Cost Of Living in Mauritius 2024

cost of living chart - average monthly expenditure in Mauritius

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Mauritius

Whether you're living in Mauritius or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.

Average Monthly Expenditure

Currency: MUR
3,500 45,000 450,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$76 $990 $9,900

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Single

Currency: MUR
4,400 31,000 210,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$97 $690 $4,600

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Couple

Currency: MUR
17,000 52,000 280,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$380 $1,100 $6,100

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Family

Currency: MUR
24,000 70,000 450,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$530 $1,500 $9,900

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Student

Currency: MUR
3,500 23,000 150,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$76 $500 $3,300
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Mauritius is 31,000 MUR. Expenses can range from 4,400 MUR at the minimum level to 210,000 MUR at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Mauritius is 52,000 MUR. Expenditure can range from 17,000 MUR to 280,000 MUR per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Mauritius is 70,000 MUR per month. Families spend anywhere from 24,000 MUR to 450,000 MUR.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Mauritius is 23,000 MUR. Students spend from 3,500 MUR to 150,000 MUR per month.


Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.



Prices and cost of goods and services in Mauritius


Chart showing the prices and cost of grocery, food, restaurant meals, market, and beverages in Mauritius

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

47 MUR 93 MUR 160 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1 $2 $3.4

Restaurant meal for one

160 MUR 230 MUR 470 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.4 $5.1 $10

Fine dining meal for one

310 MUR 470 MUR 1,900 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.8 $10 $41

Cappuccino or latte

39 MUR 62 MUR 93 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.85 $1.4 $2

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

31 MUR 37 MUR 47 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.68 $0.81 $1

12 eggs

23 MUR 31 MUR 47 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.51 $0.68 $1

Fresh whole chicken

53 MUR 69 MUR 97 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.5 $2.1

Pack of beef

62 MUR 93 MUR 190 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.4 $2 $4.1

Medium bag of rice

25 MUR 34 MUR 49 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.55 $0.75 $1.1

Bag of tomatos

9.3 MUR 12 MUR 23 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.20 $0.27 $0.51

Bag of apples

17 MUR 22 MUR 36 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.36 $0.48 $0.78
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in Mauritius

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

39 MUR 47 MUR 93 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.85 $1 $2

Average car full tank

230 MUR 310 MUR 620 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.1 $6.8 $14

Average car 1-day rental

230 MUR 310 MUR 470 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.1 $6.8 $10

Average car price

120,000 MUR 230,000 MUR 310,000 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,500 $5,100 $6,800

Bus ticket one way

7.8 MUR 12 MUR 23 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.17 $0.25 $0.51

Car Service

310 MUR 470 MUR 930 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.8 $10 $20
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas for a family in Mauritius

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual

270 MUR 1,900 MUR 13,000 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.8 $41 $270

Utility Bill - Couple

700 MUR 2,400 MUR 15,000 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $51 $340

Utility Bill - Family

1,200 MUR 3,500 MUR 23,000 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$27 $76 $500

Internet and cable

230 MUR 470 MUR 620 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.1 $10 $14

Mobile phone charges

190 MUR 310 MUR 930 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.1 $6.8 $20

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket

120 MUR 160 MUR 230 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.5 $3.4 $5.1

One month gym membership

370 MUR 470 MUR 930 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.1 $10 $20
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in Mauritius

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

270 MUR 390 MUR 580 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6 $8.5 $13

Woman dress

260 MUR 360 MUR 1,200 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.7 $7.8 $25

Woman shoes

250 MUR 330 MUR 780 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.4 $7.3 $17

Men's shoes

210 MUR 260 MUR 520 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.6 $5.7 $11

Men suit

230 MUR 290 MUR 1,600 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.1 $6.4 $34

Regular t-shirt

120 MUR 160 MUR 470 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.5 $3.4 $10
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in Mauritius

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

3,900 MUR 5,800 MUR 16,000 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$85 $130 $340

1-bedroom apartment

5,800 MUR 9,300 MUR 23,000 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130 $200 $510

2-bedroom apartment

7,800 MUR 12,000 MUR 31,000 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170 $250 $680

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

780,000 MUR 1.2M MUR 2.3M MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17,000 $25,000 $51,000

