Cost of living 2019 in Mauritius

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Thanks to your contribution, future expats in Mauritius will be more informed and will be able to refine their budget and better prepare for their big move.

How much does it cost to rent an apartment or a house in Mauritius? How about buying an apartment or a house in Mauritius?
15000 rupees 2 bed apartment no pool 5 minutes to beach
How much do you pay on average for public transportation (bus, subway, train, tram, taxi)?
Bus 24 rs one way.
How much do you pay for basic food items such as rice, bread, and pasta?
12 rs for filled roti bread 50 rs a loaf
What is your monthly budget for groceries?
10000 rs
How much does it cost to see a doctor or health specialist in Mauritius?

How much do you pay for health insurance per month?

How much does childcare cost on average per month?
NA
What is your child's schooling budget per month?
NA
How much does it cost to fill up your car’s fuel tank?
1000 rs
How much do you pay for electricity/gas/water etc., per month?
150 for electricity 100 water

How much do you pay for your internet and phone subscription?
1000 rs pm for 800 gb

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

How much do you pay for an espresso coffee?
150 rs

How much do you pay for a cinema ticket?
250 rs
How much does a gym membership 1000rs to 3000 rs
Thank you for sharing your experience

I think Mauritius is not quite as cheap as people would make it like to be especially for non local cuisine, private clinics and private schools. Thoughts?

PamelaPomme wrote:

I think Mauritius is not quite as cheap as people would make it like to be especially for non local cuisine, private clinics and private schools. Thoughts?

Not as cheap as other destinations but not expensive either when compared to other popular places.

Then again, cheap or expensive is subjective...depends on the expat's profile and income/revenues.

Non-local cuisine can get expensive as the main ingredients must be imported.

Private clinics are expensive as most locals have access to public healthcare, which means those who do opt for private healthcare are mostly those who can afford a healthcare plan.
Same applies for private schooling.

Personally I find Mauritius expensive - I may not be doing it the 'cheapest way' however as a single girl here it was important for me to be in a secure residence and close to amenities so here are my budgets!

How much does it cost to rent an apartment or a house in Mauritius?   35kpm in a secure residence

How much do you pay on average for public transportation (bus, subway, train, tram, taxi)?  Taxis are crazy expensive! Car hire around 15kpm

What is your monthly budget for groceries? 4500rps pm on average

How much does it cost to see a doctor or health specialist in Mauritius?  Around 1500rps for a basic consultation (not in a local hospital)

How much does it cost to fill up your car’s fuel tank? Driving from the north to Ebene weekly 1000rps pw.

How much do you pay for electricity/gas/water etc., per month?  1000rps per month

How much do you pay for your internet and phone subscription?  Internet 1400rps pm, Phone 500pm

How much do you pay for a cinema ticket? 150rps

How much does a gym membership cost in Mauritius? 2300rps for Riverland Gym

But not all the questions are responded to....

Hi

Riverland and several others are to me quite expensive gyms but they have great facilities. So much as anywhere else you make your choice. There is always working out at home outdoors here. So many opportunities to bike, run  swim. I also notice a lot of what I call proper boxing gyms that are more local and so I assume a little cheaper.

Shop around for internet and really monitor how much data you use a month. I top up my mobile and tether other devices to that. The first month I paid for a connection for each device. I didn't think. It cost much more to do that.

Fuel is quite expensive here. As are cars.

I don't live in a residence. I had no concept of it. I feel safe. I have no facilities but I do have a space I could not have dreamt of in London for what I pay. Which is 15k. I live within easy walking distance of a beach and supermarkets.

Hi all,
Let em reply this from a conservative mauritian point of view

How much does it cost to rent an apartment or a house in Mauritius? How about buying an apartment or a house in Mauritius?
Starts as from 10k. Places near the town centres or beaches will cost more.

How much do you pay on average for public transportation (bus, subway, train, tram, taxi)?
Bus can be as much as Rs 34 one way. Easier method of transportation would be to get a small car. Petrol would cost around Rs 2.50/Km traveled or less if you are going hybrid.

How much do you pay for basic food items such as rice, bread, and pasta?
Basic food items would be around Rs 2.50 to Rs 3.00 for a bread (round bread), bagette would cost you around Rs 6.00 to Rs 10.00. Rice would cost you around Rs 300 for 5 kg of basmati quality rice.

What is your monthly budget for groceries?
Family of 2 without alcohol and meat once in a while can cost you around Rs 10,000. Fresh meat tend to be on the expensive side.

