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Fri, 3 Jul 2026 18:39:00 GMT

The Mauritius Handbook · Chapter 2

Cost of Living in Mauritius

How much does it really cost to live in Mauritius? This premium guide explains housing, groceries, healthcare, schools, transport, utilities, hidden costs and lifestyle budgets for expats, families, retirees, entrepreneurs and investors.

Plan Your Mauritius Budget Back to Living in Mauritius

Before you compare prices, compare lifestyles.

A single remote worker, a retired couple and a family with children will have very different monthly costs.

Housing, schools, healthcare and imported products shape most expat budgets.

The right question is not whether Mauritius is cheap, but whether it gives you a better quality of life for your money.

Use this chapter together with the moving to Mauritius checklist.

Editorial introduction

The cost of living in Mauritius is not one number.

Ask ten people how expensive Mauritius is and you may receive ten completely different answers. One person will tell you that life on the island is surprisingly affordable. Another will say that imported groceries, private schools and premium villas make Mauritius more expensive than expected. Both can be right.

Mauritius is not a low-cost destination in the same way as some parts of Southeast Asia. It is also not automatically as expensive as Dubai, Monaco or central London. It sits in its own category: a politically stable island economy with a strong tourism sector, an international property market, imported goods, growing expat communities and a lifestyle that can range from simple and local to very premium.

That is why generic cost-of-living calculators often fail. They reduce Mauritius to averages, but real life depends on choices: north or west coast, apartment or villa, local food or imported brands, public or private healthcare, no children or international school fees, one car or two, modest lifestyle or luxury estate.

Mauritius1331 Insight: The biggest budget mistake is not underestimating one single item. It is planning a European lifestyle on an island economy without adapting expectations, routines and priorities.

This guide is designed to help you think clearly before you relocate, retire, invest or buy property in Mauritius. For the wider strategic context, start with Living in Mauritius – The Ultimate Guide. If you want the honest first filter, read Living in Mauritius: Pros and Cons.

Quick answer

Is Mauritius expensive to live in?

Mauritius can be affordable for people who adapt to local habits, but it can become expensive for expats who want premium housing, imported products, international schools, private healthcare and frequent travel.

Your real budget depends strongly on where you live. A practical apartment in the centre, a villa in Grand Baie, a family home near Tamarin or a luxury property on the west coast can create completely different monthly realities.

Featured summary

Biggest expense: housing, especially in expat and coastal areas.

Most underestimated cost: international schools and private healthcare insurance.

Most flexible cost: food, depending on local vs imported choices.

Most practical advice: rent first before buying property.

Best planning mindset: build a lifestyle budget, not a holiday budget.

Content navigation

What this chapter covers.

Use this guide as a practical planning document before deciding whether Mauritius fits your income, lifestyle, family needs and long-term strategy.

1. Why Mauritius costs are different

2. Monthly budget profiles

3. Housing and rent

4. Food and groceries

5. Restaurants and lifestyle

6. Healthcare and insurance

7. Schools and family costs

8. Cars and transport

9. Utilities and internet

10. Hidden costs

11. Mauritius vs other destinations

12. Conclusion

Understanding the island economy

Why the cost of living in Mauritius feels different.

Mauritius is an island. That single fact explains a large part of its cost structure. Many goods have to be imported. Imported food, electronics, furniture, cars, specialist products and certain building materials often carry higher costs than newcomers expect. At the same time, local produce, local services and a more adapted lifestyle can keep everyday spending under control.

This creates a split reality. If you live primarily like a local resident, shop seasonally, use local markets, avoid excessive imported brands and choose a practical region, Mauritius can feel financially manageable. If you expect the same product selection, property standards and convenience as in a major European city, your monthly expenses can rise quickly.

Tourism shapes prices in some areas

Mauritius is a world-class tourism destination. Areas with strong tourism and expat demand naturally tend to have higher prices for restaurants, villas, short-term rentals, leisure services and premium experiences. Grand Baie, Tamarin, Black River and Flic en Flac can all be more expensive than less international or less coastal regions, depending on property type and lifestyle.

Property creates the biggest lifestyle gap

Two households can live in Mauritius with completely different budgets because their housing choices are different. A modest inland apartment, a family home near a school and a luxury villa with pool, security and ocean views belong to different financial worlds. Before buying, read Buying Property in Mauritius as a Foreigner.

