Cost of living in Malé (Maldives) is 37% cheaper than in San Jose, California (United States)
This comparison has some inconsistent or sparse data. It already provides a reliable comparison but it is not bullet-proof. It is based on 457 prices entered by 51 different people.
Food in Malé (Maldives) is 28% cheaper than in San Jose, California (United States) | ||
---|---|---|
Malé (Maldives) | San Jose, California (United States) | Diff |
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | ||
149 Rufiyaa ($10) | $18 | 46% |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (Big Mac Meal or similar) | ||
135 Rufiyaa ($9) | $11 | 19% |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | ||
56 Rufiyaa ($3.65) | $5.10 | 28% |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | ||
31 Rufiyaa ($2.00) | $1.22 | 64% |
12 eggs, large | ||
28 Rufiyaa ($1.84) | $4.32 | 57% |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | ||
39 Rufiyaa ($2.55) | $4.21 | 39% |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | ||
125 Rufiyaa ($8) | $7 | 15% |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | ||
49 Rufiyaa ($3.15) | $4.37 | 28% |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | ||
23 Rufiyaa ($1.49) | $2.10 | 29% |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | ||
52 Rufiyaa ($3.36) | $2.95 | 14% |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | ||
155 Rufiyaa ($10) | $19 | 49% |
2 liters of Coca-Cola | ||
34 Rufiyaa ($2.21) | $2.37 | 7% |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | ||
25 Rufiyaa ($1.63) | $2.07 | 21% |
Housing in Malé (Maldives) is 41% cheaper than in San Jose, California (United States) | ||
Malé (Maldives) | San Jose, California (United States) | Diff |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 Sqft) furnished accommodation in EXPENSIVE area | ||
26,433 Rufiyaa ($1,710) | $3,211 | 47% |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 Sqft) furnished accommodation in NORMAL area | ||
17,439 Rufiyaa ($1,128) | $2,645 | 57% |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | ||
2,027 Rufiyaa ($131) | $149 | 12% |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 Sqft) furnished studio in EXPENSIVE area | ||
20,352 Rufiyaa ($1,316) | $2,457 | 46% |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 Sqft) furnished studio in NORMAL area | ||
13,946 Rufiyaa ($902) | $1,558 | 42% |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 Sqft) studio | ||
1,573 Rufiyaa ($102) | $114 | 10% |
Internet 8 Mbps (1 month) | ||
768 Rufiyaa ($50) | $38 | 30% |
40” flat screen TV | ||
8,868 Rufiyaa ($574) | $329 | 74% |
Microwave 800/900 Watt (Bosch, Panasonic, LG, Sharp, or equivalent brands) | ||
2,631 Rufiyaa ($170) | $128 | 33% |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | ||
123 Rufiyaa ($8) | $11 | 28% |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | ||
112 Rufiyaa ($7) | $37 | 81% |
Clothes in Malé (Maldives) is about the same as in San Jose, California (United States) | ||
Malé (Maldives) | San Jose, California (United States) | Diff |
1 pair of jeans (Levis 501 or similar) | ||
765 Rufiyaa ($49) | $51 | 2% |
1 summer dress in a High Street Store (Zara, H&M or similar retailers) | ||
713 Rufiyaa ($46) | $47 | 2% |
1 pair of sport shoes (Nike, Adidas, or equivalent brands) | ||
1,662 Rufiyaa ($107) | $89 | 21% |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | ||
1,327 Rufiyaa ($86) | $112 | 23% |
Transportation in Malé (Maldives) is 47% cheaper than in San Jose, California (United States) | ||
Malé (Maldives) | San Jose, California (United States) | Diff |
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI 150 CV (or equivalent), with no extras, new | ||
193,960 Rufiyaa ($12,546) | $23,712 | 47% |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | ||
11 Rufiyaa ($0.74) | $0.92 | 20% |
Monthly ticket public transport | ||
617 Rufiyaa ($40) | $85 | 53% |
Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) | ||
214 Rufiyaa ($14) | $19 | 26% |
Personal Care in Malé (Maldives) is 44% cheaper than in San Jose, California (United States) | ||
Malé (Maldives) | San Jose, California (United States) | Diff |
Cold medicine for 6 days (Tylenol, Frenadol, Coldrex, or equivalent brands) | ||
59 Rufiyaa ($3.81) | $7 | 45% |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | ||
161 Rufiyaa ($10) | $21 | 50% |
Short visit to private Doctor (15 minutes) | ||
320 Rufiyaa ($21) | $110 | 81% |
1 box of 32 tampons (Tampax, OB, ...) | ||
73 Rufiyaa ($4.74) | $7 | 31% |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | ||
57 Rufiyaa ($3.70) | $3.71 | 0% |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | ||
70 Rufiyaa ($4.55) | $5.68 | 20% |
4 rolls of toilet paper | ||
50 Rufiyaa ($3.22) | $3.57 | 10% |
Tube of toothpaste | ||
29 Rufiyaa ($1.88) | $1.66 | 13% |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | ||
67 Rufiyaa ($4.33) | $21 | 80% |
Entertainment in Malé (Maldives) is 32% cheaper than in San Jose, California (United States) | ||
Malé (Maldives) | San Jose, California (United States) | Diff |
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | ||
295 Rufiyaa ($19) | $50 | 62% |
2 tickets to the movies | ||
206 Rufiyaa ($13) | $28 | 53% |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | ||
697 Rufiyaa ($45) | $202 | 78% |
Dinner for two at an Italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | ||
541 Rufiyaa ($35) | $94 | 63% |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | ||
768 Rufiyaa ($50) | $13 | 284% |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | ||
51 Rufiyaa ($3.28) | $5.70 | 43% |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | ||
163 Rufiyaa ($11) | $8 | 36% |
iPad Wi-Fi 128GB | ||
10,291 Rufiyaa ($666) | $436 | 53% |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | ||
1.31 Rufiyaa ($0.08) | $0.43 | 80% |
1 month of gym membership in business district | ||
827 Rufiyaa ($53) | $62 | 14% |
1 package of Marlboro cigarettes | ||
74 Rufiyaa ($4.79) | $9 | 46% |
Detailed prices for each city individually
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Compare other countries
For example, to keep the same standard of living that would require $8,900 in San Jose, California you would need to make just about $5,567 (86,069 Rufiyaa) in Malé.