1-bedroom apartment

930,000 MUR 1.6M MUR 5.8M MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20,000 $34,000 $130,000

2-bedroom apartment

1.6M MUR 4.7M MUR 9.3M MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$34,000 $100,000 $200,000
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in Mauritius

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

4,700 MUR 5,800 MUR 7,800 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$100 $130 $170

Double Bed

3,100 MUR 4,700 MUR 5,800 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$68 $100 $130

Single Bed

2,700 MUR 3,600 MUR 4,700 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$60 $78 $100

Living Room

5,200 MUR 6,700 MUR 23,000 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110 $150 $510

Dining Table

2,300 MUR 3,100 MUR 5,800 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$51 $68 $130

Sofa or Couch

3,100 MUR 4,200 MUR 9,300 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$68 $93 $200
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in Mauritius

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

3,100 MUR 4,700 MUR 9,300 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$68 $100 $200

Fridge or Freezer

2,700 MUR 4,200 MUR 5,800 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$60 $93 $130

Washing Machine

3,600 MUR 5,200 MUR 9,300 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$78 $110 $200

Stove or Cooker

3,300 MUR 4,200 MUR 5,800 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$73 $93 $130

Mobile Phone

3,900 MUR 4,700 MUR 6,700 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$85 $100 $150

Laptop or Computer

4,200 MUR 5,200 MUR 9,300 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$93 $110 $200

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Mauritius

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.

Cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in Mauritius

Spending to Income Ratio

86%

79% to 95%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%4%
50% - 60%9%
60% - 70%16%
70% - 80%25%
80% - 90%19%
90% - 100%11%
100% - 110%6%
110% - 120%4%
120% - 130%3%
130% - 140%2%
> 140%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Mauritius is 86% This means that on average, people spend around 86% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 16% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.


How can spending be more than income?

A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.



Individual
77%
Spending-Income-Ratio
71%
86%

Couple
82%
Spending-Income-Ratio
75%
90%

Family
90%
Spending-Income-Ratio
83%
100%
Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses in Mauritius

How do people spend their money in Mauritius?

We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.

The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing Expenditure24%

24% of total expenses on average (13% to 32%)

LOW$23   1,000 MUR
AVERAGE$300   14,000 MUR
HIGH$3,000   140,000 MUR
Per Month

People living in Mauritius typically spend from 13% to 32% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 24% being the average. The average spend on housing is 14,000 MUR with expenditure ranging from 1,000 MUR to 140,000 MUR. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile7%

7% of total expenses on average (4% to 11%)

LOW$3.8   170 MUR
AVERAGE$50   2,300 MUR
HIGH$500   23,000 MUR
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Mauritius ranges from 4% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 2,300 MUR with 170 MUR and 23,000 MUR being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute7%

7% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$7.6   350 MUR
AVERAGE$99   4,500 MUR
HIGH$990   45,000 MUR
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 350 MUR to 45,000 MUR on commuting with 4,500 MUR being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 7% of total spending on average but can go as low as 3% or as high as 11%.

Food and Groceries Cost28%

28% of total expenses on average (20% to 34%)

LOW$19   870 MUR
AVERAGE$250   11,000 MUR
HIGH$2,500   110,000 MUR
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Mauritius is 11,000 MUR. The cost of groceries can range between 870 MUR to 110,000 MUR. People spend on average about 28% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 20% and 34% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services10%

10% of total expenses on average (5% to 13%)

LOW$5.3   240 MUR
AVERAGE$69   3,200 MUR
HIGH$690   32,000 MUR
Per Month

People in Mauritius allocate 5% to 13% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 10%. The range of medical expenses range from 240 MUR to 32,000 MUR with 3,200 MUR being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping5%

5% of total expenses on average (2% to 9%)

LOW$3   140 MUR
AVERAGE$40   1,800 MUR
HIGH$400   18,000 MUR
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 140 MUR to 18,000 MUR with 1,800 MUR being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 9% of total expenses with an average of 5% for most residents.

Education and Schooling5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$4.6   210 MUR
AVERAGE$59   2,700 MUR
HIGH$590   27,000 MUR
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 5% of the monthly expenditure with 3% and 11% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 2,700 MUR per month with 210 MUR being the minimum spent amount and 27,000 MUR being the maximum.

