Cost of living in Mauritius
Expat Hub/Cost of Living

Cost of Living
in Mauritius

Honest, up-to-date numbers for expats planning a move to Mauritius. Life here is cheaper than most of Western Europe — but not as cheap as Southeast Asia.

~40–50% less
vs. UK cost of living
for comparable lifestyle
Similar–slightly higher
vs. South Africa
for coastal areas
15% flat
Income tax rate
No capital gains, no inheritance tax
~50 MUR = €1
MUR / EUR rate
Approx. — check current rate

Monthly budget scenarios

🏠

Modest

MUR 60,000–90,000
≈ €1,200–1,800/month

Single person or couple, renting centrally, eating local, no school fees

  • Rent (1-bed central flat, Quatre Bornes area)MUR 25,000–40,000
  • Groceries (local markets + supermarket mix)MUR 10,000–15,000
  • Utilities (electricity, water, internet)MUR 5,000–8,000
  • Transport (car hire or scooter)MUR 8,000–12,000
  • Dining out (local restaurants)MUR 5,000–8,000
  • Household and miscMUR 5,000–8,000
🌴

Comfortable

MUR 130,000–200,000
≈ €2,600–4,000/month

Couple, coastal or good central area rental, car, mix of local and resort dining

  • Rent (3-bed house, good coastal area)MUR 60,000–100,000
  • Groceries (imported brands + local)MUR 15,000–25,000
  • Utilities + internet + subscriptionsMUR 8,000–12,000
  • Car (owned or long-term hire)MUR 15,000–20,000
  • Dining out (mix of local and mid-range)MUR 15,000–20,000
  • Activities, social, miscMUR 15,000–25,000
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Expat Family

MUR 300,000–500,000+
≈ €6,000–10,000+/month

Family with children in international school, villa or large house, active lifestyle

  • Rent (villa, 4-bed, pool)MUR 100,000–180,000
  • International school (1 child)MUR 30,000–50,000
  • Groceries (imported + local)MUR 25,000–35,000
  • Utilities (air-con heavy household)MUR 15,000–25,000
  • Two carsMUR 25,000–35,000
  • Dining, activities, holidaysMUR 40,000–80,000

All figures approximate and based on 2025 prices. Exchange rates fluctuate. Rent is the single largest variable in any budget.

Detailed price guide

Groceries

Milk (1 litre)MUR 55–70
Bread (500g loaf)MUR 30–45
Rice (1kg)MUR 35–55
Chicken breast (1kg)MUR 250–350
Fresh fish (1kg, local catch)MUR 200–400
Eggs (12)MUR 90–120
Tomatoes (1kg)MUR 40–80
Imported cheese (200g)MUR 150–250
Wine (decent bottle, local)MUR 400–700
Beer (can, local Phoenix)MUR 45–65

Dining Out

Dholl puri (street food, 2 pieces)MUR 30–50
Lunch at local restaurantMUR 150–350
Mid-range dinner (2 people)MUR 1,500–3,000
Fine dining (2 people, resort)MUR 5,000–12,000
Coffee (espresso, café)MUR 80–150
Beer at a bar (draught)MUR 80–150

Transport

Petrol (litre)MUR 58–65
Bus fare (single, local route)MUR 15–35
Taxi (short trip, e.g. 5km)MUR 250–500
Car hire (economy, per day)€20–35 / MUR 1,000–1,700
Scooter hire (125cc, per day)MUR 600–900

Utilities & Services

Electricity (monthly, average house)MUR 2,500–6,000
Water (monthly)MUR 500–1,200
Fibre internet (100 Mbps)MUR 900–1,400
Mobile SIM + data (30GB)MUR 400–700
Cleaner (half day, weekly)MUR 500–900 per visit
Gym membership (monthly)MUR 1,500–3,500

Healthcare

GP consultation (private)MUR 1,000–2,000
Specialist consultationMUR 2,000–5,000
Dental check-upMUR 800–1,500
Private health insurance (couple)MUR 5,000–12,000/month
MEDICOVER (basic plan)MUR 2,500–5,000/month

Rental market — what to expect

North (Grand Baie, Trou aux Biches)

  • ·Studio/1-bed: MUR 20,000–40,000
  • ·2-bed apartment: MUR 35,000–65,000
  • ·3-bed house: MUR 60,000–120,000
  • ·Villa with pool: MUR 100,000–200,000+

Most expensive area. Highest demand from expats and tourists.

West (Flic en Flac, Black River)

  • ·Studio/1-bed: MUR 18,000–35,000
  • ·2-bed apartment: MUR 30,000–55,000
  • ·3-bed house: MUR 50,000–100,000
  • ·Villa with pool: MUR 90,000–180,000

Popular with South African and European expats. Quieter than north.

Central (Quatre Bornes, Ebène, Moka)

  • ·Studio/1-bed: MUR 14,000–28,000
  • ·2-bed apartment: MUR 25,000–45,000
  • ·3-bed house: MUR 40,000–80,000
  • ·Villa: MUR 70,000–140,000

Best value. Good school catchment. Cooler climate at altitude.

Rental prices are typically quoted per month and do not include utilities. Most landlords require 2–3 months deposit. Furnished properties command a significant premium. Longer leases (1 year+) usually negotiable at lower rates.

⚠️ More expensive than you might expect

  • • Imported goods (European supermarket brands)
  • • International school fees (MUR 150,000–600,000/year)
  • • Electricity bills (high a/c usage can be significant)
  • • Good wine and quality spirits
  • • New cars and imported vehicles
  • • Private health insurance for families
  • • Eating at resort restaurants regularly

✅ Better value than you might expect

  • • Fresh local fruit and vegetables
  • • Domestic help (cleaners, gardeners)
  • • Local restaurant meals and street food
  • • Private GP and specialist consultations
  • • Dental care
  • • Local rum, beer, and spirits
  • • Income and corporate tax (flat 15%)