Cost of living in the Maldives for expats: rent, food, transport and a monthly budget

If you're considering a job offer in the Maldives, the salary only tells half the story. What matters is what's left after rent, food, transport and other costs. Living costs depend enormously on where you live, whether your employer provides housing, and how you live. This guide gives realistic ranges for Malé and Hulhumalé, explains what drives costs, and helps you build your own monthly budget.

Prices change, and the figures here are rough guides based on published reports and listings. Check current prices before making decisions.

Why the Maldives is expensive

• Almost everything is imported: food, fuel, building materials, clothes and electronics. Shipping, duty and GST add to prices.
• Space is scarce: Malé is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, which pushes up rents.
• Currency pressures: shortages of US dollars have made imports more costly and can affect prices. See the US dollar situation.

On the other hand, some things are good value: local fish, public ferries, short taxi rides, and in some cases utilities.

Housing

Rent is usually the biggest monthly cost. Indicative figures from published sources:

• Malé, one bedroom, city centre: open-market listings are often around MVR 14,000 to 15,000 a month, with cheaper options around MVR 10,000 further from the centre.
• Larger flats in Malé cost considerably more; three-bedroom flats in central areas are often quoted at MVR 25,000 or above.
• Hulhumalé: newer buildings, often more space; open-market prices vary from below Malé levels to well above them for modern flats in popular areas.
• Government-built flats in Hulhumalé have set monthly rents for eligible applicants (for example around MVR 7,000 for two bedrooms plus maintenance in a 2025 scheme), but these are allocated under government schemes, mainly to Maldivians.
• Shared housing: many expats rent a room in a shared flat, which can cut housing costs sharply.

Expect to pay advance rent and a deposit up front, often several months in total, so you need savings when you arrive. See renting a flat in Malé or Hulhumalé.

Employer housing: resort jobs and some other roles include staff accommodation and meals, which transforms your budget. Ask exactly what is provided when comparing offers.

Groceries

Supermarkets in Malé and Hulhumalé stock a wide range of imported goods, from Asian staples to European brands, at prices that are often higher than in the country of origin. Typical patterns:

• Cheaper: local tuna and reef fish, rice and flour (some staples are price-controlled or subsidised), local snacks, some fruit in season, and products imported from India, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
• More expensive: dairy, meat, fresh vegetables from far away, branded cereals, imported cheese, and anything from Europe, Australia or the US.

Shopping at the local market for fish and produce and cooking at home is the biggest saving available. See grocery shopping in Malé.

Eating out

Malé and Hulhumalé have a lively café culture. Local cafés serving hedhikaa (short eats), tea and simple meals are inexpensive. Mid-range restaurants serving international food cost noticeably more, and hotel and resort dining is expensive. Many expats balance cheap local cafés during the week with occasional nicer meals. Remember that GST and service charges may be added to restaurant bills. See Maldivian food to try.

Utilities

• Electricity: provided by state utilities with tiered tariffs. Air conditioning is the main driver of your bill; running AC all day in a large flat can make electricity a significant cost.
• Water: desalinated water is supplied in Greater Malé; bills are usually modest for a small household. Many people buy bottled water for drinking.
• Gas: cooking gas cylinders are widely used.

See setting up utilities.

Phone and internet

Dhiraagu and Ooredoo offer mobile and home internet packages. Home fibre in Greater Malé is widely available, with prices depending on speed. Mobile data packages are reasonably priced. See SIM cards and internet.

Transport

• Walking covers much of Malé.
• Taxis in Malé and Hulhumalé charge low fixed fares for short trips, with extra charges for luggage or late hours.
• Buses run in Greater Malé and between Malé and Hulhumalé at low fares.
• Scooters are how most residents get around. Buying one is a significant upfront cost but cheap to run; you'll need a licence and registration. See scooters for foreigners.
• Ferries between islands are cheap; speedboats and domestic flights cost much more.

See getting around Malé.

Healthcare and insurance

Expats should budget for health insurance, either provided by the employer or bought privately. Without insurance, consultations and tests at private hospitals and clinics add up quickly. See healthcare for expats.

Schools

For families, international or private school fees can be a major expense. Public schools are free for Maldivian citizens; foreign children's access and fees vary. See schools for expat children.

Leisure

Swimming at the artificial beach in Hulhumalé or Malé's beach areas is free. Gyms, diving, resort day trips and travel within the Maldives cost more. A resort day pass or weekend away can be expensive, but local-island guesthouse trips offer cheaper breaks.

Building your monthly budget

Use this list and fill in current prices for your situation:

1. Rent (your share if sharing), plus a monthly amount set aside for the advance and deposit.
2. Utilities: electricity (with your expected AC use), water, gas.
3. Phone and internet.
4. Groceries: estimate weekly shopping times four.
5. Eating out and coffee.
6. Transport: taxis, buses, scooter fuel and maintenance.
7. Health insurance and medical costs.
8. School fees, if relevant.
9. Visa and permit costs not covered by the employer.
10. Money sent home, including transfer costs.
11. Travel: flights home and holidays.
12. Savings and emergencies.

Sending money home

Many expats send part of their salary home. In recent years, shortages of US dollars have made this harder, with limits on how much can be transferred or spent abroad on cards, and a large gap between the official exchange rate and informal market rates. Check how your salary is paid (rufiyaa or dollars) and what transfer options your bank offers before accepting an offer. See banking and sending money home.

Ways to save

• Share a flat, or choose a location slightly away from the busiest areas.
• Negotiate housing or a housing allowance into your contract.
• Cook at home with local fish, rice and seasonal produce.
• Use local cafés instead of international restaurants.
• Manage air conditioning use.
• Walk, take the bus, or share taxis.
• Buy second-hand furniture and appliances from departing expats.

Comparing a job offer

When comparing an offer, ask: Is the salary in rufiyaa or dollars? Is housing included or an allowance paid? Are meals, transport, health insurance and flights home included? Who pays visa fees? Is there a service charge share? These benefits can be worth more than a higher basic salary. See finding a job in the Maldives.