Other Expenses14%

14% of total expenses on average (9% to 21%)

LOW$9.9   450 MUR
AVERAGE$130   5,900 MUR
HIGH$1,300   59,000 MUR
Per Month
Percentage of people who manage to save money from their income every month in Mauritius

How much money can you save in Mauritius every month?

We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.


What percentage of people in Mauritius manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
56%
Not Saving
44%

Almost 56% of the surveyed people in Mauritius said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 44% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Mauritius

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles63%37%
Couples58%42%
Families53%47%

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


Savings to income ratio in Mauritius

Saving to Income Ratio

7% 14% of income 27%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

1,200 MUR
$26
15,000 MUR
$330
150,000 MUR
$3,300
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 7% to 27% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 14% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 15,000 MUR on average with savings ranging from 1,200 MUR to 150,000 MUR.

63% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 58% of couples said the same. 53% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Mauritius?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.


Singles

Saving to Income Ratio

10% 18% of income 29%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

1,200 MUR
$26
11,000 MUR
$230
70,000 MUR
$1,500
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%33%
10% - 20%26%
20% - 30%17%
30% - 40%12%
40% - 50%9%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 10% to 29% of their monthly income to savings, with 18% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 11,000 MUR with 1,200 MUR and 70,000 MUR being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

8% 16% of income 28%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

5,900 MUR
$130
18,000 MUR
$380
94,000 MUR
$2,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%37%
10% - 20%28%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%7%
40% - 50%6%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 8% to 28% of their monthly income, with 16% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 18,000 MUR with 5,900 MUR and 94,000 MUR being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

7% 13% of income 26%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

8,200 MUR
$180
23,000 MUR
$510
150,000 MUR
$3,300
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%40%
10% - 20%31%
20% - 30%21%
30% - 40%4%
40% - 50%3%
> 50%1%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Mauritius can save anywhere between 7% to 26% of their monthly income, with 13% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 23,000 MUR with 8,200 MUR and 150,000 MUR being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money in Mauritius

Saving Challenges in Mauritius

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Mauritius. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income5%
High Expenses8%
Debt and Loans14%
Lack of Budgeting Skills11%
Impulsive Spending11%
Financial Emergencies7%
Living the moment6%
Will do it later20%
Inflation13%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability2%

Around 5% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 8% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 14% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 11% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 11% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 7% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 6% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 20% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 13% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 2% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Where do people choose to put their savings in Mauritius

Typical saving choices for people in Mauritius

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds12%
Gold12%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts10%
Cash Savings20%
Real Estate9%
Investment5%
Stocks4%
Bonds5%
Mutual Funds2%
Certificates of Deposit3%
A typical and healthy budgeting structure. The 50-30-20 rule

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Income and cost of living compatibility. Is it affordable or economical to live in Mauritius

Affordable living in Mauritius

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Mauritius?


Yes
57%
No
43%

Around 57% of surveyed residents think that living in Mauritius is affordable with proper budgeting while 43% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

How easily is cost-cutting. Are there plenty of low-cost options in Mauritius

Low-cost alternatives in Mauritius

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options56%

Few low-cost options44%


Based on the survey, 56% of the people living in Mauritius have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 44% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents of Mauritius whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes54%

No46%


Based on the survey, 46% of the people living in Mauritius said that they don't have an emergency fund while 54% said that they do.

Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning in Mauritius

Financial Literacy in Mauritius

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy52%


We asked residents of Mauritius whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 48% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 52% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether residents of Mauritius have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 48% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 52% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance48%

Easily manages finances52%

Financial goals and targets of people living in Mauritius

Financial goals of people in Mauritius

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Mauritius, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund8%
Debt Reduction41%
Retirement Savings10%
Education Funding7%
Homeownership18%
Investing7%
Travel or Lifestyle7%
Healthcare Expenses13%
Financial Independence5%

Around 8% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 41% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 10% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 7% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 18% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 7% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 7% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 13% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Mauritius

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Mauritius and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in Mauritius is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.

Retirement planning and savings

There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.


