EXPAT Cost of Living in MAURITIUS 2024

Join me as I explore the expat cost of living in beautiful Mauritius! From housing and utilities to groceries and entertainment, we break down the expenses of living as an expatriate on this stunning island. Discover the average costs and get insider tips on how to live in this tropical paradise.
Sealy: sealy.mu/
Facebook: Sealy Mauritius
Instagram: sealymauritius
0:00 Intro
0:43 Minimum wage & average salary
1:02 Housing
2:39 Cleaner costs
2:53 Sealy
3:41 Food
4:44 Electricity
5:12 Gas
5:26 Water
5:33 Phone & Internet
6:21 Transportation
8:18 Education
8:42 Healthcare
10:07 Household Insurance
10:34 Entertainment & Recreation
11:23 Outro & contact details
For more travel info:
mauritiusnow.com
Up to date weather:
metservice.intnet.mu
All visas explained here - www.edbmauritius.org
Enjoy my content? Support the channel:
www.buymeacoffee.com/lucylehe...
Want to relocate? Feel free to email me for more info:
[e-mail]

[@122tTiujm]

Visited Mauritius for the first time staying in the North exploring the rest of the island. Thank you for being the most accurate no-nonsense KZbinr covering Mauritius. You gave me the confidence I needed to visit and plan to move

[@LucyLeheilleix]

Glad you enjoyed the island. Thanks very much for the nice comment!

[@Noonelson]

One of the best " cost of living" videos i have seen - nicely done!

[@LucyLeheilleix]

Thanks very much!

[@gks000]

Made my decision after checking your vlogs around 8 months, bumped again after shifting!! Keep it up

[@myexcelgenius]

Yet another awesome video, Lucy. Thank you so much for sharing your local knowledge.

[@LucyLeheilleix]

My pleasure!

[@Wasted-Life]

Has there been any permanent changes there since cvd? Or is everything back to "normal"?

[@LucyLeheilleix]

@@Wasted-Life Things are relatively "normal" now...

[@christiandanielsen]

Really helpful video, thanks so much for putting this together!

[@LucyLeheilleix]

Only a pleasure!

[@AmbaariVistas]

"Thank you so much Lucy for all your informative videos about Mauritius! Your insights have been so helpful in making my transition to this beautiful island smooth and enjoyable. Keep up the amazing work and thank you for being such a great resource for expats like me! 🌴🇲🇺 #Grateful"

[@LucyLeheilleix]

Thanks so much! Welcome to the island! 🏝️

[@armandrougier-lagane1959]

Great advice, thank you so much and well presented.

[@LucyLeheilleix]

Thanks for watching and glad you liked it!

[@LucyLeheilleix]

Only a pleasure 👍🏻

[@audiomotion1]

I agree with you. It is very expensive to live in Mauritius. It is believed that ex pats have caused prices to inflate sky high. I was from Mauritius and now lives in the UK. I find it too expensive when compared to prices in the UJ.

[@BryanDiscoversWorld]

Great video, Thanks Lucy

[@LucyLeheilleix]

Thanks Bryan!

[@gentlebeestar3140]

Excellent video. Thx.

[@LucyLeheilleix]

A pleasure!

[@audiomotion1]

Great video and very informative.

[@LucyLeheilleix]

Thanks very much :)

[@jungleboy1]

About to jet off soon, waiting on the new videos to keep me informed. Hope you aren't too busy - thanks !

[@justiceformenboys]

Thanks Lucy, very helpful. I'm a 66yo Brit thinking of relocating to Mauritius. One of few non-European countries where the state pension increases every year - it's just gone up by 10%.

[@globoliver9697]

Thank you for this valuable update - it confirms the general trend even my Mauritian buddy in Germany speaks about.

[@LucyLeheilleix]

Thanks for the comment. As mentioned in the video, we all have different lifestyles so this cannot be a one size fits all. I do however maintain that living here is not cheap if you want to live well, eat well, and travel etc…

[@globoliver9697]

@@LucyLeheilleix Yes indeed.

[@ReefRunner1]

Super well done!

[@LucyLeheilleix]

Thanks a lot!

