A survey by the National Bureau of Statistics revealed that the average income of a household in Male' City is MVR 14,150 while the average rent costs MVR 13,494.
According to the survey, 48 percent of the total population of Maldives reside in Male', of which 74 percent pay rent.
A video-based on the statistics conclude that "every one in ten households in Male' is congested".
The survey collected data from all islands of Maldives as well, drawing comparisons between those living in the Greater Male' area and outside of it.
Data shows that individuals living in rented residences pay a monthly average of MVR 2,668 in islands, which is five times smaller than the amount paid for rent in the capital region.
The survey also revealed that the households in Male' generate twice the amount of income every month compared to those living in islands. Households outside the capital area earn an average of MVR 8,053 per month, including the earnings generated from the pension scheme.
As per the survey, while 5.2 individuals live in each household, 2.6 of the individuals earn an income.
Citizens continue to repeatedly raise concerns over the soaring rent prices in the Greater Male' region, as locals from all atolls continue to migrate to the capital for better job prospects and career opportunities amongst other services.
As the demand for housing in Male' area remains high, many complain that the income is insufficient to manage monthly expenses due to sky-high rent prices.
Movements, NGOs and advocates have called for the government to adopt a rent-control policy in order to reduce the cost of housing in the region.
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