The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Mauritius:
AgeAmount
25120,000 MUR
30240,000 MUR
35420,000 MUR
40610,000 MUR
45910,000 MUR
501.3M MUR
551.5M MUR
601.9M MUR
652.2M MUR

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of Mauritius about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions12%
Savings23%
Investments12%
Social Security7%
Annuities7%
Part-time Job14%
Real Estate18%
Dividends and Interest7%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Mauritius

2,600 MUR
$56
23,000 MUR
$500
150,000 MUR
$3,300
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Chart showing the percentage of people who are in debt in Mauritius

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Mauritius


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
32%
Debt Free
68%

According to the survey, 32% of the people in Mauritius have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 68% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in Mauritius

Debt-to-income ratio in Mauritius

Debt to income ratio

31%

23% to 40%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 31% of the people's monthly income in Mauritius goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%17%
40% - 50%14%
30% - 40%16%
20% - 30%11%
10% - 20%13%
0% - 10%26%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Mauritius pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 17% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 14% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 16% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 11% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Mauritius

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage9%
Auto Loan16%
Student Loan4%
Credit Card29%
Personal Loan42%

9% of debtors in Mauritius confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 29% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 16% of people and personal loans rose at 42%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 4% of debtors in Mauritius.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Mauritius

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Mauritius how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never51%
Once a year24%
Twice a year12%
Three times a year9%
Four times a year4%
Housing and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in Mauritius

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Mauritius

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Mauritius

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

3,900 MUR 5,800 MUR 16,000 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$85 $130 $340

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

5,800 MUR 9,300 MUR 23,000 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130 $200 $510

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

7,800 MUR 12,000 MUR 31,000 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170 $250 $680

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

9,300 MUR 16,000 MUR 42,000 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200 $340 $930

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

19,000 MUR 47,000 MUR 93,000 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$410 $1,000 $2,000

Townhouse monthly rent cost

16,000 MUR 23,000 MUR 67,000 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$340 $510 $1,500

House monthly rent cost

19,000 MUR 47,000 MUR 93,000 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$410 $1,000 $2,000

Villa monthly rent cost

23,000 MUR 58,000 MUR 93,000 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$510 $1,300 $2,000

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Mauritius ranges between 3,900 MUR and 16,000 MUR, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 5,800 MUR to 23,000 MUR. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 7,800 MUR and 31,000 MUR per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 9,300 MUR to 42,000 MUR. The average rent of a townhouse in Mauritius is around 23,000 MUR while house rental costs can be as high as 47,000 MUR per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 23,000 MUR to 93,000 MUR per month.



Apartment and house prices in Mauritius

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

780,000 MUR 1.2M MUR 2.3M MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17,000 $25,000 $51,000

1-bedroom apartment price

930,000 MUR 1.6M MUR 5.8M MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20,000 $34,000 $130,000

2-bedroom apartment price

1.6M MUR 4.7M MUR 9.3M MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$34,000 $100,000 $200,000

3-bedroom apartment price

5.2M MUR 7.8M MUR 23M MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110,000 $170,000 $510,000

Townhouse price

6.7M MUR 16M MUR 58M MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150,000 $340,000 $1.3M

House price

7.8M MUR 47M MUR 67M MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170,000 $1M $1.5M

Villa price

9.3M MUR 52M MUR 78M MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200,000 $1.1M $1.7M

The average price of a studio apartment in Mauritius can range from 780,000 MUR to 2.3M MUR depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 930,000 MUR to 5.8M MUR. A villa can cost you 52M MUR on average with prices ranging from 9.3M MUR to 78M MUR.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Mauritius will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


32 x90 monthly income 194
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Mauritius can be x90 to x194 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x90 multiples of the average monthly salary in Mauritius.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


19% 29% of income 39%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Mauritius is around 29%. This means that people pay 29% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 19% to 39% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
27%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
1.9%
AVERAGE
2.9%
TO
3.9%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


70 MUR 910 MUR 9,100 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Mauritius

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Mauritius

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Individual

270 MUR 1,900 MUR 13,000 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.8 $41 $270

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple

700 MUR 2,400 MUR 15,000 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $51 $340

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family

1,200 MUR 3,500 MUR 23,000 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$27 $76 $500

Internet and cable cost

230 MUR 470 MUR 620 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.1 $10 $14

Mobile phone bill and charges

190 MUR 310 MUR 930 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.1 $6.8 $20

Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.


