If you're planning to move to Maldives in 2026, here's what things cost
Monthly Cost Breakdown
| Category | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR, City Centre) | €1,200 | Largest expense |
| Rent (3BR, City Centre) | €2,200 | For families |
| Groceries | €450 | One person, home cooking |
| Public Transport | €35 | Monthly pass |
| Utilities (85m2) | €180 | Electricity, water, heating |
| Dining Out (per meal) | €12 | Inexpensive restaurant |
| Total (Single Person) | €1,961 | Comfortable lifestyle |
Income vs Expenses
| Income Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Average Salary (Gross) | €2,033/month |
| Minimum Wage | €520/month |
| Salary After Rent (1BR) | €833/month |
With an average salary of €2,033 and rent of €1,200, approximately 59% of income goes to housing.
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Cost Indices (vs New York City = 100)
| Index | Score | Interpretation |
|---|
Money-Saving Tips
- Shop at local markets: Fresh produce is typically 20-40% cheaper than supermarkets
- Cook at home: Eating in saves 60-70% compared to dining out
- Use public transport: Monthly passes are much cheaper than car ownership
- Live outside the centre: Suburbs offer 20-40% lower rent with reasonable commutes
- Compare utilities: Switch providers for electricity and internet to get better deals
- Student discounts: Available for under-26s on transport, museums, and cultural events
Salary by Sector
| Sector | Entry Level | Median | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| It | €19,500 | €28,000 | €39,000 |
| Retail | €6,500 | €9,500 | €13,500 |
| Finance | €17,500 | €25,000 | €35,000 |
| Education | €8,500 | €12,000 | €17,000 |
| Healthcare | €11,500 | €16,500 | €23,000 |
| Engineering | €15,500 | €22,000 | €31,000 |
| Hospitality | €7,500 | €11,000 | €15,500 |
| Construction | €10,500 | €15,000 | €21,000 |
Figures are annual gross salaries in EUR.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary in Maldives?
The average monthly salary in Maldives is approximately €2,033 gross. The minimum wage is €520/month.
Are there hidden costs of living in Maldives?
Beyond the basics, budget for: health insurance (if not employer-provided), visa fees and renewals, tax adviser fees, initial deposits (rent + utilities), furnishing costs if renting unfurnished, and language courses. These can add €500-2,000 to your first months.
How much should I save before moving to Maldives?
Based on a monthly budget of €1,961, we recommend saving at least 3-6 months of expenses (€5,883 to €11,766) plus visa/relocation costs. Add a buffer for unexpected expenses during your first months.
How much does rent cost in Maldives?
A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately €1,200/month. A 3-bedroom costs approximately €2,200/month.
Can I live comfortably on a remote worker salary in Maldives?
With a monthly budget of approximately €1,961, a remote salary of €2,000-3,000/month would provide a comfortable lifestyle. Research specific cities for the most accurate picture.
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