How much does it cost to see a doctor or health specialist in Mauritius?
Ideally get a medical insurance once you reach the island.  A Rs 25,000 insurance will cover you for most of your medical requirements for a year. You will get an inpatient coverage limit of at least 1 million or more for that amount.

How much do you pay for health insurance per month?
Health Insurance varies according to the options included. Typical amount can range from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,500.

How much does childcare cost on average per month?
Depending on the region, child care can vary from Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 per month.

What is your child's schooling budget per month?
Depending on the age of the child, it can vary from Rs 1500 to Rs 2,500 in public schools. Private schools vary.

How much does it cost to fill up your car’s fuel tank?
40 Lts of petrol would cost you around Rs 1,800 to Rs 2,000.

How much do you pay for electricity/gas/water etc., per month?
Without aircon, the utilities bill can be around Rs 1,500 without the internet.

How much do you pay for your internet and phone subscription?
Fibre with telephone can cost about Rs 1,500.

How much do you pay for your lunch pack on weekdays?
Lunch packs from home are the most cost efficient. A typical Mc Donald or KFC menu can cost about Rs 250.

How much do you pay for an espresso coffee?
Coffee can cost you about Rs 50 but there are not many shops selling those like Starbucks.

How much do you pay for a cinema ticket?
A typical Cinema ticket will cost you Rs 250 per person and Rs 350 if it is a 3d movie.

How much does a gym membership cost in Mauritius?
Gym membership starts as from Rs 1000. Depending on the activities, trainers, machines etc...

Hope I have been able to clear things out.

Cheers
Deenesh

Ive been in MRU and i beg to differ. I dont travel around a lot and my fuel work out 8000Rs a month. My electricity and water is without any airconditioners 900Rs per month my gas is for the kitchen and the bathroom 480Rs. When you said living expenses for 2 person 10 000Rs per month. I am one person without fruit minimum vegetables also without the day to day necessities i.e toiletries and cleaning chemicals. I refer to milk bread water pasta cereals eggs and tea with Tuna and one packet of chicken and 4 onions my groceries a week is 10 000 Rs per week. I dont buy juise often nor cooldrink however water and Tonic water i do buy weekly, an example one banana one can pay op to 8 Rs pineapple i paid 50Rs there fore i decided not to buy fruit often. A punnet peaches almost 100 Rs.

I have asked around what is the normal amount to budget for groceries (Food alone). And i was told what i said here is correct 10 000Rs per week not per month and that exclude fuel, rent meat , all luxuries, wifi, DSTV. I dont drink nor do i smoke.  I think if we want to be realistic one have to compare apples with apples. And take everything in account by that i mean airtime as well. That is why immigration say if you are a expat minimum wage must be +- 62 000Rs per month. Thats excluding housing or a car. I came from another Africa country there it was even worse. The awesome part of Mauritius is one can go to the markets but only if use same day.

Hi,
I did mention that I was replying in context of conservative point of view, but Living in "tourist" places like grand baie, Flic en flac and Tamarin can definetely yield you the prices you are mentioning. If I may, please take a trip to Jumbo Riche Terre for your groceries on a week end. You will definetely be eating more than just pasta, cereals, Tuna and eggs in a week with a budget of Rs 10,000. If it is too far from your place, please check the news paper, it usually have the phamlets with the different prices for different supermarkets in Mauritius.

If you want, you can wire me the Rs 10,000 per week with a list of your groceries. I will buy the items from your list and deliver it to your place at no extra charge

Regards
Deenesh

Aletyvonne wrote:

Ive been in MRU and i beg to differ. I dont travel around a lot and my fuel work out 8000Rs a month. My electricity and water is without any airconditioners 900Rs per month my gas is for the kitchen and the bathroom 480Rs. When you said living expenses for 2 person 10 000Rs per month. I am one person without fruit minimum vegetables also without the day to day necessities i.e toiletries and cleaning chemicals. I refer to milk bread water pasta cereals eggs and tea with Tuna and one packet of chicken and 4 onions my groceries a week is 10 000 Rs per week. I dont buy juise often nor cooldrink however water and Tonic water i do buy weekly, an example one banana one can pay op to 8 Rs pineapple i paid 50Rs there fore i decided not to buy fruit often. A punnet peaches almost 100 Rs.

I have asked around what is the normal amount to budget for groceries (Food alone). And i was told what i said here is correct 10 000Rs per week not per month and that exclude fuel, rent meat , all luxuries, wifi, DSTV. I dont drink nor do i smoke.  I think if we want to be realistic one have to compare apples with apples. And take everything in account by that i mean airtime as well. That is why immigration say if you are a expat minimum wage must be +- 62 000Rs per month. Thats excluding housing or a car. I came from another Africa country there it was even worse. The awesome part of Mauritius is one can go to the markets but only if use same day.

