Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Morocco is attracting more and more expatriates drawn by its sunny climate, cultural richness, and affordable cost of living. But what should you realistically expect in terms of budget? Let’s dive into the details to help you best prepare for your move to this fascinating country.
Boosted Purchasing Power: Morocco vs. France
The cost of living in Morocco is overall much lower than in France, with prices averaging 50% less. This significant difference allows expatriates to enjoy considerably greater purchasing power.
Let’s look at some concrete examples:
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around €3.85 in Morocco compared to €15 in France
- A 50cl draft beer is €2.89 in Morocco compared to €6 in France
- A kilo of chicken costs €5.57 in Morocco compared to around €10 in France
- A monthly gym membership averages €25 in Morocco compared to €40 in France
This price difference is found in all areas: food, housing, transportation, leisure… Enough to live comfortably on a much smaller budget than in Europe!
Housing: The Biggest Expense, Yet Affordable
Housing typically represents the largest portion of an expatriate’s budget. Here too, prices are very attractive compared to France:
- A one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages €310 per month
- A three-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around €604 per month
- On the outskirts, expect €180 for a one-bedroom apartment and €327 for three bedrooms
For comparison, these rents are 60-70% cheaper than in France for equivalent properties. Enough to get a spacious, comfortable home without breaking the bank!
Eating Well for Next to Nothing
Food is another area where savings are substantial. Local products are particularly affordable:
- 1 kg of tomatoes: €0.76
- 1 kg of apples: €1.31
- 1 kg of chicken: €5.57
- 1 liter of milk: €0.79
- A mid-range bottle of wine: €6.74
Shopping at the local market can cut the bill even further. A monthly budget of €200-250 is more than enough for a single person who cooks regularly at home.
Getting Around Without Breaking the Bank
Transportation is also very affordable in Morocco:
- A bus ticket costs around €0.50
- A 1 km taxi ride averages €0.70
- Gasoline is around €1.40 per liter
For those who prefer having their own vehicle, maintenance and insurance are also cheaper than in Europe.
Monthly Budget for an Expatriate: What to Expect?
Taking all these factors into account, here is an estimate of the monthly budget needed to live comfortably in Morocco:
- Rent (1-bedroom apartment in city center): €310
- Utilities (electricity, water, internet): €60
- Groceries: €250
- Transportation: €50
- Leisure and entertainment: €200
- Miscellaneous: €100
Total: approximately €970 per month
- Rent (3-bedroom apartment in city center): €604
- Utilities: €100
- Groceries: €500
- Transportation: €100
- Schooling (international school): €300
- Leisure and entertainment: €300
- Miscellaneous: €200
Total: approximately €2100 per month
These budgets allow you to live very comfortably, with a standard of living equal to or even higher than what you might have in France with a much higher salary.
Morocco: An Eldorado for Expatriates?
With such a favorable cost of living, Morocco appears to be a top destination for expatriates seeking a better quality of life. The savings on everyday expenses allow you to fully enjoy the country’s cultural and natural riches while building up a comfortable nest egg.
However, it’s important to note that some imported products can be more expensive than in Europe. Likewise, private healthcare services, often preferred by expatriates, can represent a significant cost.
Despite these few drawbacks, Morocco remains a very financially attractive destination for expatriates. With a monthly budget of €1,000 to €2,000 depending on your family situation, you can live comfortably and fully enjoy everything this beautiful country has to offer.
Good to know:
The cost of living in Morocco is on average 50% lower than in France, giving expatriates significantly greater purchasing power. A monthly budget of €1,000 to €2,000 is enough to live comfortably depending on your family situation.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
