Expat Insights, Real Prices, and SA Comparison #costofliving

 Cost of living in Mauritius

We are going to speak about

Housing

Food

Connectivity

Health

Education

Transportation

Lifestyle

Housing

In Mauritius, housing costs are relatively affordable. We only pay a modest amount for our rental. Our partially furnished one-bedroom house, which doesn't include a pool, comes at a monthly cost of 15,000 Rupees.

When entering into a rental agreement, there are upfront costs to consider. Typically, you are required to pay a deposit equivalent to one month's rent, the first month's rent itself, and an additional one-month rental fee to the agent. Therefore, your initial payment amounts to three times the usual monthly rent. It's important to factor in these costs when planning your budget for renting a house.

The monthly house rental for my friends typically falls within the range of 25,000 to 35,000 Rupees on average. However, if you opt for a house located near or next to the beach, the cost can escalate to 100,000 Rupees or more. The variation in rental prices depends on individual lifestyle choices and preferences.

Residing in a gated community comes with an additional expense in the form of a monthly levy, covering the maintenance of communal spaces. This fee typically ranges from 6,000 to 10,000 Rupees, providing for the upkeep and amenities within the community.

Utilities

Electricity

The monthly electricity cost for us ranges from 3,500 to 4,000 Rupees during winter, considering the use of one air conditioner. However, it's worth noting that having additional air conditioners can significantly increase the overall cost. For our friends, who utilize multiple air conditioners, their winter electricity expenses are approximately 6,000 to 7,000 Rupees.

Water

Our water bill is quite economical, typically amounting to a range of 200 to 300 Rupees per month. This affordability contributes to the overall cost-effectiveness of our utilities.

Gas

Many Mauritians use gas to cook with, so do we. A gas bottle cost 230 rupees

House Help

In Mauritius, the cost of house help is calculated on an hourly basis, which differs from the daily rate structure in South Africa. Our cleaning lady spends around two hours focusing on tasks like floor and kitchen cleaning. For these services, we pay her 400 Rupees, equivalent to approximately 200 Rupees per hour. However, at our friends' place, the rate is 500 Rupees. The variation in payment can be attributed to factors such as the size of the house and negotiation agreements. In our case, the lower fee may be a result of negotiations made three years ago and the smaller size of our house.

Gardener

For gardening services, we pay 400 Rupees every time the gardener come. The gardener uses a brushcutter to trim the small lawn, typically requiring maintenance once or twice a month. The service includes cutting the grass, but it doesn't involve picking up the cuttings or general weeding, which we handle ourselves. The entire task usually takes less than an hour, and the agreed-upon fee is 400 Rupees for the provided services.

Pool

The cost of pool maintenance varies based on the size of the pool. For pools in Mauritius, the charges can range from Rs1200 to Rs2000 per month. Pool maintenance services typically include cleaning, pH level checks, and the addition of necessary chemicals to ensure proper water quality.

In some rental contracts on the higher end, property owners may include the maintenance of both the garden and the pool. This inclusion helps ensure that these amenities are well taken care of, as the responsibility for their upkeep remains with the property owner, preventing potential neglect by the tenant.

Food

Groceries

Our monthly grocery and food bill tends to be around 20,000 to 30,000 Rupees. Each week, when we visit Super U, we consistently spend approximately 6,000 Rupees. Despite efforts to control this figure, it remains within this range. It's worth noting that this cost is for a household of two people.
The cost and quality of meat in Mauritius can be challenging due to the reliance on imports. For example, the lamb from New Zealand, while more affordable, may not meet the quality standards you're accustomed to. However, there has been improvement in the last two years, with new suppliers offering better quality cuts, albeit at a higher price.

To provide a perspective, a fillet in South Africa costs around 220 to 250 Rand per kilogram, whereas in Mauritius, it can be three times that amount. The higher prices in Mauritius are largely attributed to the fact that most goods, including meat, are imported, contributing to increased costs.

It seems that while fresh milk might not be readily available in supermarkets, there is a diverse and satisfactory selection of cheeses. This reflects a varied culinary landscape where certain dairy products, like cheese, are well-stocked and appreciated

It's interesting to note the dynamics of the bread situation in Mauritius. The fact that bread is subsidized by the state can be both a blessing and a curse. On the positive side, it makes bread more affordable for the local population. However, as you mentioned, this also contributes to a higher consumption of carbohydrates, potentially leading to health issues.

