As of November 12, 2026, Ethiopia is cheaper than Madagascar for travelers: a mid-range day costs about $64 in Ethiopia against $73 in Madagascar, a gap of 12.5%. Over the past year Ethiopia has moved more in the US-dollar traveler's favor (−1.5% after inflation, against −2.7%). Madagascar carries the lower US advisory (Level 2 against Level 3).
| Measure | Ethiopia | Madagascar |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-range day | $64 | $73 |
| Lean day | $25 | $31 |
| Comfortable day | $159 | $179 |
| Real change, 12 months | −1.5% | −2.7% |
| Exchange rate alone, 12 months | +6.9% | +1.9% |
| Versus 5-year average | +39.8% | −7.5% |
| US advisory | Level 3 · Reconsider travel | Level 2 · Increased caution |
| Ease of travel | 2.3 · Expedition-grade | 2.2 · Expedition-grade |
| Index score | 62 | 55 |
| Best months | Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct |
| Shoulder months | Mar, Sep | Apr, Nov |
The better figure in each row is in bold. Costs are modeled estimates per person, excluding international flights.
Rock-hewn churches and highlands unlike anywhere else in Africa.
The catchArmed conflict in several regions drives the advisory, and conditions change quickly. Check which areas are open.
Lemurs, baobabs and a road network that turns 300 km into two days.
The catchInfrastructure is among the weakest anywhere; you need a driver, time and patience. Political unrest flares periodically.
Source: Trip Arbitrage (triparbitrage.com), reading of November 12, 2026. How this is calculated.