In this Antananarivo travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This Antananarivo trip cost calculator includes average trip costs from thousands of previous travelers, along with typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Antananarivo is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities, and you don't want to miss out on anything because you did't plan your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Antananarivo?
A typical traveler spends $98 (MGA409,248) per day on a trip to Antananarivo. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Antananarivo based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $53 (MGA220,395) on meals
- $15 (MGA62,524) on local transportation
- $63 (MGA262,261) on hotels
A one-week trip to Antananarivo for two people costs, on average, $1,369 (MGA5,729,472). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from thousands of other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Is Antananarivo expensive to visit?
In Antananarivo, budget travelers spend $41 (MGA170,133) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $98 (MGA409,248) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $218 (MGA911,824) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Antananarivo.
Antananarivo is a smaller destination that draws visitors with a range of travel styles, spending habits, and budget preferences. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
If you choose to make it so, Antananarivo can be very pricey, but you can reduce your expenses by looking for discounts and coupons.
Within Africa, Antananarivo is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Sharm el-Sheikh or Kruger National Park.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Antananarivo Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Antananarivo?
The average Antananarivo trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Antananarivo travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Antananarivo cost?
Antananarivo on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$13
(MGA53,750)
|
$31
(MGA131,130)
|
$72
(MGA303,295)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$7
(MGA27,344)
|
$15
(MGA62,524)
|
$29
(MGA119,618)
|
|
Food2
|
$22
(MGA92,223)
|
$53
(MGA220,395)
|
$115
(MGA482,303)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$10
(MGA41,953)
|
$25
(MGA105,843)
|
$63
(MGA265,667)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$2-6
(MGA8,874-26,622)
|
$5-15
(MGA21,252-63,756)
|
$11-34
(MGA46,783-140,349)
|
Accommodation Budget in Antananarivo
The price of hotels in Antananarivo can be quite surprising. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury and amenities, but with much higher price tags, especially during peak season. Off-season averages are around $52, while peak season averages can reach $97. Prices range from $29 to $185, but hostels are usually cheaper. Traveling during the low season and booking early are good ways to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Antananarivo for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $63 (MGA262,261). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $31 (MGA131,130) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Antananarivo? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Antananarivo include:
- Hotel & Spa Palissandre starting at $73
- Relais des Plateaux & Spa - Ivato International Airport starting at $86
- Lokanga Boutique Hotel starting at $103
- Hotel Brajas starting at $23
Traveling in the low or shoulder season (and not in ) means you'll enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists around.
Transportation Budget in Antananarivo
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $15 (MGA62,524) per person, per day, on local transportation in Antananarivo. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Antananarivo is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$15
MGA62,524
Ivato Airport is the international airport nearest to the city. It serves many of the large commercial airlines that provide services in that area of the world (Air France, Turkish Airlines, etc.). Every foreign visitor must have a visa to be able to enter the country, which can be obtained online before entry. If you do not have your visa prior to entry, one can be purchased at immigration, however, this is quite a long process. From the airport to the city center you can get a taxi or a bus. In the city, you can get around on foot, by bus, or by taxi. The easiest way is to get around by taxi, just be sure to negotiate a price before getting into the taxi.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Safe Transfer Airport - Hotel in Antananarivo Madagascar for $23 details
- Private Airport Transfert Ivato Antananarivo for $40 details
How much does it cost to go to Antananarivo? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Antananarivo will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Antananarivo
Food is a major reason many people explore new destinations, so don't skip the chance to try local delicacies.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Antananarivo can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Antananarivo is $53 (MGA220,395) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$53
MGA220,395
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Antananarivo is around $53 (MGA220395) per person, with previous travelers spending from $22 to $115. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Antananarivo are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $16
- Lunch: $8 to $21
- Dinner: $16 to $37
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $8
Antananarivo encompasses a Malagasy cuisine, which is influenced by Asian, African, Chinese, and European flavors. Usually, meals consist of meat, vegetables, and some type of sauce. To try Malagasy cuisine, visit La Table de Mariettei, which serves the traditional food of Madagascar but is a bit more on the pricey side. La Brasserie is a great place for French food that is tasty and relatively inexpensive. For breakfast, Cookie Soph is a great place that serves coffee and bagels, and the employees speak both French and English.
Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.
Keep a water bottle handy instead of purchasing drinks everywhere. It's also better for the environment.
If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Antananarivo. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Cooking And Cuisine Tasting From Tana-Malagasy Fine Foodie Madagascar Tour for $245 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Antananarivo
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Antananarivo typically cost an average of $25 (MGA105,843) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$25
MGA105,843
The Musee d'art et d'archeologie is a great museum to visit in Antananarivo to learn about the history of Madagascar. Its exhibitions portray the traditions and culture of the people of Madagascar dating back to the first century.
