensive
Chicken Breast (1kg) 4.77 $ 8.44 $ 43.5%
Madagascar is 43.5% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 5.39 $ 13.88 $ 61.2%
Madagascar is 61.2% cheaper
Apples (1kg) 1.17 $ 3.19 $ 63.3%
Madagascar is 63.3% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 0.60 $ 2.75 $ 78.2%
Madagascar is 78.2% cheaper
Oranges (1kg) 0.97 $ 2.93 $ 66.9%
Madagascar is 66.9% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 0.89 $ 4.30 $ 79.3%
Madagascar is 79.3% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 0.55 $ 2.47 $ 77.7%
Madagascar is 77.7% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 0.76 $ 2.14 $ 64.5%
Madagascar is 64.5% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 0.36 $ 2.22 $ 83.8%
Madagascar is 83.8% cheaper
Monthly Transit Pass 8.79 $ 97.35 $ 91.0%
Madagascar is 91.0% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 1.76 $ 31.15 $ 94.3%
Madagascar is 94.3% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 0.15 $ 2.92 $ 94.9%
Madagascar is 94.9% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 2.20 $ 3.89 $ 43.4%
Madagascar is 43.4% cheaper
Taxi per Kilometer 2.09 $ 1.88 $ 11.2%
Madagascar is 11.2% more expensive
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 4.40 $ 37.90 $ 88.4%
Madagascar is 88.4% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 1.24 $ 1.18 $ 5.1%
Madagascar is 5.1% more expensive
New Economy Car 13,185.28 $ 28,829.12 $ 54.3%
Madagascar is 54.3% cheaper
New Mid-Range Car 22,931.40 $ 22,658.59 $ 1.2%
Madagascar is 1.2% more expensive
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 45.86 $ 175.90 $ 73.9%
Madagascar is 73.9% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 14.86 $ 26.66 $ 44.3%
Madagascar is 44.3% cheaper
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 51.98 $ 52.98 $ 1.9%
Madagascar is 1.9% cheaper
Gym Membership 22.09 $ 47.43 $ 53.4%
Madagascar is 53.4% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 6.37 $ 16.59 $ 61.6%
Madagascar is 61.6% cheaper
Movie Ticket 6.59 $ 14.28 $ 53.9%
Madagascar is 53.9% cheaper
Private Preschool (Full Day) 70.32 $ 1,570.69 $ 95.5%
Madagascar is 95.5% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 11,548.92 $ 12,354.33 $ 6.5%
Madagascar is 6.5% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 24.54 $ 71.57 $ 65.7%
Madagascar is 65.7% cheaper
1 Summer Dress 27.00 $ 50.87 $ 46.9%
Madagascar is 46.9% cheaper
1 Pair of Running Shoes 71.75 $ 102.13 $ 29.7%
Madagascar is 29.7% cheaper
1 Pair of Business Shoes 51.03 $ 109.73 $ 53.5%
Madagascar is 53.5% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 295.45 $ 1,381.57 $ 78.6%
Madagascar is 78.6% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 70.66 $ 1,095.96 $ 93.6%
Madagascar is 93.6% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 425.77 $ 2,332.99 $ 81.8%
Madagascar is 81.8% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 260.96 $ 1,729.44 $ 84.9%
Madagascar is 84.9% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 651.94 $ 6,794.53 $ 90.4%
Madagascar is 90.4% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 494.45 $ 5,084.33 $ 90.3%
Madagascar is 90.3% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 108.50 $ 3,619.71 $ 97.0%
Madagascar is 97.0% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 17.25 6.35 171.7%
Madagascar is 171.7% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

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

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

Cultural Cost Differences

Madagascar

  • Higher fuel costs indicate different transportation preferences.

Australia

  • Lower grocery costs suggest different shopping and consumption patterns.

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 Madagascar Cost of living in Australia

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