Cost of Living in Essaouira - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $769 per month with rent, or $389 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $1,155 per month with rent, or $636 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $1,542 per month with rent, or $883 without housing.

Overall, Essaouira is 43–47% below the global median across household types. Within Africa, costs are 16% below average – relatively affordable for the region.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$4.99 MAD 46.30

$3.16 MAD 29.29

$7.82 MAD 72.5

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$19.62 MAD 182

$16.34 MAD 152

$65.4 MAD 607

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.08 MAD 65.7

$5.24 MAD 48.62

$8.91 MAD 82.6

Cappuccino

$1.40 MAD 12.95

$1.04 MAD 9.69

$4.19 MAD 38.86

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

$0.66 MAD 6.16

$0.33 MAD 3.03

$2.74 MAD 25.41

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.35 MAD 3.21

$0.20 MAD 1.88

$1.55 MAD 14.38

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$5.23 MAD 48.54

$1.94 MAD 18.02

$7.32 MAD 67.9

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.65 MAD 43.17

$4.03 MAD 37.37

$8.66 MAD 80.4

Milk (1 liter)

$0.93 MAD 8.65

$0.71 MAD 6.58

$1.20 MAD 11.10

White Bread (500g)

$0.52 MAD 4.81

$0.31 MAD 2.88

$0.89 MAD 8.27

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.59 MAD 14.79

$1.27 MAD 11.80

$2.09 MAD 19.42

Eggs

$1.73 MAD 16.05

$1.30 MAD 12.04

$3.24 MAD 30.06

Local Cheese (1kg)

$8.84 MAD 82.0

$3.25 MAD 30.12

$12.98 MAD 120

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$6.12 MAD 56.8

$2.58 MAD 23.90

$10.74 MAD 99.7

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$11.14 MAD 103

$9.70 MAD 90.0

$14.02 MAD 130

Apples (1kg)

$1.36 MAD 12.57

$0.98 MAD 9.07

$2.18 MAD 20.23

Banana (1kg)

$1.22 MAD 11.33

$0.71 MAD 6.61

$1.41 MAD 13.13

Oranges (1kg)

$0.78 MAD 7.25

$0.55 MAD 5.08

$1.09 MAD 10.07

Tomato (1kg)

$0.78 MAD 7.21

$0.42 MAD 3.93

$1.37 MAD 12.69

Potato (1kg)

$0.68 MAD 6.27

$0.55 MAD 5.13

$1.21 MAD 11.22

Onion (1kg)

$0.75 MAD 6.96

$0.44 MAD 4.10

$1.43 MAD 13.25

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.40 MAD 3.67

$0.22 MAD 2.03

$1.34 MAD 12.46

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.62 MAD 5.71

$0.56 MAD 5.23

$0.78 MAD 7.26

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$3.92 MAD 36.38

$3.66 MAD 33.94

$4.70 MAD 43.62

Wine (Bottle)

$6.54 MAD 60.7

$2.18 MAD 20.19

$21.81 MAD 202

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.88 MAD 17.40

$1.42 MAD 13.15

$5.47 MAD 50.7

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.19 MAD 20.29

$1.65 MAD 15.26

$4.93 MAD 45.70

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.83 MAD 7.72

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.62 MAD 5.72

$0.52 MAD 4.82

$1.03 MAD 9.56

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.66 MAD 6.16

$0.34 MAD 3.18

$1.34 MAD 12.41

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$8.50 MAD 78.9

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.49 MAD 13.86

$1.40 MAD 13.01

$1.68 MAD 15.54

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

$35.9K MAD 333.4K

$32.7K MAD 303.0K

$37.1K MAD 344.5K

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

$31.3K MAD 290.7K

$28.0K MAD 259.8K

$34.7K MAD 321.5K

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

$21.42 MAD 199

$16.06 MAD 149

$37.48 MAD 348

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

$18.11 MAD 168

$13.01 MAD 121

$21.67 MAD 201

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$21.70 MAD 201

$54.3 MAD 503

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$21.51 MAD 200

Cinema Ticket

$5.45 MAD 50.6

$6.54 MAD 60.7

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

$71.0 MAD 659

$63.1 MAD 586

$84.2 MAD 781

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$1,918 MAD 17.8K

$1,411 MAD 13.1K

$2,673 MAD 24.8K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$30.73 MAD 285

$10.92 MAD 101

$50.8 MAD 471

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$43.39 MAD 403

$16.27 MAD 151

$101 MAD 935

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$46.64 MAD 433

$29.48 MAD 273

$105 MAD 977

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$42.56 MAD 395

$21.28 MAD 197

$69.3 MAD 642

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$345 MAD 3,203

$218 MAD 2,023

$436 MAD 4,046

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$291 MAD 2,696

$163 MAD 1,516

$436 MAD 4,043

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$745 MAD 6,909

$272 MAD 2,528

$1,090 MAD 10.1K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$466 MAD 4,324

$215 MAD 1,995

$645 MAD 5,987

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$263 MAD 2,443

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.5

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

Last update: August 9, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $345, dropping to $291 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 131% of the average salary ($263) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $263 – below monthly costs of $769. 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 $20.00 – well below the African average of $41.00.

Cost Highlights

Local beer is more expensive than 95% of cities in Africa

Essaouira is cheaper than 79% globally but more expensive than 64% within 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 $769, 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 131% 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, $1,154 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 $291 to $345 per month, and even central neighborhoods stay accessible on modest incomes. Cheap housing frees up cash for everything else.

A gym membership in Essaouira runs about $21.51 per month – affordable by regional standards. Most gyms include basic equipment, group classes, and locker rooms. Boutique studios and personal training cost more, but the baseline is budget-friendly.

Private kindergarten in Essaouira costs about $71.0 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.

$1,000 a month in Essaouira? Very doable. Average costs with rent come to just $769, 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 $769 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 $769 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 $769 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.