Cost of Living in Maldives (2026)

COL Index: 48.6% of U.S. national average · Updated for 2026

Cost of Living Index

48.6%

vs U.S. average (100%)

Relative Cost

Very Low

Compared to U.S.

Currency

MVR

Salary Data

10 Jobs

Top 10 highest paying

Top 10 Jobs in Maldives — COL-Adjusted Salaries

Rank	Job Title	Local Salary	COL-Adjusted (MVR)
1	Surgeons / Doctors	87,909–287,536 MVR/mo	180,888–591,637 MVR/mo
2	Judges	73,868–241,750 MVR/mo	151,998–497,435 MVR/mo
3	Lawyers	59,827–195,964 MVR/mo	123,108–403,218 MVR/mo
4	Bank Managers	56,347–184,365 MVR/mo	115,947–379,348 MVR/mo
5	Chief Executive Officers	52,806–172,766 MVR/mo	108,647–355,478 MVR/mo
6	Chief Financial Officers	49,266–161,167 MVR/mo	101,363–331,624 MVR/mo
7	Orthodontists	47,495–155,672 MVR/mo	97,728–320,320 MVR/mo
8	College Professors	42,245–137,968 MVR/mo	86,918–283,884 MVR/mo
9	Pilots	35,225–115,381 MVR/mo	72,472–237,406 MVR/mo
10	Marketing Directors	31,684–103,782 MVR/mo	65,188–213,536 MVR/mo

* COL-adjusted salary is shown in MVR, restated at the purchasing power implied by the cost of living index for Maldives.

Salary vs. Cost of Living by Category in Maldives

Category	Avg. Salary (Local)	COL-Adjusted (MVR)	Purchasing Power
AI & Machine Learning	84,613 MVR	174,097 MVR	+106%
Finance & Accounting	83,636 MVR	172,095 MVR	+106%
Business Administration	93,220 MVR	191,807 MVR	+106%
Advertising	70,852 MVR	145,792 MVR	+106%
Architecture	71,884 MVR	147,902 MVR	+106%
Automotive & Car Industry	69,308 MVR	142,604 MVR	+106%
Aviation	85,345 MVR	175,606 MVR	+106%
Banking	100,241 MVR	206,252 MVR	+106%
Construction	68,587 MVR	141,126 MVR	+106%
Counseling	68,319 MVR	140,571 MVR	+106%
Customer Service	54,937 MVR	113,036 MVR	+106%
Education & Teaching	71,744 MVR	147,624 MVR	+106%
Energy	77,958 MVR	160,406 MVR	+106%
Engineering	65,437 MVR	134,642 MVR	+106%
Manufacturing	74,784 MVR	153,877 MVR	+106%
Fitness & Sports	49,748 MVR	102,364 MVR	+106%
Hospitality	71,145 MVR	146,392 MVR	+106%
Healthcare	185,158 MVR	380,981 MVR	+106%
Human Resources	69,131 MVR	142,250 MVR	+106%
Import & Export	53,710 MVR	110,510 MVR	+106%
Insurance	77,775 MVR	160,037 MVR	+106%
Information Technology	70,449 MVR	144,960 MVR	+106%
Law & Legal Services	109,154 MVR	224,594 MVR	+106%
Marketing	76,676 MVR	157,773 MVR	+106%
Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology	98,776 MVR	203,249 MVR	+106%
Public Relations	64,223 MVR	132,147 MVR	+106%
Procurement	70,932 MVR	145,946 MVR	+106%
Quality Control	62,269 MVR	128,128 MVR	+106%
Real Estate	82,476 MVR	169,708 MVR	+106%
Sales	83,575 MVR	171,972 MVR	+106%
Telecommunications	62,159 MVR	127,897 MVR	+106%

Cost of Living in Maldives — Overview

The cost of living in Maldives is 48.6% of the U.S. national average. This makes Maldives a more affordable destination compared to the United States. Your salary goes further here, especially for housing, food, and services.

Purchasing Power in Maldives

A salary with the purchasing power of the U.S. national average works out at approximately 3,168,719 MVR in Maldives for the same standard of living. This means your money goes further in Maldives, making it an attractive destination for remote workers and expats.

Cost of Living Categories in Maldives

Housing

Housing in countries with a cost index of 48.6% tends to be the largest expense, often consuming 30-40% of income. Rent, utilities, and property costs vary significantly between urban and rural areas.

Food

Groceries and dining out in countries at 48.6% COL can vary widely. Local markets offer lower prices while imported goods cost more. Cooking at home is generally more affordable.

Transportation

Public transit and fuel costs in a 48.6% COL country. Many countries have efficient public transportation systems that reduce the need for personal vehicles.

Healthcare

Healthcare costs and insurance in 48.6% COL countries. Some countries have universal healthcare systems that significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

Education

Education and childcare costs vary greatly with COL index. Public education is often subsidized while international schools charge premium fees.

Utilities

Electricity, water, internet, and other essential services. Weather patterns affect utility usage and costs significantly.

Clothing

Apparel costs in 48.6% COL environments. Imported brands cost more while local clothing is generally affordable.

Entertainment

Leisure activities and entertainment expenses. Costs for cinema, dining, and recreational activities scale with the overall COL index.

Salary Overview — Top 10 Jobs

Monthly salary in MVR · singhyogendra.com.np

Surgeons / Doctors87,909 – 287,536187,723 MVR
Judges73,868 – 241,750157,809 MVR
Lawyers59,827 – 195,964127,896 MVR
Bank Managers56,347 – 184,365120,356 MVR
Chief Executive Officers52,806 – 172,766112,786 MVR
Chief Financial Officers49,266 – 161,167105,217 MVR
Orthodontists47,495 – 155,672101,584 MVR
College Professors42,245 – 137,96890,107 MVR
Pilots35,225 – 115,38175,303 MVR
Marketing Directors31,684 – 103,78267,733 MVR

singhyogendra.com.np

Top Paying Jobs in Maldives

See the full list of highest paying careers and salaries in Maldives.

Best Paying Jobs in Maldives

Take-Home Pay in Maldives

Estimate your after-tax salary and see how much you keep after deductions in Maldives.

Take-Home Pay in Maldives

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Maldives?

The cost of living in Maldives is 48.6% of the U.S. national average. This means it is less expensive than living in the average U.S. city.

How is the cost of living in Maldives calculated?

The cost of living index is based on prices for housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and other goods and services compared to the U.S. national average of 100.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in Maldives?

Salaries in Maldives should be adjusted by the cost of living index to keep the same purchasing power. A salary equivalent to the U.S. national average corresponds to roughly 3,168,719 MVR in Maldives.