Imported habits are expensive

The more your lifestyle depends on imported European brands, specialty foods, premium wine, international restaurants, private clubs and luxury services, the more expensive Mauritius becomes. The island rewards adaptation. People who enjoy Mauritian food, outdoor activities and simpler routines often feel they receive more quality of life for the same money.

Planning Tip: Before you estimate your Mauritius budget, write down your real lifestyle. Not your holiday lifestyle. Not your idealised minimalist lifestyle. Your real one.

Monthly Budget Profiles

How much money do you really need?

One of the biggest misconceptions about moving to Mauritius is that there is a single monthly budget that fits everyone. There is not. A retired couple looking for peace and simplicity will spend differently from a family with two children attending international schools.

Instead of asking “What does Mauritius cost?”, ask yourself: “What kind of life do I want to build?” That single question determines almost every expense that follows.

Profile | Main Expenses | Planning Priority
Single Professional | Apartment, transport, groceries, internet | Choose location carefully before signing a lease.
Remote Worker | Housing, fibre internet, cafés, coworking, travel | Use the Digital Nomad Mauritius guide before choosing a region.
Couple | Housing, leisure, restaurants, healthcare | Balance lifestyle with long-term affordability.
Family | Schools, healthcare, transport, larger home | Read Moving to Mauritius with Family before signing a lease.
Retirees | Healthcare, insurance, comfortable housing | Focus on accessibility rather than prestige.
Entrepreneurs | Housing, travel, networking, business costs | Separate personal and business budgets.

Housing

Housing is your biggest financial decision.

For most expatriates, housing represents the single largest monthly expense. But unlike many countries, housing in Mauritius is influenced not only by size or luxury, but by lifestyle.

Choosing where to live determines far more than your monthly rent. It influences your daily commute, your children’s school journey, access to healthcare, supermarkets, restaurants, beaches, sports facilities and even your social life.

The North vs the West vs the Centre

The northern region around Grand Baie, Pereybere, Trou aux Biches and Mont Choisy is one of the island’s most established international communities. Residents enjoy shopping facilities, restaurants and a vibrant expatriate network.

The west coast around Tamarin, Black River and Flic en Flac attracts people looking for an outdoor lifestyle, premium residential developments, golf, boating and spectacular sunsets.

Moka offers a completely different experience. Instead of beaches, it provides proximity to business districts, universities, modern healthcare and excellent infrastructure. Many professionals appreciate shorter commuting times over coastal living.

Mauritius1331 Insight: Many newcomers search for the perfect villa. Experienced residents search for the perfect location. A smaller property in the right neighbourhood often delivers a better quality of life than a luxury villa in the wrong area.

Should you rent before buying?

For most newcomers, the answer is yes. Living in Mauritius for several months before purchasing property allows you to understand traffic patterns, neighbourhood atmosphere, weather differences, local services and everyday life. A property purchase should support your long-term strategy, not simply recreate the feeling of your holiday.

Food & Shopping

Groceries and everyday shopping.

Your grocery bill depends less on Mauritius itself and more on your shopping habits.

Local Markets

Fresh fruit, vegetables, herbs and locally produced food often provide excellent value while supporting local producers.

Supermarkets

Modern supermarkets offer a wide variety of products. Imported European brands are available, although they generally cost more.

Imported Products

Cheese, wine, premium meat, speciality foods and international brands can significantly increase monthly household spending.

Eating out

Mauritius offers everything from authentic local street food to internationally recognised fine dining. Many residents naturally combine both. Local restaurants provide excellent value, while luxury hotels and premium beachfront restaurants are priced accordingly. For a cultural overview, see the Mauritius Food Guide and Shopping in Mauritius.

Local Perspective: People who embrace Mauritian food culture often discover that their grocery budget decreases while their quality of life improves.

Lifestyle

Lifestyle often matters more than income.

Two people earning exactly the same salary may experience completely different living costs. One spends weekends hiking, swimming and enjoying local cafés. The other prefers imported food, luxury shopping and frequent international travel.

Mauritius rewards people who enjoy nature. Some of the island’s greatest experiences — beaches, mountain trails, waterfalls, sunsets and lagoons — cost very little compared to equivalent leisure activities elsewhere.

At the same time, lifestyle spending can rise quickly in areas with active restaurant scenes, beach clubs and evening entertainment. If this matters to you, compare local lifestyle guides such as Mauritius Nightlife, Golf in Mauritius and the regional pages for Grand Baie or Flic en Flac.

