{"id":236,"date":"2026-01-26T15:15:32","date_gmt":"2026-01-26T15:15:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/expat-mauritius.com\/sinstaller-lile-maurice-budget-logement-ecoles-guide-complet-expatriation\/"},"modified":"2026-01-26T15:15:32","modified_gmt":"2026-01-26T15:15:32","slug":"settling-in-mauritius-budget-housing-schools-complete-expatriation-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/expat-mauritius.com\/en\/blog\/sinstaller-lile-maurice-budget-logement-ecoles-guide-complet-expatriation\/","title":{"rendered":"Relocating to Mauritius: budget, accommodation and schools (complete expat guide)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Everything happens before the plane.<\/p>\n<p>To successfully settle in Mauritius, you must above all <strong>calculate a realistic budget<\/strong>, <strong>choosing the right area for accommodation<\/strong> And <strong>securing a school solution<\/strong> (if you are coming as a family). In this guide, you will find concrete points of reference (with sourced data), administrative considerations, and a simple method for building your plan.\u2019<strong>expatriation to Mauritius<\/strong> without any unpleasant surprises.<\/p>\n<h2>1) Budget: how much should I expect to spend to settle in Mauritius?<\/h2>\n<h3>The 3 items that (really) affect the budget<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The accommodation<\/strong> : the area (North, West, Central\u2026), the type (apartment\/villa) and the level of service (furnished, residence with swimming pool, security\u2026).<\/li>\n<li><strong>The school<\/strong> : public (free on the state side) vs private\/international (often the biggest expense for families).<\/li>\n<li><strong>The status<\/strong> Visa\/permit type, processing times, supporting documents (local or remote activity, investment, retirement, etc.). The system is constantly evolving, so it&#039;s best to confirm your plan from the outset.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Key figures (2025) for estimating the cost of living<\/h3>\n<p>To give a sense of scale, a summary based on Numbeo (relayed by Foyer Global Health) indicates average monthly rents of around <strong>20,900 MUR<\/strong> for a <em>1 bedroom in the city center<\/em> And <strong>36550 MUR<\/strong> for a <em>3 bedrooms in the city center<\/em> (2025 data, indicative).<a href=\"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/destination\/the-cost-of-living-in-mauritius\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">foyerglobalhealth.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n<p>Regarding energy, you can rely on the <strong>Central Electricity Board official domestic tariffs<\/strong> (current tiered pricing system).<a href=\"https:\/\/ceb.mu\/customer-corner\/tariff\/domestic-tariff\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">ceb.mu<\/a>)<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p><strong>Practical tip:<\/strong> For a realistic budget, think in terms of \u201c<em>cost of month 1<\/em>\u201d&quot;(deposits + entry fees) then &quot;\u201c<em>stable monthly cost<\/em>\u201d&quot;(from month 3).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<h3>Table \u2013 Indicative monthly budget (2025) according to profile<\/h3>\n<p>The amounts below are <strong>forks<\/strong> They serve to frame a project, not to replace a personalized budget. The &quot;benchmark&quot; rents come from a Numbeo 2025 summary.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/destination\/the-cost-of-living-in-mauritius\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">foyerglobalhealth.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Job<\/th>\n<th>Solo (simple mode)<\/th>\n<th>Couple (comfort mode)<\/th>\n<th>Family (2 adults + 2 children)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Rent (reference point)<\/td>\n<td>1 bedroom, city center: ~20,900 MUR\/month<\/td>\n<td>2\u20133 ch. (variable)<\/td>\n<td>3 bedrooms, city center: ~36,550 MUR\/month<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Electricity (order of magnitude)<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\">Heavily dependent on air conditioning. Official tiered tariff (CEB): the more you consume, the higher the kWh price.<a href=\"https:\/\/ceb.mu\/customer-corner\/tariff\/domestic-tariff\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">ceb.mu<\/a>)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Transportation<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\">Because it is often essential depending on the area. The price of gasoline varies; a 2025 reference (source: Numbeo) mentions ~\u20ac1.32\/liter.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/destination\/the-cost-of-living-in-mauritius\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">foyerglobalhealth.com<\/a>)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Schooling<\/td>\n<td>\u2014<\/td>\n<td>\u2014<\/td>\n<td>Public: Free at the state level (secondary education has been free since 1977). Private\/international: Can exceed several hundred thousand MUR\/year depending on the school.<a href=\"https:\/\/education.govmu.org\/Pages\/Education%20Sectors\/Secondary%20Education\/Secondary-Education-.aspx\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">education.govmu.org<\/a>)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3>The &quot;entry&quot; fees to anticipate (month 1)<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Security deposit<\/strong> : often 1 to 3 months&#039; rent depending on the landlord and the type of rental (market practice, to be confirmed on a case-by-case basis).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Electricity connection<\/strong> : the CEB indicates <strong>connection fees<\/strong> and one <strong>security deposit<\/strong> (e.g., domestic connection advertised at 750 MUR + deposit according to rate).