The contrast in the quality and variety of bread in Mauritius compared to South Africa is intriguing. In South Africa, the emphasis on processed, long-lasting bread may have its drawbacks in terms of nutritional value. On the other hand, the freshness and lack of preservatives in Mauritian bread require it to be consumed promptly, promoting a more natural and potentially healthier option. If you leave the bread for a day it becomes rock hard

The seasonality and relatively higher prices of vegetables in Mauritius compared to South Africa may be influenced by various factors, including the conversion of sugarcane fields to vegetable cultivation. While this shift contributes to increased vegetable production, it might not necessarily result in lower prices, especially if demand remains high.

The cost disparity, such as the price of avocados being 85 Rupees in Mauritius compared to 30 Rupees in South Africa, can be attributed to factors like importation, local production capacity, and overall market dynamics. Importation costs and limited local production contribute to the higher prices for certain fruits and vegetables in Mauritius.

Connectivity

Internet

The cost of internet in Mauritius varies depending on the package. I have a comprehensive package from Telecom that includes a landline, although we rarely use it. Additionally, the package includes a French bouquet of television stations on My T, featuring channels like National Geographic, all presented in French. All the movie channels are presented in French as well. Despite this, we appreciate the benefits of our 20-meg line, offering unlimited data per day. The internet and data services in Mauritius are not only affordable but also impressively fast. Recently, when I experienced issues with my line, the Telecom team promptly responded, resolving the problem within a day. They went the extra mile by replacing all the wiring to the house, ensuring a reliable and efficient connection.

Additionally, in Mauritius, you have the option to subscribe to Canal Plus or DSTV for a broader range of television channels and content. These services provide an alternative for those seeking a diverse selection of international programming beyond the local offerings.

Mobile Phones

Our mobile phone expenses are quite reasonable, as we have a pay-as-you-go mobile contract with phones that are already paid off. For a 3-gigabyte data allowance per day, the cost is 317 Rupees per month. Additionally, we typically purchase 200 to 400 Rupees of call time to connect with clients. This setup provides flexibility and control over our mobile expenses, catering to our specific usage needs.
The mobile reception in our area is somewhat sketchy, even though we are centrally situated. To address this, we've found it more convenient to use WhatsApp for making calls. The flexibility of using internet-based calling apps has become essential in overcoming the challenges posed by inconsistent mobile reception.

Health

Doctors

Doctor visits in Mauritius typically range from 1500 to 2000 Rupees per visit. Recently, Annalie had to undergo a dental procedure involving a crown on one of her teeth, which ended up costing us 25,000 Rupees. The process required multiple visits over several weeks, making it a relatively expensive dental treatment.
As an expat or tourist in Mauritius, you have the option to receive free medical treatment at state clinics or hospitals. I've had personal experiences where I was bitten by dogs twice and had a cut on my hand. On all three occasions, I received top-notch healthcare at the Triolet clinic, and the best part was that the treatment and medicines were provided free of charge. This exemplifies how the state in Mauritius supports the well-being of its residents and visitors by offering accessible and cost-free healthcare services.

The main hospitals in Mauritius include DARNE, Welkin, and C Care Labs. These healthcare facilities play a crucial role in providing paid medical services and contributing to the overall health infrastructure in the country.

Health Insurance

Health insurance is an additional expense, and in South Africa, you have a Discovery health insurance plan that falls under the Africa benefit. This plan allows you to receive treatment at select hospitals in Mauritius if hospitalization is needed. The cost for this plan is 8000 Rupees. Having such insurance ensures coverage and access to medical services, offering peace of mind in the event of health-related needs.

Indeed, there are options for health insurance in Mauritius through providers like Alliance or Cigna. However, it's worth noting that comprehensive health insurance plans from international providers can be relatively expensive, potentially costing thousands of Euros per year.

You might also get health insurance with local companies like SWAN in Mauritius but take care they do not cover excisting ilnesses.

Medicine

Medicine in Mauritius doesn't seem to be expensive; in fact, it appears to be more affordable than in South Africa.

Transportation

Cars

Cars in Mauritius come with a hefty price tag due to a 100% tax on imported vehicles. As a result, the cost of cars is considerably high. For instance, a Toyota Raider double cab is priced at 2.3 million Rupees, while a smaller vehicle like a Kia Picanto carries a price tag of 630,000 Rupees. The significant import tax plays a crucial role in driving up the overall cost of owning a car in Mauritius.

