People are drawn to the Maldives by the clear turquoise waters, white sandy beaches and palm trees. The Maldives is made up of 26 atolls, which are essentially ring-shaped coral reefs. These atolls are home to some of the most beautiful reefs in the world, making them a popular destination for snorkelling, diving and fishing.
If you are considering moving to the Maldives, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved when moving and living in this part of the world.
Quick Maldives Facts:
- Population: 561,918 (2022 estimate)
- Official Language: The Maldives has two official languages, Dhivehi, which is an Indo-Aryan language, and English.
- GDP Per Capita:US$8,994.64
- Altitude: The Maldives are the world’s flattest country, with an average altitude of 1.8m above sea level.
- Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR, Rf, or MRF). As of 2022, 1$ = MVR 15.45, £1 = MVR 17.21, €1 = MVR 15.14, $1 CAD = MVR 11.17, $1 AUD = MVR 9.93
1. Moving and Shipping Costs to the Maldives
Here are sample container shipping costs to the Maldives from other countries.
2. Maldives Housing Costs
The residents of the Maldives enjoy a relatively high standard of living, and this is reflected in the country’s housing costs. While the cost of living in the Maldives is not as high as in some of its neighbours, it is still higher than in many other countries around the world.
Monthly Rental Prices in the Maldives
- 1 bedroom apartment in City Centre: MVR 12,000 – MVR15,000
- 1 bedroom apartment outside the City Centre: MVR 7,000 – MVR12,000
- 3 bedroom apartment in City Centre: MVR 25,000 – MVR30,000
- 3 bedroom apartment outside the City Centre: MVR16,000 – MVR28,000
- Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: MVR32,291.73 – MVR 55,000
- Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City: MVR20,000 – MVR49,000
Maldives Housing Cost Comparison
This is how rents in the Maldives compare with other countries around the globe.
United Kingdom is 14.74% more expensive
United States is 72.81% more expensive
Canada is 24.42% more expensive
Australia is 33.27% more expensive
France is 6.89% cheaper
Germany is 4.15% cheaper
Spain is 20.95% cheaper
Italy is 24.89% cheaper
Source: Numbeo
How to Save on Housing Costs
- Share an apartment or house. Have a look at the following sites to find your perfect room or flat mate: Erasmusu and Likibu.
- Different areas – different prices. The cost of houses and apartments in the Maldives varies greatly depending on the location. The most popular areas among expats are Malé, Ari Atoll, and Dhaalu Atoll. If you want to live in a more affordable area, check out Baa Atoll, Laamu Atoll, or Thinadhoo Island.
3. Maldives Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs
The Maldives’s large expat population means that there are many different types of restaurants serving food from around the globe. There are also plenty of local Maldivian restaurants, which serve a wide variety of seafood. Prices for food and drink in the Maldives are relatively high, especially when compared to other South Asian countries.
- Inexpensive Restaurant: MVR30 – MVR139
- Takeout Coffee: MVR22 – MVR82.25
- Bottle of Coke: MVR13 – MVR46.35
- 1L of milk: MVR20 – MVR34.06
- Loaf of Bread: MVR15 – MVR90
- 12 Eggs: MVR18 – MVR24
- 1kg Chicken: MVR25 – MVR75
- 1kg Beef: MVR65 – MVR200
- 1kg Apples: MVR25 – MVR70
- 1kg White Rice: MVR5 – MVR35
This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major countries in the world.
- UK restaurants are 102.62% more expensive and groceries are 3.32% cheaper than the Maldives.
- US restaurants are 104.74% more expensive and groceries are 40.57% more expensive than the Maldives.
- Canadian restaurants are 90.79% more expensive and groceries are 28.24% more expensive than the Maldives.
- Australian restaurants are 92.44% more expensive and groceries are 42.02% more expensive than the Maldives.
- French restaurants are 99.59% more expensive and groceries are 27.96% more expensive than the Maldives.
- German restaurants are 66.89% more expensive and groceries are 0.35% cheaper than the Maldives.
- Italian restaurants are 84.57% more expensive and groceries are 2.09% more expensive than the Maldives.
