The cost of living in Mauritius depends mainly on your accommodation and your mobility.
If you are preparing for an expatriation, the goal is not to "find a magic number", but to build a realistic budget according to the area where you live (coast vs centre), your type of accommodation (apartment, villa, residence) and your habits (car, outings, imported products). In this guide, you will find orders of magnitude in figures from public sources (2023–2025) and a method to estimate your monthly budget.
Updated: January 2026. The most recent official expenditure structure data available from public sources comes primarily from the 2023 results of Statistics Mauritius, and the most recent inflation figures cited here are for 2025.statsmauritius.govmu.org)
To learn more about the installation process (procedures, neighborhoods, practical advice), you can also consult the expatriation guides Expat Mauritius.
Overview: How is a “typical” budget allocated in Mauritius?
A useful basis for understanding budget structure is the “Household Budget” survey: in 2023, the average monthly household consumption expenditure was Rs 41,870. The main positions are: food (25%), transportation (16%) and accommodation + charges (10%). (statsmauritius.govmu.org)
Keep in mind: these figures describe an average for households (all situations combined). An expatriate may be above average (higher rents on the coast, more imports, private schooling, etc.) or below average (more local lifestyle, simpler housing, no car).
Regarding price trends, the annual inflation (12 months) ending in September 2025 is indicated at 3,4% (compared to 3.8% a year earlier), with a forecast of around 3.8% for the year 2025.statsmauritius.govmu.org)
Accommodation in Mauritius: rents, neighborhoods and charges
Long-term rentals: rents (benchmarks 2025)
Housing is generally the number one expense for an expat, especially if you're targeting highly sought-after areas (north and west, coast, newer developments). The figures below are... monthly rents “asking rents” (Prices shown) published in 2025 by Global Property Guide. (globalpropertyguide.com)
To give an idea in rupees, we are using here a rate close to that integrated into the STC's fuel price structure at November 4, 2025 (Rs/US$ ≈ 46.43). (stcmu.com)
Table – Orders of magnitude of monthly rents (2025)
| Type of accommodation | Average monthly rent (USD) | Order of magnitude (Rs/MUR) | Source / note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom (average “Mauritius all locations”) | ~ 555 $ | ~ Rs 25,800 | Asking rents (2025) (globalpropertyguide.com) |
| 2 bedrooms (average “Mauritius all locations”) | ~ 840 $ | ~ Rs 39,000 | Asking rents (2025) (globalpropertyguide.com) |
| 3 bedrooms (average “Mauritius all locations”) | ~ 1 550 $ | ~ Rs 72,000 | Asking rents (2025) (globalpropertyguide.com) |
| 4+ bedrooms (average “Mauritius all locations”) | ~ 2 875 $ | ~ Rs 133,500 | Asking rents (2025) (globalpropertyguide.com) |
Quick read: In practice, for the same surface area, the coast (and some residences) can be significantly more expensive than inland. Conversely, by moving away from tourist areas, one can find more affordable rents—sometimes with a longer commute.
Budget advice: If you're hesitating between two areas, calculate the "total cost": rent + fuel/commute time + any parking fees + daily comfort. A slightly higher rent can sometimes lower your transportation costs.
Housing costs: water, electricity, internet (official figures)
Charges vary depending on the equipment (air conditioning, water heater, pool, irrigation), the size of the household, and the contract (residential, condominium association, etc.). Here are some official and easy-to-verify guidelines.
- Water (CWA): in “domestic”, 0–6 m³ is indicated as free ; then minimum (7–10 m³) to Rs 45, and then increments (e.g., Rs 6/m³, Rs 8/m³, etc., depending on consumption).cwa.govmu.org)
- Electricity (CEB): Domestic tariff in tiers (e.g., initial tiers at Rs 3.16/kWh then tiers up to Rs 8.77/kWh “all additional”).ceb.mu)
- Fiber internet (my.t): indicative offers starting from Rs 1,100/month (50 Mbps, “internet only”), up to several thousand depending on the speed.myt.mu)
For everyday needs (cooking), the gas cylinder is an item not to be forgotten: the STC indicates, for example Rs 80 for a bottle LPG 5 kg (effective June 8, 2024).stcmu.com)
Shopping & food: how much to budget at the supermarket and market
The “structural” benchmark (average budget 2023)
In 2023, the average monthly household expenditure on the item “Food and non-alcoholic beverages” is indicated at Rs 10,480. (statsmauritius.govmu.org)
This figure is primarily used to starting point : your actual budget will depend heavily on the proportion of imports (cheeses, cured meats, “organic” products, wines, etc.), eating habits, and the choice between market and supermarket.
Subsidized/regulated products: some useful guidelines
Some products and fuels have prices published by the State Trading Corporation (STC). Examples of prices displayed:
- Ration rice: Rs 5.40 For ½ kilo (and Rs 28 for 2.5 kg).stcmu.com)
- Flour (white wheat flour): Rs 4.85 For ½ kilo. (stcmu.com)
- LPG: Rs 80 (5 kg), Rs 95 (6 kg), Rs 190 (12 kg).stcmu.com)
Land price (indicative benchmarks, end of 2025)
In addition, platforms like Numbeo provide prices indicators (Declared data) on common products in Port Louis: milk ~Rs 74/L, bread ~Rs 33/500g, rice ~Rs 53/kg, eggs (12) ~Rs 114, chicken ~Rs 265/kg, etc. To be used as order of magnitude, not as an official scale.numbeo.com)
Transportation in Mauritius: public transport, metro and car
Metro Express: convenient for the central route (fares published)
The Metro Express is particularly useful if you live or work on the route. Port Louis – Rose Hill – Quatre Bornes (and extensions). A price list published during the “Phase 2A” launch (dated on June 18, 2021) displays typical routes between Rs 20, Rs 30 And Rs 40 depending on the zones/stations (e.g., Quatre Bornes Central ↔ Port Louis Victoria at Rs 40).mauritiusmetroexpress.mu)
The map MECard has an acquisition cost (e.g. Adult: Rs 150 including Rs 100 credit) and Metro Express indicates an advantage of 5 to 10% per journey using the MECard rather than a “single-use ticket”.mauritiusmetroexpress.mu)
Buses: extensive network, prices vary depending on the route
The bus remains the most common mode of transport, with fares varying depending on the operator and distance. In practice, many expatriates choose:
- bus + walking (reduced budget, longer travel time),
- metro + bus on the central axis,
- car (often essential if you live off the main roads or if you have children).
