Cost of Living in Surinam - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $1,060 monthly including rent, or $755 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,730 with rent, or $1,181 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,401 including rent, or $1,607 for daily expenses alone.

Surinam sits 16–21% below the global median across household types. Within Africa, costs are slightly above average (4%) – still relatively affordable for the region.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$6.72 MUR 313
$3.36 MUR 156
$11.21 MUR 521
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$43.40 MUR 2,018
$28.21 MUR 1,312
$54.3 MUR 2,523
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$7.25 MUR 337
$6.69 MUR 311
$7.81 MUR 363
Cappuccino
$2.57 MUR 120
$1.73 MUR 80.6
$5.96 MUR 277
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.98 MUR 45.56
$0.76 MUR 35.43
$1.31 MUR 60.7
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.60 MUR 27.88
$0.45 MUR 21.15
$0.68 MUR 31.72
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.22 MUR 103
$2.00 MUR 93.0
$6.67 MUR 310
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.24 MUR 151
$1.95 MUR 90.5
$6.48 MUR 302
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.63 MUR 75.8
$1.30 MUR 60.3
$2.27 MUR 105
White Bread (500g)
$0.71 MUR 33.17
$0.23 MUR 10.73
$1.38 MUR 64.4
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.29 MUR 59.8
$1.09 MUR 50.6
$1.74 MUR 81.0
Eggs
$2.23 MUR 104
$1.03 MUR 47.93
$2.82 MUR 131
Local Cheese (1kg)
$11.96 MUR 556
$11.96 MUR 556
$11.96 MUR 556
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.31 MUR 293
$2.13 MUR 99.0
$8.97 MUR 417
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$12.68 MUR 590
$3.97 MUR 185
$17.64 MUR 821
Apples (1kg)
$2.05 MUR 95.3
$1.12 MUR 51.9
$4.46 MUR 208
Banana (1kg)
$1.96 MUR 91.2
$0.98 MUR 45.61
$4.36 MUR 203
Oranges (1kg)
$1.49 MUR 69.4
$1.08 MUR 50.0
$5.58 MUR 260
Tomato (1kg)
$2.76 MUR 128
$1.36 MUR 63.2
$4.53 MUR 211
Potato (1kg)
$1.04 MUR 48.37
$0.91 MUR 42.14
$1.13 MUR 52.7
Onion (1kg)
$1.01 MUR 46.90
$0.80 MUR 37.23
$1.14 MUR 53.2
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.84 MUR 39.07
$0.56 MUR 26.20
$1.13 MUR 52.4
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.75 MUR 34.95
$0.42 MUR 19.72
$1.06 MUR 49.29
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$6.66 MUR 310
$6.43 MUR 299
$6.88 MUR 320
Wine (Bottle)
$8.74 MUR 407
$6.55 MUR 305
$13.11 MUR 610
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.75 MUR 81.4
$1.53 MUR 71.2
$2.19 MUR 102
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.16 MUR 101
$1.21 MUR 56.3
$3.25 MUR 151
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.05 MUR 48.61
$0.57 MUR 26.69
$1.07 MUR 49.57
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$4.36 MUR 203
$3.27 MUR 152
$6.55 MUR 304
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$2.62 MUR 122
$1.29 MUR 60.2
$3.14 MUR 146
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$19.73 MUR 918
$10.96 MUR 510
$21.92 MUR 1,019
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.39 MUR 64.5
$1.31 MUR 60.9
$1.60 MUR 74.5
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$36.3K MUR 1.7M
$29.1K MUR 1.4M
$41.6K MUR 1.9M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$28.9K MUR 1.3M
$26.4K MUR 1.2M
$35.3K MUR 1.6M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$48.90 MUR 2,274
$32.61 MUR 1,517
$87.0 MUR 4,044
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$18.06 MUR 840
$8.66 MUR 403
$21.65 MUR 1,007
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$33.15 MUR 1,542
$21.73 MUR 1,011
$43.45 MUR 2,021
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$38.34 MUR 1,783
$19.83 MUR 922
$38.55 MUR 1,793
Cinema Ticket
$6.04 MUR 281
$5.49 MUR 255
$8.78 MUR 408
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$153 MUR 7,104
$109 MUR 5,075
$175 MUR 8,119
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$3,952 MUR 183.8K
$3,952 MUR 183.8K
$3,952 MUR 183.8K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$84.4 MUR 3,926
$32.68 MUR 1,520
$109 MUR 5,066
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$79.8 MUR 3,712
$26.42 MUR 1,229
$154 MUR 7,168
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$131 MUR 6,075
$76.2 MUR 3,544
$196 MUR 9,114
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$95.1 MUR 4,423
$66.3 MUR 3,086
$133 MUR 6,171
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$522 MUR 24.3K
$336 MUR 15.6K
$671 MUR 31.2K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$347 MUR 16.1K
$217 MUR 10.1K
$433 MUR 20.2K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$964 MUR 44.9K
$559 MUR 26.0K
$1,230 MUR 57.2K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$710 MUR 33.0K
$346 MUR 16.1K
$886 MUR 41.2K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.67
3.85
8

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

Last update: April 22, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to spend about $233 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $43 for two – broadly in line with the African average.

