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Cost of living in Mauritius - 2017

Last activity 31 August 2018 by sandravdo

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Priscilla

Hello,

Before moving to Mauritius, it is important to investigate the cost of living in the country.

As we did in 2015, we give you the opportunity to share your experience and tell us more about products and services average recorded prices in your town/city/area.

Don’t hesitate to let us know if the cost of living in Mauritius has decreased or increased in the past few years.

Thanks to your help, would-be expatriates will have the opportunity to refine and better prepare their expatriation project.

> How much does it cost to rent an apartment/house in Mauritius? 

> How much do you pay for your public transport tickets (bus, subway, train, tram)?

> Staple food: what do people eat and how much do they pay for basic food like bread, rice or pasta?

>What is your monthly grocery budget?

> How much does it cost to see a physician/doctor/specialist in Mauritius ? 

> What is your children's schooling monthly budget?

> How much does it cost to fill up your car’s fuel tank?

> How much do you pay for electricity/gas/water etc.?

> How much do you pay for your Internet/phone subscription?

> How much do you pay for your lunch pack on weekdays?

> How much do you pay for an espresso coffee?

> How much do you pay for a cinema ticket?

> How much does a gym membership cost in Mauritius? 

Thank you everyone!

Priscilla

Anlynsha

Hi guys. can we revive this???
Would be great to see what others are paying for across the island.

roby2104

Hi, I am following this thread to know more as I am planning a visit/apply for studies in Mauritius. I hope this thread will get updated soon. Thank you

JacquesH13

Hi there
My wife and I are both teachers. We are on the brink of relocating to Mauritius. We shall each earn Rs 65 000 per month (Rs 130 000) plus Rs 15 000 each for housing (Rs 30 000) per month and each Rs 5 000 for transport (Rs 10 000) = Rs 170 000 per month for both our monthly work. We have 2 small children. If we pay around Rs 30 000 per month for rent, would our salaries be adequate for us to survive and also have some money left to save at the end of the month? We do not go to restaurants often and prefer to cook at home. The answers we will get from this site will help us in this huge decision.

Anlynsha

Hi there.

From what I've read on the forums, that is a dam decent living. Can I forward my CV??😂😂

I think it will definitely be more than  enough to enjoy island life.

roby2104

Hey, If they have more vacancy for teachers do let me know. :)

Cara Kahn

Hi Jacques

We have just moved here from Cape Town also. I assume that you are thinking of working at Northfields ?
Both my kids are at school there and loving it.
Super happy to help with any questions you may have.

Regards Cara

Leslie Jarrett

you must always be careful with the contract for employment of course.  Teaching in Mauritius is big business now but you must be careful as some people are thinking that they can make much money from opening a school here and start to recruit only to find that the appropriate permits are not given because the school does not yet exist or have a certificate.  Teaching is in demand and yes it can for good teachers command a high salary

Cara Kahn

They do have a few look on the Northfields page on fb

Rebmormax3

So Cara, your kids our at Northfields? How does it compare to south african private schools?
thanks sam

Cara Kahn

Hi Sam

It's pretty much the same , my kids where not at private school in SA. But I do know the fees that they asking.

Xx

Simah

Hello,so how much will it cost for a student to live near middlesex university esp cost per month in those cheapest single rooms

Nicky Van Der Haer

Hi Everyone. Is anyone able to answer the questions posted by Priscilla. We are a family of 3 (1 toddler who will need to go to school 3 - 5 days a week)

We are looking for monthly costs.

How much does it cost to rent an apartment/house in Mauritius?  Grand Bay and Black River? I see this can range from 30 000 - 80 000 - 180 000 depending

> How much do you pay for your public transport tickets (bus, subway, train, tram) for a monthly pass?

> Staple food: what do people eat and how much do they pay for basic food like bread, rice or pasta?

>What is your monthly grocery budget?

> How much does it cost to see a physician/doctor/specialist in Mauritius ? 

How much is medical aid?

> What is your children's schooling monthly budget?

> How much does it cost to fill up your car’s fuel tank?

> How much do you pay for electricity/gas/water etc.?

> How much do you pay for your Internet/phone subscription?

> How much do you pay for your lunch pack on weekdays?

