The cost of living in Mauritius is around 114.2% higher than in India, driven largely by high import dependence and comparatively steeper rental prices. A family of four spends MUR 101,000–102,000 (INR 2.02L–2.04L) per month on essentials, while a couple generally manages on MUR 45,000–60,000 (INR 90K–1.20L) depending on lifestyle. Despite these costs, Mauritius still remains more affordable than U.S. and several Western countries.
Below is a quick snapshot of Mauritius’s major living costs:
Category
Approximate Cost Range (MUR / INR)
Accommodation
MUR 17,000–30,000 (INR 34,000–60,000)
Food & Groceries (Monthly)
MUR 8,000–15,000 (INR 16,000–30,000)
Transport (Monthly)
MUR 1,700–2,600 (INR 3,400–5,200)
Utilities (Basic Monthly Estimate)
MUR 1,500–5,000 (INR 3,000–10,000)
Leisure & Miscellaneous
MUR 3,000–8,000 (INR 6,000–16,000)
Cost of Living in Mauritius by Profile
The cost of living in Mauritius varies depending on lifestyle, household size, and spending habits.
Here is a clear breakdown:
Profile
Monthly Cost (MUR / INR)
Single Person
MUR 27,500–28,000 (INR 55,000–56,000)
Working Professional
MUR 32,000–40,000 (INR 64,000–80,000)
Family of Four
MUR 101,000–102,000 (INR 202,000–204,000)
International Student
MUR 25,000–30,000 (INR 50,000–60,000)
In the sections ahead, we will discuss in detail the accommodation, food, healthcare, education, and transportation costs.
Note:
Working professionals usually spend more due to commuting, occasional dining out, and higher discretionary spending.
Families face higher budgets due to groceries, utilities, and schooling costs.
Students manage lower monthly expenses through shared housing and lower transport/dining costs.
Cost of Living in Major Mauritius Cities
The cost of living in Mauritius per month varies slightly across major cities, primarily due to differences in rent, transportation, and access to services.
Below is an approximate monthly expense range across key Mauritian cities, combining accommodation, groceries, utilities, and transport:
City
Monthly Expense Range (MUR / INR)
Port Louis
MUR 45,000–55,000 (INR 90,000–1.10L)
Curepipe
MUR 38,000–48,000 (INR 76,000–96,000)
Quatre Bornes
MUR 40,000–50,000 (INR 80,000–1.00L)
Beau Bassin–Rose Hill
MUR 38,000–46,000 (INR 76,000–92,000)
Vacoas–Phoenix
MUR 37,000–45,000 (INR 74,000–90,000)
Port Louis remains the most expensive among major cities, largely due to higher rent and greater commercial activity, while Vacoas–Phoenix and Curepipe offer more affordable living options for students and working professionals.
Accommodation Costs in Mauritius
Accommodation is one of the biggest contributors to the cost of living in Mauritius per month, with prices varying by city and proximity to commercial hubs. Monthly rent for a 1BHK generally ranges between MUR 17,000–30,000 (INR 34,000–60,000) depending on whether you choose the city centre or a suburban area, with Port Louis generally being the most expensive.
Below is a breakdown of typical 1BHK rental prices in Mauritius:
City / Area Type
1BHK (City Centre)
1BHK (Outside City Centre)
Port Louis
MUR 25,000–30,000 (INR 50,000–60,000)
MUR 17,000–22,000 (INR 34,000–44,000)
Curepipe
MUR 20,000–25,000 (INR 40,000–50,000)
MUR 15,000–18,000 (INR 30,000–36,000)
Quatre Bornes
MUR 22,000–27,000 (INR 44,000–54,000)
MUR 16,000–20,000 (INR 32,000–40,000)
Beau Bassin–Rose Hill
MUR 18,000–23,000 (INR 36,000–46,000)
MUR 14,000–17,000 (INR 28,000–34,000)
Vacoas–Phoenix
MUR 17,000–22,000 (INR 34,000–44,000)
MUR 13,000–16,000 (INR 26,000–32,000)
Monthly Food & Grocery Expenses in Mauritius
Food and grocery expenses form a predictable portion of the cost of living in Mauritius, with prices influenced by dietary habits and the choice between home‑cooked meals and dining out.