When we first arrived on the island five years ago, our budget for a car was around 400,000 Rupees, targeting an older model. Despite the relatively modest budget, we spent 2 to 3 weeks diligently exploring various lots in search of a suitable vehicle with enough loading space to accommodate my larger paintings. Eventually, we settled on the Opel Astra hatchback, which offered a decent boot space and met our requirements. The cost of my car was 320,000 Rupees. While the car has provided reliable service, in retrospect, considering the transportation needs for our paintings, opting for a pickup truck might have been a more suitable choice. To keep the car registered annually, it's essential to maintain up-to-date insurance. I pay approximately 10,000 Rupees per year for car insurance. Additionally, for cars older than 10 years, a yearly fitness test is required. The cost of this test is reasonable, and my last visit incurred a fee of 400 Rupees, making it a relatively pain-free process.

Car rental

The monthly cost for renting a small car in Mauritius ranges from 20,000 to 22,000 Rupees. Prices may vary depending on the season, with rates potentially fluctuating between peak and off-peak periods. For short-term rentals, the daily rate is approximately 1,500 Rupees. These rental options provide flexibility for individuals who prefer not to own a vehicle or need temporary transportation solutions.

Petrol cost 69 Rupees per liter and Diesel 63 Rupees per liter at the time of this video.

Bus

Many Mauritians opt for bus transportation, considering its affordability and convenience. For example, the cost of a one-way air-conditioned bus trip from Grand Baie to Port Louis is 48 Rupees. Additionally, there is an option for a monthly pass, which comes at a cost of 1000 Rupees, providing regular commuters with a cost-effective and efficient mode of transportation.

Elderly people over 65 years old travel for free.

Car Wash

The cost of a carwash in Mauritius is typically around 250 Rupees. Although you usually wash your car yourself, occasionally taking it to a professional carwash can provide a thorough cleaning. It's important to note that the best car wash services tend to be busy, and you might need to wait for at least an hour. However, the end result is often worth it, as your car will appear as if it underwent a comprehensive valet.

Schooling

What do schooling cost? Free for state schools but expensive for private schools. Friends of mine have two younger children in School and pay 36 000 rupees for the month. And the older they get the higher the fee gets. It can also be difficult to get entrance into these schools.

Lifestyle

Eating Out

Eating out can be costly. Just to give you an idea. A pizza in Mauritius cost 450 to 500 Rupees. In South Africa a similar Pizza would cost half that. A bottle of wine cost 3 times as much as the same bottle of wine in South Africa and much more at a restaurant. An average meal would cost around 1000 to 1500 Rupees for two people. Food courts are cheaper and a plate of noodles or fried rice would set you back 220 to 250 rupees at the foodcourt. A cappuccino at Artisan cost 90 Rupees for a small cup and 140 for a large cup. A little bit more than in South africa. But the coffee is delicious and up to standard.

Golf

There are 10 world standard golf courses designed by people such as Ernie Els. To join a club is costly. It can set you back a million Rupees to become a club member and then green fees for 18 holes will set you back around 2500 Rupees

Gym

Gym membership will cost you around 1500 Rupees

We stay in the North and there are several well established gyms around like RM. We are walkers and walk several kms every morning when we go to seek God.

Paddle tennis is very popular these days. Within walking distance from me is Urban Sport where a game of paddle will cost you 450 Rupees for an hour and a half. They have an app where you can book a court.

Yacht club. To get into the yacht club you need to know the right people and own a boat. They have a thousand members. During lunch hour you will have to be accompanied by a club member to be served.

Hiking is a popular activity in Mauritius. The Black River Gorges Park has hundreds of kilometers of trials.

Pedicure and nails

What does a pedicure cost or what would you pay for your nails. Expect to pay European prices. It is more than double what you would pay in South Africa.

Hair

I have my hair cut for only 100 rupees a time. In south Africa I would pay 3 times that much.

Movies

We like going to the Movies. But movies in Mauritius are usually in French. At certain theatres there are one English movie at 6pm. You can watch Bollywood movies in Hindi with English subscripts. It can be great fun. We have seen some excellent movies this way. The ticket will cost you 250 Rupees for 2d movies and 350 Rupees for 3d movies

Conclusion

In conclusion. Mauritius is more expensive than South Africa but not by much. It is a great place to retire if you have a good retirement income. But it can be a tricky place to do business because of the relative small size of the market or the difficulty to penetrate the market. The market is protected by the businesses who have been here for a long time. The tax rate is 15% and the average salary for Mauritius is fairly low at around 25 to 30000 rupees. And this means that different people live different lifestyles

Fluency in French will take you very far and open more doors for you. Thank you for watching this video. We do this absolutely for free but ask if you will please subscribe to our channel and share the link with your friends. See you in the next one.