Cost of Living in Mauritius: Housing, Food, and Utilities for Foreigners

Mauritius is a tropical island nation in the Indian Ocean. It’s not just about beaches and clear waters; it’s also one of Africa’s most stable and developed economies. The country has become a magnet for expats, retirees, and digital nomads because it offers a good mix of modern conveniences, political stability, and a high standard of living.

If you’re planning to move to Mauritius, it’s important to know how much it costs to live there. Whether you want to work, retire, or start a business, understanding the budget required for housing, food, transportation, and other necessities will help you plan effectively. This guide provides detailed insights into the cost of living in Mauritius — what’s affordable, what’s expensive, and how to live comfortably on the island.

Housing Costs in Mauritius For most expats, housing is usually the largest monthly expense. The good news is that Mauritius offers a variety of homes to suit different budgets and lifestyles.

Luxury villas and apartments with ocean views in popular coastal areas like Grand Baie , Tamarin , Flic-en-Flac , and Black River can cost between MUR 50,000 and 150,000 ($1,100–3,200) per month. These areas are popular among expats for their beaches, nightlife, and shopping.

Inland areas such as Moka , Quatre Bornes , and Curepipe offer lower rents while still providing good infrastructure and cooler weather. A one-bedroom apartment in these regions may cost MUR 20,000–35,000 ($450–750) , while a family home could cost around MUR 40,000 ($900) per month.

Foreigners who wish to buy property can do so through government-approved programs like the Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS) , Real Estate Scheme (RES) , and the Property Development Scheme (PDS) . Property prices for expats usually start at $350,000 , which can also make them eligible for permanent residency.

Food and Grocery Costs Food costs in Mauritius depend on lifestyle and shopping habits.

Local markets offer affordable products like rice, fish, fruits, and vegetables. A typical expat household spends MUR 10,000–15,000 ($220–330) per month on groceries.

Imported products and Western-style grocery stores (like Intermart or Super U) are more expensive. For example, imported cheese or wine can cost twice as much as local alternatives. Eating out is relatively inexpensive: a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around MUR 600–1,000 ($13–22) per person, while a small local restaurant may charge as little as MUR 250 ($6) .

Many expats combine both approaches — buying necessities locally and occasionally purchasing imported goods — to manage costs effectively.

Internet and Utilities Compared to Western countries, utility costs in Mauritius are reasonable. For a small apartment, monthly expenses for gas, water, and electricity are approximately MUR 3,000–5,000 ($65–110) . Families using air conditioning may pay more, especially during the summer.

High-speed internet (fiber-optic) is widely available through providers like MyT , Emtel , and Bharat Telecom , with monthly plans costing MUR 1,200–2,000 ($25–45) . Mobile data is also affordable, with prepaid bundles starting at around MUR 500 ($11) .

Transportation Costs Mauritius has a growing road network and a reliable bus system that connects most towns. A bus ride costs MUR 30–50 ($0.70–1.10) depending on distance.

Many expats prefer owning a car for convenience, though imported cars can be expensive due to taxes. A small car may cost MUR 700,000–1,000,000 ($15,000–22,000) . Fuel prices average around MUR 65 ($1.40) per liter.

Ride-hailing apps like Yugo and taxis are also available but are more expensive for everyday use.

Healthcare and Insurance Mauritius offers both public and private healthcare systems. Public healthcare is free for residents but often crowded. Most expats prefer private hospitals for faster, higher-quality care.

Private healthcare costs are reasonable internationally: a general consultation ranges from MUR 1,000–2,000 ($22–45) , and private health insurance costs between MUR 2,500–6,000 ($55–130) per month depending on coverage.

Reputable private hospitals include Wellkin Hospital , City Clinic , and Fortis Clinique Darné , all with modern facilities and English-speaking staff.

Entertainment and Lifestyle Mauritius offers a wide range of leisure activities, including beaches, hiking, water sports, and cultural festivals. Depending on lifestyle, expats may spend MUR 5,000–10,000 ($110–220) per month on dining, gym memberships, or weekend trips.

A movie ticket costs approximately MUR 300 ($7) , and gym memberships range from MUR 1,500–3,000 ($35–65) per month. Popular day trips include Chamarel , Black River Gorges , and Ile aux Cerfs , all of which are affordable or free.

Monthly Budget for Expats Expense Category Cost per Month (MUR) Cost per Month (USD) Rent (1-bed apartment) 25,000–40,000 550–900 Food & Groceries 10,000–15,000 220–330 Utilities & Internet 4,000–6,000 90–130 Transportation 3,000–6,000 65–130 Healthcare & Insurance 2,000–5,000 45–110 Entertainment & Miscellaneous 5,000–10,000 110–220 Total Estimate 49,000–82,000 $1,100–1,800 Families or those preferring luxury lifestyles should budget MUR 120,000–200,000 ($2,600–4,400) per month.

Expats in Mauritius enjoy a unique balance between cost, comfort, and quality of life. While imported goods and cars can be expensive, daily expenses like housing, food, and healthcare remain reasonable. With careful budgeting, expats can live a stress-free life in a tropical paradise, surrounded by natural beauty and a vibrant multicultural community. This combination of affordability, safety, and lifestyle makes Mauritius a truly special place to live.