On average, a resident spends around MUR 8,000–15,000 (INR 16,000–30,000) monthly on groceries, making this one of the moderate cost categories in the country.
Below is a breakdown of common grocery and dining‑out costs across Mauritius:
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: MUR 150–600 (INR 300–1,200)
Meal for two at a mid‑range restaurant: MUR 1,200–4,000 (INR 2,400–8,000)
Fast‑food combo meal: MUR 250–350 (INR 500–700)
Cappuccino: MUR 50–250 (INR 100–500)
Common Grocery Items:
Milk (1L): MUR 50–100 (INR 100–200)
Bread (1 loaf): MUR 10–55 (INR 20–110)
Eggs (12): MUR 60–140 (INR 120–280)
Chicken fillets (1 lb): MUR 45–180 (INR 90–360)
Tomatoes (1 lb): MUR 23–100 (INR 46–200)
Apples (1 lb): MUR 27–70 (INR 54–140)
Note: Grocery prices in Mauritius remain relatively consistent across cities, though imported items and dining out in tourist areas like Port Louis can be slightly more expensive.
Transportation Costs in Mauritius
Public transportation in Mauritius is affordable and widely used by daily commuters, students, and working professionals.
Monthly transport spending usually falls between MUR 1,700–2,600 (INR 3,400–5,200), depending on the frequency of travel and whether buses or occasional taxis are used.
Below is a breakdown of common transportation expenses across Mauritius:
Transport Type
Cost (MUR / INR)
One‑Way Public Transport Ticket
MUR 35–50 (INR 70–100)
Monthly Public Transport Pass
MUR 1,000–2,600 (INR 2,000–5,200)
Taxi Start (Standard Tariff)
MUR 100–300 (INR 200–600)
Taxi (1 Mile)
MUR 100–320 (INR 200–640)
Taxi (1 Hour Waiting)
MUR 300–1,000 (INR 600–2,000)
Gasoline (1 Liter)
MUR 61–75 (INR 120–150)
Note: Monthly public transport passes offer the best value for regular commuters and students, while taxis are typically reserved for occasional travel due to higher per‑mile costs.
Healthcare & Insurance Costs in Mauritius
Monthly healthcare spending in Mauritius remains relatively affordable, with most residents relying on public clinics and pharmacies for routine care.
Medical and consultation expenses range between MUR 1,000–3,000 (INR 2,000–6,000) per month, depending on the frequency of doctor visits, medication needs, and whether private services are used.
These costs form a modest but predictable component of the overall cost of living in Mauritius.
Below is a breakdown of common healthcare expenses across Mauritius:
Healthcare Service
Cost (MUR / INR)
General Doctor Consultation
MUR 300–1,000 (INR 600–2,000)
Cold Medicine (1 week)
MUR 150–350 (INR 300–700)
Antibiotics (Prescription)
MUR 200–500 (INR 400–1,000)
Specialist Visit (Private)
MUR 800–1,500 (INR 1,600–3,000)
Basic Utilities for Healthcare (admin/processing)
MUR 1,500–5,000 (INR 3,000–10,000)
Note: International students and expats often opt for temporary private insurance during their initial months in Mauritius, while locals primarily rely on government-funded healthcare and inexpensive pharmacy purchases.
Leisure & Miscellaneous Costs in Mauritius
Leisure and personal spending in Mauritius varies across cities and lifestyle choices, with prices generally moderate compared to many island nations.
Monthly entertainment and miscellaneous expenses generally range between MUR 3,000–8,000 (INR 6,000–16,000).
These expenses make up a smaller but steady part of the overall cost of living in Mauritius.