- Spanish restaurants are 53.23% more expensive and groceries are 72% cheaper than the Maldives.
Source: Numbeo
Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries
- Know your supermarkets: The Maldives has many independently owned grocery stores and ethnic stores as well as the usual supermarket chains. There are also farmers’ markets and a few health food shops. Popular supermarkets in the Maldives are Multi Store & Multi Supermarket Maldives, Dhimart and STO People’s Choice Super Mart.
- Find Cheap Eats:The Maldives isn’t the cheapest place to eat but if you hunt around you will find some good restaurants that offer specials on various days of the week and early in the evening. Have a look at the following sites for suggestions – Tripadvisor, Wanderlog, Trip Factory, and Holidify.
4. Maldives Alcohol Costs
The holiday atmosphere of the Maldives lends itself to enjoying a drink with friends and family, whether it’s at home or in a bar or restaurant. Drinking at any of the tourist resorts is expensive so head for bars and restaurants that the locals frequent.
- Pint (0.5L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: MVR25 – MVR250
- Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: MVR61.8 – MVR150
- Pint (0.5L) domestic beer at a supermarket: MVR20 – MVR40
- Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: MVR123.6 – MVR250
- Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: MVR75 – MVR500
How to drink for less in Maldives
- Keep an eye on the local papers and flyers for cheap drinks, either in supermarkets or in bars, clubs and restaurants.
- Check happy hour times and take advantage of cheaper drinks during these periods. They tend to be late afternoon and early evening.
- Buy your alcohol from the local supermarkets where it will be much cheaper than in bars, clubs and hotels.
- If you are staying in a resort, find out if there is an all-inclusive package that includes drinks.
5. Maldives Transportation Fares
There are several modes of transportation in the Maldives. These include bus, taxi, ferry, and air taxi. The most commonly used method of transportation is the bus which is inexpensive and convenient. Taxis are also available for transportation in the Maldives.
Here are some example ticket costs.
- Adult Single Metro – MVR10 – MVR25
- Monthly Pass (Regular Price) – MVR300 – MVR850
- Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) – MVR25 – MVR60
How to save money on public transport
- Buy a monthly ticket at MVR 666 For 30 days of unlimited travel
- Buy a bike. Cycling is big in the Maldives. There are cycles lanes and lots of rides in and around the city.
- Many people walk to work and the shops in the Maldives.
6. Cost of Internet in the Maldives
Internet prices in the Maldives are not as expensive as one would expect for an island country, with prices averaging at MVR450 per month for 60Mbps (unlimited data, cable/fibre). There are a few ISPs offering broadband in the Maldives, including:
7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure
The Maldives has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: the dry season and the wet season. The dry season lasts from December to April, with little or no rainfall. The weather is hot and sunny during this time of year, with temperatures averaging 30C. The wet season lasts from May to November, with heavy rainfall and occasional tropical cyclones. The weather is hot and humid during this time of year, with temperatures averaging 30C.
Here are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.
- Pair of Jeans: MVR300 – MVR1,500
- Summer Dress: MVR300 – MVR800
- Running Shoes (Trainers): MVR560 – MVR2,000
- Business Shoes: MVR450 – MVR1,500
- Deodorant: MVR31
- Shampoo: MVR55
- Toilet Paper (4 rolls): MVR28
- Gym membership: MVR700 – MVR2,000 per month
- Movie (cinema) ticket: MVR100 – MVR200
Source: Numbeo and Expatistan
8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in the Maldives
Many people in the Maldives own a car, and they use it on a daily basis. Owning and driving a car be expensive, but it does give you freedom. Maldivian drivers are courteous and obey the rules of the road, of which there are many.
To drive in the Maldives you must have had a driving licence for over 12 months and note that you are not allowed to drive in the country if you’re over 65 years of age. You need an International Driving Licence or a local licence, for which you’ll have to take a driving test.
