If you are planning to move to Mauritius, you will want to know what budget you will need to live comfortably on the island.
As in most countries outside the United States or Europe, most high-end luxury goods are imported and can therefore be more expensive, but you can save a lot if you learn to live like a local.
Shop at local markets and supermarkets, adapt your consumption to what’s available on the island, and opt for more locally sourced restaurants. Furthermore, buying food and products from local farms, villages, and fishermen helps support the local economy. You’ll find meat, eggs, fresh seafood, delicious fruits, and flavourful vegetables in neighbourhood stores. You can also buy fruits and vegetables at supermarkets such as Food Lover’s Market and organic farms. It’s best to choose seasonal produce. Mauritius offers papayas, bananas, melons, pineapples, and much more.
Cost of ownership
Property prices in Mauritius are similar to those on the Atlantic coast in Cape Town. We often see South Africans looking to buy apartments and townhouses to reduce their monthly and maintenance costs. Europeans, who have generally lived in apartments, are looking to buy villas on larger plots of land that offer more outdoor space.
explains Jonathan Tagg, Pam Golding Properties Project Director (IRS and RES division).
Electricity costs around 200 rupees for apartments and townhouses, while for larger homes you can expect to pay between 800 and 1,500 rupees. Increases are seasonal, so you’ll pay more in summer and less in winter. Water is very cost-effective, between 100 and 200 rupees per month.
The cost of domestic help is around 150 to 200 rupees per hour, or around 5,000 rupees per month full-time.
Eating out
“The cost of living in Mauritius seems to fall somewhere between South Africa and Europe. In some cases, it is closer to South Africa, where prices for stable goods are similar. However, some luxury and sinful products, such as alcohol and cigarettes, cost significantly more than in South Africa,” says Mr. Tagg.
Mauritius has a restaurant culture, and the weather is ideal for al fresco dining and socialising. You’ll be spoiled for choice between five-star restaurants and charming eateries in Grand Baie and Tamarin, the main tourist and residential areas. Many local dishes, an assortment of Mediterranean-style dishes, and Indian and Chinese restaurants are available at reasonable prices.
The price of a night out at a restaurant is probably 20 to 30% higher than in South Africa, but much cheaper than in Europe or Australia. There are hundreds of restaurants to choose from. If you enjoy local restaurants, where the quality is good, prices are similar to those in South Africa. The trick is to avoid hotel restaurants or to avoid certain restaurants during peak season, when prices increase.
Beer prices are reasonable, especially for local Phoenix beers and craft beers, but good wine is expensive. Bring as much beer as the law allows when traveling to Mauritius.
A coffee and a croissant cost around 50 rupees.
Keep fit in Mauritius
The AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open is part of the Sunshine Tour. The island boasts award-winning golf courses designed by prominent figures from the world of sport. “Most expats join a golf club, of which there are many on the island, and pay around R700 per round, which includes a buggy and water. Homeowners who live on a golf course pay around R350 per round,” says Tagg.
There are many gyms. Memberships range from around 600 rupees per month to around 1,200 rupees for high-end gyms with tennis, padel, squash, and a gymnasium.
Transportation in Mauritius
Many car brands are well represented in Mauritius, from Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW to Volkswagen and Toyota. The second-hand market is thriving and often offers better value for money.
“Some cars, such as electric and hybrid cars, are not subject to customs duties and are therefore cheaper than in South Africa. However, petrol and diesel cars with more powerful engines are subject to higher customs duties, and their price may therefore be similar or slightly higher than in South Africa. Car costs have decreased compared to South Africa thanks to the lower customs duties,” explains Mr. Tagg.
Born in Mauritius, I have a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication. I have nearly 12 years’ experience in marketing, public relations and communications. Passionate about meeting people, creativity and business growth, I am results-oriented. My goal is to guide communication to touch the hearts and minds of customers. My motto is: “Treat others as I would like to be treated.”