The average monthly expenditure for individuals on electricty, water, and gas in Mauritius ranges between 270 MUR and 13,000 MUR with average being 1,900 MUR, meanwhile the expenditure of couples is slightly higher at 2,400 MUR with 700 MUR and 15,000 MUR being the upper and lower limits respectively. As expected, the energy and water consumption of families is the highest among the three groups with an average of 3,500 MUR. The cost of internet and WiFi is unchanged among the three groups and ranges from 230 MUR to 620 MUR with 470 MUR being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 310 MUR but can range between 190 MUR and 930 MUR depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.


Energy / Utility expense to income ratio


( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100


3% 6% of income 10%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in Mauritius is around 6%. This means that people pay 6% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 3% to 10% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Mauritius

Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Mauritius

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

47 MUR 93 MUR 160 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1 $2 $3.4

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Mauritius is approximatly 93 MUR with meal cost ranging from 47 MUR to 160 MUR. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

160 MUR 230 MUR 470 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.4 $5.1 $10

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 160 MUR and 470 MUR with 230 MUR being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Mauritius.

Fine dining meal for one price

310 MUR 470 MUR 1,900 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.8 $10 $41

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 310 MUR to 1,900 MUR with the average cost being 470 MUR for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Mauritius.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

39 MUR 62 MUR 93 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.85 $1.4 $2

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Mauritius is around 62 MUR. Price ranges between 39 MUR and 93 MUR depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

31 MUR 37 MUR 47 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.68 $0.81 $1

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Mauritius is 37 MUR. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 47 MUR and the minimum being 31 MUR depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

23 MUR 31 MUR 47 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.51 $0.68 $1

A dozen eggs costs around 31 MUR on average with 23 MUR and 47 MUR being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

53 MUR 69 MUR 97 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.5 $2.1

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Mauritius is between 53 MUR and 97 MUR depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 69 MUR.

Pack of beef price

62 MUR 93 MUR 190 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.4 $2 $4.1

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 93 MUR. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

25 MUR 34 MUR 49 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.55 $0.75 $1.1

A bag of rice in Mauritius costs around 34 MUR on average with prices rangeing between 25 MUR and 49 MUR depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

9.3 MUR 12 MUR 23 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.20 $0.27 $0.51

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 9.3 MUR to 23 MUR. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

17 MUR 22 MUR 36 MUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.36 $0.48 $0.78

A bag of apples costs 22 MUR on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.


Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio


( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100


19% 27% of income 33%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Mauritius is around 27%. This means that people spend 27% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 19% to 33% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for every population group

A single person living alone spends approximately 5,000 MUR per month on grocery and food with expenditure fluctuating between 710 MUR and 33,000 MUR depending on location and the type of person. The average cost of food and groceries for a couple is around 7,300 MUR per month. That number can be get as low as 2,400 MUR or a high as 39,000 MUR. Families' spending on grocery ranges from 4,400 MUR to 82,000 MUR with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.


Single
Spending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Mauritius

Housing cost for a single person30%

30% of total expenses on average (18% to 42%)

LOW$35   1,600 MUR
AVERAGE$250   11,000 MUR
HIGH$1,600   75,000 MUR
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)

LOW$5.8   270 MUR
AVERAGE$41   1,900 MUR
HIGH$270   13,000 MUR
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$7.7   350 MUR
AVERAGE$55   2,500 MUR
HIGH$370   17,000 MUR
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost19%

19% of total expenses on average (13% to 24%)

LOW$15   710 MUR
AVERAGE$110   5,000 MUR
HIGH$730   33,000 MUR
Per Month

Healthcare Cost12%

12% of total expenses on average (6% to 16%)

LOW$8.7   400 MUR
AVERAGE$62   2,800 MUR
HIGH$410   19,000 MUR
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Expenditure3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 6%)

LOW$4.8   220 MUR
AVERAGE$34   1,600 MUR
HIGH$230   10,000 MUR
Per Month

Education Cost1%

1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)

LOW$1.9   88 MUR
AVERAGE$14   630 MUR
HIGH$91   4,200 MUR
Per Month

Other Expenses22%

22% of total expenses on average (14% to 26%)

