Cost of Living: Mauritius vs United States

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Mauritius and United States.

Data updated: September 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Mauritius is 75.3% cheaper than United States. The biggest difference is in Childcare, where costs are 84.6% lower. This means that for every $100 you spend in United States, you would spend about $25 in Mauritius for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Childcare 84.6%

Mauritius is 84.6% cheaper

Salaries And Financing 83.7%

Mauritius is 83.7% cheaper

Rent Per Month 74.5%

Mauritius is 74.5% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 75.3%

Mauritius is 75.3% cheaper than United States

Most Expensive Categories

  • Transportation +17.5%

Is Mauritius cheaper than United States?

Yes, Mauritius is cheaper than United States

Overall, living costs in Mauritius are 75.3% lower than in United States.

Where Mauritius is cheaper:

  • Childcare 84.6% cheaper
  • Salaries And Financing 83.7% cheaper
  • Rent Per Month 74.5% cheaper

Where Mauritius is more expensive:

  • Transportation 17.5% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Mauritius: 6.61 $ United States: 20.00 $
67.0% cheaper in Mauritius

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Mauritius: 445.52 $ United States: 1,746.65 $
74.5% cheaper in Mauritius

Monthly public transport pass

Mauritius: 33.03 $ United States: 65.00 $
49.2% cheaper in Mauritius

1 liter of milk

Mauritius: 1.41 $ United States: 1.06 $
33.0% more expensive in Mauritius

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Mauritius is indeed cheaper than United States. You would save approximately 75.3% on living expenses by choosing Mauritius over United States. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

75.3%

Mauritius is 75.3% cheaper than United States

Restaurants

43.1%

Mauritius is 43.1% cheaper than United States in this category

Markets

44.1%

Mauritius is 44.1% cheaper than United States in this category

Other Expenses

33.9%

Mauritius is 33.9% cheaper than United States in this category

Transportation

17.5%

Mauritius is 17.5% more expensive than United States in this category

Household Utilities

72.1%

Mauritius is 72.1% cheaper than United States in this category

Mobile and Internet

62.2%

Mauritius is 62.2% cheaper than United States in this category

Sports And Leisure

40.7%

Mauritius is 40.7% cheaper than United States in this category

Childcare

84.6%

Mauritius is 84.6% cheaper than United States in this category

Clothing And Shoes

23.9%

Mauritius is 23.9% cheaper than United States in this category

Rent Per Month

74.5%

Mauritius is 74.5% cheaper than United States in this category

Property Prices

17.2%

Mauritius is 17.2% cheaper than United States in this category

Salaries And Financing

83.7%

Mauritius is 83.7% cheaper than United States in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Mauritius United States Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 6.61 $ 20.00 $ 67.0%
Mauritius is 67.0% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 44.04 $ 75.00 $ 41.3%
Mauritius is 41.3% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 6.61 $ 11.50 $ 42.5%
Mauritius is 42.5% cheaper
Regular Cappuccino 2.46 $ 5.24 $ 53.1%
Mauritius is 53.1% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 1.01 $ 2.56 $ 60.5%
Mauritius is 60.5% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 0.64 $ 2.09 $ 69.4%
Mauritius is 69.4% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 0.64 $ 2.23 $ 71.3%
Mauritius is 71.3% cheaper
Imported Beer (330ml) 7.97 $ 4.38 $ 82.0%
Mauritius is 82.0% more expensive
Milk (1L) 1.41 $ 1.06 $ 33.0%
Mauritius is 33.0% more expensive
Fresh Bread (500g) 0.69 $ 3.63 $ 81.0%
Mauritius is 81.0% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 1.93 $ 4.61 $ 58.1%
Mauritius is 58.1% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 2.25 $ 4.29 $ 47.6%
Mauritius is 47.6% cheaper
Local Cheese (1kg) 9.65 $ 12.93 $ 25.4%
Mauritius is 25.4% cheaper
Chicken Breast (1kg) 5.74 $ 12.20 $ 53.0%
Mauritius is 53.0% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 10.74 $ 10.78 $ 0.4%
Mauritius is 0.4% cheaper
Apples (1kg) 2.19 $ 5.28 $ 58.5%
Mauritius is 58.5% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 1.92 $ 1.68 $ 14.3%
Mauritius is 14.3% more expensive
Oranges (1kg) 2.06 $ 4.50 $ 54.2%
Mauritius is 54.2% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 3.00 $ 4.91 $ 38.9%
Mauritius is 38.9% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 1.08 $ 2.94 $ 63.3%
Mauritius is 63.3% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 1.10 $ 3.08 $ 64.3%
Mauritius is 64.3% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 0.91 $ 2.20 $ 58.6%
Mauritius is 58.6% cheaper
Monthly Transit Pass 33.03 $ 65.00 $ 49.2%
Mauritius is 49.2% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 6.61 $ 10.00 $ 33.9%
Mauritius is 33.9% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 0.97 $ 2.50 $ 61.2%
Mauritius is 61.2% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 4.40 $ 3.75 $ 17.3%
Mauritius is 17.3% more expensive
Taxi per Kilometer 3.30 $ 1.74 $ 89.7%
Mauritius is 89.7% more expensive
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 11.01 $ 30.00 $ 63.3%
Mauritius is 63.3% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 1.52 $ 0.93 $ 63.4%
Mauritius is 63.4% more expensive
New Economy Car 31,931.29 $ 30,000.00 $ 6.4%
Mauritius is 6.4% more expensive
New Mid-Range Car 33,889.68 $ 25,982.09 $ 30.4%
Mauritius is 30.4% more expensive
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 58.16 $ 208.61 $ 72.1%
Mauritius is 72.1% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 16.39 $ 57.38 $ 71.4%
Mauritius is 71.4% cheaper
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 32.41 $ 71.66 $ 54.8%
Mauritius is 54.8% cheaper
Gym Membership 33.66 $ 46.22 $ 27.2%
Mauritius is 27.2% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 8.69 $ 21.94 $ 60.4%
Mauritius is 60.4% cheaper
Movie Ticket 6.61 $ 14.44 $ 54.2%
Mauritius is 54.2% cheaper
Private Preschool (Full Day) 154.16 $ 1,372.78 $ 88.8%
Mauritius is 88.8% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 3,534.46 $ 22,512.19 $ 84.3%
Mauritius is 84.3% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 46.58 $ 52.18 $ 10.7%
Mauritius is 10.7% cheaper
1 Summer Dress 38.84 $ 42.56 $ 8.7%
Mauritius is 8.7% cheaper
1 Pair of Running Shoes 77.00 $ 89.93 $ 14.4%
Mauritius is 14.4% cheaper
1 Pair of Business Shoes 64.71 $ 113.60 $ 43.0%
Mauritius is 43.0% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 445.52 $ 1,746.65 $ 74.5%
Mauritius is 74.5% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 312.92 $ 1,440.62 $ 78.3%
Mauritius is 78.3% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 789.79 $ 2,896.11 $ 72.7%
Mauritius is 72.7% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 614.99 $ 2,403.74 $ 74.4%
Mauritius is 74.4% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 2,772.35 $ 3,233.83 $ 14.3%
Mauritius is 14.3% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 2,153.11 $ 2,715.21 $ 20.7%
Mauritius is 20.7% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 702.72 $ 4,329.01 $ 83.8%
Mauritius is 83.8% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 6.06 6.51 6.9%
Mauritius is 6.9% cheaper