[@dexterdanieltnt]

Useful video .... thanks a lot

[@LucyLeheilleix]

Welcome 😊

[@vinhsanity]

I’m pretty pumped! Gonna try to make Mauritius home for the winters :)

[@LucyLeheilleix]

Nice 😊

[@DannyK9]

Thanks for this Lucy, phew things have got a little pricey since I was last there (2022)...esp dining out... I must admit i was a little startled your phrase ,"knobs & whistles" at 9.46 ! 👀🙉 (I've never heard that before, I thought this was a clean channel😂) When I enter it into Google, it directs me to the more popular version i.e. "Bells & Whistles" cough cough splutter cough. Thanks again for keeping us up to date 🙏

[@LucyLeheilleix]

That is funny! Trying to keep it clean 🧼

[@angerisdiscipline3913]

That biceps vein is popping out lucy 🫡🫡

[@qswedasf]

My take after being here a few years Not on the beach or couple of streets of housing back, 50k-60k, for the north is realistic atm for a decent place - you should also not just take first price advertised since most relator mark the price up initial and then it becomes negotiable. In our friend group, outside of estates or res, everyone pays less than 60k but been here a few years already so don't really pay the "school fees" anymore. Inside estate/res will highly depend on the luxury you are after. We have friends paying 80k on the beach in a res (Pointe Aux Canonniers) or 160k in a fancy res in Grand Baie. If you are after modern/new places in res then yes 70k - xxx, but then it becomes a lifestyle choice rather vs a need. Food budget can be so varied. If you just buy what you want and don't do a bit of price shopping it can easily inflate. Especially if you don't adapt a bit to other import brands. Also depends on splurging and safe to say the amount of red / expensive meats. For 2, we are on 25k for household groceries including a fairly decent amount of import red meat. Do buy bulk when we can. Excludes eating out, alcohol. Note, we don't really buy things like sweets and cooldrinks or any "luxuries" - good veg and good meat and then local staples. Electricity for us is 2-6k a depending on season with aircon each night and only AC during the day if absolutely needed (Dec/Jan - Mar/April) - 2 people Water is has never been over 100Rs including pool and regular garden watering. 500Rs seems extremely excessive - not sure if its maybe targeted pricing... 100% Agree, car cash is best idea. Entertainment fees varies greatly depending on what you do in your spare time we average around 40k for going out, paddel, boat trip, hair, yoga etc. 2 people.

[@LucyLeheilleix]

Great comment. Thanks 🙏 Our saving grace here is the tax, otherwise we would be living in the South of France where schooling would be free. Take care 😀

[@globoliver9697]

@@LucyLeheilleix You do say it ^^ - the income tax advantage is, depending on one's lifestyle, "compensated" by the huge import taxes on goods, e. g. a bottle of South African wine (basic, but good) costs three times as much as in Germany, and by other "hidden" taxes possibly, e. g. the househould insurance (about 70 € monthly) is insanely expensive.

[@karlhoward2737]

Very informative and helpful info…thanks for sharing, my wife who is half Mauritian though only has UK passport…we are considering staying for three months or so each year, to escape our wet cold winters we have in Jersey…..so all info and perspective helps…

[@mikepxg6406]

Im going to visit Mauritius this week we are going for 2 weeks. Looks beautiful but expensive. Luckily I live on the coast in South East England so have no desire to live abroad permanently.

[@kennymariejeanne4183]

NIce video. From your point of view, is it normal that this little island petrol price is more expensive than else where even compare to the nearest islands?

[@telandjen]

Hey Lucy, it's TJ, good to see you again. Would love to connect (Travel As They Grow guy).

[@nickyAbi473]

Which area you suggest for a first timer on a 3 week holiday ? Solo trip planned for July 2024 . Main interests hiking and long walks besides watersports . Well done for your clips .

[@LucyLeheilleix]

Try the west coast 😊

[@maureenmakgolane769]

Great video. Do you have any contacts to assist with student accommodation near University of Mauritius?

[@user-ij5kg5ew3w]

What I really dont understand is the fact that the only the prices from a western styled supermarket are compared. Go to a market where the locals buy and you will get everything much cheaper. For example Tomatos for 50 Rupies/kg, what is 1 Euro, red meat is much cheaper, Chicken as well. so if you look a bit it is no problem to have the same for less than in a supermarket.