Public transport is priced at around $0 per month.

Cost Highlights

Monthly cost (excluding rent) is more expensive than 96% of cities in Africa

Family monthly cost (excluding rent) is more expensive than 92% of cities in Africa

Family monthly cost (including rent) is more expensive than 91% of cities in Africa

Surinam 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 Surinam - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Surinam, Mauritius a good-value base for travelers, expats, and digital nomads when considering overall affordability?
Cost of Living in Surinam, Mauritius offers a balanced mix for travelers, expats, and digital nomads. Local markets and fresh produce keep day-to-day costs reasonable, while dining out can be affordable if you choose local eateries. Housing ranges from compact apartments to family homes, with inland options typically more affordable than coastal spots. Seasonal swings in tourism influence rental demand rather than wages, so you may find longer-term leases outside peak months advantageous. For getting around, a mix of buses, shared taxis, and scooters keeps transport flexible. Tip: map neighborhoods by daily needs – markets, coworking spaces, and safety, then budget for routine costs.
What is daily life like for a visitor or expat in Surinam, Mauritius when it comes to housing, food, transport, and coworking?
In daily life, where you live shapes everyday costs and rhythms. Inland or hillside neighborhoods tend to offer quieter streets and easier housing searches, while coastal areas ping with sea views and more amenities but higher rents. Groceries come from markets and supermarkets; local eateries offer affordable, flavorful options. Transport relies on a network of buses and shared taxis, with a scooter boosting independence if you’re comfortable on two wheels. Look for coworking spaces in larger towns for reliable internet and social energy; errands bundle well with a single trip. Surinam, Mauritius living cost tends to reflect local purchasing power and seasonality, with flexible housing options. Tip: identify a few core neighborhoods first, then test commute times and market days before committing to a lease.
How would you assess quality of life and budget strategy in Surinam, Mauritius, including seasonal shifts and neighborhood fit?
Quality of life here blends warmth, safety, and a compact scale that favors easy exploration. Build a simple monthly budgeting framework: fixed housing cost, flexible groceries, transit, and occasional activities. To save, lean on local markets for fresh produce, cook at home, and choose accommodation with energy efficiency. Neighborhoods near markets or beaches offer convenience, while inland pockets deliver tranquility and lower rents. Seasonality affects crowds more than wages; shoulder periods can lower competition for housing and coworking desks. If you’re unsure, test two to three neighborhoods for a week each to compare daily rhythms. Tip: choose a neighborhood that minimizes daily friction and keeps basic services convenient.
Is the cost of living in Surinam reasonable?
At around $1,060 monthly all-in, Surinam offers decent value. It's not the cheapest and not the priciest – a good fit for people who want city convenience without capital-level costs.
What are the monthly living expenses in Surinam as of 2026?
As of 2026, monthly living costs in Surinam come to around $1,060 including rent, or roughly $755 excluding it. Numbers shift a bit by season and neighborhood, but this range works well as a planning baseline.
What income level supports a comfortable lifestyle in Surinam?
Earning $1,590 monthly in Surinam means you're living well – a one-bedroom, regular groceries, transport, and some entertainment without stress. That's the threshold where most residents feel genuinely comfortable rather than just getting by.
What does a one-bedroom apartment cost in Surinam per month?
Where you live in Surinam makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $522; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $347. Overall, the market runs from $347 to $522 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
Is food shopping expensive in Surinam?
Expect to spend around $233 per month on groceries in Surinam. Neither cheap nor expensive by global standards – everyday items are fairly priced, though imported or specialty products cost more.
How much is a monthly gym pass in Surinam?
A regular gym membership in Surinam costs around $38.34 monthly. It's a reasonable expense that fits into most budgets, and you generally get decent facilities for the price.
Does $700 cover living expenses in Surinam?
Living on $700 in Surinam means careful planning, since monthly costs average $1,060. It works with a cheap apartment and disciplined spending, but expect trade-offs on where you live, how often you eat out, and entertainment.
What are the pros and cons of living in Surinam?
Surinam offers genuinely appealing day-to-day living. Residents value low crime rates, vibrant nightlife, clean air, and at around $1,060 per month, it's accessible to a broad range of incomes. Most people find the cost-to-quality balance sustainable long-term.
How much can you save per month in Surinam?
Monthly expenses in Surinam run around $1,060, so putting money aside takes more than $1,590 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.
Can budget travelers get by in Surinam?
Budget travel in Surinam works but takes effort. Hostels, street food, and local restaurants keep daily costs reasonable. All-in monthly expenses run about $1,060 for residents – backpackers can do less with some planning.

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