Cost of Living in Surinam - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $1,081 monthly including rent, or $697 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,754 with rent, or $1,277 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,427 including rent, or $1,857 for daily expenses alone.

Surinam sits 14–19% below the global median across household types. Within Africa, costs are slightly above average (5%) – still relatively affordable for the region.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$6.55 MUR 311
$3.28 MUR 155
$10.92 MUR 518
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$44.63 MUR 2,116
$29.01 MUR 1,376
$55.8 MUR 2,645
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$7.18 MUR 341
$6.63 MUR 314
$7.74 MUR 367
Cappuccino
$2.59 MUR 123
$1.75 MUR 82.9
$6.01 MUR 285
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.98 MUR 46.27
$0.76 MUR 35.99
$1.30 MUR 61.7
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.57 MUR 26.96
$0.43 MUR 20.45
$0.65 MUR 30.68
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.23 MUR 106
$2.01 MUR 95.1
$6.68 MUR 317
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.39 MUR 161
$2.03 MUR 96.4
$6.78 MUR 321
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.67 MUR 79.3
$1.33 MUR 63.1
$2.33 MUR 110
White Bread (500g)
$0.66 MUR 31.50
$0.21 MUR 10.19
$1.29 MUR 61.2
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.26 MUR 59.9
$1.07 MUR 50.7
$1.71 MUR 81.1
Eggs
$2.34 MUR 111
$1.08 MUR 51.3
$2.96 MUR 140
Local Cheese (1kg)
$11.94 MUR 566
$11.94 MUR 566
$11.94 MUR 566
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.23 MUR 295
$2.10 MUR 99.7
$8.85 MUR 420
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$12.70 MUR 602
$3.98 MUR 188
$17.67 MUR 838
Apples (1kg)
$2.08 MUR 98.6
$1.13 MUR 53.7
$4.53 MUR 215
Banana (1kg)
$1.97 MUR 93.4
$0.98 MUR 46.69
$4.38 MUR 208
Oranges (1kg)
$1.44 MUR 68.5
$1.04 MUR 49.38
$5.40 MUR 256
Tomato (1kg)
$2.74 MUR 130
$1.35 MUR 64.0
$4.50 MUR 213
Potato (1kg)
$1.02 MUR 48.46
$0.89 MUR 42.22
$1.11 MUR 52.8
Onion (1kg)
$0.95 MUR 45.10
$0.76 MUR 35.80
$1.08 MUR 51.1
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.78 MUR 37.21
$0.53 MUR 24.96
$1.05 MUR 49.92
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.75 MUR 35.35
$0.42 MUR 19.94
$1.05 MUR 49.85
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$6.53 MUR 309
$6.31 MUR 299
$6.74 MUR 320
Wine (Bottle)
$8.20 MUR 389
$6.15 MUR 292
$12.30 MUR 583
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.78 MUR 84.3
$1.56 MUR 73.8
$2.22 MUR 105
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.23 MUR 106
$1.25 MUR 59.2
$3.35 MUR 159
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.00 MUR 47.64
$0.55 MUR 26.15
$1.02 MUR 48.57
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$4.45 MUR 211
$3.34 MUR 158
$6.68 MUR 316
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$2.70 MUR 128
$1.33 MUR 63.2
$3.23 MUR 153
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$19.83 MUR 940
$11.02 MUR 522
$22.04 MUR 1,045
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.39 MUR 66.0
$1.31 MUR 62.3
$1.61 MUR 76.2
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$35.1K MUR 1.7M
$28.1K MUR 1.3M
$40.2K MUR 1.9M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$28.6K MUR 1.4M
$26.2K MUR 1.2M
$34.9K MUR 1.7M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$50.4 MUR 2,388
$33.59 MUR 1,592
$89.6 MUR 4,246
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$18.62 MUR 883
$8.92 MUR 423
$22.31 MUR 1,058
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$33.52 MUR 1,589
$21.97 MUR 1,042
$43.93 MUR 2,083
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$37.53 MUR 1,779
$19.41 MUR 920
$37.74 MUR 1,789
Cinema Ticket
$5.98 MUR 283
$5.43 MUR 258
$8.70 MUR 412
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$157 MUR 7,443
$112 MUR 5,316
$179 MUR 8,506
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$3,952 MUR 187.4K
$3,952 MUR 187.4K
$3,952 MUR 187.4K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$86.4 MUR 4,098
$33.46 MUR 1,586
$112 MUR 5,287
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$81.0 MUR 3,841
$26.83 MUR 1,272
$156 MUR 7,418
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$133 MUR 6,303
$77.6 MUR 3,677
$199 MUR 9,455
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$95.2 MUR 4,511
$66.4 MUR 3,147
$133 MUR 6,294
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$520 MUR 24.6K
$334 MUR 15.8K
$668 MUR 31.7K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$351 MUR 16.6K
$219 MUR 10.4K
$439 MUR 20.8K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$966 MUR 45.8K
$560 MUR 26.6K
$1,233 MUR 58.4K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$713 MUR 33.8K
$347 MUR 16.5K
$890 MUR 42.2K
💵 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: June 2, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to spend about $231 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $45.00 for two – broadly in line with the African average.

Cost Highlights

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

Taxi is more expensive than 95% of cities in Africa

Monthly cost (excluding rent) is more expensive than 95% 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 $1,081 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 $1,081 including rent, or roughly $697 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 $1,622 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 $520; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $351. Overall, the market runs from $351 to $520 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
Is food shopping expensive in Surinam?
Expect to spend around $231 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 $37.53 monthly. It's a reasonable expense that fits into most budgets, and you generally get decent facilities for the price.
Does $2,000 cover living expenses in Surinam?
Living on $2,000 in Surinam means careful planning, since monthly costs average $1,081. 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 $1,081 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 $1,081, so putting money aside takes more than $1,622 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 $1,081 for residents – backpackers can do less with some planning.

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