Cost of Living in Benares - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $1,037 per month with rent, or $554 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $1,710 per month with rent, or $924 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $2,383 per month with rent, or $1,294 without housing.

Overall, Benares is 19–25% below the global median across household types. Within Africa, costs are slightly above average (10%) – still relatively affordable for the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$6.40 MUR 301
$3.49 MUR 164
$13.96 MUR 657
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$33.01 MUR 1,553
$22.01 MUR 1,035
$73.4 MUR 3,452
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$8.28 MUR 390
$7.30 MUR 344
$9.74 MUR 458
Cappuccino
$3.00 MUR 141
$1.20 MUR 56.5
$6.62 MUR 311
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.15 MUR 54.0
$0.73 MUR 34.42
$2.41 MUR 113
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.65 MUR 30.69
$0.54 MUR 25.42
$1.73 MUR 81.5
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.45 MUR 115
$1.38 MUR 64.9
$5.89 MUR 277
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.34 MUR 157
$1.85 MUR 87.2
$5.57 MUR 262
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.37 MUR 64.4
$1.19 MUR 56.0
$2.09 MUR 98.4
White Bread (500g)
$0.79 MUR 37.04
$0.22 MUR 10.24
$1.32 MUR 61.9
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.03 MUR 48.29
$0.87 MUR 41.03
$1.54 MUR 72.7
Eggs
$2.09 MUR 98.5
$0.90 MUR 42.20
$2.80 MUR 132
Local Cheese (1kg)
$5.68 MUR 267
$4.89 MUR 230
$5.68 MUR 267
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$5.81 MUR 274
$1.84 MUR 86.8
$7.75 MUR 365
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$11.66 MUR 549
$3.94 MUR 185
$17.49 MUR 823
Apples (1kg)
$1.93 MUR 90.8
$1.07 MUR 50.3
$3.89 MUR 183
Banana (1kg)
$2.64 MUR 124
$1.06 MUR 49.73
$4.68 MUR 220
Oranges (1kg)
$1.24 MUR 58.5
$0.89 MUR 42.04
$4.65 MUR 219
Tomato (1kg)
$3.13 MUR 147
$1.34 MUR 62.9
$4.59 MUR 216
Potato (1kg)
$0.84 MUR 39.41
$0.73 MUR 34.18
$0.91 MUR 42.62
Onion (1kg)
$0.99 MUR 46.41
$0.74 MUR 35.04
$1.07 MUR 50.2
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.81 MUR 38.31
$0.60 MUR 28.20
$1.09 MUR 51.1
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.89 MUR 41.68
$0.54 MUR 25.39
$1.62 MUR 76.2
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$6.14 MUR 289
$6.05 MUR 284
$9.06 MUR 426
Wine (Bottle)
$9.21 MUR 433
$6.91 MUR 325
$13.81 MUR 650
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.58 MUR 74.4
$1.41 MUR 66.4
$2.01 MUR 94.4
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.12 MUR 99.5
$1.54 MUR 72.6
$2.89 MUR 136
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$4.35 MUR 205
$3.26 MUR 153
$6.53 MUR 307
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$3.17 MUR 149
$3.17 MUR 149
$3.17 MUR 149
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$18.47 MUR 869
$12.01 MUR 565
$18.47 MUR 869
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.32 MUR 62.2
$1.21 MUR 56.7
$1.48 MUR 69.5
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$29.5K MUR 1.4M
$28.1K MUR 1.3M
$34.8K MUR 1.6M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$28.1K MUR 1.3M
$28.1K MUR 1.3M
$30.6K MUR 1.4M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$38.40 MUR 1,807
$27.10 MUR 1,275
$61.7 MUR 2,901
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$10.23 MUR 481
$7.16 MUR 337
$40.91 MUR 1,925
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$28.76 MUR 1,353
$20.91 MUR 984
$41.82 MUR 1,968
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$34.31 MUR 1,614
$24.94 MUR 1,174
$45.22 MUR 2,128
Cinema Ticket
$5.69 MUR 268
$4.74 MUR 223
$7.59 MUR 357
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$136 MUR 6,383
$45.21 MUR 2,127
$203 MUR 9,574
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$7,220 MUR 339.7K
$3,583 MUR 168.6K
$12.1K MUR 569.7K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$60.2 MUR 2,833
$27.79 MUR 1,307
$92.6 MUR 4,358
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$59.6 MUR 2,805
$22.01 MUR 1,035
$128 MUR 6,041
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$116 MUR 5,447
$76.0 MUR 3,575
$195 MUR 9,192
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$67.2 MUR 3,161
$45.81 MUR 2,155
$82.5 MUR 3,879
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$607 MUR 28.6K
$368 MUR 17.3K
$701 MUR 33.0K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$395 MUR 18.6K
$316 MUR 14.9K
$495 MUR 23.3K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,158 MUR 54.5K
$938 MUR 44.1K
$1,324 MUR 62.3K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$972 MUR 45.7K
$789 MUR 37.1K
$1,093 MUR 51.4K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.34
5
8

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: August 31, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Groceries cost around $210 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $33.00 – well below the African average of $42.00.

