Is Mauritius expensive?

The honest answer: it depends entirely on how you choose to live.

Housing (monthly rent)

Property MUR USD
1-bed furnished, Quatre Bornes 20,000-30,000 440-670
2-bed furnished, Flic en Flac 32,000-45,000 710-1,000
2-bed furnished, Grand Baie 40,000-55,000 890-1,220
3-bed villa with pool, Tamarin 65,000-110,000 1,445-2,445

Groceries

  • Local market shopping: MUR 8,000-12,000/week (family of four)
  • Supermarket-heavy (imported goods, wine, cheese): MUR 15,000-25,000/week

Imported products are 30-80% more expensive than in Europe.

Dining out

  • Local dholl puri / rice and curry: MUR 80-150/person
  • Casual restaurant: MUR 400-700/person
  • Mid-range: MUR 800-1,500/person
  • Upscale: MUR 2,000-4,000+/person

Utilities

  • Electricity: MUR 2,000-8,000/month (depends on AC use)
  • Fibre internet: MUR 1,200-1,800/month
  • Mobile: MUR 500-1,000/month

Sample monthly budgets

  • Modest couple (local lifestyle): MUR 70,000-100,000 (~USD 1,550-2,220)
  • Comfortable family: MUR 200,000-350,000 (~USD 4,445-7,780)
  • Luxury lifestyle: MUR 400,000+ (~USD 8,900+)

Bottom line

Good value vs Western Europe for accommodation and local food. NOT cheap for imported goods, alcohol, new cars, and private school fees.