Cost of Living in Benares - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $995 per month with rent, or $660 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $1,597 per month with rent, or $1,058 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $2,199 per month with rent, or $1,455 without housing.

Overall, Benares is 22–26% below the global median across household types. Within Africa, costs are close to average – just 3% lower.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$6.74 MUR 315
$3.37 MUR 158
$11.91 MUR 557
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$44.51 MUR 2,081
$28.94 MUR 1,353
$77.9 MUR 3,641
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$6.48 MUR 303
$5.40 MUR 253
$7.57 MUR 354
Cappuccino
$2.56 MUR 120
$1.33 MUR 62.3
$5.93 MUR 277
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.03 MUR 48.26
$0.80 MUR 37.53
$1.78 MUR 83.4
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.60 MUR 28.01
$0.45 MUR 21.25
$1.20 MUR 56.0
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.05 MUR 95.9
$1.28 MUR 60.0
$6.42 MUR 300
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.67 MUR 125
$1.94 MUR 90.7
$6.47 MUR 302
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.45 MUR 67.9
$1.13 MUR 52.7
$2.27 MUR 106
White Bread (500g)
$0.71 MUR 33.12
$0.23 MUR 10.71
$1.38 MUR 64.3
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.31 MUR 61.3
$1.11 MUR 51.9
$2.11 MUR 98.6
Eggs
$2.25 MUR 105
$1.04 MUR 48.69
$2.85 MUR 133
Local Cheese (1kg)
$9.87 MUR 461
$7.59 MUR 355
$9.87 MUR 461
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.31 MUR 295
$2.13 MUR 99.6
$8.97 MUR 419
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$10.60 MUR 496
$4.02 MUR 188
$17.86 MUR 835
Apples (1kg)
$1.98 MUR 92.4
$1.08 MUR 50.3
$4.30 MUR 201
Banana (1kg)
$1.92 MUR 89.7
$0.97 MUR 45.54
$4.33 MUR 202
Oranges (1kg)
$1.45 MUR 68.0
$1.05 MUR 49.02
$5.44 MUR 254
Tomato (1kg)
$2.69 MUR 126
$1.33 MUR 62.0
$4.64 MUR 217
Potato (1kg)
$0.98 MUR 45.72
$0.86 MUR 40.24
$1.08 MUR 50.3
Onion (1kg)
$0.93 MUR 43.66
$0.74 MUR 34.66
$1.06 MUR 49.52
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.80 MUR 37.44
$0.54 MUR 25.11
$1.07 MUR 50.2
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.57 MUR 26.47
$0.43 MUR 20.21
$1.13 MUR 52.9
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$5.94 MUR 278
$5.46 MUR 255
$6.70 MUR 313
Wine (Bottle)
$8.34 MUR 390
$6.25 MUR 292
$12.51 MUR 585
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.80 MUR 84.2
$1.51 MUR 70.8
$2.25 MUR 105
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.10 MUR 98.1
$1.21 MUR 56.4
$3.24 MUR 151
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.05 MUR 48.93
$0.57 MUR 26.86
$1.07 MUR 49.89
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$4.27 MUR 200
$3.21 MUR 150
$6.41 MUR 300
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$2.69 MUR 126
$1.33 MUR 62.1
$3.22 MUR 151
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$15.30 MUR 715
$10.93 MUR 511
$21.86 MUR 1,022
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.44 MUR 67.3
$1.36 MUR 63.6
$1.66 MUR 77.7
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$35.5K MUR 1.7M
$28.4K MUR 1.3M
$40.6K MUR 1.9M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$28.6K MUR 1.3M
$26.2K MUR 1.2M
$34.9K MUR 1.6M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$49.04 MUR 2,292
$32.70 MUR 1,528
$103 MUR 4,812
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$18.15 MUR 848
$8.70 MUR 407
$21.75 MUR 1,017
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$32.83 MUR 1,535
$22.27 MUR 1,041
$44.53 MUR 2,082
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$38.41 MUR 1,795
$19.86 MUR 928
$38.62 MUR 1,805
Cinema Ticket
$5.98 MUR 280
$5.44 MUR 254
$8.70 MUR 407
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$153 MUR 7,157
$109 MUR 5,113
$175 MUR 8,180
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$3,884 MUR 181.5K
$3,884 MUR 181.5K
$3,884 MUR 181.5K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$50.3 MUR 2,352
$29.54 MUR 1,381
$109 MUR 5,114
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$43.55 MUR 2,035
$26.13 MUR 1,222
$152 MUR 7,125
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$83.2 MUR 3,888
$66.6 MUR 3,110
$200 MUR 9,332
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$79.1 MUR 3,695
$60.7 MUR 2,836
$132 MUR 6,188
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$503 MUR 23.5K
$323 MUR 15.1K
$647 MUR 30.2K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$352 MUR 16.5K
$220 MUR 10.3K
$440 MUR 20.6K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$962 MUR 44.9K
$557 MUR 26.1K
$1,226 MUR 57.3K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$729 MUR 34.1K
$355 MUR 16.6K
$910 MUR 42.6K
💵 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: May 12, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Groceries cost around $214 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 95% of cities in Africa

Monthly cost (excluding rent) is more expensive than 90% 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 $995 per month with rent, or $660 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 $995, 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 $1,493 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 Benares's biggest advantages – 1-bedroom apartments range from $352 to $503 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 $38.41 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 $153 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 $700 cover living expenses in Benares?
$700 is below the $995 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 $995 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 $995, a figure most working professionals can handle without major financial stress.

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