Car: fuel (official STC prices, November 2025)
The STC publishes pump prices: at November 4, 2025, Mogas (petrol) = Rs 58.45/L And Gas Oil (diesel) = Rs 58.95/L. (stcmu.com)
Note: In addition to fuel, the car budget can include maintenance, insurance, parking, and taxes (which can change). Statistics Mauritius, for example, mentions a contribution from the price index. road tax rising between June and September 2025.statsmauritius.govmu.org)
Concrete examples: estimating your monthly budget (simple method)
Here's a reliable method: start with 3 major positions (housing, food, transport), then add your fixed costs (internet, electricity/water) and your lifestyle (going out, sports, imports).
For reference, the 2023 survey indicates an average consumer expenditure of Rs 41,870, of which approximately Rs 10,480 for the power supply (25%), ~Rs 6,630 for transport (16%) and ~Rs 4,187 for “housing, water, electricity, gas…” (10%). (statsmauritius.govmu.org)
Table – Three budget scenarios (to be adjusted)
| Scenario | Accommodation (rent) | Races | Transportation | Utilities (water/electricity/internet) | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| “Local” life (interior, simple accommodation) | To be estimated based on announcements (often lower than in coastal areas) | Starting point: ~Rs 10,480 (2023 household average) | Starting point: ~Rs 6,630 (2023 household average) | Internet from ~Rs 1,100 + electricity/water according to consumption | A solid base to start with, then fine-tune to suit your home.statsmauritius.govmu.org) |
| Expat “coast” (1 bedroom, residence) | Order of magnitude: ~Rs 25,800/month (1BR, average 2025) | Often above average if imported products | If car: depends on mileage + fuel (Rs/L) | Higher electricity bill if air conditioning + fiber optic | Rent quickly becomes the dominant expense.globalpropertyguide.com) |
| Family (2–3 bedrooms) | Order of magnitude: ~Rs 39,000 (2BR) to ~Rs 72,000 (3BR) | Multiply according to household size | Often 1 car (or even 2) depending on the school/activity | Note: Air conditioning, water heater, swimming pool | To anticipate: housing + school fees may exceed the "average budget".globalpropertyguide.com) |
Reducing your cost of living in Mauritius: strategies that work
- Choosing the right neighborhood : the rent difference between highly sought-after coast and interior areas can be greater than the difference in grocery prices.
- Arbitrating between car and Metro Express axis If your daily life revolves around the central axis, the metro can reduce some of the costs and stress.mauritiusmetroexpress.mu)
- Limit imported products (or reserve them for a few “pleasures”): this is often where the grocery budget “goes off the rails”.
- Monitor the air conditioning A few degrees and good habits can make a real difference to your electricity bill (tiered pricing).ceb.mu)
- Compare internet offers depending on your usage (teleworking, streaming, etc.).myt.mu)
FAQ – Cost of living in Mauritius
What monthly budget should I plan for living in Mauritius as an expat?
Start by separating incompressible (rent + utilities + transport) and variable (shopping, outings, imports). Based on "structure", the 2023 survey gives an average monthly consumption expenditure of Rs 41,870 per household, where food (~25%) and transport (~16%) represent a significant expense. An expatriate's expenses may be higher if the accommodation is in a coastal area or a residence. Build your budget based on the target rent, then add groceries and transportation.statsmauritius.govmu.org)
Are rents really more expensive on the (north/west) coast?
In general, yes: expat and tourist demand concentrates a portion of the supply (residences, villas, proximity to beaches/amenities), which drives prices up. The 2025 benchmarks based on "posted" rents already show significant amounts (e.g., the average for all locations is around €555/month for a 1-bedroom, and more for 2-3 bedrooms). Inland, more affordable options can be found, but the time and cost of commuting must be factored in.globalpropertyguide.com)
How much does petrol cost in Mauritius?
Pump prices are published by the STC. In the structure “wef 04 November 2025”, the Mogas (gasoline) is indicated at Rs 58.45 per litre and the diesel (Gas Oil) at Rs 58.95 per litre. This allows you to quickly estimate a car budget: monthly kilometers × vehicle consumption × price/L. Don't forget to add maintenance, insurance, and taxes, which can change.stcmu.com)
Is the Metro Express economical for daily commutes?
On the central axis, the Metro Express can be a good budget (and comfort) option. A fare schedule published for Phase 2A (June 18, 2021) shows typical journeys between Rs 20 And Rs 40 depending on the station. The MECard (prepaid card) has a purchase cost (Adult: Rs 150 including Rs 100 credit) and Metro Express indicates a saving of 5 to 10% per journey using it compared to the “single-user” ticket.mauritiusmetroexpress.mu)
And now ?
You want to estimate your budget real (Housing + mobility + lifestyle) and ensure a smooth transition (procedures, organization, best practices)? Expat Mauritius can support you throughout your expatriation journey to Mauritius, with a structured and locally focused approach. Discover our support services at [website address]. Expat Mauritius – Living in Mauritius.
