Malé is one of the most densely built capitals in the world. Almost every job, school, hospital and government office is a short walk away, which keeps demand for flats high and space scarce. If you are moving into the capital, or wondering whether to stay or move to Hulhumalé, this guide sets out what apartments really rent for in Malé in 2026, how prices differ by area, and how to tell a fair rent from an inflated one.
Prices below are based on asking rents on the main local listing sites and the rentals listed on Maldives Investments. Asking rents are a starting point, not a final price, and the condition of the building matters as much as the address.
Malé rent at a glance (2026)
| Flat size | Typical monthly rent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Room or studio | MVR 5,000 – 9,000 | Often in older buildings, sometimes with a shared kitchen |
| 2 rooms (2 bedrooms) | MVR 10,000 – 19,000 | The most common family rental; sea view and lift add a premium |
| 3 bedrooms | MVR 18,000 – 30,000 | Newer buildings, often with a lift |
| Large or luxury flats | MVR 35,000 – 55,000+ | New towers, high floors, fully furnished |
Real examples help. On our site, a 2-room flat in Malé is listed at MVR 16,000 a month, a 3-bedroom flat at MVR 28,000, and a modern 3+1 bedroom luxury flat in Henveiru on the sixth floor at MVR 51,000 (or USD 2,600). Listing sites show 2-bedroom flats in Maafannu advertised from about MVR 13,500, with sea-view units around MVR 18,000, and simpler 2-room flats in Henveiru from around MVR 10,000.
Malé by area
Malé is divided into wards (districts). Each has its own character, and rents follow.
Henveiru
The north-east of the island, close to the main ferry terminals, the airport ferry and many offices. Newer buildings on the waterfront and near the main roads command some of the highest rents in the city. Older side-street buildings are more affordable.
Galolhu
Central and very dense, with many older buildings, schools and IGMH, the main hospital, nearby. Expect smaller flats and a wide range of prices; a lift is not guaranteed.
Maafannu
The west of the island, home to many families and the western waterfront. A good balance of price and space, with sea-view flats in demand. This is where many 2-bedroom flats in the MVR 13,000 – 18,000 range are found.
Machchangolhi
Central and residential, with shops and schools within walking distance. Prices are usually in the middle of the range.
Villimalé
Technically Malé's fifth district, on its own island a short ferry ride away. Quieter, greener and often cheaper per room. Read our full guide to living in Villimalé.
What makes one Malé flat dearer than another
A working lift
Many Malé buildings are six to ten floors high. A flat on the seventh floor without a lift will rent for much less than the same flat with one, and is a real problem for elderly relatives and small children. Ask whether the lift has a maintenance contract.
Light, air and view
Buildings are close together, so a flat with natural light, cross-ventilation and an open view is worth more. Sea-facing flats carry the biggest premium.
For sale nowFrom MVR 3.6M1+1 Bedroom Apartments at Bayfancy · HulhumaléBuilding age
Newer buildings have better wiring, water tanks and generators. Older buildings can be good value, but check carefully for damp, cracks, leaks and low water pressure on upper floors.
Furniture and appliances
A furnished flat with air conditioning in every bedroom usually costs a few thousand rufiyaa more a month. If you plan to stay for years, buying your own furniture is often cheaper.
Location within the ward
Main roads bring noise, motorbikes and late-night traffic. Inner streets are quieter but darker. Visit at night as well as in the day.
Malé or Hulhumalé?
For the same budget, Hulhumalé usually gives you more space and a newer building; Malé gives you a shorter commute and everything on your doorstep. Two-bedroom flats in Hulhumalé are commonly advertised at MVR 14,000 – 25,000 a month, a little above Malé, but they are often larger. Compare the two in detail with our guide to rent in Hulhumalé. Remember to add the cost and time of the daily journey if you work in Malé and live in Hulhumalé.
Bills and extra costs
- Electricity: normally paid by the tenant, and the largest extra in hot months.
- Water: metered and usually paid by the tenant.
- Internet: almost always separate.
- Building charges: some buildings charge for lift maintenance, cleaning and security. Find out whether this is in the rent.
- Parking: motorbike parking is scarce in Malé. A space in the building is a real advantage.
Deposits, advance rent and your rights
Landlords usually ask for a security deposit and rent in advance. Residential tenancies are covered by the Residential Tenancies Act (21/2021), which sets rules such as returning the deposit within 15 days after the tenancy ends, minus allowed deductions, and not changing the rent during an existing agreement. The Act does not cap how much rent can rise when a tenancy is renewed, so agree renewal terms early. Our step-by-step guide to deposits, advance rent and what to check explains how to protect yourself, and our rental agreement checklist lists every clause to include.
How to judge whether a rent is fair
- Compare like with like. Same ward, similar floor, lift or no lift, furnished or not. Use our rental search and save the listings you like.
- Look at the price per room, not just the total. A cheap 2-room flat on the eighth floor without a lift is not a bargain for a family.
- Ask what is included. Service charges, parking and furniture can easily be worth MVR 2,000 – 4,000 a month.
- Be suspicious of very low rents. A flat far below the going rate, with an owner who wants money before a viewing, is a classic scam. Read seven warning signs of a property scam.
- Negotiate on terms, not only price. A longer agreement, fewer months in advance, or the landlord fixing an air conditioner can be worth as much as a lower rent.
When to search and how fast to decide
Demand in Malé rises before the school year starts and when large projects bring in new staff. Good flats at fair rents are often taken within days, sometimes within hours of being posted. Have your documents and deposit ready before you start viewing, and set up a saved search on our rentals page so new matches arrive by email. If a landlord pressures you to pay before a viewing, walk away; a genuine owner will let you see the flat first.
Renting as an expatriate
Foreigners can rent in Malé. Landlords typically ask for a passport copy, a valid work visa and sometimes an employer letter. Many expatriates share larger flats to reduce costs. Our step-by-step guide for expats covers documents, budgets and the questions to ask.
Should you buy instead?
If you pay MVR 16,000 – 28,000 a month in rent, a home loan repayment can be similar, especially with a small deposit. Flats on our site in Malé start from about MVR 3.45 million for a 3-bedroom flat. See what a loan would cost in the loan calculator, read what you can buy in Malé for under MVR 3 million, and compare the banks in BML vs MIB vs HDFC home loans.
Landlords: let your flat faster
You can list your Malé flat for rent for free. Clear daytime photos, an honest description of the floor and lift, and a fair price get the most enquiries. See what return to expect in our guide to rental yields in Malé and Hulhumalé.
Frequently asked questions
How much is rent for a 2-bedroom flat in Malé?
Most 2-bedroom flats in Malé are advertised between about MVR 10,000 and MVR 19,000 a month in 2026, depending on the ward, floor, lift and whether it is furnished.
Is Malé cheaper to rent than Hulhumalé?
For the same number of rooms, Malé flats are often a little cheaper but smaller and in older buildings. Hulhumalé flats are usually more spacious and newer, which is why they cost more.
Which area of Malé is most expensive to rent?
Flats near the waterfront, in new buildings with lifts, and close to offices and the main hospital in Henveiru and Galolhu tend to command the highest rents.
Can foreigners rent a flat in Malé?
Yes. Foreigners can rent homes in Malé. Landlords usually ask for a copy of your passport and work visa and may ask for a letter from your employer.