LOW$17   800 MUR
AVERAGE$120   5,700 MUR
HIGH$820   38,000 MUR
Per Month


Couple
Average monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Mauritius

Housing cost for a couple27%

27% of total expenses on average (20% to 37%)

LOW$130   5,900 MUR
AVERAGE$390   18,000 MUR
HIGH$2,100   95,000 MUR
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$15   700 MUR
AVERAGE$51   2,400 MUR
HIGH$340   15,000 MUR
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost9%

9% of total expenses on average (3% to 14%)

LOW$46   2,100 MUR
AVERAGE$140   6,300 MUR
HIGH$730   33,000 MUR
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost17%

17% of total expenses on average (12% to 22%)

LOW$53   2,400 MUR
AVERAGE$160   7,300 MUR
HIGH$850   39,000 MUR
Per Month

Healthcare Cost14%

14% of total expenses on average (8% to 18%)

LOW$42   1,900 MUR
AVERAGE$130   5,800 MUR
HIGH$670   31,000 MUR
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost4%

4% of total expenses on average (1% to 7%)

LOW$23   1,000 MUR
AVERAGE$69   3,100 MUR
HIGH$370   17,000 MUR
Per Month

Education Cost1%

1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)

LOW$7.6   350 MUR
AVERAGE$23   1,000 MUR
HIGH$120   5,600 MUR
Per Month

Other Expenses21%

21% of total expenses on average (15% to 27%)

LOW$65   3,000 MUR
AVERAGE$190   8,900 MUR
HIGH$1,000   47,000 MUR
Per Month


Family
Average monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Mauritius

Housing cost for a family26%

26% of total expenses on average (21% to 36%)

LOW$170   7,800 MUR
AVERAGE$490   22,000 MUR
HIGH$3,200   150,000 MUR
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 8%)

LOW$27   1,200 MUR
AVERAGE$76   3,500 MUR
HIGH$500   23,000 MUR
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Expenses5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)

LOW$53   2,400 MUR
AVERAGE$150   7,000 MUR
HIGH$990   45,000 MUR
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost21%

21% of total expenses on average (14% to 27%)

LOW$96   4,400 MUR
AVERAGE$270   13,000 MUR
HIGH$1,800   82,000 MUR
Per Month

Healthcare Expenses11%

11% of total expenses on average (7% to 16%)

LOW$48   2,200 MUR
AVERAGE$150   7,000 MUR
HIGH$790   36,000 MUR
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost3%

3% of total expenses on average (1% to 7%)

LOW$27   1,200 MUR
AVERAGE$76   3,500 MUR
HIGH$500   23,000 MUR
Per Month

Education Cost13%

13% of total expenses on average (6% to 21%)

LOW$75   3,400 MUR
AVERAGE$210   9,800 MUR
HIGH$1,400   63,000 MUR
Per Month

Other Expenses16%

16% of total expenses on average (9% to 21%)

LOW$43   2,000 MUR
AVERAGE$120   5,600 MUR
HIGH$790   36,000 MUR
Per Month


Student
Cost of living and expenses break down for students living in Mauritius

Housing costs for Student18%

18% of total expenses on average (13% to 24%)

LOW$18   840 MUR
AVERAGE$120   5,500 MUR
HIGH$800   37,000 MUR
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, and Mobile Expenses6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$3   140 MUR
AVERAGE$20   920 MUR
HIGH$130   6,100 MUR
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost4%

4% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$5.3   240 MUR
AVERAGE$35   1,600 MUR
HIGH$230   11,000 MUR
Per Month

Food and Groceries Expenditure23%

23% of total expenses on average (17% to 27%)

LOW$15   700 MUR
AVERAGE$100   4,600 MUR
HIGH$670   31,000 MUR
Per Month

Healthcare Cost9%

9% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)

LOW$4.6   210 MUR
AVERAGE$30   1,400 MUR
HIGH$200   9,200 MUR
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$3.8   170 MUR
AVERAGE$25   1,200 MUR
HIGH$170   7,700 MUR
Per Month

Education Cost18%

18% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)

LOW$14   660 MUR
AVERAGE$95   4,400 MUR
HIGH$640   29,000 MUR
Per Month

Other Expenses19%

19% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)

LOW$11   520 MUR
AVERAGE$75   3,500 MUR
HIGH$500   23,000 MUR
Per Month
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