Madagascar🇲🇬

At a Glance

How Madagascar compares across key indices

Quality of Life72Safety38Healthcare39Affordability24Climate99Clean Air88

Cost of Living

24 vs NYC

100 = NYC

Safety Index

38/100

Healthcare

39/100

Quality of Life

72/200

Climate

99/100

Cost of Living

How far your money goes in Madagascar

Cost of Living

24

100 = NYC baseline

Rent Index

7

100 = NYC rent

Groceries

25

100 = NYC groceries

Restaurant Prices

17

100 = NYC dining

Safety & Crime

Higher Risk

How safe residents feel in Madagascar — based on surveys of people living there

Safety Index

38/100

Crime Index

62/100

Lower is better

Crime Trend

76/100

Crime perceived as increasing

Walking Safety

Daytime57
Nighttime17

40 point drop from day to night

Problem Severity

Corruption & bribery
Very High85
Violent crimes
High71
Property crimes
High67
Drug-related crime
Moderate49

0 = no problem, 100 = severe problem

What Residents Worry About

Things stolen from car
High66
Being mugged or robbed
High62
Home broken into
Moderate60
Being physically attacked
Moderate58
Car stolen
Moderate48
Targeted for skin/ethnicity/religion
Low35
Being insulted or harassed
Low33

Based on 30 survey responses. 0 = not worried, 100 = very worried.

Cities

City Data Coming Soon

We're gathering city-level data for Madagascar.

Freedom Abroad Newsletter

Insider knowledge on living abroad, new city guides, and cost updates.

Healthcare

Healthcare system overview for Madagascar

Healthcare Index

39/100

Quality Breakdown

Staff Skill & Competency43/100
Friendliness & Courtesy39/100
Speed of Service38/100
Modern Equipment36/100
Responsiveness & Waitlist34/100
Accuracy & Completeness29/100
Cost Satisfaction48/100

How satisfied residents are with healthcare costs relative to quality

Based on 14 survey responses

Insurance Coverage

None
50.0%
Private
28.6%
Employer Sponsored
21.4%
Healthcare39Safety38Quality of Life72
Expat InsuranceRecommended Partner

Don't skip health insurance

Real coverage for real life abroad. Not travel insurance. Not hoping for the best.

A portion of affiliate revenue is donated to UNHCR

Environment

Polluted

Air quality, water, and environmental conditions in Madagascar

Pollution Index

88/100

Lower is better

Environmental Quality

Green Spaces & Parks30/100
Comfortable to Spend Time27/100
Drinking Water Quality26/100
Air Quality25/100
Clean & Tidy17/100
Garbage Disposal12/100

Concerns

Water Pollution81/100
Noise & Light Pollution48/100

0 = no concern, 100 = severe concern

Based on 37 survey responses. Perception scores are 0–100 where higher is better unless noted.

Transport & Commute

How people get around in Madagascar

Average One-Way Commute

32minutes

Average

Traffic Index

142

Moderate congestion

Inefficiency

128

Time wasted in traffic

CO2 Emissions

7.1kg/trip

How People Commute

Car40.0%
Motorcycle20.0%
Bus/Trolleybus20.0%
Working from Home20.0%

Based on 5 survey responses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living in Madagascar, answered with data

What is the cost of living in Madagascar?

Madagascar has a cost of living index of 24 relative to New York City (100). It is significantly cheaper than the US.

Is Madagascar safe for expats?

Madagascar has a safety index of 38/100, making it worth researching carefully before committing for expats and travellers.

How good is healthcare in Madagascar?

Madagascar scores 39/100 on Numbeo's healthcare index, making it limited in some areas by global standards. This index reflects the overall quality of the healthcare system, medical staff, and facilities.

Is Madagascar cheaper than the United States?

Yes. Madagascar's cost of living is roughly 76% lower than New York City and generally cheaper than most major US cities. Rent specifically is around 93% cheaper. This makes it a popular destination for remote workers looking to stretch their dollar.

What is the air quality and pollution like in Madagascar?

Madagascar has a pollution index of 88/100 (lower = cleaner). Pollution can be a concern in urban areas. Research specific cities before committing, as rural and coastal areas typically fare better.

Before You Go

Your pre-departure checklist for Madagascar

Expat InsuranceRecommended Partner

Don't skip health insurance

Real coverage for real life abroad. Not travel insurance. Not hoping for the best.

A portion of affiliate revenue is donated to UNHCR

Set Up International Banking

Get a multi-currency account before you leave. Essential for managing money abroad.

Get Connected

eSIM, VPN, and reliable internet — sorted before you land.

Book Your First Accommodation

Secure at least your first week. Having a home base makes everything else easier.

Find Flights

Find the cheapest flights with flexible date search. Set alerts for price drops on your route.

Flight Deals

Freedom Abroad helps you figure out the part nobody talks about: how to actually build a life in another country. Films, tools, and data. No fluff.

Learn about our mission