The Queens's Palace, also known as the Rova, is another sight in the city. The Rova was built by the Merina king, Andrianjaka back in the 1600's. Although it has withstood some severe fire damage recently, it offers a great view of the entire city and some of the statues, as well as a large chapel, still stand. This is the highest point of the city and can be seen from all angles. There are usually English-speaking university students that offer tours of the palace and the grounds for a small fee.
Near the palace is the Prime Minister's Rainilaiarivony's Palace. It is uncertain whether this palace is still open for touring, however, when it is, there are tours that offer in-depth accounts of the many historical artifacts that are spread throughout the palace.
In the city center is Lake Anosy, which is shaped like a heart and the entire lake is surrounded by jacaranda trees. A great place to see this from above is from The Rova.
There is a crocodile farm near the Ivato Airport that is a great day activity. Not only does the farm have crocodiles, turtles, lemurs, and snakes, but it also has many plants, flowers, and trees that are native to Madagascar. It is best to visit the farm during the crocodile feeding time. There is a restaurant on site as well where you can actually try a crocodile burger.
There are tons of open-air markets around town that will keep you entertained for the day. These markets sell traditional Malagasy crafts. If you prefer to shop without having to barter, then head to Lisy, which is a shopping area that sells similar products that you will find at the market. There are also rice patties all over town that are great for those looking to get some landscape photographs in Antananarivo.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Antananarivo. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Day Tour from Tana: to Mantasoa Lake & Nosy soa Park for $293 details
- Antananarivo Private Walking Tour with a Local for $25 details
- Full Day Private Tour in Antananarivo for $234 details
Nightlife Budget in Antananarivo
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $10 (MGA42,504) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Antananarivo per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$10
MGA42,504
The nightlife scene is a lot of fun, but reducing how much you drink can go a long way in keeping your budget on track.
Travel cost data last updated: May 2, 2026
Traveling in Antananarivo
Antananarivo
Antananarivo is the capital of Madagascar; it is also sometimes referred to as Tana. This city is the cultural and political center of Madagascar as a whole. There are multiple universities, museums, and other social venues in the city, as well as a national rugby team. This city has a very apparent French influence.
Neighborhoods & Around
The city is located in the central highlands of the island of Madagascar. The neighborhoods of the city are reflective of historically religious divisions. Surrounding the city are a few National Parks that are easily accessible by bus. Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is one of them and it is a popular place for tourists to visit while in the Antananarivo area. Buses can transport you there from Gare Routieie d'lest bus station. You must travel to Moramanga and then change for Andasibe village. This journey is about four hours total.
There are a couple other parks that can be reached from Antananarivo, however, they are much further journeys. They range from eleven to twenty hours by bus. Ranomafana National Park is one of them and you can get here by catching a bus from the Farakana bus station. Ankarana National Park is much closer to Northern Madagascar, specifically Antsiranana, so this is a good option if you are planning on visiting that part of Madagascar during your travels.
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Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to have realistic expectations for your travel budget. While many people assume they can travel to Antananarivo without spending much money, the reality is that most people are not comfortable traveling on an extremely low "shoestring" budget. Consider what you really enjoy doing when you are on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you like to experience all of the activities, museums, and sights? Is dining out at delicious restaurants important to you? Your answers to these questions will affect your overall travel budget and itinerary.
Who are Budget Travelers?
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $41 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
Thankfully, Antananarivo is filled with plenty of hostels, such as Madagascar Underground. Staying in these hostels means you can enjoy low-cost dorm accommodation and a fun social atmosphere, although amenities may be basic.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
Couples and families traveling for leisure often prefer mid-range hotels, dine at popular eateries, and visit key museums and attractions that require an entry fee. It's a common desire for visitors to Antananarivo to experience the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. It's important to remember that most activities will cost you money. Consequently, you should anticipate your daily budget to be closer to $98 per person, per day.
Antananarivo boasts a wide array of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or children, thus reducing your expenses. Families should prioritize hotels and restaurants that are geared toward kids. Tamboho Hotels is an excellent family-friendly option, while Hotel Restaurant La Ribaudiere is also superb. You can find additional family and couple-friendly hotels in our hotel guide for Antananarivo here.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
For those wanting a high-end experience complete with every luxury and high-quality service, expect to spend about $218 each day. To enjoy nicer accommodations, award-winning dining, extravagant adventures, and convenient transport like taxis or private chauffeurs in the destination, prepare for a pricier experience. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Antananarivo : Custom Walking Tour With A Guide - offered by Viator.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