Thank yoh Deenesh. Very helpful post

I have to say expats have made life more expensive for the locals here unfortunately like in many places in Asia

I do recommend trying some more local supermarkets sometimes though.

Aletyvonne wrote:

Ive been in MRU and i beg to differ. I dont travel around a lot and my fuel work out 8000Rs a month. My electricity and water is without any airconditioners 900Rs per month my gas is for the kitchen and the bathroom 480Rs. When you said living expenses for 2 person 10 000Rs per month. I am one person without fruit minimum vegetables also without the day to day necessities i.e toiletries and cleaning chemicals. I refer to milk bread water pasta cereals eggs and tea with Tuna and one packet of chicken and 4 onions my groceries a week is 10 000 Rs per week. I dont buy juise often nor cooldrink however water and Tonic water i do buy weekly, an example one banana one can pay op to 8 Rs pineapple i paid 50Rs there fore i decided not to buy fruit often. A punnet peaches almost 100 Rs.

I have asked around what is the normal amount to budget for groceries (Food alone). And i was told what i said here is correct 10 000Rs per week not per month and that exclude fuel, rent meat , all luxuries, wifi, DSTV. I dont drink nor do i smoke.  I think if we want to be realistic one have to compare apples with apples. And take everything in account by that i mean airtime as well. That is why immigration say if you are a expat minimum wage must be +- 62 000Rs per month. Thats excluding housing or a car. I came from another Africa country there it was even worse. The awesome part of Mauritius is one can go to the markets but only if use same day.

Your Rs 10,000 for groceries a week is a lot for one person for the items you mentioned IMO.

Either you are getting scammed somewhere or you are buying lots of high end imported foodstuffs and items.

I have been doing a huge amount of online hard seraching and cost comparisons between Kenya and Mauritius...and in private schooling Mauritius's hugely cheaper, 33% cheaper for food, gas and household....

When I compared Jumo and Winners prices item per item..and shopping wisely using discounts and bulk buys, nearly every single item except Scotch shiskey, milk and a few others was cheaper in Maurius...and that's not even going to the local market. I have a 65 item listif anyone is interested.

Some things were shocking... 1.5 cylinders of gas a month for cooking, our Kenya average, is 1/4 the price in Mauritius!

Most shocking was the schooling.  Good international schooling in Kenya starts at 219,000 MUR  up to 350,000 MUR per child per Term and is increasing in fee  cost by 10% per annum. For that same price I can get schooling for a child for an entire year in Mauritius and have plenty of change left over, including Middlesex University there!

Kenyan school prices are notoriously high but even taking our poorest and cheapest international schools, we look at $2,500 per child per term or 7,500 per year or 275K Muritian rupees.

Cars are expensive in Mauritius, 50% higher than Kenya but I believe direct import of cars with low emission can equalise the 50% more cost. Petrol is the same, electricity seems cheaper by about 15%.

I researched Mauritius on Numbeo which informed me food was  23% more expensive than Kenya. Then I researched via online supermarkets. Wrong.. food, household and energy are at least 30% cheaper in Mu  than Kenya, unless you want to eat only out of the Delicatessen side.

I think the cost of private education is  good, and if one has PR status you can go to University at local rates, which are excellent. Even the expat rates are good.  Imagine going to the University of Middlesex in UK at 9500 sterling fees, when youcan go to the Mauritian version for much less. For example yearly fees for BA Hons in Infotech is  Sterling 4500, half the UK RESIDENT costs, let alone foreign student.

The only things I can find in Mauritius more expensive than Kenya are motorcars (50%+), red meat and Scotch whiskey.  Whiskey is ridiculously priced ( 4 x Kenya). And I have researched a list of  almost 100 items.

Any cost of living thread for 2020 please?

Good day, is there an update on cost of living stats please ? TIA.

I would be interested to know myself. Are any comparisons done between SA and Mauritius?

Hello Ctruter1 and Patrick,

There is a 2020 cost of living in Mauritius thread but no information has been provided yet. Try this website : https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/

Or let us know if you have any specific items/products in mind you would like to gather pricing information about.

