Financing | Living in Mauritius: how much does it cost?

In this article, we offer you an overview of the different financial aspects to consider to give you a clear overview of what to expect when moving to Mauritius.

Housing

The main expense, the cost of housing varies greatly depending on the location and type of housing sought.
For renting first, it is obvious that urbanized coastal regions are the most popular and, as such, are also the most expensive to accommodate. Counting 1,200 € per month of rent is a minimum for a single 3 bedroom house in the west or north of the island. The standing of the property and the proximity to the beach can significantly increase this amount.
In town it is possible to find nice houses or apartments from 800 € per month.

Buying property for foreigners is subject to many constraints (see our article on the different types of property accessible) but a budget of 150,000 € seems necessary for the purchase of an eligible apartment.

Feeding

With the devaluation of the rupee and significant inflation in Mauritius, the food and current consumption of households is one of the items that have suffered the most. In less than 4 years, the average basket has seen an increase of 30% for families favoring local products and up to 50% for mixed local and imported consumption. And the increase continues...

The monthly budget per person is between 150 and 300 €.
Pay attention to the restoration! If the famous Mauritian street food allows you to eat on the go for less than 5 €, a meal at the restaurant will cost you a minimum of 20 €.

Transport

The public transport network of Mauritius is well developed and relatively economical. Trips cost on average 0.5 to 2 €, depending on the distance. Buses, often old and not very comfortable, go everywhere, and a brand new light metro also allows you to travel pleasantly in urban areas.
As for private transport, the price of a litre of petrol is around €1.3 but buying a car in Mauritius is extremely expensive, the fault being high import costs and taxes on new vehicles. Difficult to find a new city car for less than 12,000 €. For example, a new Nissan Qashqai costs a minimum of 44,000 €. Obviously, the maintenance costs are in line. As for insurance, it is usually necessary to count on an annual premium of 10 to 12% of the value of the vehicle.

Education

Mauritius offers a diverse education system, with public government schools dependent on the Cambridge system and private schools. Tuition fees vary greatly depending on the institution.
On average, annual fees in a private school can range from €2,000 to €5,000. It is essential to note that fees can increase for international schools offering specific programs. Overall, private schools offering international courses are of a very good standard.

Health care

The health system in Mauritius is two-tier. On the one hand, the free public system not recommended except for a few exceptions and, on the other, a system of private clinics of an excellent level but expensive.
The doctors themselves fix their fees, it takes between 20 and 40 € for a consultation with a general practitioner and more or less double with a specialist.

Taking out local or international personal health insurance is therefore essential to cover any medical or hospital expenses. Local health insurance policies vary depending on the desired coverage, but on average, cost between €50 and €100 per month, per person.

Leisure and culture

Mauritius offers many leisure activities more or less expensive.
For classics, a cinema ticket costs about 5 €, a visit to the aquarium 10 €, a concert ticket between 10 and 20 €, a gym membership between 20 and 30 € per month, a kitesurfing lesson with equipment 50 € and a quad ride 100 €...

Miscellaneous costs

For electricity, a 2-3 bedroom house without air conditioning or swimming pool will cost on average 30 to 40 € per month. The use of air conditioning (necessary by the sea) can largely double this amount.
Water and gas are very cheap.
A high-speed internet access (20M) costs 30 € per month.
A mobile subscription is around 10 € per month.
Most purchases (clothing, DIY, technology, etc.) are 20 to 30% more expensive than elsewhere.
A maid costs more or less 3 € per hour.

Living in Mauritius means enjoying a high quality of life for costs that are generally lower than those of the main developed countries. Last but not least, the tax system provides for a universal tax of 15% for all income received on the island above a certain threshold.
The figures and data provided provide a concrete basis for those considering making Mauritius their new home. Don’t forget to consider these elements in your financial planning, in order to take full advantage of the unique experience that this paradise island can offer.