Below is a breakdown of common leisure and miscellaneous costs across the country:
Activity / Item
Cost (MUR / INR)
Fitness Club Membership (Monthly)
MUR 1,500–3,000 (INR 3,000–6,000)
Cinema Ticket
MUR 300–450 (INR 600–900)
Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend)
MUR 300–700 (INR 600–1,400)
Basic Toiletries (Monthly Estimate)
MUR 500–1,200 (INR 1,000–2,400)
Jeans (Mid‑Range Brand)
MUR 1,200–2,500 (INR 2,400–5,000)
Running Shoes (Branded)
MUR 2,000–4,000 (INR 4,000–8,000)
Leisure costs in Mauritius remain affordable for most residents, especially outside tourist‑heavy areas, where fitness, entertainment, and personal‑care shopping tend to be moderately priced.
Education Costs for International Students in Mauritius
Mauritius offers a variety of academic programs at public and private institutions, with tuition fees depending on the discipline and institution type.
Annual tuition usually ranges between MUR 50,000–300,000 (INR 1.00L–6.00L), with technical and professional programs costing more than general degrees.
These expenses form an essential part of the cost of living in Mauritius for a student, especially when combined with accommodation and transport.
Below is a program‑wise tuition fees breakdown:
Program Type
Annual Tuition Range (MUR / INR)
Business & Management
MUR 60,000–120,000 (INR 1.20L–2.40L)
Engineering & Technology
MUR 80,000–150,000 (INR 1.60L–3.00L)
IT & Computer Science
MUR 70,000–140,000 (INR 1.40L–2.80L)
Hospitality & Tourism
MUR 55,000–130,000 (INR 1.10L–2.60L)
Health Sciences (Non‑clinical)
MUR 75,000–150,000 (INR 1.50L–3.00L)
Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
MUR 50,000–100,000 (INR 1.00L–2.00L)
Private / Professional Programs
MUR 150,000–300,000 (INR 3.00L–6.00L)
Note:
Public institutions typically offer lower tuition, while private and specialized programs cost more.
Students should budget an additional MUR 10,000–25,000 (INR 20,000–50,000) annually for textbooks, lab fees, and administrative charges.
Hospitality, engineering, IT, and health programs tend to sit at the higher end of the fee spectrum due to lab and industry training components.
The cost of living in Mauritius compared to India shows a clear gap across everyday categories: overall costs (ex‑rent) are ~106.8% higher in Mauritius, including rent ~116.6% higher.
Restaurant prices are ~114.3% higher, groceries ~91.9% higher, and rent ~171.8% higher in Mauritius, while local purchasing power is ~28.9% lower.
Below is a direct comparison of essential day‑to‑day expenses:
Category
Mauritius Cost (MUR / INR)
India Cost
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant
MUR 250–350 (INR 500–700)
INR 180–220
Monthly public transport pass
MUR 1,500–2,000 (INR 3,000–4,000)
INR 700–900
1BHK rent (city centre)
MUR 20,000–23,000 (INR 40,000–46,000)
INR 13,000–15,000
Basic utilities (monthly)
MUR 2,300–2,800 (INR 4,600–5,600)
INR 3,300–3,800
Gasoline (1 litre)
MUR 65–75 (INR 130–150)
INR 95–110
Milk (1L)
MUR 60–70 (INR 120–140)
INR 55–65
Eggs (12)
MUR 100–120 (INR 200–240)
INR 75–95
Bread (1 loaf)
MUR 25–35 (INR 50–70)
INR 35–45
Hence, the cost of living in Mauritius vs India is notably higher across food, transport, rent, and groceries.
Budgeting Tips to Reduce Living Costs in Mauritius
Managing expenses wisely can help students, expats, and families balance the cost of living in Mauritius, especially in areas where rent, groceries, and transport tend to be higher than India.
Here are the most practical ways to save on the cost of living in Mauritius:
How to Save on Rent in Mauritius?
Choose shared apartments or student housing to cut accommodation costs.
Look for housing outside Port Louis where rent is noticeably lower.
Compare rental listings across suburbs like Vacoas–Phoenix or Curepipe for better deals.
Consider long‑term leases, which often come with reduced monthly rent.
How to Save on Food in Mauritius?
Shop at local markets instead of supermarkets to get better prices on fruits, vegetables, and staples.
Prefer home‑cooked meals since restaurant prices are significantly higher than India.
