Cost of Living in Benares - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $970 per month with rent, or $585 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $1,570 per month with rent, or $987 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $2,171 per month with rent, or $1,389 without housing.

Overall, Benares is 23–28% below the global median across household types. Within Africa, costs are close to average – just 6% lower.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$6.69 MUR 316
$3.35 MUR 158
$11.82 MUR 559
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$43.19 MUR 2,041
$28.08 MUR 1,327
$75.6 MUR 3,572
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$6.40 MUR 303
$5.34 MUR 252
$7.47 MUR 353
Cappuccino
$2.64 MUR 125
$1.37 MUR 64.9
$6.11 MUR 289
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.01 MUR 47.64
$0.78 MUR 37.05
$1.74 MUR 82.3
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.57 MUR 26.90
$0.43 MUR 20.41
$1.14 MUR 53.8
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.06 MUR 97.5
$1.29 MUR 61.0
$6.46 MUR 305
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.75 MUR 130
$2.00 MUR 94.7
$6.68 MUR 316
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.52 MUR 71.9
$1.18 MUR 55.9
$2.38 MUR 112
White Bread (500g)
$0.65 MUR 30.75
$0.21 MUR 9.95
$1.26 MUR 59.7
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.33 MUR 62.9
$1.13 MUR 53.2
$2.14 MUR 101
Eggs
$2.36 MUR 111
$1.09 MUR 51.6
$2.99 MUR 141
Local Cheese (1kg)
$9.68 MUR 457
$7.44 MUR 351
$9.68 MUR 457
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.22 MUR 294
$2.10 MUR 99.3
$8.85 MUR 418
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$10.48 MUR 495
$3.97 MUR 188
$17.65 MUR 834
Apples (1kg)
$2.07 MUR 98.0
$1.13 MUR 53.4
$4.52 MUR 213
Banana (1kg)
$1.99 MUR 94.0
$1.01 MUR 47.71
$4.49 MUR 212
Oranges (1kg)
$1.45 MUR 68.5
$1.05 MUR 49.42
$5.43 MUR 256
Tomato (1kg)
$2.62 MUR 124
$1.29 MUR 60.9
$4.51 MUR 213
Potato (1kg)
$1.02 MUR 48.42
$0.90 MUR 42.61
$1.13 MUR 53.3
Onion (1kg)
$0.95 MUR 44.88
$0.75 MUR 35.63
$1.08 MUR 50.9
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.80 MUR 37.74
$0.54 MUR 25.32
$1.07 MUR 50.6
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.57 MUR 27.09
$0.44 MUR 20.69
$1.15 MUR 54.2
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$6.20 MUR 293
$5.70 MUR 269
$6.99 MUR 330
Wine (Bottle)
$8.29 MUR 392
$6.22 MUR 294
$12.43 MUR 587
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.79 MUR 84.7
$1.51 MUR 71.2
$2.24 MUR 106
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.10 MUR 99.3
$1.21 MUR 57.1
$3.24 MUR 153
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.04 MUR 49.23
$0.57 MUR 27.03
$1.06 MUR 50.2
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$4.33 MUR 205
$3.25 MUR 154
$6.50 MUR 307
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$2.69 MUR 127
$1.33 MUR 62.8
$3.22 MUR 152
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$15.33 MUR 724
$10.95 MUR 517
$21.90 MUR 1,035
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.39 MUR 65.8
$1.32 MUR 62.2
$1.61 MUR 76.0
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$35.5K MUR 1.7M
$28.4K MUR 1.3M
$40.7K MUR 1.9M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$28.9K MUR 1.4M
$26.5K MUR 1.3M
$35.3K MUR 1.7M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$50.3 MUR 2,376
$33.53 MUR 1,584
$106 MUR 4,989
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$18.59 MUR 878
$8.91 MUR 421
$22.27 MUR 1,052
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$32.34 MUR 1,528
$21.94 MUR 1,037
$43.87 MUR 2,073
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$37.89 MUR 1,790
$19.59 MUR 926
$38.10 MUR 1,800
Cinema Ticket
$6.08 MUR 287
$5.53 MUR 261
$8.84 MUR 418
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$151 MUR 7,149
$108 MUR 5,106
$173 MUR 8,170
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$3,885 MUR 183.6K
$3,885 MUR 183.6K
$3,885 MUR 183.6K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$51.1 MUR 2,413
$29.98 MUR 1,416
$111 MUR 5,245
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$43.42 MUR 2,052
$26.06 MUR 1,231
$152 MUR 7,182
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$83.5 MUR 3,946
$66.8 MUR 3,157
$200 MUR 9,471
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$77.8 MUR 3,675
$59.7 MUR 2,820
$130 MUR 6,153
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$504 MUR 23.8K
$324 MUR 15.3K
$648 MUR 30.6K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$354 MUR 16.7K
$222 MUR 10.5K
$443 MUR 20.9K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$931 MUR 44.0K
$540 MUR 25.5K
$1,188 MUR 56.1K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$718 MUR 33.9K
$350 MUR 16.5K
$896 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: June 2, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Groceries cost around $214 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $43.00 – broadly in line with the African average.

Cost Highlights

Taxi is more expensive than 94% of cities in Africa

Benares is cheaper than 68% globally but more expensive than 76% within Africa.

Benares Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

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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 $970 per month with rent, or $585 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 $970, 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 $1,454 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 $354 to $504 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 $37.89 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 $151 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 $970 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 $970 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 $970, a figure most working professionals can handle without major financial stress.

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