Cost of Living in Essaouira - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $837 per month with rent, or $478 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $1,254 per month with rent, or $820 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $1,671 per month with rent, or $1,161 without housing.

Overall, Essaouira is 37–41% below the global median across household types. Within Africa, costs are 17% below average – relatively affordable for the region.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$4.36 MAD 40.68

$2.18 MAD 20.29

$8.71 MAD 81.3

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$25.14 MAD 234

$16.54 MAD 154

$66.2 MAD 617

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$4.97 MAD 46.37

$4.43 MAD 41.29

$8.07 MAD 75.3

Cappuccino

$1.76 MAD 16.37

$1.07 MAD 10.00

$4.28 MAD 39.92

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

$0.46 MAD 4.26

$0.37 MAD 3.44

$1.17 MAD 10.87

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.26 MAD 2.41

$0.21 MAD 1.96

$0.55 MAD 5.17

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$3.79 MAD 35.36

$1.98 MAD 18.42

$6.50 MAD 60.6

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.72 MAD 34.69

$2.24 MAD 20.87

$6.72 MAD 62.7

Milk (1 liter)

$0.84 MAD 7.87

$0.46 MAD 4.28

$1.26 MAD 11.76

White Bread (500g)

$0.49 MAD 4.57

$0.29 MAD 2.69

$0.84 MAD 7.88

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.65 MAD 15.43

$1.28 MAD 11.94

$2.16 MAD 20.11

Eggs

$1.81 MAD 16.90

$1.29 MAD 12.06

$3.22 MAD 30.05

Local Cheese (1kg)

$9.24 MAD 86.1

$6.40 MAD 59.7

$13.86 MAD 129

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$5.29 MAD 49.31

$2.34 MAD 21.81

$10.04 MAD 93.6

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$11.42 MAD 107

$8.84 MAD 82.4

$13.27 MAD 124

Apples (1kg)

$1.42 MAD 13.21

$0.90 MAD 8.37

$2.01 MAD 18.73

Banana (1kg)

$1.22 MAD 11.42

$0.69 MAD 6.45

$1.62 MAD 15.11

Oranges (1kg)

$0.72 MAD 6.69

$0.53 MAD 4.90

$2.62 MAD 24.43

Tomato (1kg)

$0.88 MAD 8.22

$0.48 MAD 4.52

$1.38 MAD 12.91

Potato (1kg)

$0.70 MAD 6.52

$0.46 MAD 4.28

$1.26 MAD 11.78

Onion (1kg)

$0.91 MAD 8.48

$0.45 MAD 4.24

$1.48 MAD 13.78

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.39 MAD 3.66

$0.23 MAD 2.12

$1.36 MAD 12.70

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.53 MAD 4.97

$0.52 MAD 4.88

$0.73 MAD 6.83

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$4.15 MAD 38.66

$3.76 MAD 35.09

$4.97 MAD 46.38

Wine (Bottle)

$6.45 MAD 60.1

$2.15 MAD 20.01

$21.51 MAD 201

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.93 MAD 18.03

$1.47 MAD 13.72

$3.38 MAD 31.56

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.20 MAD 20.52

$1.65 MAD 15.37

$4.95 MAD 46.20

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.87 MAD 8.11

$0.43 MAD 4.05

$0.87 MAD 8.11

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$16.46 MAD 154

$10.98 MAD 102

$21.95 MAD 205

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.63 MAD 5.92

$0.53 MAD 4.93

$1.06 MAD 9.86

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.48 MAD 4.43

$0.29 MAD 2.66

$0.67 MAD 6.21

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$8.98 MAD 83.8

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.58 MAD 14.70

$1.45 MAD 13.48

$1.72 MAD 16.02

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

$37.2K MAD 346.5K

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

$21.1K MAD 196.4K

$12.3K MAD 114.3K

$29.9K MAD 278.4K

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

$27.86 MAD 260

$16.15 MAD 151

$70.0 MAD 652

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

$13.90 MAD 130

$10.79 MAD 101

$21.79 MAD 203

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$27.94 MAD 261

$21.63 MAD 202

$48.66 MAD 454

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$21.61 MAD 202

$16.21 MAD 151

$32.43 MAD 302

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$22.76 MAD 212

$9.15 MAD 85.3

$24.19 MAD 226

Cinema Ticket

$6.65 MAD 62.0

$5.54 MAD 51.6

$8.86 MAD 82.6

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

$75.3 MAD 702

$53.8 MAD 501

$86.0 MAD 802

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$1,956 MAD 18.2K

$1,423 MAD 13.3K

$2,737 MAD 25.5K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$30.88 MAD 288

$10.99 MAD 102

$50.1 MAD 467

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$39.68 MAD 370

$16.61 MAD 155

$55.4 MAD 516

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$49.28 MAD 460

$31.27 MAD 292

$112 MAD 1,041

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$44.34 MAD 413

$22.17 MAD 207

$70.8 MAD 660

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$388 MAD 3,617

$332 MAD 3,100

$443 MAD 4,133

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$346 MAD 3,229

$273 MAD 2,549

$437 MAD 4,078

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$813 MAD 7,584

$444 MAD 4,137

$1,109 MAD 10.3K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$559 MAD 5,209

$447 MAD 4,167

$670 MAD 6,251

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$268 MAD 2,498

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

5.5

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

Last update: July 12, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $388, dropping to $346 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 $837. Most locals rely on shared housing or dual incomes. Remote workers earning abroad will find stronger purchasing power.

Groceries cost around $176 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 $16.46 – among the cheapest in Africa (average $29.00).

Cost Highlights

Gasoline is more expensive than 94% of cities in Africa

Local beer 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 $837, 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, $1,256 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 the biggest advantages of living in Essaouira – 1-bedroom apartments range from $346 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 $176 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 $16.46 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 $837, 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 $837 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 $837 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 $837 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.