Everything hinges on your accommodation.
In 2026, estimate the cost of living in Mauritius It essentially boils down to answering three questions: where you live (North/West vs center), what type of accommodation (simple apartment or villa), and if you pay for private/international tuition. In this guide, you will find orders of magnitude in figures (rent, groceries, transport, water/electricity, internet) and indicative monthly budgets to build your expatriation plan.
Key points to remember: In Mauritius, the budget can vary from one to three times the cost depending on the area (Port-Louis vs seaside areas) and depending on the type of schooling (public/private/international).
What affects the cost of living in Mauritius (the 6 key factors)
- The accommodation (rent, standard, proximity to the sea, residence with caretaker/swimming pool).
- The area : Port-Louis/centre of the plateau (often more “practical”) vs North & West (often more “beach-oriented”).
- Your “local vs imported” mix” (food products, wines, cheeses, brands).
- Mobility : without a car (bus/metro/taxis) or with a car (fuel + maintenance + insurance).
- Schooling : nursery/private/international school = major position.
- Your lifestyle : restaurants, sports, outings, travel in the region.
Key figures for 2026: currency, inflation and exchange rates (to convert your budget)
Mauritian Rupee (MUR) and Exchange Rate
The local currency is the Mauritian rupee (MUR). To convert your reference values into euros/dollars, the most reliable method is to follow the indicative exchange rates of the Bank of Mauritius. At January 26, 2026, Bank of Mauritius displays, in particular:
- USD : sale around 45.98 MUR for 1 USD
- EUR : sale around 54.79 MUR for 1 EUR
Source : Bank of Mauritius – Consolidated Indicative Exchange Rates. (bom.mu)
Inflation: Why your expenses change from year to year
Prices don't move randomly: inflation gives an idea of the general trend. Statistics Mauritius indicates a "headline" inflation rate of 3,4% over the 12 months ending in September 2025, and a forecast around 3.8% for the year 2025. (statsmauritius.govmu.org)
At a macro level, the IMF projects average inflation of approximately 3.6% in 2025–2026 (projections). (imf.org)
Housing: the number one expense in the cost of living in Mauritius
On the island, housing is the primary factor in optimizing your monthly budget. Price variations are explained by: proximity to the coast, level of services (secure residence, generator, swimming pool), furnishings, and rental pressure in certain areas.
Table: Monthly rents in Port Louis (2026 projections)
| Accommodation type (Port Louis) | Monthly rent (WALL) | Observed range (WALL) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom apartment – city center | 22 633 | 10,000 – 29,600 |
| 1-bedroom apartment – outside the city center | 12 500 | 6,000 – 22,000 |
| 3-bedroom apartment – city center | 35 950 | 20,000 – 55,000 |
| 3-bedroom apartment – outside the city center | 28 900 | 15,000 – 40,000 |
Indicative data from contributions (update) January 6, 2026) : Numbeo – Cost of Living in Port Louis. (numbeo.com)
Long-term rental: to be expected in addition to the rent
- Charges (electricity, water, internet) depending on usage and area.
- Equipment : air conditioners, household appliances, gas cylinders (if used), furniture if unfurnished.
- Entrance fees : depending on the case, security deposit and/or agency fees (variable).
Charges & subscriptions (water, electricity, internet, mobile)
Water: Domestic tariffs (CWA)
There Central Water Authority (CWA) publishes a domestic grid where water is free of charge for 0 to 6 m³, then billed in installments (and with a minimum charge on certain installments).cwa.govmu.org)
Source : CWA – Tariffs and Charges.