Planning Tip: Budget for the life you actually want, not the life you think you should have after relocating.

Healthcare

Healthcare and health insurance.

Healthcare should never be treated as a secondary consideration when calculating your cost of living. For many expatriates, healthcare planning becomes one of the most important long-term financial decisions after housing.

Mauritius combines a public healthcare system with a well-developed private sector. While public healthcare is available, many international residents prefer private clinics because of shorter waiting times, modern facilities and English-speaking medical professionals.

For a deeper overview, continue with Healthcare in Mauritius.

Healthcare Budget Checklist

International health insurance

Routine medical consultations

Dental treatment

Eye care

Prescription medication

Emergency treatment planning

Specialist consultations

Why insurance matters

Healthcare expenses are often unpredictable. A good insurance policy protects not only your finances but also gives you access to private hospitals and specialist treatment with considerably less administrative complexity. Families and retirees should pay particular attention to policy coverage before relocating.

Mauritius1331 Insight: Many relocation budgets focus on rent and groceries. Experienced expatriates usually place healthcare planning much higher on their priority list.

Education

International schools and family costs.

For families, education often becomes the second largest expense after housing.

Mauritius offers an excellent range of international schools following British, French and international curricula. These schools attract families from around the world and are one of the strongest reasons many professionals relocate to the island.

School fees represent only one part of the overall education budget. Parents should also consider transport, uniforms, technology, extracurricular activities and school trips. Start with Education in Mauritius and the family relocation guide Moving to Mauritius with Family.

Planning Tip: Select the school first. Only afterwards should you choose your region and property. Daily commuting has a significant influence on family life.

Utilities

Electricity, water and internet.

Utility costs vary considerably depending on your property and lifestyle.

Electricity

Air conditioning, swimming pools and large villas naturally consume more electricity than smaller apartments.

Water

Daily water usage is usually modest, but irrigation systems, gardens and pools increase ongoing maintenance costs.

Internet

High-speed fibre internet is available in many developed areas. See Internet in Mauritius.

Transport

Owning a car in Mauritius.

Although Mauritius has an extensive bus network, many long-term residents choose to own or lease a car.

A private vehicle offers greater flexibility for commuting, shopping, school runs and exploring the island. When calculating transport costs, remember to include insurance, servicing, tyres, fuel, registration and unexpected maintenance.

Before relocating, also compare Driving in Mauritius and Public Transport in Mauritius.

Choosing where to live can reduce transport costs

Living closer to work, schools or frequently visited destinations may reduce fuel costs, commuting time and daily stress far more effectively than simply choosing a cheaper property further away.

Local Perspective: Many experienced residents choose convenience over distance. Saving twenty minutes every day quickly becomes more valuable than saving a small amount on rent.

Hidden Costs

Expenses many newcomers forget.

Property maintenance

Garden services

Swimming pool maintenance

Air conditioning servicing

International health insurance

Flights back to Europe

Car maintenance

Legal advice

Tax planning

Bank charges

Currency exchange costs

Imported food

Furniture purchases

Technology replacement

School activities

Home insurance

Mauritius1331 Insight: The people who stay comfortably within budget are usually not those earning the highest income. They are the ones who plan realistically before moving.

International Comparison

Mauritius compared with other popular destinations.

Destination | Strength | Main Cost Difference
Mauritius | Balanced lifestyle, safety and climate | Island economy with imported goods.
Portugal | European infrastructure | Different taxation, housing market and climate.
Dubai | Global business hub | Premium urban lifestyle with higher luxury costs.
South Africa | Large domestic market | Different security and regional considerations.
Thailand | Lower day-to-day costs in many regions | Different residency options and lifestyle priorities.

Choosing between these destinations should never depend solely on monthly expenses. Quality of life, long-term objectives, healthcare, education, safety, climate and legal certainty often prove more important than individual price differences.

Conclusion

The real cost of living is about more than money.

A successful relocation is measured by quality of life, not simply by lower monthly expenses.

Mauritius offers something that many people search for over many years: a healthier balance between work, family, climate and personal freedom. That lifestyle has a cost. But for many international residents, it delivers exceptional value.

If you understand your priorities, choose the right region, prepare your finances carefully and remain flexible during your first year, Mauritius can become not only an affordable destination, but one of the best lifestyle investments you ever make.

The Mauritius Handbook: Understanding your budget is not about limiting your dreams. It is about building a future in Mauritius that remains enjoyable for many years to come.

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