Updated:
If you've ever considered moving to Maldives, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Maldives?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Maldives and whether the reported $2065 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $825.92.
Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
5.08 $ |
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
29.11 $ |
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
8.09 $ |
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
-- |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
-- |
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
2.4 $ |
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
1.23 $ |
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
0.34 $ |
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
1.71 $ |
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
1.49 $ |
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
1.02 $ |
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
1.51 $ |
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
8.71 $ |
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
3.77 $ |
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
8.32 $ |
|
Apples (1 lb) |
3.11 $ |
|
Banana (1 lb) |
3.05 $ |
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
3.52 $ |
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
2.87 $ |
|
Potato (1 lb) |
1.1 $ |
|
Onion (1 lb) |
1.08 $ |
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
5.93 $ |
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
0.53 $ |
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
-- |
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
-- |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
-- |
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
6.47 $ |
|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
1.29 $ |
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
43.1 $ |
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
1.62 $ |
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
1.62 $ |
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
8.09 $ |
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
0.8 $ |
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
45278.14 $ |
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
33419.58 $ |
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
146.4 $ |
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
0.06 $ |
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
78.91 $ |
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
69.21 $ |
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
2.8 $ |
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
7.76 $ |
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
160.09 $ |
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
3104.79 $ |
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
38.87 $ |
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
38.24 $ |
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
78.27 $ |
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
67.63 $ |
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
863.44 $ |
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
582.15 $ |
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
1760.3 $ |
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
1363.73 $ |
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
2761.71 $ |
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
1805.74 $ |
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
825.92 $ |
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
13.36 % |
|
The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 5.08 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 29.11 USD.
Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 1.71 USD, a loaf of bread 1.49 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 1.51 USD.
Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 1.29 USD and a monthly pass around 43.1 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.
For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 146.4 USD.
For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 69.21 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 2.8 USD.
Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 160.09 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 3104.79 USD.
Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 38.87 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 78.27 USD.
Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 863.44 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 582.15 USD.
If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 2761.71 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 1805.74 USD.
The average monthly net salary here is about 825.92 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 13.36% annually.
Maldives
Generally speaking, the Maldives are safe for tourists since they mostly travel to its isolated islands usually meant for tourists. However, you shouldn't relax as it definitely isn't without its dangers. Be cautious and apply all precaution measures that you would stick to in your own country.
You won't use transport much in the Maldives, except from one resort to another maybe, but in general, it's pretty safe, reliable and very well maintained.
Pickpockets do operate here and there, mostly in the capital of Male, but tourists are rarely targeted - because they usually aren't located in Male. Still, you should be careful. Don't flash your belongings in public or leave your valuables in plain sight.
Tsunamis are the biggest natural threats in the Maldives. The Tsunami of 26 December 2004 caused extensive damage to the Maldives. More than 90 people were killed and there was serious damage to a number of islands, including 19 resort islands.
There have been very few cases of tourists being mugged or kidnapped. Maldives is a safe country when it comes to violent crime. Still, avoid dark and deserted areas after dark.
Terrorist attacks are likely to happen in the Maldives, including in places frequented by tourists. The Maldivian authorities confirmed in 2017 and 2018 that several men had been arrested on terrorism charges relating to terrorism in the Maldives.
There are scammers in the Maldives but are easily avoided, only if you use your common sense. Like in other touristy places in Asia, the street or store vendors are pretty persuasive and tiring, so if you feel pressured into purchasing goods, leave the store.
Maldives is mostly a safe country for women. However, if you are a woman and plan on going there alone, make sure you don't wear anything of value when leaving your resort. Apply all precaution measures you would in your own country.
You don't need a visa to enter the Maldives, and a thirty-day free visa is issued on arrival for all nationalities. Make sure your passport is valid at least six months from your departure and if you are not sure about your visa status, contact your local Maldivian embassy for further information.
The Maldivian Rufiyaa is the currency of Maldives. Credit cards can be used in resorts and most guesthouses. ATMs can be found in Male and the bigger islands. Bargaining is not part of Maldivian culture so don't try it!
The best weather – and the best time to visit the Maldives – is between November and April. The high season falls between December and March. The monsoon runs from May to October, peaking around June.
Velana International Airport, also known as Malé International Airport, is the main international airport in the Maldives. It is located on Hulhulé Island, close the capital island Malé.
Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to the Maldives, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.