[@LucyLeheilleix]

For sure, but the fact is this is aimed at expats and this video was about the cost of living, not only food….

[@user-ij5kg5ew3w]

At the end Mauritius is about 33 % cheaper than western countries or Australia, Basuc food is cheaper, cooking gas, energy, Water is much cheaper, cars are about the same or much cheaper (pick up), rent is about the same., taxes are much better. Luxury and importad goods costs extra, all over the world. @@LucyLeheilleix

[@user-ij5kg5ew3w]

At the end Mauritius is about 33 % cheaper than western countries or Australia, Basic food is cheaper, energy, cooking gas fuel, water are much cheaper, cars are baout the same or cheaper ( pick up), rent is about the same, taxes are much muach better. Luxury and imported goods are expensive, all over the world. @@LucyLeheilleix

[@user-ig9kq2ho8n]

Hi, do you think the Hotel Rui Palace looks completed? We are thinking of visiting in November many thanks in advance Emma

[@LucyLeheilleix]

Hello. Hotel Rui doesn’t look finished at all….many months more I think. 👍🏻

[@Hans-mv1gq]

Damn sis did her Calculations 😂❤

[@LucyLeheilleix]

I try my best 😂

[@KiaraRai389]

U have chance living in Mauritius . Fair enough .Now u invited others peoples to come join u. Where Mauritius people live ? When Mauritius is a small island .

[@kesh4781]

A Rs 10K electricity bill seems quite exorbitant; I estimate it corresponds to about 1100 kWh per month with CEB's tariff. Such consumption definitely exceeds the average Mauritian's carbon footprint.

[@LucyLeheilleix]

You’re correct. The tariff also goes up when you reach a certain amount in terms of consumption. It all depends on how much Aircon you use, if you have a swimming pool and whether you run your business from home etc. Like I said, everyone has different lifestyles and salaries. This topic is not a one size fits all.

[@papaagidi2838]

But in all, cost of living is much cheaper than in US. Good content so I’m subscribing right now

[@0040636bf109e]

£600 a year household insurance, unbelievable. I am paying £350 for a 5 bedroom house building and that includes contents cover here in the UK !

[@LucyLeheilleix]

Yep, that’s what we pay 😮

[@Valicia007]

My husband and I in SA have never been able to find jobs here in SA. We are renting, we have a baby and looking to come to mua because his mum from there is now living there. How is the job situation there?

[@LucyLeheilleix]

Hello. What sort of industry are you in?

[@roninkegawa1804]

WOW!!! It is between 50% and 100% cheaper than the US. And why do you need AC at night when it is in the 70S Farenheit? Maybe a dehumidifier at most. Anyway, it is still supper cheap. Electricity is 3 to 5 times more expensive in the US. I can not even imagine in Europe.

[@apete797]

You mentioned Discovery for medical insurance? That Africa Benefit hasn't worked for us - not a single claim has been repaid ever. We have SWAN locally, but have been debating giving up the exorbitant Discovery monthly charge.

[@LucyLeheilleix]

I know people who use discovery with no problems at all. Try Hollard, they’re good too.

[@peterhammond8092]

Quantum insurance has an excellent reputation and we pay under GBP200 per year and it includes public liability for holiday lets. Btw its for a 4 bed in Tamarin

[@LucyLeheilleix]

@@peterhammond8092 yep, I use them too. 👍🏻

[@pratheeshm400]

Any update on your community post?

[@LucyLeheilleix]

I can only film with them end of April 😀

[@georgechuba2567]

do you live there year round ? during the cyclone seasons ?

[@LucyLeheilleix]

Hello! Yes I live in Mauritius year round 👍🏻

[@georgechuba2567]

Thank you! For responding ! This is good to know. I am planning on buying an estate there but was scared the cyclone season was unlivable.

[@jpsabbey]

There is nowhere more expensive than Australia !

[@wesmarkham8130]

Do you ever encounter any issues with stray dogs when you take your own dog on a walk in Mauritius?

