Maldives: cost of living

Are food prices rising in the Maldives?

Food and beverage prices, including fish, were 5.69% higher in August 2026 than a year earlier, according to the consumer price index from the Maldives Bureau of Statistics (MBS). They rose 0.96% from July. Fish prices alone were 3.64% higher than a year earlier.

Food prices rose faster than prices overall, which were up 0.76% over the year. In August, prices rose from July for milk, other dairy products and eggs (1.99%), fruit and vegetables (1.19% each) and cereals (0.51%). Restaurant and accommodation services were 1.94% higher than a year earlier.

Official sources: Maldives Bureau of Statistics: Consumer Price Index, August 2026 (PDF)

How much does fuel cost in the Maldives?

Petrol cost MVR 16.01 a litre and diesel MVR 17.54 a litre in the Maldives in June 2026, according to Maldives in Figures from the Maldives Bureau of Statistics (MBS). Both prices rose in March 2026, from MVR 13.50 for petrol and MVR 13.92 for diesel.

Petrol had been MVR 13.50 a litre since April 2025 and diesel MVR 13.92 since May 2024. Transport prices in the consumer price index were 8.06% higher in August 2026 than a year earlier, according to the August 2026 CPI. The rufiyaa was MVR 15.42 per US dollar at the end of June 2026.

Official sources: Maldives Bureau of Statistics: Maldives in Figures, June 2026 (PDF) · Maldives Bureau of Statistics: Consumer Price Index, August 2026 (PDF)

How fast are prices rising in the Maldives?

In 2025, consumer price inflation in the Maldives was 4.0%, according to the IMF. Since 2005 it has ranged from -1.4% (2020) to 12.0% (2008). South Asia median: 3.1%; the Maldives is 2nd highest of 6. Of 165 countries with 2025 data, 50th highest.

What is household spending per person in the Maldives?

According to the World Bank, household consumption per person in the Maldives was $6,072 in 2024. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2014. Across South Asia the middle value was $1,494, and the Maldives placed 1st highest of 6. Worldwide: 62nd of 153.

How many people in the Maldives live on under $3 a day?

The World Bank puts the share of people living on less than $3.00 a day in the Maldives at 0.0% in 2019. That compares with 13.1% in 2009. Of 77 countries with 2019 data, 70th highest.

How many people in the Maldives are poor?

According to the World Bank, the share of people below the national poverty line in the Maldives was 5.4% in 2019. World rank, highest first: 59th of 62.

What is income inequality in the Maldives?

The World Bank puts the Gini index in the Maldives at 29.3 in 2019. That compares with 38.4 in 2009. Of 77 countries with 2019 data, 60th highest.

What is food insecurity in the Maldives?

13.4%: that is moderate or severe food insecurity in the Maldives for 2022, according to the FAO. World rank, highest first: 98th of 147.