Cost of Living: Madagascar vs Japan

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

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Madagascar is 69.9% cheaper than Japan. The biggest difference is in Salaries And Financing, where costs are 94.2% lower. This means that for every $100 you spend in Japan, you would spend about $30 in Madagascar for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Salaries And Financing 94.2%

Madagascar is 94.2% cheaper

Property Prices 88.5%

Madagascar is 88.5% cheaper

Household Utilities 74.4%

Madagascar is 74.4% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 69.9%

Madagascar is 69.9% cheaper than Japan

Most Expensive Categories

  • Mobile and Internet +6.2%

Is Madagascar cheaper than Japan?

Yes, Madagascar is cheaper than Japan

Overall, living costs in Madagascar are 69.9% lower than in Japan.

Where Madagascar is cheaper:

  • Salaries And Financing 94.2% cheaper
  • Property Prices 88.5% cheaper
  • Household Utilities 74.4% cheaper

Where Madagascar is more expensive:

  • Mobile and Internet 6.2% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Madagascar: 2.64 $ Japan: 7.01 $
62.3% cheaper in Madagascar

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Madagascar: 295.45 $ Japan: 624.64 $
52.7% cheaper in Madagascar

Monthly public transport pass

Madagascar: 8.79 $ Japan: 58.97 $
85.1% cheaper in Madagascar

1 liter of milk

Madagascar: 1.06 $ Japan: 1.56 $
32.1% cheaper in Madagascar

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Madagascar is indeed cheaper than Japan. You would save approximately 69.9% 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