[@LucyLeheilleix]

On the beaches….yes. Around where I live, no.

[@user-ms1gj6po7e]

I just got my retirement visa. I hope to live on 1500 usd pm. I guess I will have to live like the locals

[@LucyLeheilleix]

Hello! As I said in the video, we all have different living expenses, lifestyles etc. You may well be fine. Good luck.

[@waynelovember4187]

Great video Lucy. Your costs are quite accurate. My wife and daughter and I have been living in Mauritius since March 2023, living in Flic en Flac. And I would say that your take home pay needs to be at least MUR 150,000 per month to live comfortably in the West.

[@LucyLeheilleix]

Thanks for the comment. For a family of 4 I would say you need to add another 100k to that 😮The low tax is perhaps this islands saving grace 🫣

[@waynelovember4187]

@LucyLeheilleix I agree about the tax rates. For me personally that is the only saving grace, otherwise it would just be too expensive to live here.

[@globoliver9697]

Yes, that seems to be the striking reality. Considering the GDP per capita tables, you'll see that the UK is roughly at 5 times Mauritius (without PPP) and 2 times Mauritius (with PPP) - thus, the cost of living should be anywhere between one half and one fifth of that in the UK. Now, how many families in the UK have got 2,500 GBP for 3 or 4,300 GBP for 4 at their disposal (except London with its massive rents, possibly)?

[@Flynt75]

Hi Lucy (and everyone else!)! I'm coming to Mauritius for my honeymoon in May and while we're there, my soon-to-be-wife will be having a birthday. We're staying at an all-inclusive resort in the north of the island, in Calodyne. I was wondering, does anyone have any incredible restaurant recommendations I could take her outside of the resort? It'd be nice to pay for something special for her outside of the resort - especially if it directly supports the locals! Any ideas would be greatly appreciated! Love your videos Lucy! They're making me very excited for our trip :)

[@LucyLeheilleix]

Hello! I don’t have recommendations for restaurants in the north, but thanks for watching this video. Enjoy your trip!

[@OpenAirMauritius]

3 of my fsvorites are in Grand Bay: RED SNAPPER, La Rougaille Creole, La terrasse and one Souith African bonus, Beach House. All in GB and within 2km walk

[@Flynt75]

@@OpenAirMauritius Thank you very much, I really appreciate it! :)

[@lylablueabdul5503]

I want to stay in Mauritius in a few years it’s lovely there but I am terrified of cyclones. Convince me that it’s worth it but sounds like you are trying to convince people not to come lol everybody else’s videos on Mauritius say that living there more affordable than where they came from. I guess it depends where you’re coming from. For New Yorkers, these prices are good!

[@LucyLeheilleix]

Thanks for the comment. I’m not trying to convince people from coming here at all…..just trying to be realistic. I come from RSA and it’s def more expensive here. We know people who are leaving as they can’t afford it anymore. Cyclones are not that bad. They’re like storms really. Like I always say, it depends on what you want out of life. Nobody can answer that but you. All of the best 😀

[@user-cx4be9yj5l]

Overall 400000 rs per month is need for live in Mauritius. I cancelled my plan (find a job and move there 😢). The shocking one is 50000 rs per month is need for food, 😱

[@LucyLeheilleix]

Food is very pricey and fresh produce is unfortunately not that great.

[@pradeepkumararyan]

30,000/- couple on an budget

[@chandineebhujan3868]

Absolutely 💯 agree with you. You take a 1000rs note and go to the shop, you return with 4 to 5 items only. Don't talk about purchasing fruits and veggies, 500rs won't be enough

[@LucyLeheilleix]

@@chandineebhujan3868Yep, life has gotten expensive.

[@yamunapopescu]

I live in Portugal and for a family of 3 we spend 1000 euros for food only per month.

[@izharkarim3537]

It's lot cheaper and better to live in Bangladesh 😊

[@leonardoliver6054]

Actually a spot better than America. I plan on coming alone once my kids are grown and out the house. So $3,500 a month should be enough for a simple solo lifestyle.