<a href=\"https:\/\/ceb.mu\/customer-corner\/electricity-tariffs-and-applicable-rates\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">ceb.mu<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li><strong>School fees<\/strong> Registration and deposit fees vary considerably. For example, Saint Exup\u00e9ry International School Mauritius displays <strong>40,000 WALLS<\/strong> registration fees (non-refundable) + <strong>37,000 MUR<\/strong> refundable deposit (see \u201cTuition fees\u201d page).<a href=\"https:\/\/en.seis.mu\/frais-de-scolarite\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">en.seis.mu<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Permit \/ Residence<\/strong> Depending on the program, statutory fees may apply. Note: the EDB indicates that a <strong>processing fee of USD 50<\/strong> (non-refundable) applies <strong>from December 1, 2025<\/strong> for Occupation Permit and Residence Permit applications.<a href=\"https:\/\/residency.mu\/invest\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">residency.mu<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>2) Accommodation: where to live in Mauritius and how to rent without stress<\/h2>\n<h3>Choose your zone: North, West, Central\u2026 (simple logic)<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>North (Grand Baie, etc.)<\/strong> : very popular with expats, lively atmosphere, beach access, but rents often higher.<\/li>\n<li><strong>West (Tamarin, etc.)<\/strong> : \u201csea + activities\u201d lifestyle, appreciated for the work\/leisure balance.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Center (Moka and central plateau)<\/strong> : convenient for travel, schools, services, cooler climate.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Port Louis \/ surrounding area<\/strong> : \u201cbusiness proximity\u201d logic, but the living experience depends heavily on the neighborhood.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Rental: points to check before signing<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Furnished vs. unfurnished<\/strong> : a furnished apartment reduces initial purchases (often useful in the first 3\u20136 months).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Energy-intensive equipment<\/strong> Air conditioning, water heater, swimming pool\u2026 (direct impact on the bill, with a progressive kWh rate).<a href=\"https:\/\/ceb.mu\/customer-corner\/tariff\/domestic-tariff\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">ceb.mu<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Internet<\/strong> : request a speed test and the installation time before moving in (crucial for teleworking).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Daily access<\/strong> : real-time travel to school, supermarket, main roads (in Mauritius, a few kilometers can change the routine).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3>Buying property: pay attention to residency status<\/h3>\n<p>Depending on your strategy (residence, investment, long term), the rules vary. For the &quot;residence\/permit&quot; process, the EDB centralizes many procedures via the NELS system and publishes reference information.<a href=\"https:\/\/residency.mu\/live\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">residency.mu<\/a>)<\/p>\n<p>To discover the &quot;turnkey expatriation&quot; approach (housing, schools, settling in), you can consult the page <a href=\"https:\/\/expat-mauritius.com\/en\/\" target=\"_self\">Live in Mauritius with Expat Mauritius<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>3) Schools in Mauritius: public, private, international (and how much they cost)<\/h2>\n<h3>Public schools: what the state says (and what it implies)<\/h3>\n<p>THE <strong>Secondary education has been free in Mauritius since 1977<\/strong> and he is <strong>became compulsory up to age 16 from 2005<\/strong> (Information published on the ministry&#039;s website).<a href=\"https:\/\/education.govmu.org\/Pages\/Education%20Sectors\/Secondary%20Education\/Secondary-Education-.aspx\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">education.govmu.org<\/a>)<\/p>\n<p>In practice, many expatriate families nevertheless choose private\/international schools for reasons of language, continuity of program (IB, British, French) or availability of places.<\/p>\n<h3>Private\/International Schools: Ranges and Examples 2024\u20132027<\/h3>\n<p>Fees vary depending on the program, age, and institution. To illustrate with published figures:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Saint Exup\u00e9ry International School Mauritius (Grand Baie)<\/strong> : poster <strong>222,000 MUR<\/strong> annual fees (period indicated \u201cSeptember 2026 to August 2027\u201d) + registration fees.<a href=\"https:\/\/en.seis.mu\/frais-de-scolarite\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">en.seis.mu<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Northfields International School<\/strong> : 2025\/2026 expense data (according to a specialized database) mentions, for example <strong>161,700 MUR\/year<\/strong> for Nursery 2 and levels that rise significantly in secondary school. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.international-schools-database.com\/in\/mauritius\/northfields-international-school-mauritius\/fees\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">international-schools-database.com<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>How to choose a school (5-criteria method)<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Curriculum<\/strong> French, British (IGCSE\/A-Levels), IB\u2026<\/li>\n<li><strong>Language<\/strong> : language of instruction + languages actually used on a daily basis.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Journeys<\/strong> : the \u201cright\u201d choice of school also depends on the neighborhood where you live.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Total budget<\/strong> : annual fees + registration + deposit + uniform + transport + canteen.