Living in Port Louis, Mauritius
Port Louis is one of the Mauritius destinations covered by GoWira's fiscal and lifestyle database, refreshed quarterly. A one-bedroom apartment in the Port Louis city center rents for around MUR 54,000/month, while the same layout in the suburbs averages MUR 36,000/month — a typical center-vs-suburbs gap for a city this size. Everyday expenses run about MUR 11,000 for groceries (single person) and MUR 2,100 for a monthly public transport pass. On our cost-of-living index (100 = highest benchmark city), Port Louis scores 52, which makes it moderately priced by international standards.
If you're planning a move, a realistic first-year budget in Port Louis starts at roughly MUR 67,100/month for a single person in a central studio, before taxes, insurance or discretionary spending. Dining tends to cost MUR 840 for a mid-range meal and MUR 69 for a coffee at a local café, with a beer at a bar around MUR 130. Owning a car adds approximately MUR 15,000/month between fuel, parking and insurance — many residents in Port Louis skip this in favour of public transport or the MUR 2,100/month pass mentioned above.
Healthcare, schools and essentials
Mauritius offers a public healthcare system that residents access through social security contributions. Private health insurance for a single expat in Port Louis costs around MUR 2,300/month, with a family plan at MUR 6,900. An out-of-pocket private GP visit runs about MUR 1,900, while specialists charge around MUR 3,400. Families should budget MUR 46,000/month for international schooling, or MUR 25,000/month for a local private school.
Who does Port Louis suit best?
Port Louis works especially well for senior professionals and families who can absorb top-tier European rent in exchange for infrastructure.
All figures are medians (p50), reviewed quarterly. Hit the calculator below for a number tailored to your salary and residency situation.