[@usual-suspect]

In MUR, Life's a Beach

[@LucyLeheilleix]

Pretty much 🙌

[@balakrishnachinniah3568]

Mauritius is not expensive if you know what and where to buy. How locals are living? Electricity with a family of 4, costs Rs 2000 (that's include two Tvs and 2 aircons running at night) Rs 10K is exagerating, not sure what they are doing at night. Water bill costs rs 300.... Food, no need to buy foreign ones, but the local ones etc..

[@LucyLeheilleix]

Like I said….we all have different salaries, different lifestyles, living costs and expectations….for this reason I will not make videos like this any more.

[@mikebrant9920]

lucy come back home 🏡😅

[@clintvan9715]

very expensive island , unless you know where to eat and purchase items

[@LucyLeheilleix]

Agreed, but don’t fool yourself, there are many expensive places the world over.

[@JeanfrancoisDiolle]

I don't agree with you with great respect you talk about mauritius I live with rs 15000 month with wife and kid I have my own house and car I eat in mall frequently god bless you

[@LucyLeheilleix]

Thanks for the comment. That’s why I said to “take it with a grain/pinch of salt” as we all have different life styles, salaries and expenses/expectations 😊

[@JeanfrancoisDiolle]

@LucyLeheilleix I am totally agree with you we have the same lifestyle I must show how to buy and rent cheaper

[@rishal9229]

how do i move to there ?

[@laurachinonyelum6819]

@@JeanfrancoisDiolle Please Sir, how can I move to Mauritius?

[@gks000]

@@JeanfrancoisDiolle how do you manage groceries vegetables fruits and eating out in 15K MUR??

[@monikaalicja5642]

Lucy, from this video it seems like your honna need 6-8k euros a month to love comfortably for a family of 4... this seems A LOT. Can people please comment their REALISTIC cost of living below and number of family members it covers, please.

[@LucyLeheilleix]

Thanks for your comment. If you want a good life here, I gave you the costs you can expect. As everyone earns differently, you would have to adjust accordingly, but I definitely don’t make up stuff. If you want an expat style life with 2 decent cars, a home with a garden and pool, kids at private school, shopping at the supermarket, a trip overseas once a year…..then yes around 6k Euros per month👍🏻 Where Mauritius saves itself is with the low tax rate.

[@stefanklaric6920]

ICH LEBE SEIT 115 JAREN HIERMa ist

[@drivenforex4088]

Brand new car come from india 🇮🇳 Second hand car come from Japan 🇯🇵

[@pratheeshm400]

Lady from Terminator

[@LucyLeheilleix]

😂

[@Rx_VV]

@@LucyLeheilleix Would you give me your email Lucy?

[@nyb_ok]

You got great imagination bro 😂

[@LucyLeheilleix]

It’s in the description of the video 😀

[@taxusbaccata1125]

Expat…? Inmigrants.

[@ElonHusky]

Expat ? You mean "Immigrant"

[@LucyLeheilleix]

Refugee?

[@user-dw6zr3yi8q]

Bs, Mauritius is dirt cheap, she shows glamour lifestyle

[@LucyLeheilleix]

Absolute nonsense.

[@user-dw6zr3yi8q]

@@LucyLeheilleix it's one of the cheapest countries in the world, but like everywhere, if you want to splash the cash sure. Street food like. 50p, taxi same.

[@LucyLeheilleix]

@@user-dw6zr3yi8q If you’re comparing to London, New York, Sydney and Singapore…..then it’s cheaper. But not dirt cheap. If you want dirt cheap then I’d argue that Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Kenya, Turkey etc would be more cost efficient.

[@user-dw6zr3yi8q]

@@LucyLeheilleix tell me, why do this country has economic crisis and are not perfect place for cheap holidays

[@mattbarratt4700]

How about you move to more “average” properties instead of luxury places on the beach, or is that your target audience? Literally why comment on food prices when you just talk about imported stuff like booze, McDonald’s etc and no thoughts on eating more locally or buying / cooking your own? This seems to be a channel just for the wealthy.

[@LucyLeheilleix]

Thanks for your comment. You’ll notice the title of this video is targeting expats. Irrespective of the way you skin the cat, Mauritius is expensive. It’s just the way it is….ask any local.