Skyline of Fianarantsoa
Cost of Living: 70 350,000

Fianarantsoa, Madagascar

Fianarantsoa is a major city in Madagascar with a population of 350,000.

Updated August 11, 2026
Cost of Living 70

Below Average vs Madagascar Avg (100)

Housing Index 75

Affordable

Median Income Ar 2,400,000

Household income

Unemployment 5.0%

Job market health

Fianarantsoa vs Madagascar Average

Cost of Living
Fianarantsoa: 70
Madagascar Avg: 100
Housing Index
Fianarantsoa: 75
Madagascar Avg: 100

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: None
  • Sales Tax: 20.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: Ar 2,400,000
  • Unemployment: 5.0%
  • Population: 350,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 250/year
  • Summer High: 80°F
  • Winter Low: 55°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7a

Housing

  • Median Home: Ar70,000,000
  • 1BR Rent: Ar200000/mo

Cost of Living

Fianarantsoa's cost of living index is 70 (Madagascar average = 100).

CategoryFianarantsoaNational AverageDifference
Overall70100-30.0%
Housing75100-25.0%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home PriceAr70,000,000
Median Rent (1BR)Ar200000/mo
Median Rent (2BR)Ar250,000/mo
Price per Sq FtAr46,666

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

Ar
%
$90,000 down
%
%
Ar

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Fianarantsoa:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
ElectricityAr50000
Heating & CoolingN/AEstimated based on local climate.
Cooling (AC)N/AEstimated based on local climate and electricity rates
WaterAr15000Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)Ar30000Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total UtilitiesAr95000Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Remote Work Score

Fianarantsoa scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
70
Rent
Ar200000
Sunny Days
250
Tax
None
Unemployment
5.0%
Climate
80°F / 55°F
Safety
7.5 homicides/100k
Population
350,000
Internet Speed
8 Mbps

Climate

Fianarantsoa has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January75°F55°F2.5"
April65°F70°F2.8"
July80°F55°F1.5"
October60°F73°F2.2"
USDA Zone 7a

Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees

Natural Hazards

Fianarantsoa faces the following natural hazards:

Cyclone Extreme Risk

Frequently affected by cyclones.

Flood High Risk

Cyclone-induced floods.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 0% (None)
  • Sales Tax: 20%
  • Property Tax: ~0.1% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.0%.

Schools & Education

Total Schools

Academic Schedule

School Hours 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Academic Year October to July/August
Term System Trimester — 1st (Oct-Dec), 2nd (Jan-Apr), 3rd (May-Jul)
Summer Break July/August to October (10 weeks)
Winter Break December to January (2 weeks)
Spring Break Easter holiday in March/April (2 weeks)

French-influenced education system. School year starts in October.

Universities & Higher Education

1
Universities
#1938
Top University Rank

Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Fianarantsoa, Madagascar?

The cost of living index in Fianarantsoa is 70, which is Lower the Madagascar national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Fianarantsoa?

The median home price in Fianarantsoa is Ar70,000,000. The housing index is 75.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Fianarantsoa is approximately Ar200000/mo.

Does Fianarantsoa, Haute Matsiatra have income tax?

Fianarantsoa is in Haute Matsiatra, which has no income tax.

What is the climate like in Fianarantsoa?

Fianarantsoa enjoys approximately 250 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 80°F, while winter lows can drop to around 55°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
  • Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.