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Male, Maldives
Capital City

Follows Maldives Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$1,470
Retiree Score
69.0
Safety Index
68.2
Healthcare
12 facilities

This densely packed capital of 252,768 people crammed into just 8.3 square kilometers is hardly a tropical paradise. The relentless urbanization, with most residents living in small shared housing, has created a persistent bureaucratic headache. And the tropical monsoon climate brings heavy rainfall of over 1,900 millimeters per year, though temperatures remain consistently hot. While Malé serves as the commercial and political heart of the Maldives, its crowded, high-intensity vibe makes it a poor fit for those seeking a relaxed island getaway.

Can I afford Male?

$

Male

You could save

1,530/mo

Savings Rate51%

Monthly Costs

Rent $850
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$620

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
51/100
Retiree Score
(i)
69/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
50/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Maldives Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
68
Safety
12
Healthcare
100
Walkability
50
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $2
Bread (loaf) *$1
Eggs (12) $2
Rice (1kg) *$1
Chicken (1kg) *$6

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$6
Meal (Mid-range) $85
Cappuccino $3
Water (0.33L) *$0

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $123
Mobile Plan (mo) $30
Gym (mo) *$75
Cinema Ticket $10

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $680
1BR Outside (mo) *$515
3BR Center (mo) $1,440
3BR Outside (mo) *$1,170

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Widely Spoken
Expat Community
Medium
Top Neighborhoods
Hulhumalé (Nearby)
Best For
teachers, professionals

Expat Life Notes

A dense, unique island capital. Expats are usually in tourism management or teaching.

Pros

  • ✓ Stunning islands nearby
  • ✓ Safe environment
  • ✓ Universal English

Cons

  • ✗ Severely crowded
  • ✗ Expensive imported goods
  • ✗ Strict religious laws (no alcohol)

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
—
Annual Rainfall
—
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
—

Also Consider

Hulhumale, MaldivesAttractiveness Score: 51.0Gan, MaldivesAttractiveness Score: 33.0Cuiabá, BrazilLiving in Cuiabá offers dirt-cheap rents in Brazil’s agricultural heartland, but be ready for relentless heat and growing pains in this fast-expanding city.Lençóis Paulista, BrazilLiving in Lençóis Paulista, Brazil offers a low-cost, quiet lifestyle near São Paulo. Ideal for those seeking industry-focused towns with subtropical weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Male

Click any question to expand the answer.

Male has a population of approximately 252,768 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $2,125 per month in Male, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $850/month.

The nearest airport to Male is MLE, approximately 3km away.

Male is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 68.2. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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