Cost of Living in Essaouira - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $810 per month with rent, or $459 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $1,226 per month with rent, or $739 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $1,642 per month with rent, or $1,019 without housing.

Overall, Essaouira is about 42% below the global median. Within Africa, costs are 21% below average – relatively affordable for the region.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$4.34 MAD 39.86

$2.16 MAD 19.88

$8.66 MAD 79.6

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$24.74 MAD 227

$16.28 MAD 150

$65.1 MAD 598

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$4.99 MAD 45.88

$4.45 MAD 40.86

$8.10 MAD 74.5

Cappuccino

$1.84 MAD 16.91

$1.12 MAD 10.33

$4.49 MAD 41.24

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.45 MAD 4.13

$0.36 MAD 3.34

$1.15 MAD 10.54

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.26 MAD 2.36

$0.21 MAD 1.92

$0.55 MAD 5.07

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$3.85 MAD 35.40

$2.01 MAD 18.44

$6.60 MAD 60.7

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.57 MAD 32.83

$2.15 MAD 19.75

$6.46 MAD 59.4

Milk (1 liter)

$0.85 MAD 7.80

$0.46 MAD 4.23

$1.27 MAD 11.65

White Bread (500g)

$0.53 MAD 4.90

$0.31 MAD 2.88

$0.92 MAD 8.45

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.69 MAD 15.57

$1.31 MAD 12.05

$2.21 MAD 20.29

Eggs

$1.80 MAD 16.52

$1.28 MAD 11.79

$3.20 MAD 29.38

Local Cheese (1kg)

$9.59 MAD 88.1

$6.64 MAD 61.0

$14.38 MAD 132

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$5.34 MAD 49.08

$2.36 MAD 21.71

$10.14 MAD 93.2

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$11.51 MAD 106

$8.91 MAD 81.9

$13.37 MAD 123

Apples (1kg)

$1.37 MAD 12.55

$0.86 MAD 7.95

$1.94 MAD 17.79

Banana (1kg)

$1.27 MAD 11.70

$0.72 MAD 6.60

$1.68 MAD 15.47

Oranges (1kg)

$0.72 MAD 6.59

$0.53 MAD 4.84

$2.62 MAD 24.09

Tomato (1kg)

$0.93 MAD 8.56

$0.51 MAD 4.70

$1.46 MAD 13.45

Potato (1kg)

$0.69 MAD 6.36

$0.45 MAD 4.17

$1.25 MAD 11.48

Onion (1kg)

$0.92 MAD 8.47

$0.46 MAD 4.24

$1.50 MAD 13.77

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.39 MAD 3.60

$0.23 MAD 2.08

$1.36 MAD 12.50

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.54 MAD 4.92

$0.53 MAD 4.83

$0.74 MAD 6.77

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$4.07 MAD 37.43

$3.70 MAD 33.97

$4.89 MAD 44.90

Wine (Bottle)

$6.61 MAD 60.8

$2.21 MAD 20.29

$22.05 MAD 203

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.93 MAD 17.76

$1.47 MAD 13.51

$3.38 MAD 31.08

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.16 MAD 19.83

$1.62 MAD 14.85

$4.86 MAD 44.64

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.90 MAD 8.25

$0.45 MAD 4.12

$0.90 MAD 8.25

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$16.40 MAD 151

$10.94 MAD 101

$21.86 MAD 201

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.68 MAD 6.26

$0.57 MAD 5.21

$1.13 MAD 10.43

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.51 MAD 4.72

$0.31 MAD 2.83

$0.72 MAD 6.60

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$8.69 MAD 79.8

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.58 MAD 14.54

$1.45 MAD 13.33

$1.72 MAD 15.84

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$37.6K MAD 345.7K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$21.0K MAD 193.3K

$12.3K MAD 112.6K

$29.8K MAD 274.1K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$28.04 MAD 258

$16.25 MAD 149

$70.4 MAD 647

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$13.82 MAD 127

$10.73 MAD 98.6

$21.67 MAD 199

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$28.65 MAD 263

$22.18 MAD 204

$49.91 MAD 459

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$22.11 MAD 203

$16.58 MAD 152

$33.17 MAD 305

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$23.63 MAD 217

$9.50 MAD 87.3

$25.12 MAD 231

Cinema Ticket

$6.71 MAD 61.7

$5.59 MAD 51.4

$8.94 MAD 82.2

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$75.6 MAD 695

$54.0 MAD 496

$86.4 MAD 794

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$1,990 MAD 18.3K

$1,448 MAD 13.3K

$2,785 MAD 25.6K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$31.43 MAD 289

