Maldives (MV)
The Maldives is the world's most geographically dispersed country — a chain of 26 coral atolls and 1,192 islands stretching 900km across the Indian Ocean, of which only about 185 are inhabited.
Capital: Malé
Region: Asia
Language: Dhivehi
Currency: MVR (Rf)
Cost of living: Affordable (index 55)
Emergency: 119
Premium
Cost of Living
Real prices in Maldives — 2026 data in MVR.
55
Cost of living index
(100 = NYC reference)
Affordable compared to most Western countries. Good value for the quality of life offered.
Food & Groceries
Rice (1kg, STO supermarket) MVR 20–35
Fresh tuna (1kg, local market — national fish) MVR 30–60
Chicken breast (1kg, supermarket) MVR 120–180
Bread (standard loaf) MVR 20–40
Eggs (12 pack) MVR 50–75
Bottled water (1.5L) MVR 10–20
Soft drink (can) MVR 15–25
Monthly groceries for a couple MVR 6,000–12,000
Dining Out
Local meal at sai hotaa (tea shop, short eats + tea) MVR 30–80
Budget restaurant meal, Malé (per person) MVR 80–150
Mid-range restaurant, Malé (per person) MVR 200–450
Resort restaurant meal (per person) MVR 462–1,232
Coffee at café, Malé MVR 40–80
Rent
Studio / 1-bed flat, Malé (expat standard, monthly) MVR 8,000–16,000
2-bed flat, Malé (family, monthly) MVR 15,000–30,000
Studio, Hulhumalé (newer, more affordable, monthly) MVR 5,000–10,000
Room in shared flat, Malé MVR 2,500–5,000/month
3-bed house, suburban Malé / Hulhumalé (expat family, monthly) MVR 30,000–60,000
Transport
Taxi within Malé (short trip) MVR 15–30
Ferry Malé–Hulhumalé (MTCC) MVR 8–10
Speedboat Malé to nearby island (30 min) MVR 150–400
Seaplane transfer to resort (1-hr flight — iconic Maldives experience) MVR 3,080–9,240 one way
Domestic flight Malé–Hanimaadhoo (Maldivian Airlines) MVR 1,232–2,772 one way
Bicycle rental (per day) MVR 100–200
Motorcycle fuel (Super, 1L) MVR 18–22
Health & Insurance
GP consultation (private clinic, Malé) MVR 200–500
Specialist consultation (ADK Hospital) MVR 500–1,500
Emergency visit (IGMH, government rates) MVR 150–500
Dental check and cleaning (private) MVR 300–700
Medical evacuation to India / Sri Lanka (air ambulance) MVR 77,000–385,000
International health insurance (expat plan, monthly) MVR 1,232–3,850
Utilities
Electricity (Malé flat, monthly) MVR 200–600
Bottled water (20L dispenser refill) MVR 30–55
Dhiraagu mobile SIM (prepaid) MVR 30–50
Mobile data plan (20GB/month, Dhiraagu) MVR 200–350
Fixed broadband (Dhiraagu 20 Mbps) MVR 450–750/month
Fixed broadband (Dhiraagu 100 Mbps) MVR 850–1,200/month
Childcare
Nursery / daycare, Malé (monthly) MVR 2,500–5,000
Maldives International School (per term) MVR 25,000–55,000
Billabong High International School (per term) MVR 15,000–35,000
Private tutor (per hour) MVR 200–400
Nanny / babysitter (per hour, Malé) MVR 100–250
Leisure
Gym membership, Malé (monthly) MVR 400–900
Movie ticket (Olympus Cinema, Malé) MVR 70–120
Scuba dive trip with equipment hire (day trip) MVR 1,078–1,848
PADI Open Water course MVR 5,390–8,470
Beer at resort bar (alcohol only on resort islands) MVR 123–231
Resort day package (non-resident) MVR 1,232–3,850
Work visa renewal MVR 1,500–3,000
Haircut (men's, Malé barber) MVR 50–150
"Work From Maldives" digital nomad scheme (annual fee) MVR 12,936
Cost of Living
Unlock the complete Cost of Living guide for Maldives — including every detail, document, tip and link you need.
Become a SupporterSupport the guide on Ko-fi · Unlocks every premium section, everywhere