WHAT IS THE COST OF LIVING IN MAURITIUS

COST OF LIVING IN MAURITIUS

The cost of living in Mauritius can vary significantly depending on lifestyle, location, and whether you’re a local or an expatriate. Mauritius is considered relatively affordable compared to many Western countries, though costs have been rising in recent years due to inflation, imported goods, and currency fluctuations. Below is a detailed breakdown of the main components of the cost of living in Mauritius:

🏠 Accommodation

• Renting (Monthly):

• 1-bedroom apartment (city center): MUR 15,000–30,000 ($330–660)
• 1-bedroom apartment (outside city center): MUR 10,000–20,000 ($220–440)
• 3-bedroom apartment (city center): MUR 30,000–70,000 ($660–1,540)
• 3-bedroom villa or house (coastal or expat areas): MUR 50,000–150,000+ ($1,100–$3,300+)

• Buying Property:

• Restricted for foreigners unless through government-approved schemes (e.g., PDS, IRS, RES)
• Property prices (per square meter): MUR 40,000–150,000+ ($880–$3,300+), depending on location and property type

🛒 Groceries and Daily Needs

• Basic Monthly Grocery Bill for One Person: MUR 6,000–10,000 ($130–220)
• Sample Prices:

• 1 liter of milk: MUR 45 ($1)
• Bread (loaf): MUR 25–40 ($0.60–0.90)
• Eggs (12): MUR 90–130 ($2–3)
• Chicken (1 kg): MUR 180–250 ($4–5.50)
• Rice (1 kg): MUR 50–70 ($1–1.50)
• Fruits and vegetables: Reasonably priced when local and seasonal
• Imported products are significantly more expensive

🍽️ Dining Out and Entertainment

• Local restaurant meal: MUR 150–300 ($3–6)
• Mid-range restaurant (3-course for 2): MUR 1,200–2,500 ($25–55)
• Coffee (regular): MUR 70–120 ($1.50–2.50)
• Beer (local 0.5L): MUR 60–90 ($1.30–2)
• Cinema ticket: MUR 250–300 ($5.50–6.60)

🚗 Transportation

• Public Bus (single trip): MUR 15–35 ($0.30–0.80)
• Taxi (per km): MUR 25–40 ($0.60–0.90)
• Car Rental (monthly): MUR 12,000–25,000 ($260–550)
• Fuel (per liter): MUR 74–78 ($1.65–1.75)

🧾 Utilities & Internet

• Monthly Bills for 2–3-bedroom apartment:

• Electricity: MUR 1,200–3,000 ($25–65)
• Water: MUR 150–300 ($3–6)
• Internet (fiber, unlimited): MUR 1,200–1,800 ($25–40)
• Mobile plan (prepaid): MUR 300–700 ($6–15)

🎓 Education

• Public Schools: Free but instruction is mostly in English/French and may vary in quality
• Private International Schools:

• MUR 7,000–25,000/month ($150–550)
• Top-tier schools may charge MUR 150,000+ annually ($3,300+)

🏥 Healthcare

• Public healthcare: Free or low-cost for residents, but limited in services
• Private clinics/insurance:

• GP consultation: MUR 800–1,500 ($17–33)
• Health insurance (expats): MUR 3,000–10,000+/month ($65–220+), depending on coverage

👔 Other Expenses

• Gym membership: MUR 1,000–2,500/month ($22–55)
• Clothing (mid-range brand): Jeans: MUR 1,500–3,000 ($33–65), T-shirts: MUR 500–1,000 ($11–22)
• Personal care (salon, cosmetics): Slightly cheaper than in Europe, especially for local brands

📍 Regional Differences

• Port Louis and urban areas are generally cheaper for local food but more expensive in terms of rent.
• Coastal areas like Grand Baie, Flic en Flac, and Tamarin, popular with expats, tend to be more expensive, especially for housing and dining.

💼 Monthly Budget Estimate (in MUR and USD)