Cost Highlights

Taxi is more expensive than 94% of cities in Africa

3-bedroom apartment, outside city center is more expensive than 92% of cities in Africa

Benares Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Benares - Frequently Asked Questions
How affordable is life in Benares, Mauritius compared with other island towns for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
The Cost of Living in Benares, Mauritius sits in the moderate range for the region. You'll notice that basic groceries and fresh produce feel more affordable than Western hubs, while imported goods and certain services can be pricier. Value shines when you balance locally sourced meals, shared co-working spaces, and longer-term housing options. Seasonal shifts can affect rental demand and prices, so lining up a longer stay with flexible dates helps. Tip: compare neighborhoods by proximity to the coast and access to public transport to maximize value.
What does daily life look like in Benares, Mauritius, in terms of housing search, food, transport, and errands?
Daily life in Benares, Mauritius blends a relaxed island pace with practical convenience. For housing, start with smaller apartments or ground-floor units in older neighborhoods near the town center; leases often favor longer terms and may include utilities. Food options range from bustling local markets with bright produce to casual eateries serving Creole-Indian dishes; groceries vary by area, and you can build a weekly meal plan around regional staples. Transportation leans on scooters, shared taxis, and short hops; some neighborhoods are walkable or bike-friendly. For quick context, Benares, Mauritius living cost guides your approach to rent and daily buys. Tip: map market days to maximize selection and save.
What factors influence long-term quality of life and budgeting in Benares, Mauritius, and how can you compare neighborhoods for fit?
Quality of life in Benares, Mauritius rises when you balance daily practicality with the pace you prefer. Build a straightforward budgeting framework: essentials (rent, utilities, groceries), discretionary (eating out, activities), and a small cushion for savings. Seasonal patterns influence crowds and service hours, so you might find better deals in shoulder seasons and slower months. Neighborhood fit depends on layout and access: coastal areas offer maritime vibes, inland lanes can feel quieter and more affordable. Prioritize reliable internet, safe walking routes, and proximity to markets or coworking spaces. Tip: test a short-term stay in a couple of neighborhoods before committing.
What are the monthly living expenses in Benares as of 2026?
For 2026, a single person in Benares should plan on about $1,037 per month with rent, or $554 without housing. That covers a moderate lifestyle – food, utilities, transport, and some leisure – at current local prices.
Is Benares affordable on an average income?
Benares sits squarely in the middle of the price spectrum – not cheap, not expensive. Monthly costs with rent tend to hover around $1,037, which most working professionals can handle without feeling financially squeezed.
What income do you need to cover all expenses in Benares?
You'll want at least $1,555 per month after taxes to live comfortably in Benares. That covers a decent apartment, groceries, utilities, transport, and enough left over for dining out occasionally. Families or people wanting a central location should budget higher.
Is Benares a good place to find cheap rent?
Rent is one of the biggest advantages of living in Benares – 1-bedroom apartments range from $395 to $607 per month, and even central neighborhoods stay accessible on modest incomes. Cheap housing frees up cash for everything else.
How much is a monthly gym pass in Benares?
Expect to pay about $34.31 per month for a gym in Benares – on par with the regional average. That typically gets you weights, cardio machines, and group classes. Boutique studios, yoga centers, and personal trainers charge extra.
How expensive is preschool in Benares per month?
Private kindergarten in Benares costs about $136 per month – a big number for families. Prices vary by curriculum and whether you go local or international. Public options are cheaper where they exist, but waitlists can be long.
Does $2,000 cover living expenses in Benares?
$2,000 is below the $1,037 average in Benares, so it's tight but not impossible. You'll need to keep rent low – sharing an apartment, cooking at home, and sticking to public transport are the main levers.
What is expat life like in Benares?
Benares has an established expat community and is welcoming to foreigners. low crime rates, clean air, remote work facilities smooth the transition, and English-speaking landlords, expat-focused healthcare, and international services are all reasonably accessible. Monthly costs average $1,037 including housing.
Is Benares affordable for the average person?
Benares is neither cheap nor expensive – it sits comfortably in the middle. Monthly costs with rent run about $1,037, a figure most working professionals can handle without major financial stress.

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