Buy groceries in bulk, especially non‑perishable items.
Avoid imported snacks and packaged foods as they greatly increase monthly grocery budgets.
How to Save on Transport in Mauritius?
Use monthly public transport passes to reduce daily commuting costs.
Choose buses over taxis whenever possible, as taxi fares rise quickly.
Walk or cycle short distance, Mauritian towns are compact and pedestrian‑friendly.
Look for carpool options if you commute regularly.
Useful Budgeting Apps for Daily Expenses
Splitwise – Ideal for splitting rent and bills among roommates.
XE Currency – Helps students track MUR to INR conversions easily.
Google Keep / Notion – Good for daily budgeting and saving receipts.
Too Good To Go (if available) – For discounted food from local bakeries and cafés.
Conclusion
Mauritius offers a relaxed island lifestyle, stable public services, and a multicultural environment, but managing the cost of living in Mauritius requires thoughtful monthly planning. A single person spends around MUR 27,500–28,000 (INR 55,000–56,000) per month excluding rent, while families face significantly higher budgets due to groceries, utilities, schooling, and transportation expenses.
Understanding these variations helps students, expats, and professionals make informed financial decisions and maintain a comfortable lifestyle when relocating to Mauritius.
What are the major factors that influence the overall cost of living in Mauritius for newcomers?
The overall cost of living in Mauritius depends on factors like accommodation type, grocery choices, transport preferences, healthcare needs, and lifestyle. Rent in urban centres is significantly higher, while local markets and public transport help reduce expenses. Imported products, schooling costs, and leisure habits also determine how much a newcomer spends monthly.
Is Mauritius an affordable country for Indian students compared to other study‑abroad destinations?
Mauritius is moderately affordable for Indian students due to reasonable accommodation options, accessible groceries, and low public transport fares. While tuition varies by institution, day‑to‑day expenses remain manageable with shared housing and home‑cooked meals. Its safety, climate, and multicultural environment add value to the overall student experience.
How much monthly budget should an international student realistically plan for in Mauritius?
The cost of living in Mauritius for a student generally ranges from moderate to manageable depending on lifestyle. Students typically need to budget for shared accommodation, groceries, transport, utilities, academic supplies, and occasional leisure. Planning around essential needs helps international students maintain a stable and predictable monthly budget.
What hidden or unexpected expenses should expats be aware of when moving to Mauritius?
Unexpected expenses may include higher prices for imported goods, frequent taxi use during late hours, seasonal electricity spikes due to air‑conditioning, and setup costs like SIM cards or deposits for rentals. Expats may also encounter additional charges for private medical consultations and specific administrative fees depending on visa type.
How much does it cost to live comfortably in Mauritius as a single working professional?
A single working professional should account for rent, groceries, transport, utilities, and occasional dining or leisure. Costs vary by area, especially in central zones where rent is higher. Choosing budget‑friendly markets, cooking at home, and using public transport keeps monthly expenses stable without compromising lifestyle comfort.
Is Mauritius more expensive than India for groceries and everyday essentials?
Mauritius tends to be more expensive than India for groceries, restaurant meals, and transport due to import dependence and island‑specific logistics. Even essential items can cost more than their Indian counterparts. Budgeting carefully and shopping in local markets helps residents manage these higher daily expenses effectively.
ow do transportation costs in Mauritius compare for daily commuters vs occasional travelers?
Daily commuters benefit from monthly public transport passes, which offer good value for predictable travel routines. Occasional travellers may rely on taxis or single‑ride bus fares, which increase overall cost. Proximity to work or campus, use of shared rides, and combining multiple errands help reduce transport spending.
Are healthcare expenses in Mauritius high for foreigners without local insurance coverage?
Healthcare costs in Mauritius are moderate, but foreigners may face higher fees at private clinics. General consultations, medicines, and basic tests remain affordable, though specialised treatment can be costly without insurance. Students and expats benefit from temporary health coverage until they gain access to country‑specific health plans.
What are the average childcare and schooling costs for families relocating to Mauritius?
