Maldives Remains SAARC’s Most Expensive Country Despite Slight Drop In 2026 Living Costs

The Maldives has remained the most expensive country in South Asia in terms of monthly cost of living for a single person, even as figures show a slight decline from 2025 to 2026, according to data compiled from Numbeo and reported by Fintech News BD.

In 2026, the estimated monthly cost of living in the Maldives stood at USD 812, excluding rent. This marks a decrease from USD 840.4 recorded in 2025.

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Despite the reduction, the Maldives continues to record significantly higher costs than its regional peers, with Sri Lanka placed second at USD 449 in 2026, down from USD 507.6 in 2025.

Afghanistan follows at USD 397, compared to USD 381.8 in 2025, while Bhutan ranks fourth at USD 380, slightly below USD 387.2 the previous year. Pakistan and Bangladesh also recorded marginal shifts, with Pakistan at USD 354 (USD 340.4 in 2025) and Bangladesh at USD 348 (USD 348.9 in 2025). Nepal and India remain among the least expensive, at USD 312 and USD 292 respectively in 2026.

Regional Gap Persists Despite Minor Fluctuations

Across both years, the Maldives’ cost of living remains almost double that of Sri Lanka, the second-highest ranked country in the SAARC region. The gap with lower-ranked countries such as India and Nepal remains substantial, exceeding USD 400 per month.

The data highlights continued disparities in living costs across South Asia, despite shared regional proximity and economic linkages.

The figures are based on Numbeo contributor data and compiled regional comparisons published by Fintech News BD.