$11.18 MAD 103

$51.0 MAD 468

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$39.79 MAD 366

$16.66 MAD 153

$55.5 MAD 510

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$48.84 MAD 449

$30.99 MAD 285

$111 MAD 1,017

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$44.20 MAD 406

$22.10 MAD 203

$70.5 MAD 648

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$388 MAD 3,563

$332 MAD 3,054

$443 MAD 4,072

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$345 MAD 3,173

$273 MAD 2,505

$436 MAD 4,008

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$795 MAD 7,308

$434 MAD 3,986

$1,084 MAD 9,966

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$545 MAD 5,011

$436 MAD 4,009

$654 MAD 6,014

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$268 MAD 2,462

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

5.5

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

Last update: June 1, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $388, dropping to $345 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 145% of the average salary ($268) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $268 – below monthly costs of $810. Most locals rely on shared housing or dual incomes. Remote workers earning abroad will find stronger purchasing power.

Groceries cost around $179 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $25.00 – well below the African average of $42.00.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $16.40 – among the cheapest in Africa (average $29.00).

Cost Highlights

Local beer is more expensive than 94% of cities in Africa

Gasoline is more expensive than 93% of cities in Africa

Essaouira Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌍 Africa

Cost of Living in Essaouira - Frequently Asked Questions

Essaouira tends to offer a warm blend of value and lifestyle that appeals to travelers, expats, and emerging digital nomads. The city balances modest lodging options, casual dining, and affordable local markets with a scenic, walkable layout. For many, Cost of Living in Essaouira feels approachable because you can anchor a comfortable routine without the price tag of larger hubs. Expect fair prices for fresh seafood, produce, and crafts, plus the option to negotiate longer-term rents or guesthouse stays. Seasonal crowds can shift prices, but the overall rhythm remains welcoming for flexible budgets. Tip: scout accommodations in advance and test neighborhoods before committing.

Daily life in Essaouira blends market freshness with coastal charm. Housing search centers on riads in the medina or modern apartments near the beachfront, often with flexible lease terms for short stays. Food options range from casual cafes to fish markets and home cooking with fresh produce. Transport is simple here, walk, bike, or use small taxis for longer trips. Co-working spaces with reliable WiFi are common near popular cafes and guesthouses. By gauging the Essaouira living cost across neighborhoods, you can tailor your search to balance rent, access, and lifestyle. Tip: start with a short-term rental to test commute times and noise levels before committing long-term.

Essaouira rewards a mindful approach to budgeting and daily choices, blending sea breeze with culture. A practical framework centers on housing, meals, and occasional experiences, with a bias toward longer stays to secure fairer terms. Save by cooking at home with market produce, choosing guesthouses with kitchen access, and using bicycles or walking for errands. Seasonality shifts crowds and availability, so plan shoulder months for quieter streets and better deals. Neighborhood fit matters: some prefer the lively medina lanes, others the quiet beachfront paths, both offering easy access to cafes and coworking. Tip: build a simple monthly plan and adjust it as you explore different districts.

By most standards, Essaouira is a budget-friendly place to live. Total monthly costs with rent usually land around $810, and both housing and daily expenses fall below global averages. It's a solid pick for remote workers, long-term travelers, or anyone watching their spending.

Housing in Essaouira takes a heavy bite – about 145% of a typical income, which is above the 30% international benchmark. That squeezes the budget for everything else and is one of the main pain points for residents here.

In Essaouira, $1,215 per month is what most people would call a good salary. It handles rent, food, and utilities with enough left for savings and the occasional splurge. Above that, you unlock better apartments and more freedom with spending.

Rent is one of Essaouira's biggest advantages – 1-bedroom apartments range from $345 to $388 per month, and even central neighborhoods stay accessible on modest incomes. Cheap housing frees up cash for everything else.

Groceries in Essaouira are cheap – a single person spends about $179 per month. Local markets and budget supermarkets push costs even lower. Food is one of the city's strongest affordability points.

Public transport in Essaouira costs about $16.40 per month – usually unlimited rides on buses, metro, or trams within the main zone. Much cheaper than owning a car, and the practical choice for most residents.

$1,000 a month in Essaouira? Very doable. Average costs with rent come to just $810, which leaves real room to save, eat out, and enjoy the city without watching every dollar.

Essaouira has become a go-to for digital nomads thanks to low crime rates, clean air, digital nomad infrastructure. At around $810 monthly all-in, the value is strong for the infrastructure and lifestyle you get. Coworking spaces, solid internet, and a growing international crowd make remote work here both productive and social.

Essaouira is affordable by most measures, which is why it appeals to long-term travelers, remote workers, and budget-conscious residents. At $810 per month with rent, it sits well below the global average for cities of similar size.

Essaouira is great for backpackers. All-in costs average just $810 monthly, and even short-term visitors on tight budgets can stretch their money. Cheap hostels, affordable street food, budget transport, and free attractions make it easy to explore without overspending.