Cost of Living in Mauritius for Expats

Published on October 2, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Mauritius often evokes images of white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and palm trees gently swaying in the breeze. But beyond this postcard scenery, what is the economic reality for expatriates who choose to settle there? Let’s dive into the details of the cost of living on this paradise island in the Indian Ocean, where tropical charm meets financial considerations.

A Paradise Budget: How Much Does Living in Mauritius Really Cost?

Contrary to what one might think, living in Mauritius doesn’t necessarily mean exorbitant expenses. The cost of living is generally lower than in many Western countries, while offering an exceptional living environment. However, it’s important to note that some aspects can be more expensive, particularly for imported products.

For an expatriate, the monthly budget to plan for varies considerably depending on the desired lifestyle. On average, a household of four will spend about 2,754 euros per month to live comfortably in a major Mauritian city. This amount covers essential expenses such as housing, food, transportation, and leisure activities.

Here are some concrete examples of common expenses in Mauritius:

• Monthly rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city center: 844 euros
• Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: 25 euros
• Monthly gym membership: 30 euros
• Movie ticket: about 5 euros

These prices, while attractive compared to many European destinations, can vary depending on the regions of the island and the desired standard of living.

The Mauritian Paradox: Between Savings and Unexpected Expenses

While some aspects of daily life may seem cheap in Mauritius, others can hold surprises for expatriates. Imported products, particularly processed foods, cosmetics, and certain electronic equipment, can cost up to twice as much as in Europe. This reality often pushes expatriates to adopt a more local lifestyle, favoring domestic products and services.

Housing generally represents the largest portion of an expatriate’s budget. Although rents are generally lower than in Europe, they can vary considerably depending on location and property type. For example:

• One-bedroom apartment in the city center: 515 euros per month
• One-bedroom apartment in the suburbs: 371 euros per month
• 3-bedroom house in a sought-after residential area: can exceed 1000 euros per month

Education-related expenses can also weigh heavily on the budget of expatriate families. International schools, often preferred to ensure continuity in children’s educational paths, can charge annual tuition fees ranging from 5,000 to 15,000 euros per child.

Living Like a Local: The Key to Optimizing Your Budget

To make the most of life in Mauritius while managing your budget, it’s essential to adopt certain local habits. Here are some tips to optimize your expenses:

1. Food: Visit local markets to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish at advantageous prices. A basket of local fruits and vegetables for a week can cost between 15 and 20 euros, compared to double for imported products.

2. Transportation: Public transportation is inexpensive in Mauritius. A bus ticket costs on average 0.50 euros, while monthly car rental can amount to 400 euros. Assess your mobility needs to choose the most economical option.

3. Leisure: Enjoy the many free activities offered by Mauritian nature: beaches, hiking, snorkeling in the lagoons. Basic snorkeling equipment costs about 30 euros and will allow you to explore the island’s underwater wonders.

4. Health: The Mauritian public health system is accessible and inexpensive for residents. However, many expatriates opt for international health insurance, the monthly cost of which can range between 100 and 300 euros depending on the coverage chosen.

Expatriate Budget: Planning to Live Serenely Under the Mauritian Sun

For an expatriate wishing to maintain a comfortable standard of living in Mauritius, it is recommended to plan a monthly budget of approximately 2,000 to 3,000 euros for a couple. This amount covers essential expenses while enjoying the benefits of island life.

Here is an approximate breakdown of monthly expenses for an expatriate couple:

• Housing (2-bedroom apartment in a residential area): 700-1000 euros
• Food and groceries: 400-600 euros
• Transportation (including car rental): 300-500 euros
• Leisure and outings: 200-300 euros
• Health and insurance: 200-400 euros
• Miscellaneous (phone, internet, clothing): 200-300 euros

It’s important to note that this budget can vary considerably depending on the chosen lifestyle and the region of the island. Tourist areas like Grand Baie or Flic en Flac tend to be more expensive than cities like Curepipe or Rose Hill.

Mauritius vs Other Paradise Destinations: An Advantageous Price-Quality Ratio

Compared to other tropical destinations popular with expatriates, Mauritius positions itself favorably in terms of cost of living. For example:

• In the Seychelles, the cost of living is generally 20 to 30% higher than in Mauritius, with rents that can be up to 50% more expensive.
• In Bali, although some aspects of daily life are cheaper, imported products and international standard housing can prove more expensive than in Mauritius.
• In the Caribbean, destinations like the Bahamas or the Cayman Islands show a significantly higher cost of living, which can exceed that of Mauritius by 40 to 60%.

This comparison highlights the appeal of Mauritius for expatriates seeking a paradise setting at a reasonable cost. The island offers an interesting balance between quality of life, modern infrastructure, and controlled budget.

Conclusion: An Accessible Paradise for Savvy Expatriates

Living in Mauritius as an expatriate offers the possibility to enjoy an exceptional living environment without sacrificing your budget. With wise planning and adaptation to local habits, it’s entirely possible to lead a comfortable and enriching life on this paradise island.

The cost of living, generally lower than in many Western countries, allows expatriates to fully enjoy the island’s assets: dream beaches, lush nature, cultural diversity, and varied gastronomy. However, it’s crucial to properly assess your needs and anticipate certain specific expenses, particularly related to imported products and international education.

By adopting a balanced lifestyle, skillfully blending the advantages of local life and international comforts, expatriates can transform their stay in Mauritius into an unforgettable experience, combining quality of life and controlled budget management.