Electricity: average residential price (benchmark per kWh)
For a simple benchmark, data compiled from local sources indicates a residential price around 6.140 MUR/kWh (collection June 2025). (globalpetrolprices.com)
Source : GlobalPetrolPrices – Mauritius electricity prices (indicates CEB/URA as sources).globalpetrolprices.com)
Home internet: benchmarks 2026 (fiber)
For fixed internet, fiber optic offers provide a good point of comparison. For example, my.t displays “Fibre Internet Only” packages starting from approximately 1,100 MUR/month (50 Mbps) and around 1,700 MUR/month (200 Mbps), depending on the options.myt.mu)
Source : my.t – Broadband offers. (myt.mu)
Mobile & “basic” charges: order of magnitude monthly
In Port Louis, published markers indicate:
- “Basic” charges” (electricity/water/waste…) for an apartment ~85 m²: 2,300 MUR/month (range 1,500–4,000)
- Mobile plan : 480 MUR/month (range 350–2000)
Source : Numbeo – Port Louis (Utilities & Mobile). (numbeo.com)
Food: markets, supermarkets and imported products
On the island, you can significantly adjust your grocery budget: markets + local products vs imported products (often more expensive). Here are some pointers in Port Louis (indicative prices):
- Milk (1 L): 74.43 MUR (60–105)
- White bread (500 g): 35.75 WALL (10–60)
- Rice (1 kg): 53.33 MUR (45–65)
- Chicken fillets (1 kg): 265 WALL (95–400)
- Tomatoes (1 kg): 122 WALL (60–200)
Source : Numbeo – Port Louis (Markets). (numbeo.com)
For a "floor" benchmark (calories / typical basket), Numbeo also publishes a minimum recommended approximately:
- ~8,213 MUR/month per person (scenario “Asian food types”)
- ~11,038 MUR/month per person (scenario “food per person”)
Source : Numbeo – Food prices (Mauritius). (numbeo.com)
Transportation: buses, subways, taxis, and fuel
Public transport: tickets and passes
In Port Louis, a one-way ticket is indicated around 44 WALL (38–50) and a monthly subscription around 1,000 WALLS (1,000–3,000), according to published data.numbeo.com)
Metro Express: example of a published fare schedule
Metro Express provides a grid (document of June 2021) featuring Adult/Single Use Ticket journeys ranging, for example, from 11 WALL (short distances) to 20 WALL (certain connections). This gives a order of magnitude Useful for budgeting, although prices may change.mauritiusmetroexpress.mu)
Source : Metro Express – Fare (PDF). (mauritiusmetroexpress.mu)
Car: fuel (official STC reference)
If you drive, fuel becomes a critical expense. State Trading Corporation (STC) publishes a pricing structure indicating in particular a pump price of :
- Petrol (Mogas): 58.45 MUR/L
- Diesel (Gas Oil): 58.95 MUR/L
(Structure “wef 04 November 2025”.) Source: STC – Price Structure. (stcmu.com)
Health: public, private and insurance (how to budget without making mistakes)
Health costs are difficult to estimate in advance, as everything depends on your age, medical history, chosen insurance coverage, and whether you use private healthcare. To budget wisely:
- Treat the’health insurance as a separate position (and request quotes based on your profile).
- Keep a "Medical contingencies" allowance“ (consultations, examinations, pharmacy).
- If you are a foreign entrepreneur or employee, check the requirements related to your residence status/permit and to your cover.
Education & childcare: a job that changes everything
Nursery / preschool (monthly reference point)
In Port Louis, a private, full-time nursery/kindergarten is recommended around 7,250 MUR/month (5,000–9,000). (numbeo.com)
International schools: annual benchmarks + real-world example (2025/2026)
In Port Louis, Numbeo indicates an “International Primary School” around 362,766.67 MUR/year (fork 180,000–608,300 MUR/year). (numbeo.com)
To illustrate with a school document (fees 2025–2026), Northfields publishes, for example, Year 2–Year 4 (Expatriates) a “Yearly Fee per child” of 288 200 MUR, with additional costs (application, filing, resources…). (northfields.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com)
Sources: Numbeo – Childcare & School (numbeo.com) ; Northfields – Fees 2025–2026 (PDF). (northfields.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com)
Monthly budget in Mauritius in 2026: 3 scenarios (with calculations)
The budgets below are estimates constructed from published ranges (mainly Port Louis) and serve as a basis for discussion. do not include : plane tickets, visas/permits, car purchase, travel, and no “luxury” expenses.