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to United States. Enter your monthly expenses in Mauritius to see the equivalent costs.

Housing

Food & Dining

Transportation

Other Expenses

Our Methodology

Our cost of living comparisons are based on a robust methodology that combines multiple data sources and regular updates to ensure accuracy:

Data Collection

  • Regular price surveys conducted in major cities
  • Official government statistics and economic indicators
  • User-contributed data from expatriates and local residents
  • Real estate market reports and rental price indices
  • Consumer price indices and inflation data

Calculation Methods

  • Prices are normalized to USD for consistent comparison
  • Exchange rates are updated monthly
  • Regional price variations are weighted by population
  • Seasonal fluctuations are accounted for in the averages
  • Quality of life factors are considered in the overall assessment

Quality Assurance

  • Data is verified by local experts
  • Regular cross-checking with multiple sources
  • User feedback is incorporated into updates
  • Statistical outliers are identified and reviewed
  • Methodology is reviewed quarterly

Note: While we strive for accuracy, cost of living data can vary significantly within countries and cities. These comparisons should be used as a general guide, and we recommend conducting additional research for specific locations.

Lifestyle Impact

Understanding the cost of living differences between Mauritius and United States goes beyond just numbers. Here's how these differences might affect your daily life:

Daily Living

  • Grocery shopping habits and meal planning
  • Public transportation usage vs. car ownership
  • Frequency of dining out and entertainment
  • Healthcare access and insurance coverage
  • Housing choices and neighborhood selection

Long-term Planning

  • Savings and investment strategies
  • Retirement planning considerations
  • Education costs for children
  • Property ownership opportunities
  • Business and career development

Quality of Life Considerations

While cost of living is important, it's just one aspect of quality of life. Consider also:

  • Healthcare system quality and accessibility
  • Education system standards
  • Public safety and security
  • Environmental quality
  • Cultural and recreational opportunities
  • Work-life balance norms

Making the Most of Your Budget

Tips for adapting to cost of living differences:

  • Research local shopping habits and markets
  • Learn about public transportation options
  • Understand local tax systems and benefits
  • Explore community resources and discounts
  • Network with locals for insider tips

Local Insights for Mauritius vs United States

While both countries have similar overall costs, there are nuanced differences in how money is spent on daily necessities.

Cultural Cost Differences

Mauritius

  • Basic groceries tend to be more expensive, suggesting different shopping patterns.
  • Higher fuel costs indicate different transportation preferences.

United States

Seasonal Cost Variations

Both countries experience moderate seasonal variations in living costs, with prices typically higher during peak tourist seasons and major holidays.

Explore more

Cost of living in Mauritius Cost of living in United States

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