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Availability<\/strong> : possible waiting lists (so start early, especially in the North\/West).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>For more practical resources, you can consult <a href=\"https:\/\/expat-mauritius.com\/en\/guides\/\" target=\"_self\">Expat Mauritius expatriation guides<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>4) Visas, permits, taxes: what you need to understand before settling in<\/h2>\n<h3>Premium Visa: for a long stay (remote work \/ extended stay)<\/h3>\n<p>THE <strong>Premium Visa<\/strong> is presented by the authorities as a visa allowing a non-citizen to stay <strong>1 year<\/strong>, <strong>renewable<\/strong>, particularly for a long stay (tourist, retiree, remote professional).<a href=\"https:\/\/passport.govmu.org\/passport\/%3Fpage_id%3D595\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">passport.govmu.org<\/a>)<\/p>\n<p>The Passport and Immigration Office also indicates that the <strong>Premium Visa is free<\/strong> (no charge).<a href=\"https:\/\/passport.govmu.org\/passport\/%3Fpage_id%3D595\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">passport.govmu.org<\/a>)<\/p>\n<p>Regarding supporting documents, press sources often indicate an order of magnitude of\u2019<strong>at least USD 1,500\/month<\/strong> and travel\/health insurance. These criteria may change, so you should check the required documents at the time of application.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ndtv.com\/lifestyle\/mauritius-is-offering-premium-travel-visa-for-free-that-lets-you-live-and-work-there-for-up-to-a-year-know-how-to-apply-9001666\/amp\/1\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">ndtv.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n<h3>Occupation Permit \/ Residence Permit: be aware of application fees (since 2025)<\/h3>\n<p>For more \u201cstructural\u201d permits (local activity, residence, etc.), the EDB reminds applicants that applications are made via NELS and specifies that a <strong>processing fee of USD 50<\/strong> applies <strong>from December 1, 2025<\/strong> for Occupation Permit and Residence Permit applications.<a href=\"https:\/\/residency.mu\/invest\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">residency.mu<\/a>)<\/p>\n<h3>Taxes and duties: useful benchmarks (2025\u20132026)<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Income tax (PAY)<\/strong> The MRA table indicates a 3-tier scale (0% on the first 500,000 MUR, 10% on the next 500,000 MUR, then 20% beyond).<a href=\"https:\/\/mra.mu\/index.php\/employers\/paye\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">mra.mu<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Budget Measures 2025\u20132026<\/strong> PwC Mauritius details, in particular, adjustments and a \u201cFair-Share Contribution\u201d for certain high incomes (to be analyzed according to your profile).<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pwc.com\/mu\/en\/events\/budget\/taxation.html\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">pwc.com<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li><strong>VAT<\/strong> The MRA reminds everyone that the VAT rate in Mauritius is <strong>15%<\/strong>. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mra.mu\/index.php\/taxes-duties\/mauritius-peer-review\/26-vat\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">mra.mu<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>5) Health, insurance, daily life: the essentials to get off to a good start<\/h2>\n<h3>Healthcare: public vs. private<\/h3>\n<p>In Mauritius, there is a network of public hospitals and private clinics. Specialist guides indicate that access to public hospitals is generally free for residents (but not necessarily for non-residents), while private hospitals are faster but more expensive.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.expat.com\/en\/guide\/africa\/mauritius\/136-health-in-mauritius.html\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">expat.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n<p>In practice, many expatriates prefer a <strong>international health insurance<\/strong> (at least for the first few years), especially if you want access to the private area and\/or evacuation coverage.<\/p>\n<h3>Electricity: understanding the \u201cprogressive\u201d (and avoiding the air conditioning surprise)<\/h3>\n<p>The CEB domestic tariff is <strong>progressive in stages<\/strong> The price per kWh increases with consumption, making air conditioning a significant factor in the budget. The official tariff schedule (rates 110\/120\/140) is published by the CEB.<a href=\"https:\/\/ceb.mu\/customer-corner\/tariff\/domestic-tariff\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">ceb.mu<\/a>)<\/p>\n<h2>6) Installation checklist (simple and effective)<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Confirm status<\/strong> (visa\/permit) and gather key supporting documents (income, insurance, accommodation).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Choose an area<\/strong> depending on school \/ work \/ lifestyle.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Signing a housing agreement<\/strong> (anticipating storage + connections + internet).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Block the school<\/strong> (registration + schedule + transport).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Build a stable monthly budget<\/strong> (rent + energy + transport + health + schooling + margin).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2>FAQ \u2013 Expatriation to Mauritius (frequently asked questions)<\/h2>\n<h3>What monthly budget should I plan for to live in Mauritius in 2026?<\/h3>\n<p>There is no single figure: the budget depends mainly on the <strong>accommodation<\/strong>, of the <strong>schooling<\/strong> and of the <strong>comfort level<\/strong>. To provide a framework, you can start with &quot;benchmark&quot; rents for 2025 (e.g., ~20,900 MUR\/month for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center, ~36,550 MUR\/month for a 3-bedroom apartment) and add energy\/transport\/healthcare costs.