Cost of Living in Benares - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $987 per month with rent, or $607 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $1,599 per month with rent, or $924 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $2,212 per month with rent, or $1,241 without housing.

Overall, Benares is 22–26% below the global median across household types. Within Africa, costs are close to average – just 2% lower.

Currency
Do you live in Benares? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$6.64 MUR 312
$3.32 MUR 156
$11.73 MUR 551
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$44.59 MUR 2,096
$28.99 MUR 1,363
$78.1 MUR 3,668
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$6.51 MUR 306
$5.43 MUR 255
$7.60 MUR 357
Cappuccino
$2.68 MUR 126
$1.40 MUR 65.7
$6.21 MUR 292
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.01 MUR 47.29
$0.78 MUR 36.78
$1.74 MUR 81.7
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.57 MUR 26.72
$0.43 MUR 20.27
$1.14 MUR 53.4
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.10 MUR 98.5
$1.31 MUR 61.6
$6.56 MUR 308
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.78 MUR 131
$2.02 MUR 95.0
$6.74 MUR 317
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.49 MUR 70.1
$1.16 MUR 54.5
$2.33 MUR 109
White Bread (500g)
$0.71 MUR 33.15
$0.23 MUR 10.73
$1.37 MUR 64.4
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.31 MUR 61.7
$1.11 MUR 52.2
$2.11 MUR 99.2
Eggs
$2.23 MUR 105
$1.03 MUR 48.58
$2.83 MUR 133
Local Cheese (1kg)
$10.11 MUR 475
$7.77 MUR 365
$10.11 MUR 475
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.17 MUR 290
$2.08 MUR 97.9
$8.77 MUR 412
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$10.58 MUR 497
$4.01 MUR 188
$17.82 MUR 838
Apples (1kg)
$2.06 MUR 97.0
$1.12 MUR 52.8
$4.50 MUR 211
Banana (1kg)
$1.97 MUR 92.8
$1.00 MUR 47.12
$4.46 MUR 209
Oranges (1kg)
$1.43 MUR 67.4
$1.03 MUR 48.56
$5.36 MUR 252
Tomato (1kg)
$2.61 MUR 122
$1.28 MUR 60.3
$4.49 MUR 211
Potato (1kg)
$0.97 MUR 45.66
$0.85 MUR 40.18
$1.07 MUR 50.2
Onion (1kg)
$0.98 MUR 46.20
$0.78 MUR 36.67
$1.11 MUR 52.4
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.83 MUR 39.20
$0.56 MUR 26.29
$1.12 MUR 52.6
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.56 MUR 26.52
$0.43 MUR 20.25
$1.13 MUR 53.0
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$5.94 MUR 279
$5.46 MUR 257
$6.69 MUR 315
Wine (Bottle)
$8.62 MUR 405
$6.47 MUR 304
$12.95 MUR 609
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.72 MUR 80.6
$1.44 MUR 67.8
$2.14 MUR 101
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.10 MUR 98.6
$1.21 MUR 56.7
$3.24 MUR 152
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.01 MUR 47.29
$0.55 MUR 25.96
$1.03 MUR 48.22
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$4.51 MUR 212
$3.38 MUR 159
$6.76 MUR 318
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$2.72 MUR 128
$1.34 MUR 63.2
$3.26 MUR 153
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$15.70 MUR 738
$11.21 MUR 527
$22.42 MUR 1,054
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.40 MUR 65.7
$1.32 MUR 62.1
$1.61 MUR 75.8
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$35.2K MUR 1.7M
$28.1K MUR 1.3M
$40.2K MUR 1.9M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$29.0K MUR 1.4M
$26.5K MUR 1.2M
$35.4K MUR 1.7M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$49.88 MUR 2,344
$33.26 MUR 1,563
$105 MUR 4,922
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$18.53 MUR 871
$8.88 MUR 418
$22.21 MUR 1,044
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$32.73 MUR 1,538
$22.21 MUR 1,044
$44.40 MUR 2,087
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$37.90 MUR 1,781
$19.60 MUR 921
$38.11 MUR 1,791
Cinema Ticket
$6.11 MUR 287
$5.55 MUR 261
$8.88 MUR 417
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$155 MUR 7,286
$111 MUR 5,205
$177 MUR 8,327
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$3,916 MUR 184.1K
$3,916 MUR 184.1K
$3,916 MUR 184.1K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$49.98 MUR 2,349
$29.34 MUR 1,379
$109 MUR 5,108
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$43.45 MUR 2,042
$26.08 MUR 1,226
$152 MUR 7,149
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$84.0 MUR 3,948
$67.2 MUR 3,158
$202 MUR 9,475
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$78.3 MUR 3,679
$60.1 MUR 2,823
$131 MUR 6,160
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$509 MUR 23.9K
$327 MUR 15.4K
$654 MUR 30.7K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$357 MUR 16.8K
$223 MUR 10.5K
$446 MUR 20.9K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$934 MUR 43.9K
$541 MUR 25.4K
$1,191 MUR 56.0K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$720 MUR 33.8K
$351 MUR 16.5K
$899 MUR 42.3K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.25
3.85
8

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

Last update: July 11, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Groceries cost around $215 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $45.00 – broadly in line with the African average.

Cost Highlights

Taxi is more expensive than 97% of cities in Africa

Benares is cheaper than 67% globally but more expensive than 78% within 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
City tags:
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 $987 per month with rent, or $607 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 $987, 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 $1,480 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 $357 to $509 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 $37.90 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 $155 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 $987 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 $987 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 $987, a figure most working professionals can handle without major financial stress.

Benares vs other spots: cost of living compared

Nearby cities

Similar cities