People love to imagine Mauritius as this perfect, postcard island — palm trees, turquoise lagoons, and cocktails at sunset. And sure, all that exists. But if you’re thinking of moving here, you’ll quickly realize: paradise also comes with bills.
I’ve been living (and working) in Mauritius for a while now, and when I first moved, I had no real idea what to expect in terms of cost of living. Some things surprised me — others shocked me.
Let’s go through it all, honestly. Because if you’re considering making this island your home, it’s better to know what daily life really costs.
Housing: where your budget really starts
This is the big one. Housing in Mauritius is a huge part of your monthly expenses, and it varies drastically depending on where you live.
If you want to live near the beach — say, Grand Baie, Tamarin, or Black River — prepare for higher prices.
A nice two-bedroom apartment in those areas will cost between Rs 35,000 to Rs 80,000 per month (roughly USD 750 to 1,800).
Luxury villas or beachfront homes can easily go beyond USD 3,000–5,000 per month.
But move a little inland — say, Moka, Curepipe, or Floreal — and you can find great houses for Rs 25,000–40,000(USD 550–900). The air is cooler, the roads quieter, and you’re still within 30 minutes of the coast.
If you’re buying instead of renting, property prices start around USD 200,000 for modern apartments, and can climb past USD 1 million for luxury villas. But compared to Europe or Dubai, you still get far more for your money.
Groceries and daily life
This one’s tricky. If you live like a local — buying fruits, vegetables, and fish from the market — life is surprisingly affordable.
But if you crave imported brands or European-style grocery stores, the costs climb fast.
Here’s a rough idea:
• Fresh vegetables (local markets) – Rs 800/week (~USD 18)
• Milk, eggs, bread – Rs 600/week (~USD 13)
• Imported cheese or wine – Rs 500–700 per item (~USD 12–15)
• Chicken or fish – Rs 300–500/kg (~USD 7–11)
The thing is, local markets are not only cheaper — they’re also an experience. You’ll find people calling out prices in Creole, smell fresh coriander, hear music, and maybe walk out with three extra mangoes just because the seller liked your smile.
Supermarkets like Super U, Winner’s, or Dream Price are convenient, but they charge a premium for imported products.
Transportation: car or no car?
This is one of the few things people underestimate.
Public transportation works, but it’s slow and limited — especially if you live outside main towns.
So most expats end up buying or renting a car.
• Small car rental: around Rs 15,000/month (~USD 320)
• Used car purchase: Rs 400,000–800,000 (USD 9,000–18,000)
• Fuel: Rs 65/litre (about USD 1.40)
Roads have improved, but traffic in the north and west can still test your patience — especially around Grand Baie at 8:30 a.m. I once spent 45 minutes trying to move 5 kilometers just because a fruit truck stalled in the middle of the road. Welcome to island life.
Utilities and internet
Electricity is quite reasonable, around Rs 2,000–3,000/month (~USD 50–70) for a small home with air conditioning.
Water is cheap — usually less than Rs 500/month.
Fiber internet (and yes, it’s fast) costs around Rs 1,200–2,000/month (~USD 25–45).
Overall, utilities rarely exceed Rs 5,000/month unless you’re running a large villa with multiple AC units 24/7.
Dining out and leisure
Now here’s where Mauritius shines. You can enjoy a beautiful life without spending a fortune.
A local meal at a small restaurant or “snack” (that’s how they call casual eateries here) costs Rs 200–300 (~USD 5–7).
Dinner at a nice beachfront restaurant with wine? Around Rs 2,000–3,000 per person (~USD 45–70).
Some expats dine out almost every evening because the atmosphere is so relaxed — and compared to big cities like London or Paris, it’s still cheap.
And don’t forget entertainment:
• Gym memberships: Rs 2,000–4,000/month
• Cinema: Rs 300
• Weekend excursions (boat trip, hike, diving): Rs 2,500–5,000
Life here is about balance. You can go hiking in the morning, have lunch by the sea, and still spend less than a single dinner out in Europe.
Healthcare and insurance
Mauritius offers both public and private healthcare.
Public hospitals are free for residents, but most expats prefer private clinics for better comfort and faster service.
• Private consultation: Rs 1,000–1,500 (~USD 25–35)
• Specialist visit: Rs 2,000–3,000 (~USD 45–70)
• Private insurance: Rs 3,000–5,000/month depending on your age and coverage.
Clinics like C-Care Darné, Wellkin, or Fortis are well equipped, and doctors are often trained in the UK or South Africa.
So, what’s the total monthly budget?
Here’s a realistic estimate for a couple living comfortably:
• Rent: Rs 40,000–60,000
• Groceries: Rs 20,000
• Utilities + internet: Rs 5,000
• Transportation: Rs 10,000
• Leisure, dining, healthcare: Rs 15,000
➡️ Total: around Rs 90,000–110,000/month (USD 2,000–2,400) for a comfortable lifestyle.
Of course, you can live cheaper if you go local, or spend triple that if you want pure luxury.
The truth nobody tells you
Mauritius can be both affordable and expensive, depending on your lifestyle.
If you expect imported products, five-star dining, and daily cocktails on the beach, you’ll pay for it.
But if you embrace local markets, simple pleasures, and the slower rhythm of island life — you’ll find it’s more than manageable.
I still remember my first weeks here. I used to panic every time I converted rupees to euros. Then I stopped. I learned to think local, live local, and appreciate the value of experiences rather than things.
And that’s the real secret: the cost of living here isn’t just about money — it’s about what you get in return.
And that, in Mauritius, is something priceless.