What does life in Mauritius really cost, and what salary can you expect once you are there? MJ Développement Maurice lays out the figures: average salary, minimum wage, rent and monthly budget.
Enough to build an expatriation or investment plan on hard numbers rather than rough estimates.
Key facts at a glance
| Criterion | What to remember |
|---|---|
| Average salary | MUR 45,794 per month (Statistics Mauritius, 2025) |
| National minimum wage | MUR 17,110 per month |
| One-bedroom rent, city centre | Around MUR 22,000 per month |
| One-bedroom rent, outside centre | Around MUR 15,000 per month |
| Monthly budget excluding rent, one person | Around MUR 28,500 |
Salaries in Mauritius: average and minimum
According to 2025 data from Statistics Mauritius, the average salary in Mauritius stands at MUR 45,794 per month, up from MUR 43,511 in 2024.
The national minimum wage, revised each year to offset inflation, has stood at MUR 17,110 per month since late January 2025, against MUR 16,500 the previous year.
These figures vary widely by sector: finance, upmarket hospitality and technology all pay well above the national average.
Cost of living and an expat’s monthly budget
To move to Mauritius on a comfortable footing, plan for a realistic monthly budget, excluding rent, of around MUR 28,500 for a single person.
Rent for a one-bedroom home ranges from MUR 15,000 outside the centre to more than MUR 22,000 in the city centre, plus around MUR 2,800 in utilities.
To refine the calculation line by line, see our detailed expat budget for Mauritius, broken down sector by sector.
Good to know: the cost of living in Mauritius remains lower than in mainland France for housing and services, but comparable for some imported goods. Comparing spending categories one by one, rather than the overall budget, gives a fairer picture before you leave.
Taxation, a boost for purchasing power
That monthly budget benefits from a favourable tax environment: Mauritius applies a flat 15% rate on income, with no additional social contributions and no capital gains tax.
This tax gap partly offsets nominal salaries lower than those paid in France, for purchasing power that is often comparable once housing and taxation are factored in.
“Our clients often compare a Mauritian gross salary with a French one, without factoring in the 15% tax rate or the cost of housing. Once those two elements are added, real purchasing power is often a pleasant surprise,” says Michaël Ruel, President of MJ Développement.
Practical life and family spending
Beyond salary and groceries, settling in Mauritius means budgeting for other items: private health insurance, a vehicle and schooling for families.
Schools in Mauritius offer a wide choice between state, private and international establishments, with fees that vary considerably depending on the curriculum, an item to build into the family budget early.
Once set down in black and white, this monthly budget puts a life plan in Mauritius in very concrete terms.
Get in touch with MJ Développement to invest in Mauritius and build a property project that matches your budget!
FAQ – Salary and cost of living in Mauritius
What is the average salary in Mauritius?
The average salary stands at MUR 45,794 per month according to 2025 data from Statistics Mauritius, up from MUR 43,511 recorded in 2024, across all sectors.
Has the minimum wage risen recently?
Yes. The national minimum wage rose to MUR 17,110 per month in late January 2025, from MUR 16,500 previously, as part of the annual inflation-linked revision.
What monthly budget should I plan excluding rent?
Allow around MUR 28,500 per month excluding rent for a single person, covering utilities, groceries and leisure, based on available cost-of-living data for Mauritius.
Is rent higher in the city centre?
Yes. A one-bedroom home costs around MUR 22,000 per month in the city centre, against MUR 15,000 outside it, a gap of more than 40% depending on location.
Does Mauritian taxation offset a lower salary?
The flat 15% rate on income, with no additional social contributions, partly offsets nominal salaries lower than in France, for purchasing power that is often comparable once housing is taken into account.
Should I budget separately for children’s schooling?
Yes. Fees vary widely between state, private and international schools in Mauritius. This item is worth budgeting early, even before settling on where the family will live.
Sources
- Statistics Mauritius, labour statistics: statsmauritius.govmu.org
- Le Défi Media Group, minimum wage increase: defimedia.info
- Numbeo, cost of living in Mauritius: numbeo.com