Childcare and schooling costs differ widely depending on whether families choose public, private, or international institutions. Public schools are affordable, while private and international schools have significantly higher fees. Additional costs include books, uniforms, transportation, and extracurricular activities, all of which influence monthly budgeting for families.
How expensive is dining out in Mauritius, and what are the most budget‑friendly alternatives?
Dining out in Mauritius can be moderately expensive, especially in tourist‑heavy areas. However, residents can reduce spending by visiting local eateries, street‑food vendors, and budget cafés. Cooking meals at home, buying fresh produce from markets, and limiting restaurant visits help manage food‑related expenses effectively.
What is the average monthly cost of utilities and home internet for a small household in Mauritius?
Utilities include electricity, water, garbage services, and internet. Monthly costs vary depending on consumption habits, climate, and the need for cooling or heating. Internet plans are generally affordable, while electricity may fluctuate with appliance use. Efficient energy habits help maintain predictable monthly household spending.
How does the cost of accommodation vary between central Mauritius and suburban areas?
Accommodation in central Mauritius is generally more expensive due to demand, accessibility, and proximity to commercial areas. Suburban regions offer lower rent without compromising safety or essential amenities. Students and families can significantly reduce monthly budgets by choosing shared flats or housing located slightly away from city centres.
What lifestyle changes can significantly reduce monthly expenses for students in Mauritius?
Students can reduce costs by opting for shared accommodation, preparing meals at home, using public transport, avoiding imported goods, and buying produce from local markets. Budgeting apps, student discounts, and mindful spending habits further help manage essentials, keeping monthly expenses stable and predictable throughout the academic year.
Are imported goods more expensive in Mauritius, and how does this impact monthly budgets?
Yes, imported goods generally cost more due to freight charges and import duties. Items like packaged foods, branded toiletries, electronics, and international snacks tend to be pricier. Choosing local alternatives, prioritising essentials, and limiting imported purchases help keep monthly budgets manageable for both students and families.
How much should a family of four expect to spend on groceries per month in Mauritius?
A family of four spends more on groceries due to higher consumption and the inclusion of staples, snacks, and fresh produce. Costs vary based on diet preferences and the balance between local and imported items. Shopping at fresh markets and choosing local brands helps maintain a balanced food budget.
Can international students find part‑time jobs to manage their living expenses in Mauritius?
Part‑time opportunities exist for international students, though availability varies depending on course regulations and employer needs. These roles help offset living expenses, particularly groceries and transport. Students must follow visa guidelines, prioritise academics, and choose flexible work options that support both financial and academic stability.
How stable are living costs in Mauritius, and do prices fluctuate seasonally?
Living costs in Mauritius remain relatively stable year‑round, though slight seasonal fluctuations occur in electricity use, fresh produce prices, and fuel‑related services. Tourism seasons can also influence food and accommodation costs in certain areas. Consistent budgeting and monitoring of seasonal patterns help residents plan ahead effectively.
Are public services like electricity and water reliable and affordable in Mauritius?
Public services in Mauritius are generally reliable, and basic utilities remain reasonably priced for most households. Electricity bills may rise with appliance use or seasonal cooling needs. Water supply is stable, with occasional variations during peak periods. Using energy‑efficient devices helps manage monthly utility expenses.
How much should someone budget for leisure, fitness, and weekend activities in Mauritius?
Leisure costs depend on individual interests, such as gym memberships, cinema visits, local excursions, or beach activities. Many outdoor options are affordable or free, while paid activities vary in price. Budgeting a modest monthly amount for recreation ensures a comfortable balance between essentials and lifestyle experiences.
Is Mauritius a cost‑effective long‑term destination for expats compared to other island nations?
Mauritius offers a more balanced cost structure than many island nations, thanks to affordable public services, moderate transport costs, and diverse accommodation options. While certain goods are expensive due to imports, overall quality of life, safety, and multicultural environments make Mauritius appealing and reasonably cost‑effective for long‑term expat living.
Ireland( study abroad expert) |54 articles published
Honey Gupta is a leading consultant with over 10 years of experience in helping students navigate the complexities of studying overseas, with a specialized focus on Ireland. Honey brings a wealth of a...
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