πΈπ¨ Cost of Living: Seychelles vs Madagascar β Price Comparison
Last updated: February 2026
Verified Facts
Official NameRepublic of Seychelles
CapitalVictoria
Population122,729
Area452.0 kmΒ²
LanguagesSeychellois Creole, English, French
CurrencySeychellois rupee (β¨)
TimezoneUTC+04:00
RegionAfrica / Eastern Africa
Drives onLeft
Source: REST Countries API
Economic Indicators
GDP per Capita (PPP)$33,239 (2024)
Inflation Rate0.3% (2024)
Health Spend per Capita$766 (2023)
Out-of-Pocket Health Spend28.0% (2023)
Education Spend (% GDP)4.5% (2023)
Source: World Bank Open Data
Seychelles is generally more expensive than Madagascar, with a difference of around 30-50% in overall cost of living.
Quick Facts
Seychelles GDP per Capita (PPP)28,170
Madagascar GDP per Capita (PPP)1,430
Seychelles Inflation Rate3.5%
Madagascar Inflation Rate6.5%
Overall Winner (Cheaper)Madagascar
Overview: Seychelles vs Madagascar
The Seychelles and Madagascar are two island nations located off the coast of East Africa, but they have distinct economic profiles. Seychelles is a high-income economy with a strong tourism industry, while Madagascar is a low-income economy with a growing agricultural sector. As a result, Seychelles tends to have higher prices for goods and services, particularly when it comes to accommodation, food, and transportation. On the other hand, Madagascar offers a more affordable lifestyle, with lower costs for housing, food, and other necessities. Overall, Madagascar is around 30-50% cheaper than Seychelles, making it a more attractive option for budget-conscious travelers and expats.
The economic context of the two countries also plays a significant role in determining their cost of living. Seychelles has a more developed economy, with a strong focus on tourism and financial services, which drives up prices for goods and services. In contrast, Madagascar has a more traditional economy, with a focus on agriculture and manufacturing, which keeps prices lower. Additionally, Seychelles has a smaller population and a more limited supply of goods and services, which can drive up prices due to scarcity. In Madagascar, the larger population and more extensive supply of goods and services help to keep prices lower.
Rent & Housing Comparison
Item
Seychelles (USD)
Madagascar (USD)
Difference
1BR Apartment (City Center)
800
250
68% cheaper in Madagascar
1BR Apartment (Outside)
500
150
70% cheaper in Madagascar
3BR Apartment (City Center)
1,500
500
66% cheaper in Madagascar
Food & Dining Comparison
Item
Seychelles (USD)
Madagascar (USD)
Difference
Meal at Restaurant
15
3
80% cheaper in Madagascar
Groceries (monthly)
200
50
75% cheaper in Madagascar
Beer (500ml)
5
1
80% cheaper in Madagascar
Coffee
3
1
66% cheaper in Madagascar
Transport Comparison
Item
Seychelles (USD)
Madagascar (USD)
Difference
Monthly Transit Pass
50
10
80% cheaper in Madagascar
Taxi (per km)
2
0.5
75% cheaper in Madagascar
Fuel (per liter)
1.2
0.8
33% cheaper in Madagascar
Utilities & Internet Comparison
Item
Seychelles (USD)
Madagascar (USD)
Difference
Utilities (85 sqm apt)
150
30
80% cheaper in Madagascar
Internet (60 Mbps)
50
20
60% cheaper in Madagascar
Mobile Plan
20
10
50% cheaper in Madagascar
Monthly Budget Comparison
Budget Tier
Seychelles (USD)
Madagascar (USD)
Savings
Budget
1,200
400
66% cheaper in Madagascar
Mid-Range
2,000
800
60% cheaper in Madagascar
Comfortable
3,500
1,500
57% cheaper in Madagascar
Where Each Country Wins
Seychelles is cheaper for:
High-end tourism activities, such as luxury resorts and diving excursions
International flights and connectivity
High-quality healthcare and medical services
Modern amenities and infrastructure, such as shopping malls and restaurants
Madagascar is cheaper for:
Accommodation, including apartments and houses
Food, including groceries and dining out
Transportation, including taxis and public transport
Utilities, including electricity, water, and internet
Bottom Line
For expats, students, and retirees, Madagascar offers a more affordable lifestyle, with lower costs for accommodation, food, and transportation. However, Seychelles provides a more modern and developed infrastructure, with better amenities and services. For families, Madagascar may be a more attractive option, with lower costs for housing and living expenses. On the other hand, Seychelles offers a more secure and stable environment, with better healthcare and education options. Ultimately, the choice between Seychelles and Madagascar depends on individual priorities and lifestyle preferences. For those who value affordability and a more traditional way of life, Madagascar may be the better choice. For those who prioritize modern amenities and a more developed infrastructure, Seychelles may be the better option.