> How much do you pay for an espresso coffee?

> How much do you pay for a cinema ticket?

> How much does a gym membership cost in Mauritius

What is your average spend on entertainment - dinner, play centres, activities in a month.

What is the cost of a domestic nanny (one that does cleaning and looks after a child)

What is the cost of a maid 3 x a week who does not cook?

How much do you spend on items like kids toys and clothes?

WinstonH

Hi Nicky

I'm not an expat, therefore I can only answer the parts relevant to me.

> How much does it cost to rent an apartment/house in Mauritius?

Rent will depend on a number of factors; location, standing, amenities, quality, area, etc
An apartment can start from MUR 10,000 up to 50,000
A house can start from MUR 15,000 all the way to 200,000

> How much do you pay for your public transport tickets (bus, subway, train, tram) for a monthly pass?

Monthly pass for public transport is available for only one company in Mauritius. The rest is pay as you go and the fare will vary with duration and type of transport,  A bus ticket for an adult range from MUR 15 to 40.
As of now there is no train or tram in Mauritius. The first metro line will open only in 2021.
You have the options of buses, taxis or contract vans.

> Staple food: what do people eat and how much do they pay for basic food like bread, rice or pasta?


Well a large variety of stuff is eaten in Mauritius; Indian, Chinese, African, Asian, French, Creole, Mixed Indian-Chinese, Cajun, etc. Then you got lots of street food.
Bread costs from MUR 2 to 10
A big bag of rice (10 Kg): MUR 500 - 1,000
Pasta: depends on the brand...MUR 50 - 150

>What is your monthly grocery budget?


Will depend on how much you eat and your eating choices...if you go basic for 3 persons...I would say MUR 7,000 - 10,000
If you opt for imported foodstuff from supermarkets and other big international brands, you will need deeper pockets.

> How much does it cost to see a physician/doctor/specialist in Mauritius ? 
How much is medical aid?


Depending on the condition or treatment needed, a visit to a private physician (stand-alone, not in a private clinic or institution) can cost anything between MUR 500 - 2,000
At private clinic, a consultation with a generalist starts as from MUR 1,000.
Medical aid, not sure as for an expat, will depend on your insurance cover.

> What is your children's schooling monthly budget?

Expat opinion

> How much does it cost to fill up your car’s fuel tank?

Petrol: MUR 42.70/L
Diesel: MUR 32.45/L

> How much do you pay for electricity/gas/water etc.?

Electricity and water will vary according to usage
Gas:
12 KG canister: MUR 270
5 KG canister: MUR 112.50

> How much do you pay for your Internet/phone subscription?

Internet
With Mauritius Telecom, optic fiber 10 mb/s; a little less than MUR 1,000
Rate will increase will faster speed and data package

Phone: Orange prepaid cards start as from MUR 20.00
New SIM card: MUR 100

> How much do you pay for a cinema ticket?

Generally starts as from MUR 200
Can do down during school holidays

> How much does a gym membership cost in Mauritius

Depends on the type of gym, package and services provided
Some have registration fees and then you have your monthly settlement
The cheapest one I've seen is MUR 400
The most expensive one: around MUR 3,000

What is your average spend on entertainment - dinner, play centres, activities in a month.

What is the cost of a domestic nanny (one that does cleaning and looks after a child)

What is the cost of a maid 3 x a week who does not cook?

How much do you spend on items like kids toys and clothes?


Expat opinion or others who use these type of services
A link if this can help:
https://www.rentamaid.mu/

Hope this summary will give you an insight

Nicky Van Der Haer

Thanks so much for answering.

sandravdo

Hi Cara I see that you used to stay in Cape Town and are now in Mauritius (2017 post). Are you still there? How are you finding it? Do you work? Do you have kids? What do you enjoy and what do you find frustrating? We live in Somerset West. My son is 7yrs old. My husband and I are constantly researching immigration options. My husband is in property (rental business) and I am an Industrial Psychologist working for a small consulting company. I have a British passport and my husband has an Italian passport (besides the SA ones). Europe would be an easier option ito visas but it's really cold there. We prefer warm. Also want English. Would so appreciate your input on your experience so far.
Sandra

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