Table: Indicative monthly budgets (MUR)
| Profile | Accommodation (rent) | Essential budget (excluding school) | With 1 child in an international school (if applicable) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo (without a car) | 1 ea. outside the center: 6,000–22,000 (numbeo.com) | ~18,163–43,738 (rent + utilities + internet + mobile + basic food + transport)myt.mu) | — |
| Couple (without a car) | 1 ea. center: 10,000–29,600 (numbeo.com) | ~31,726–67,376 (Hypothesis: 2 mobile lines + 2 transport passes)myt.mu) | — |
| Family (2 adults + 2 children) | 3 rooms. outside the center: 15,000–40,000 (numbeo.com) | ~53,152–99,852 (Minimum food x4, transport x2 adults) (myt.mu) | +15,000 to +50,692/month (international school, annualized benchmark) (numbeo.com) |
Taxes to be aware of (indirect impact on prices)
The VAT (VAT) in Mauritius is generally 15% on taxable goods and services, with exceptions (zero-rated/exempt).practiceguides.chambers.com)
Helpful tip: Some recent tax measures may affect everyday prices or services (e.g., adjustments to product lists). For up-to-date information, refer to official publications and analyses from reputable firms.
Practical tips to reduce your cost of living in Mauritius (without sacrificing your comfort)
- Choose the area according to your pace If you don't go out much, a lower rent can be worth more than a "prestigious" address.
- Negotiate over the long term : a longer lease or an advance payment can sometimes improve the conditions (depending on the landlord).
- Optimize your shopping : markets + local products for everyday use, imported for “pleasure” (controlled budget).
- Get ready for school : application for a place, additional fees, deposit, school transport.
- Calculate the full “car cost” (not just the essence) before making a decision.
Useful resources to prepare for your expatriation
To further develop your project, you can consult:
- Living in Mauritius: turnkey expatriation and real estate (Expat Mauritius)
- Expatriation guides – Expat Mauritius
FAQ – Cost of living in Mauritius (frequently asked questions)
What monthly budget should I plan for to live in Mauritius in 2026 without having to deprive myself?
Without "luxury," your budget depends mainly on the rent. In Port Louis, a 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center is listed between 6,000 and 22,000 MUR/month.numbeo.comAdding in essentials (utilities, internet, mobile, basic food, transport), a solo person typically spends between 18,000 and 44,000 MUR/month (excluding going out and car expenses), depending on the assumptions.myt.mu) For an accurate estimate, start with your target area and your shopping style (local/imported).
Is the cost of living higher in the North and West (Grand Baie, Tamarin, Flic-en-Flac)?
Often, yes, especially for housing: sought-after seaside areas (close to the sea, serviced residences) can drive rents up. A good approach is to set a maximum housing budget, then weigh up the options: size vs. proximity to the beach vs. commute time. To make a more objective assessment, first compare 2-3 areas (North/West/Central) and create a comprehensive budget (rent + transport + entertainment + school). The final impact can far exceed the difference in rent.
How much do utilities (water, electricity, internet) cost in Mauritius?
In Port Louis, a benchmark for "basic charges" (electricity/water/waste…) for an apartment of approximately 85 m² is indicated at around 2,300 MUR/month (1,500–4,000).numbeo.comFor internet, a fiber "internet only" offer can start at around 1,100 MUR/month (depending on the speed).myt.muWater is billed in tiers, and the domestic tariff provides 0–6 m³ free of charge.cwa.govmu.org)
What is the price of petrol in Mauritius in 2026?
The price is published via the STC. A price structure (in effect since November 4, 2025) indicates a pump price of approximately 58.45 MUR/L for gasoline (Mogas) and 58.95 MUR/L for diesel (Gas Oil).stcmu.com) To budget, multiply your monthly mileage by your consumption (L/100 km) then by this price, without forgetting maintenance, insurance and unforeseen expenses (tires, battery, etc.).
What budget should be planned for an international school in Mauritius?
This is one of the most variable positions. In Port Louis, a benchmark “International Primary School” is estimated at around 180,000 to 608,300 MUR/year (i.e., ~15,000 to ~50,692 MUR/month when annualized).numbeo.comIn practice, add the ancillary costs: registration, deposit, resources, transport, activities. For example, a Northfields document (2025–2026) shows 288,200 MUR/year for Year 2–Year 4 (Expatriates), plus associated costs.northfields.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com)
And now ?
If you want to create a realistic budget (housing, neighborhood, schools, administrative procedures, settling in) and avoid unpleasant surprises, Expat Mauritius can help you structure your expatriation project and your arrival on the island. Start by contacting us through our website. Expat Mauritius, or explore our expatriation guides to move forward step by step.
