Relocating to Mauritius can be an exciting adventure, offering a unique blend of tropical paradise and modern living.

However, understanding the Cost of Living in Mauritius is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable transition, mostly considering the benefits of Mauritius’s favorable tax regime.

This comprehensive guide will provide valuable insights into the key expenses you can expect to encounter as an expatriate, helping you plan your budget effectively and make informed decisions about your relocation.

Mauritius has become a highly sought-after destination for expats from around the world. Its pristine beaches, vibrant culture, luxury facilities, unique islander lifestyle, and stable economy attract individuals and families seeking a higher quality of life.

The island offers a unique blend of relaxation and adventure, with world-class leisure activities, excellent healthcare and education, with a strong emphasis on international standards.

Key factors influencing your budget include:

• Housing Costs: Rental prices and potential maintenance costs if you’re a buyer.
• Utilities: Electricity, water, internet, and other essential services.
• Transportation: Car, fuel costs, public transportation
• Groceries and Food: Costs of local and imported food, dining out, and entertainment.
• Healthcare: Private health insurance costs and out-of-pocket expenses.
• Education: School fees for children, if applicable.
• Leisure and Entertainment: Costs associated with leisure activities, dining out, and social events.

When assessing the cost of living in Mauritius, it’s essential to factor in rental prices. 

Expatriates often opt to live in the North, particularly the Grand Baie area, and the West, in Black River. In these sought-after regions, a family of 4 seeking a house with a garden and a swimming pool, among other amenities, can expect rental rates to begin at MUR 50,000 to MUR 60,000 per month. 

However, residing in a gated estate or wanting a more spacious property could push the rent up to MUR 120,000 to MUR 130,000. 

Additionally, there are more luxury properties available, such as beachfront or golf residences, which may cost upwards of MUR 200,000 monthly.

Transitioning to home insurance. Mauritius is notably safe, with rare occurrences of major theft cases. Therefore, for a four-bedroom house, home insurance typically ranges from MUR 15,000 to MUR 30,000 depending on the coverage. This expense adds to the considerations when evaluating the cost of living in Mauritius.

Food costs vary depending on the cuisine. Staples like chicken, fish, rice, and lentils tend to be very affordable. However, imported meats such as Beef Filet and entrecôte can drive up expenses. On average, a family of 4 typically spends about MUR 40,000 to MUR 50,000 per month on food, contributing significantly to the overall cost of living in Mauritius.

When considering the Cost of Living in Mauritius, dining costs can vary significantly. Casual dining at a local pub can range from MUR 100 to MUR 120 per person for a beer, while enjoying a cappuccino in a café may cost approximately MUR 92 to MUR 110.

For fine dining experiences, costs can range from MUR 1000 per person and go up to MUR 4000 or more per person, depending on the restaurant, hotel restaurant and the chosen menu

Owning a car can also add up, especially considering high import duties. For example, a new 4*4 Ford WildTrack can range between MUR 2.3 million and MUR 2.4 million. However, second-hand cars offer a more budget-friendly alternative.

Mauritius offers a relatively well-developed public transportation system.  The island boasts a network of bus routes connecting towns and villages.

The Metro Express, a modern light rail system, connects Port Louis to Curepipe, offering a more efficient and comfortable alternative for travel between these two major cities.   

Taxis are readily available, but fares can vary depending on the distance and time of day.

Essential utilities and communication services impact the Cost of Living in Mauritius.

• Electricity: Costs can fluctuate depending on consumption. Air conditioning, particularly during the summer months, can significantly increase electricity bills.
• Water: Water consumption costs are generally low in Mauritius.
• Internet: High-speed internet is readily available, with several providers offering competitive packages to suit various needs.
• Mobile Phone Services: Mobile phone plans are generally affordable, with a wide range of options available to suit different budgets and data usage requirements.
• Television: Cable or satellite television services are available, with subscription costs varying depending on the chosen package and the number of channels.

Utility bills such as electricity and water are dependent on consumption. On average, for a medium-sized house with air conditioning in summer and a pool, the monthly electricity cost ranges from about MUR 6,000 to MUR 8,000.

Education and healthcare are significant factors in the overall Cost of Living in Mauritius.

• Education:

  • International Schools: For foreign families, international schools offer a curriculum aligned with international standards, but tuition fees can be substantial.
  • Higher Education: Public universities in Mauritius offer affordable options for higher education, while private universities and international institutions offer a wider range of programs with varying tuition fees.

• Healthcare:

  • Public Healthcare: Mauritius has a well-developed public healthcare system that foreigners can access.
  • Private Healthcare: Many expatriates opt for private health to access specialised care, shorter waiting times, and international-standard facilities. The costs associated with private healthcare can vary significantly.

Renowned institutions include Northfields International School, Le Bocage International School, Westcoast International School, and École du Centre, amongst others –  all offering excellent academic programs and a diverse international environment

In some cases, families consisting of four members may opt for a catastrophe cover, which extends insurance coverage beyond day-to-day expenses. This choice incurs a yearly cost of around MUR 25,000 to MUR 30,000.

Our team of experienced professionals can assist you in understanding these costs, navigating the local market, and making informed decisions about your relocation or investment plans.

Contact us today, info@sir.mu, to discuss your aspirations and benefit from our expert guidance.