Last update: Oct 2026 Mauritius 10.5K

Cost of Living in Surinam

For one person, living costs in Surinam are estimated at $626 a month, including rent and utilities – 36% below the national average. Rent and utilities take less than a third of the total.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Surinam

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Surinam actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

Living costs for one person come to about $626 monthly including rent, or $581 excluding housing.

$626 /mo

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,049 with rent, or $1,004 without housing.

$1,049 /mo

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,472 including rent, or $1,427 for daily expenses alone.

$1,472 /mo

Surinam sits 48–54% below the global median across household types. Within Africa, costs are well below average (31% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$5.96 MUR 280
$3.25 MUR 153
$12.98 MUR 611
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$38.18 MUR 1,797
$25.46 MUR 1,198
$53.0 MUR 2,497
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$7.54 MUR 355
$6.46 MUR 304
$8.63 MUR 406
Cappuccino
$2.70 MUR 127
$1.08 MUR 50.8
$5.95 MUR 280
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.18 MUR 55.3
$0.76 MUR 35.60
$2.47 MUR 116
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.68 MUR 31.99
$0.55 MUR 26.08
$1.76 MUR 82.7
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.68 MUR 126
$1.93 MUR 90.8
$6.44 MUR 303
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.62 MUR 218
$2.05 MUR 96.7
$6.17 MUR 290
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.61 MUR 75.6
$1.29 MUR 60.7
$2.26 MUR 106
White Bread (500g)
$0.72 MUR 33.80
$0.20 MUR 9.46
$1.21 MUR 56.8
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.10 MUR 51.8
$0.93 MUR 43.96
$1.35 MUR 63.4
Eggs
$2.65 MUR 125
$1.03 MUR 48.45
$3.22 MUR 152
Local Cheese (1kg)
$5.31 MUR 250
$5.31 MUR 250
$5.31 MUR 250
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.18 MUR 291
$1.96 MUR 92.2
$8.24 MUR 388
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$11.05 MUR 520
$3.73 MUR 176
$16.58 MUR 780
Apples (1kg)
$2.81 MUR 132
$1.17 MUR 55.0
$4.24 MUR 200
Banana (1kg)
$2.66 MUR 125
$0.96 MUR 45.20
$4.25 MUR 200
Oranges (1kg)
$1.45 MUR 68.3
$1.04 MUR 48.92
$5.41 MUR 255
Tomato (1kg)
$2.98 MUR 140
$1.27 MUR 60.0
$4.25 MUR 200
Potato (1kg)
$0.93 MUR 43.58
$0.80 MUR 37.74
$1.00 MUR 47.17
Onion (1kg)
$0.96 MUR 45.08
$0.73 MUR 34.39
$1.04 MUR 48.80
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.73 MUR 34.57
$0.55 MUR 25.80
$0.87 MUR 40.90
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.89 MUR 41.98
$0.54 MUR 25.57
$1.62 MUR 76.2
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$6.34 MUR 298
$6.23 MUR 293
$9.35 MUR 440
Wine (Bottle)
$8.60 MUR 405
$6.45 MUR 303
$12.89 MUR 607
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.66 MUR 78.3
$1.48 MUR 69.8
$2.12 MUR 99.7
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.38 MUR 112
$1.73 MUR 81.4
$3.25 MUR 153
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$4.09 MUR 192
$3.07 MUR 144
$6.13 MUR 288
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$3.22 MUR 151
$3.22 MUR 151
$3.22 MUR 151
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$20.97 MUR 987
$20.97 MUR 987
$20.97 MUR 987
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.39 MUR 65.2
$1.24 MUR 58.6
$1.51 MUR 70.9
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$37.0K MUR 1.7M
$35.4K MUR 1.7M
$38.6K MUR 1.8M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$30.4K MUR 1.4M
$30.4K MUR 1.4M
$33.2K MUR 1.6M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$44.93 MUR 2,115
$31.71 MUR 1,493
$63.4 MUR 2,986
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$10.67 MUR 502
$7.47 MUR 352
$42.69 MUR 2,010
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$28.60 MUR 1,346
$20.80 MUR 979
$41.59 MUR 1,958
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Cinema Ticket
$6.39 MUR 301
$5.33 MUR 251
$8.53 MUR 401
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$124 MUR 5,826
$41.25 MUR 1,942
$186 MUR 8,739
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$7,598 MUR 357.7K
$3,770 MUR 177.5K
$12.7K MUR 599.8K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$78.6 MUR 3,702
$32.17 MUR 1,515
$107 MUR 5,048
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$75.1 MUR 3,533
$25.73 MUR 1,212
$150 MUR 7,067
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$120 MUR 5,633
$73.9 MUR 3,479
$190 MUR 8,946
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$78.1 MUR 3,678
$53.3 MUR 2,508
$95.9 MUR 4,514
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.67
5
8

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

Last update: October 19, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Surinam $626
Groceries & Markets
$217
Clothing & Footwear
$158
Eating Out
$133
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$84
Getting Around
$20 *
Sport & Entertainment
$13 *

Categories marked with * are only partly priced – their share counts the items that do have prices.

Cost Breakdown

Expect to spend about $218 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $38.00 for two – broadly in line with the African average.

Cost Highlights

Surinam has the 10th most expensive taxi in Africa

Surinam is cheaper than 86% globally but more expensive than 53% within Africa.

Good to know
🕒 Local time
06:14 6:14 AM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
10,500
💱 Currency
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to MUR – Mauritian Rupee Converter

Mauritian Rupee exchange rates as of October 22, 2026: 1 USD = 47.08 MUR (100 MUR = 2.12 USD). 1 EUR = 52.93 MUR (100 MUR = 1.89 EUR).

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Surinam Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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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 Surinam one of the cheaper cities to live in?
Compared to most cities worldwide, Surinam is just cheap – all-in costs average $626 monthly. Both housing and daily necessities sit below the international median, which explains its popularity with budget travelers, nomads, and locals on modest incomes.
What are the monthly living expenses in Surinam as of 2026?
As of 2026, monthly living costs in Surinam come to around $626 including rent, or roughly $581 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 $938 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 is a typical monthly food budget in Surinam?
Surinam is great for eating affordably at home. Monthly grocery bills run about $218, and local produce is plentiful and well-priced, making home cooking both practical and cost-effective.
What is a typical monthly grocery bill in Surinam?
Groceries in Surinam cost around $218 monthly – well below what you'd pay in most cities. Fresh produce, staples, and locally made goods are all well-priced, so eating well on a budget is straightforward here.
Does $1,200 cover living expenses in Surinam?
$1,200 stretches far in Surinam – all-in monthly costs average only $626. The surplus means you can build savings, travel a bit, and live above the local average without much effort.
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 $626 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 $626, so putting money aside takes more than $938 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.
How much does a backpacker need per day in Surinam?
Budget travelers love Surinam – low prices across accommodation, food, and transport make it one of the most backpacker-friendly cities around. Long-stay costs come to just $626 monthly; short-term visitors can get by on even less with hostels and local food.

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