Have a nice day,
Anoushka

Good day. As per the previous 3 posts, is it possible to give us an idea of 2020 prices based on Priscilla's post for a family of 4 living in the Trou Aux Biches area, with private schooling for a 5 year old. This would be greatly appreciated. Many thanx

Hello Glenn,

The prices mentioned above are still relevant however it will depend on your lifestyle.  For example renting an appartment, bungalow, house could range from Rs 15,000 to Rs 150,000 so it depends on you (standards, neighbourhood, close to the sea etc)

For private schooling again, it depends, it could go from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 monthly + one time registration fees/ per year (some could go as high as Rs 60,000-70,000 )

Grocery shopping will also depend on your preferences (local/imported food).

Maybe you should specify your approximate budget so that members can provide feedback whether it would be sufficient or not.

Have a nice day,
Anoushka

Hi Anoushka
Many thanx for your response.

We are a South African family of 3 adults (2 retirees) with a toddler of 4. We are looking at staying in the North, Pereybere / Mont Choisy / Trou aux Biche, and are hoping to rent furnished accommodation (2 to 3 bedroom) for in the order of Rs 25,000.00.

We intend renting a small car but do not foresee much in the way of travelling.

We lead a reasonably ordinary life and don't go out that much and eat as per normal.

Utilities are as per usual, water, lights, fibre, cell phones. etc.

We will need medical insurance.

We will need international pre schooling eg. Montessori.

Hopefully this will give you an idea as to our needs.

Please advise what you think the monthly costs would be, I am hoping that it will be less than Rs120,000.00 per month

Please advise if this is possible. I would appreciate itemised budget pricing if possible.

Many thanx

Hi Glenn,

For a family of 4 Rs 120,000 should be enough, it might be less around Rs 100,000 - 110,000 but medical insurance and perhaps a car at around Rs Rs16,000 - Rs20,000 per month + fuel (depends)  might add up to your expenses.

Water is cheap around Rs 200 - Rs 300 (more if you have a pool/garden)
Electricity (if you have/use aircon) : Rs 1600 - Rs 3500

Fibre around Rs 1350 (20 M)
Cell phone could range from 200 - 800 per person if you use data/call time a lot.

Here are the wesbites of the 2 main providers for internet/phone :
- https://www.myt.mu/
- https://www.emtel.com/

Grocery shopping let's add up another Rs20,000 - 23,000 per month
Cooking gas 12 Kg at Rs 180
Public transport is relatively cheap ranging from Rs 12 to more or less Rs 40
Private school : Rs 10,000 - Rs20, 000 (add transport, food)

Other expenses I didn't mention would be eating out at restaurant, leisure activities, shopping, medical insurance.

The first month will definitely be heavy on your budget as you will need to provide for different additional/one-time fees such as registration fees, security deposit, tax, agency fees for housing.

Start by ordering different quotes from schools, insurance, housing and so on to see where you could have the best prices. There is always a way to have best prices.

Also, have you already gathered all the information needed about permits (residence permits) ?

Have a nice day,
Anoushka

Hi Anoushka
Thank you so much for the comprehensive and detailed response.

You have been a tremendous help in a differentiating a "leap of faith" from "reality".

I have taken note of your advice regarding "covering all the bases"

I and my family are deeply grateful for your help

Best regards
Glenn

No problem Glenn, my pleasure 

You may also read different topics on the forum on how to make the best financial decisions such as :

Buying a second hand car vs hiring a car vs importing your car

Renting from individuals rather from agencies

International health insurance vs local health insurance

Have a lovely weekend,
Anoushka

Hello we plan to move to Mauritius next year and would like to know rhe budget I need.

We are family with small child and mainly I am interested in decent health insurance for us. There I have no clue.

For grocery I expect 30k per month and for rent 30-40k including utilities+internet. Is that a good estimation?

Thx

Hi Martinur198,

Grocery shopping and rent could be less than your estimations. Prices are subject to change (inflation etc), so, I would suggest you frequently have a look at local websites to have an idea about market price.

Housing
https://www.expat.com/en/housing/africa/mauritius/https://www.lexpressproperty.com/en/https://weshare.mu/en/https://www.papmu.com/
FB pages (House for rent etc)

Grocery
https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/c … =Mauritius

Health insurance
Whether you choose an international health insurance or a local one, feel free to order quotes so as to compare prices and their coverage plans.

- Your expat Health insurance in Mauritius
-  Local health insurance in Mauritius ( swanforlife , MUA - Mauritius Union, sicom, LIC are the most popular ones)

Kind regards,
Anoushka

January 2021 comparitive cost of living estimates show Cost of Living in Mauritius is 26% more than South Africa but that Rent is now 22% CHEAPER IN Mauritius than South Africa.

see the data here:
https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/c … =Mauritius