69.9%

Madagascar is 69.9% cheaper than Japan

Restaurants

40.1%

Madagascar is 40.1% cheaper than Japan in this category

Markets

70.2%

Madagascar is 70.2% cheaper than Japan in this category

Other Expenses

58.1%

Madagascar is 58.1% cheaper than Japan in this category

Transportation

12.7%

Madagascar is 12.7% cheaper than Japan in this category

Household Utilities

74.4%

Madagascar is 74.4% cheaper than Japan in this category

Mobile and Internet

6.2%

Madagascar is 6.2% more expensive than Japan in this category

Sports And Leisure

60.6%

Madagascar is 60.6% cheaper than Japan in this category

Childcare

16.2%

Madagascar is 16.2% cheaper than Japan in this category

Clothing And Shoes

25.1%

Madagascar is 25.1% cheaper than Japan in this category

Rent Per Month

67.5%

Madagascar is 67.5% cheaper than Japan in this category

Property Prices

88.5%

Madagascar is 88.5% cheaper than Japan in this category

Salaries And Financing

94.2%

Madagascar is 94.2% cheaper than Japan in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Madagascar Japan Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 2.64 $ 7.01 $ 62.3%
Madagascar is 62.3% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 17.58 $ 35.03 $ 49.8%
Madagascar is 49.8% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 4.40 $ 5.61 $ 21.6%
Madagascar is 21.6% cheaper
Regular Cappuccino 1.25 $ 3.36 $ 62.8%
Madagascar is 62.8% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 0.95 $ 1.12 $ 15.2%
Madagascar is 15.2% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 0.62 $ 0.82 $ 24.4%
Madagascar is 24.4% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 0.62 $ 0.94 $ 34.0%
Madagascar is 34.0% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml) 6.83 $ 2.32 $ 194.4%
Madagascar is 194.4% more expensive
Imported Beer (330ml) 1.40 $ 8.42 $ 83.4%
Madagascar is 83.4% cheaper
Mid-Range Wine 8.59 $ 11.20 $ 23.3%
Madagascar is 23.3% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 1.76 $ 2.04 $ 13.7%
Madagascar is 13.7% cheaper
Milk (1L) 1.06 $ 1.56 $ 32.1%
Madagascar is 32.1% cheaper
Fresh Bread (500g) 0.93 $ 1.59 $ 41.5%
Madagascar is 41.5% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 0.69 $ 4.51 $ 84.7%
Madagascar is 84.7% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 2.02 $ 2.24 $ 9.8%
Madagascar is 9.8% cheaper
Local Cheese (1kg) 9.62 $ 12.14 $ 20.8%
Madagascar is 20.8% cheaper
Chicken Breast (1kg) 4.77 $ 6.92 $ 31.1%
Madagascar is 31.1% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 5.39 $ 17.18 $ 68.6%
Madagascar is 68.6% cheaper
Apples (1kg) 1.17 $ 5.37 $ 78.2%
Madagascar is 78.2% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 0.60 $ 2.62 $ 77.1%
Madagascar is 77.1% cheaper
Oranges (1kg) 0.97 $ 4.78 $ 79.7%
Madagascar is 79.7% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 0.89 $ 4.84 $ 81.6%
Madagascar is 81.6% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 0.55 $ 2.85 $ 80.7%
Madagascar is 80.7% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 0.76 $ 2.65 $ 71.3%
Madagascar is 71.3% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 0.36 $ 1.39 $ 74.1%
Madagascar is 74.1% cheaper
Monthly Transit Pass 8.79 $ 58.97 $ 85.1%
Madagascar is 85.1% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 1.76 $ 4.20 $ 58.1%
Madagascar is 58.1% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 0.15 $ 1.54 $ 90.3%
Madagascar is 90.3% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 2.20 $ 4.20 $ 47.6%
Madagascar is 47.6% cheaper
Taxi per Kilometer 2.09 $ 3.15 $ 33.7%
Madagascar is 33.7% cheaper
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 4.40 $ 23.82 $ 81.5%
Madagascar is 81.5% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 1.24 $ 1.22 $ 1.6%
Madagascar is 1.6% more expensive
New Economy Car 13,185.28 $ 23,415.29 $ 43.7%
Madagascar is 43.7% cheaper
New Mid-Range Car 22,931.40 $ 17,953.06 $ 27.7%
Madagascar is 27.7% more expensive
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 45.86 $ 178.92 $ 74.4%
Madagascar is 74.4% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 14.86 $ 27.25 $ 45.5%
Madagascar is 45.5% cheaper
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 51.98 $ 35.66 $ 45.8%
Madagascar is 45.8% more expensive
Gym Membership 22.09 $ 60.05 $ 63.2%
Madagascar is 63.2% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 6.37 $ 15.69 $ 59.4%
Madagascar is 59.4% cheaper
Movie Ticket 6.59 $ 13.31 $ 50.5%
Madagascar is 50.5% cheaper
Private Preschool (Full Day) 70.32 $ 348.57 $ 79.8%
Madagascar is 79.8% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 11,548.92 $ 13,519.03 $ 14.6%
Madagascar is 14.6% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 24.54 $ 49.02 $ 49.9%
Madagascar is 49.9% cheaper
1 Summer Dress 27.00 $ 32.77 $ 17.6%
Madagascar is 17.6% cheaper
1 Pair of Running Shoes 71.75 $ 63.16 $ 13.6%
Madagascar is 13.6% more expensive
1 Pair of Business Shoes 51.03 $ 87.75 $ 41.8%
Madagascar is 41.8% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 295.45 $ 624.64 $ 52.7%
Madagascar is 52.7% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 70.66 $ 424.63 $ 83.4%
Madagascar is 83.4% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 425.77 $ 1,366.33 $ 68.8%
Madagascar is 68.8% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 260.96 $ 825.90 $ 68.4%
Madagascar is 68.4% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 651.94 $ 6,447.80 $ 89.9%
Madagascar is 89.9% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 494.45 $ 3,555.73 $ 86.1%
Madagascar is 86.1% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 108.50 $ 2,177.14 $ 95.0%
Madagascar is 95.0% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 17.25 1.82 847.8%
Madagascar is 847.8% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Japan. 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 Japan 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 Japan

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.

Japan

  • 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 Japan

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