Maldives🇲🇻

At a Glance

How Maldives compares across key indices

Quality of Life155Safety85Healthcare73Affordability61ClimateClean Air24

Cost of Living

61 vs NYC

100 = NYC

Safety Index

85/100

Healthcare

73/100

Quality of Life

155/200

Cost of Living

How far your money goes in Maldives

Cost of Living

61

100 = NYC baseline

Rent Index

46

100 = NYC rent

Groceries

61

100 = NYC groceries

Restaurant Prices

65

100 = NYC dining

Safety & Crime

Low Risk

How safe residents feel in Maldives - based on surveys of people living there

Safety Index

85/100

Crime Index

25/100

Lower is better

Walking Safety

Daytime100
Nighttime100

0 point drop from day to night

Cities in Maldives

Maldives has 1 city with Freedom Abroad estimates. Male has the lowest estimated monthly cost at $1,426. Male leads on safety, scoring 85/100. Male ranks highest for quality of life at 157/200.

💸Most Affordable

Male

$1,426/mo

Safest

Male

85/100

Best Quality of Life

Male

157/200

Best Healthcare

Male

76/100

City filter
Featured
Curated and popular cities first.
1 of 1 shown
CityMonthly CostSafetyQuality of LifeHealthcarePollution
Male$1,42685/100157/20076/10022

Freedom Abroad estimates are modeled for a single person including rent. Pollution: lower score = cleaner air. Click column headers to sort.

Compare Cities Side by Side

Detailed comparison of cost of living, safety, and quality of life

Healthcare

Healthcare system overview for Maldives

Healthcare73Safety85Quality of Life155
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Environment

Clean

Air quality, water, and environmental conditions in Maldives

Pollution Index

24/100

Lower is better

PM2.5

12.0ug/m3

Good

Environmental Quality

Air Quality100/100

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living in Maldives, answered with data

What is the cost of living in Maldives?

Maldives has a cost of living index of 61 relative to New York City (100). It is moderately affordable compared to the US. Monthly costs for a single person start around $1,426 in Male.

Is Maldives safe for expats?

Maldives has a safety index of 85/100, making it very safe for expats and travellers. Among cities with data, Male scores highest on safety at 85/100.

What is the best city in Maldives for expats and digital nomads?

Male ranks highest for quality of life in Maldives, scoring 157/200 in Freedom Abroad's modeled quality-of-life estimate. Monthly costs there run around $1,426/mo for a single person.

How good is healthcare in Maldives?

Maldives scores 73/100 in Freedom Abroad's modeled healthcare estimate, making it good by global standards. This estimate reflects open public indicators for health outcomes and system capacity.

Is Maldives cheaper than the United States?

Yes. Maldives's cost of living is roughly 39% lower than New York City and generally cheaper than most major US cities. Rent specifically is around 54% cheaper. This makes it a popular destination for remote workers looking to stretch their dollar.

What is the air quality and pollution like in Maldives?

Maldives has a pollution index of 24/100 (lower = cleaner). This is relatively clean by global standards, making it appealing for those prioritising air quality and outdoor lifestyle.

Before You Go

Your pre-departure checklist for Maldives

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Set Up International Banking

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Get Connected

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Book Your First Accommodation

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Cost of living, safety, school, and quality-of-life figures on this page are Freedom Abroad estimates or verified public records modeled from open sources. Data sources

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