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/destination\/the-cost-of-living-in-mauritius\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">foyerglobalhealth.com<\/a>The best calculation is to separate \u201cmonth 1\u201d (deposits, registrations, connections) and \u201cstabilized monthly\u201d from month 3 onwards.<\/p>\n<h3>Are public schools in Mauritius free for expatriates?<\/h3>\n<p>The government indicates that the <strong>Secondary education has been free since 1977<\/strong> and compulsory up to the age of 16 since 2005.<a href=\"https:\/\/education.govmu.org\/Pages\/Education%20Sectors\/Secondary%20Education\/Secondary-Education-.aspx\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">education.govmu.org<\/a>In reality, access and experience can depend on the language of instruction, the sector, and the availability of places. Many expatriate families favor private\/international schools for educational continuity (IB\/British\/French programs) and language learning, which significantly impacts the annual budget.<\/p>\n<h3>How much do international schools cost in Mauritius?<\/h3>\n<p>Fees vary considerably depending on the institution and level. For example, Saint Exup\u00e9ry International School Mauritius charges <strong>222,000 MUR<\/strong> of annual fees (2026\u20132027 period) and registration\/deposit fees. (<a href=\"https:\/\/en.seis.mu\/frais-de-scolarite\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">en.seis.mu<\/a>Other schools may have higher fees, particularly at the secondary level (several hundred thousand MUR\/year). The important thing is to add up the <strong>total cost<\/strong> : school fees + registration + deposit + uniform + canteen + transport.<\/p>\n<h3>Is the Premium Visa a paid service and how long does it last?<\/h3>\n<p>The Passport and Immigration Office presents the Premium Visa as a visa allowing stay <strong>1 year<\/strong>, <strong>renewable<\/strong>, and indicates that it is <strong>free<\/strong> (no charge).<a href=\"https:\/\/passport.govmu.org\/passport\/%3Fpage_id%3D595\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">passport.govmu.org<\/a>Regarding practical requirements (funds, insurance, proof), press sources often mention a ballpark figure (e.g., USD 1,500\/month) and insurance, but it is essential to verify the list of required documents when submitting the application.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ndtv.com\/lifestyle\/mauritius-is-offering-premium-travel-visa-for-free-that-lets-you-live-and-work-there-for-up-to-a-year-know-how-to-apply-9001666\/amp\/1\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">ndtv.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n<h3>What taxes do you pay when you live and work in Mauritius?<\/h3>\n<p>For employees, the PAYE system provides for tax brackets published by the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA): 0% on the first 500,000 MUR, 10% on the next bracket, and then 20% beyond that.<a href=\"https:\/\/mra.mu\/index.php\/employers\/paye\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">mra.mu<\/a>Measures in the 2025\u20132026 Budget may add specific provisions for certain high incomes (to be analyzed according to your situation).<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pwc.com\/mu\/en\/events\/budget\/taxation.html\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">pwc.com<\/a>The VAT (VAT) is 15%.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mra.mu\/index.php\/taxes-duties\/mauritius-peer-review\/26-vat\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">mra.mu<\/a>)<\/p>\n<h2>And now? (next step)<\/h2>\n<p>If you want to secure your project (budget, choice of location, accommodation, schools, and administrative procedures), Expat Mauritius can support you with a local approach and personalized guidance. Start by exploring our offer. <a href=\"https:\/\/expat-mauritius.com\/en\/\" target=\"_self\">Living in Mauritius: a turnkey expatriation solution<\/a>, then explore <a href=\"https:\/\/expat-mauritius.com\/en\/\" target=\"_self\">Expat Mauritius support solutions<\/a> to move forward quickly and calmly.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Tout se joue avant l\u2019avion. Pour r\u00e9ussir votre installation \u00e0 Maurice, il faut surtout chiffrer un budget r\u00e9aliste, choisir le bon secteur pour se loger et s\u00e9curiser une solution scolaire (si vous venez en famille). Dans ce guide, vous trouverez des rep\u00e8res concrets (avec donn\u00e9es sourc\u00e9es), les points d\u2019attention administratifs et une m\u00e9thode simple pour [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":235,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-236","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/expat-mauritius.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/236","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/expat-mauritius.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/expat-mauritius.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expat-mauritius.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expat-mauritius.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=236"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/expat-mauritius.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/236\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expat-mauritius.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/235"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/expat-mauritius.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=236"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expat-mauritius.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=236"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expat-mauritius.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=236"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}