Cost of Living: Madagascar vs United States

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Madagascar and United States.

Data updated: September 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Madagascar is 88.5% cheaper than United States. The biggest difference is in Salaries And Financing, where costs are 97.1% lower. This means that for every $100 you spend in United States, you would spend about $12 in Madagascar for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Salaries And Financing 97.1%

Madagascar is 97.1% cheaper

Rent Per Month 87.6%

Madagascar is 87.6% cheaper

Other Expenses 82.4%

Madagascar is 82.4% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 88.5%

Madagascar is 88.5% cheaper than United States

Most Expensive Categories

Is Madagascar cheaper than United States?

Yes, Madagascar is cheaper than United States

Overall, living costs in Madagascar are 88.5% lower than in United States.

Where Madagascar is cheaper:

  • Salaries And Financing 97.1% cheaper
  • Rent Per Month 87.6% cheaper
  • Other Expenses 82.4% cheaper

Where Madagascar is more expensive:

No significant cost disadvantages found.

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Madagascar: 2.64 $ United States: 20.00 $
86.8% cheaper in Madagascar

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Madagascar: 295.45 $ United States: 1,746.65 $
83.1% cheaper in Madagascar

Monthly public transport pass

Madagascar: 8.79 $ United States: 65.00 $
86.5% cheaper in Madagascar

1 liter of gasoline

Madagascar: 1.24 $ United States: 0.93 $
33.3% more expensive in Madagascar

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Madagascar is indeed cheaper than United States. You would save approximately 88.5% on living expenses by choosing Madagascar over United States. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

88.5%

Madagascar is 88.5% cheaper than United States

Restaurants

76.0%

Madagascar is 76.0% cheaper than United States in this category

Markets

72.3%

Madagascar is 72.3% cheaper than United States in this category

Other Expenses

82.4%

Madagascar is 82.4% cheaper than United States in this category

Transportation

35.5%

Madagascar is 35.5% cheaper than United States in this category

Household Utilities

78.0%

Madagascar is 78.0% cheaper than United States in this category

Mobile and Internet

48.2%

Madagascar is 48.2% cheaper than United States in this category

Sports And Leisure

57.6%

Madagascar is 57.6% cheaper than United States in this category

Childcare

51.4%

Madagascar is 51.4% cheaper than United States in this category

Clothing And Shoes

41.6%

Madagascar is 41.6% cheaper than United States in this category

Rent Per Month

87.6%

Madagascar is 87.6% cheaper than United States in this category

Property Prices

80.7%

Madagascar is 80.7% cheaper than United States in this category

Salaries And Financing

97.1%

Madagascar is 97.1% cheaper than United States in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Madagascar United States Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 2.64 $ 20.00 $ 86.8%
Madagascar is 86.8% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 17.58 $ 75.00 $ 76.6%
Madagascar is 76.6% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 4.40 $ 11.50 $ 61.7%
Madagascar is 61.7% cheaper
Regular Cappuccino 1.25 $ 5.24 $ 76.1%
Madagascar is 76.1% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 0.95 $ 2.56 $ 62.9%
Madagascar is 62.9% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 0.62 $ 2.09 $ 70.3%
Madagascar is 70.3% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 0.62 $ 2.23 $ 72.2%
Madagascar is 72.2% cheaper
Imported Beer (330ml) 1.40 $ 4.38 $ 68.0%
Madagascar is 68.0% cheaper
Milk (1L) 1.06 $ 1.06 $ 0.0%
Madagascar is 0.0% more expensive
Fresh Bread (500g) 0.93 $ 3.63 $ 74.4%
Madagascar is 74.4% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 0.69 $ 4.61 $ 85.0%
Madagascar is 85.0% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 2.02 $ 4.29 $ 52.9%
Madagascar is 52.9% cheaper
Local Cheese (1kg) 9.62 $ 12.93 $ 25.6%
Madagascar is 25.6% cheaper
Chicken Breast (1kg) 4.77 $ 12.20 $ 60.9%
Madagascar is 60.9% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 5.39 $ 10.78 $ 50.0%
Madagascar is 50.0% cheaper
Apples (1kg) 1.17 $ 5.28 $ 77.8%
Madagascar is 77.8% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 0.60 $ 1.68 $ 64.3%
Madagascar is 64.3% cheaper
Oranges (1kg) 0.97 $ 4.50 $ 78.4%
Madagascar is 78.4% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 0.89 $ 4.91 $ 81.9%
Madagascar is 81.9% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 0.55 $ 2.94 $ 81.3%
Madagascar is 81.3% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 0.76 $ 3.08 $ 75.3%
Madagascar is 75.3% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 0.36 $ 2.20 $ 83.6%
Madagascar is 83.6% cheaper
Monthly Transit Pass 8.79 $ 65.00 $ 86.5%
Madagascar is 86.5% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 1.76 $ 10.00 $ 82.4%
Madagascar is 82.4% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 0.15 $ 2.50 $ 94.0%
Madagascar is 94.0% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 2.20 $ 3.75 $ 41.3%
Madagascar is 41.3% cheaper
Taxi per Kilometer 2.09 $ 1.74 $ 20.1%
Madagascar is 20.1% more expensive
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 4.40 $ 30.00 $ 85.3%
Madagascar is 85.3% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 1.24 $ 0.93 $ 33.3%
Madagascar is 33.3% more expensive
New Economy Car 13,185.28 $ 30,000.00 $ 56.0%
Madagascar is 56.0% cheaper
New Mid-Range Car 22,931.40 $ 25,982.09 $ 11.7%
Madagascar is 11.7% cheaper
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 45.86 $ 208.61 $ 78.0%
Madagascar is 78.0% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 14.86 $ 57.38 $ 74.1%
Madagascar is 74.1% cheaper
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 51.98 $ 71.66 $ 27.5%
Madagascar is 27.5% cheaper
Gym Membership 22.09 $ 46.22 $ 52.2%
Madagascar is 52.2% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 6.37 $ 21.94 $ 71.0%
Madagascar is 71.0% cheaper
Movie Ticket 6.59 $ 14.44 $ 54.4%
Madagascar is 54.4% cheaper
Private Preschool (Full Day) 70.32 $ 1,372.78 $ 94.9%
Madagascar is 94.9% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 11,548.92 $ 22,512.19 $ 48.7%
Madagascar is 48.7% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 24.54 $ 52.18 $ 53.0%
Madagascar is 53.0% cheaper
1 Summer Dress 27.00 $ 42.56 $ 36.6%
Madagascar is 36.6% cheaper
1 Pair of Running Shoes 71.75 $ 89.93 $ 20.2%
Madagascar is 20.2% cheaper
1 Pair of Business Shoes 51.03 $ 113.60 $ 55.1%
Madagascar is 55.1% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 295.45 $ 1,746.65 $ 83.1%
Madagascar is 83.1% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 70.66 $ 1,440.62 $ 95.1%
Madagascar is 95.1% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 425.77 $ 2,896.11 $ 85.3%
Madagascar is 85.3% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 260.96 $ 2,403.74 $ 89.1%
Madagascar is 89.1% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 651.94 $ 3,233.83 $ 79.8%
Madagascar is 79.8% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 494.45 $ 2,715.21 $ 81.8%
Madagascar is 81.8% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 108.50 $ 4,329.01 $ 97.5%
Madagascar is 97.5% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 17.25 6.51 165.0%
Madagascar is 165.0% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

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

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.

United States

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 United States

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