Here are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in the Maldives:
- Volkswagen Golf:MVR600,000 – MVR800,000
- Toyota Corolla Sedan: MVR 400,000 – MVR750,000
- 1 litre (¼ gallon) of gas (petrol):MVR8.95 – MVR16
Source: Expatistan
Ways to save money driving in the Maldives
- Car sharing or pooling is one way to save money. Try Carpoolworld.
- Taxis can sometimes be a cheaper option, especially if you are going to have to park all day. Try Uberand JR Taxi Services.
9. Taxes in the Maldives
If you are working in the Maldives, you will pay tax on your income. The tax rate payable ranges from 5.5% to 15%. To learn more about the different tax rates go to Maldives Inland Revenue Authority and PWC.
Sales Tax (VAT) in the Maldives is 6% and is added to most goods and services.
Property tax doesn’t exist in the Maldives, neither does capital gains tax or inheritance tax.
10. Flight Costs from the Maldives
If you do make the move to the Maldives, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of late 2022:
- London: MVR9,049
- New York: MVR13,813
- Los Angeles: MVR14,681
- Toronto: MVR13,564
- Vancouver: MVR18,603
- Dubai: MVR5,090
- Sydney: MVR21,336
- Melbourne: MVR28,697
- Cape Town: MVR12,922
- Hong Kong: MVR8,152
Other Maldives Relocation Tips
The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in the Maldives but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.
11. Relocating to the Maldives Alone
Moving is always a stressful time but moving on your own can be exceptionally difficult. The relaxing atmosphere in the Maldives and its friendly people will help you ease into your new life.
Here are a few tips about settling in the Maldives.
- Meetups:The Maldives has many Meetup groups covering a wide range of activities from playing bridge to scuba diving.
- Attend local events: There is always something going on in the Maldives and many of the activities are free. Have a look at the following sites for inspiration – Allevents, Sotc, and Travel Triangle.
12. Moving to the Maldives with a Family
Making the decision to relocate your family to another country is never easy. But if you’re considering a move to the Maldives, it’s important to know what to expect. Here are a few tips: –
- New parents (or parents to be):Have a look at InterNations for advice, courses and ways to meet other parents or parents to be.
- Live in a family friendly area:All areas in the Maldives are family friendly but you’ll probably want to steer clear of the most touristy areas.
- Find things to do with the kids:The Maldives has lots for children to do. Have a look at the following website for inspiration. – Holidify, Maldives, and Travel Triangle.
13. Moving to the Maldives for Work
Moving to a new country for work is one of the most common reasons people choose to move. While it is possible to move without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move.
While the tourism industry is the biggest employer in the Maldives, there are also opportunities in other sectors such as construction, healthcare, and education.
Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:
- Salary:Salaries in the Maldives are generally lower than in developed countries. However, the cost of living is also relatively low, so your purchasing power will be higher. You can also check salary ranges on sites such as Glassdoor and Payscale.
- How to find work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to Maldives but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: Job Sicle, Job Maldives, and Career Maldives. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.
14. Moving to the Maldives from Australia
There is a small Aussie contingent living in the Maldives, mainly working in the tourism sector. If you are thinking of moving from Australia to the Maldives, here are a few things to consider.
- Size comparison:The Maldives have a total land mass of 298 sq. kms compared to Australia’s 7,741,220 sq. km.
- Join expat groups:Meetup and Internations both offer ways of meeting up with other Australians in the Maldives.
15. Moving to the Maldives from Canada
There are a small number of Canadians living in the Maldives. If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.
- Size:Canada’s land mass is a staggering 3,350,460% larger than the Maldives.
- Expat groups:Meeting up with fellow Canadians helps the moving process. Go to Meetup and Internations to connect with people from Canada.
16. Moving to the Maldives from the United Kingdom
The climate and way of life in the Maldives attracts people from the United Kingdom. In fact, there are many working in the country, especially in the hospitality industry, so if you’re considering joining them, here are a few bonus tips:
- Size: The population of Maldives is around 0.5 million people, while the UK has a population of over 68.6 million people.
- Expat groups:If you want to get together with others from the UK who are enjoying the weather, then go to Internations and Meetup.
Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Maldives you can start by comparing moving quotes here.
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