Cost of Living in Surinam - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $1,061 monthly including rent, or $740 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,713 with rent, or $1,177 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,364 including rent, or $1,614 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
$6.70 MUR 316
$3.35 MUR 158
$11.17 MUR 526
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$43.40 MUR 2,045
$28.22 MUR 1,330
$54.3 MUR 2,557
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$7.12 MUR 336
$6.58 MUR 310
$7.67 MUR 362
Cappuccino
$2.58 MUR 122
$1.74 MUR 82.0
$5.98 MUR 282
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.03 MUR 48.40
$0.80 MUR 37.64
$1.37 MUR 64.5
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.59 MUR 27.95
$0.45 MUR 21.20
$0.67 MUR 31.80
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.17 MUR 102
$1.96 MUR 92.2
$6.52 MUR 307
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.35 MUR 158
$2.01 MUR 94.7
$6.70 MUR 316
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.65 MUR 77.6
$1.31 MUR 61.7
$2.29 MUR 108
White Bread (500g)
$0.66 MUR 31.08
$0.21 MUR 10.05
$1.28 MUR 60.3
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.32 MUR 62.2
$1.12 MUR 52.6
$1.79 MUR 84.2
Eggs
$2.25 MUR 106
$1.04 MUR 49.06
$2.85 MUR 134
Local Cheese (1kg)
$11.97 MUR 564
$11.97 MUR 564
$11.97 MUR 564
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.26 MUR 295
$2.11 MUR 99.6
$8.90 MUR 419
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$12.46 MUR 587
$3.90 MUR 184
$17.34 MUR 817
Apples (1kg)
$2.05 MUR 96.6
$1.12 MUR 52.6
$4.46 MUR 210
Banana (1kg)
$1.93 MUR 90.8
$0.96 MUR 45.37
$4.28 MUR 202
Oranges (1kg)
$1.49 MUR 70.4
$1.08 MUR 50.8
$5.59 MUR 263
Tomato (1kg)
$2.63 MUR 124
$1.30 MUR 61.1
$4.32 MUR 204
Potato (1kg)
$0.99 MUR 46.77
$0.86 MUR 40.75
$1.08 MUR 50.9
Onion (1kg)
$1.00 MUR 47.33
$0.80 MUR 37.57
$1.14 MUR 53.7
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.80 MUR 37.65
$0.54 MUR 25.25
$1.07 MUR 50.5
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.75 MUR 35.23
$0.42 MUR 19.87
$1.05 MUR 49.68
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$6.65 MUR 314
$6.43 MUR 303
$6.87 MUR 324
Wine (Bottle)
$8.26 MUR 389
$6.20 MUR 292
$12.39 MUR 584
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.71 MUR 80.6
$1.50 MUR 70.5
$2.14 MUR 101
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.22 MUR 105
$1.24 MUR 58.6
$3.34 MUR 157
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.05 MUR 49.41
$0.58 MUR 27.13
$1.07 MUR 50.4
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$4.44 MUR 209
$3.33 MUR 157
$6.66 MUR 314
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$2.75 MUR 130
$1.36 MUR 64.1
$3.29 MUR 155
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$20.19 MUR 952
$11.22 MUR 529
$22.43 MUR 1,057
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.47 MUR 69.2
$1.39 MUR 65.3
$1.69 MUR 79.8
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$36.1K MUR 1.7M
$28.9K MUR 1.4M
$41.3K MUR 1.9M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$28.5K MUR 1.3M
$26.1K MUR 1.2M
$34.8K MUR 1.6M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$50.4 MUR 2,376
$33.61 MUR 1,584
$89.6 MUR 4,224
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$18.45 MUR 870
$8.84 MUR 417
$22.11 MUR 1,042
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$33.41 MUR 1,574
$21.90 MUR 1,032
$43.79 MUR 2,064
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$37.91 MUR 1,787
$19.61 MUR 924
$38.12 MUR 1,797
Cinema Ticket
$6.20 MUR 292
$5.63 MUR 266
$9.01 MUR 425
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$156 MUR 7,344
$111 MUR 5,246
$178 MUR 8,393
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$4,017 MUR 189.3K
$4,017 MUR 189.3K
$4,017 MUR 189.3K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$83.7 MUR 3,946
$32.41 MUR 1,528
$108 MUR 5,091
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$81.1 MUR 3,820
$26.83 MUR 1,265
$157 MUR 7,376
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$134 MUR 6,304
$78.0 MUR 3,677
$201 MUR 9,456
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$94.4 MUR 4,447
$65.8 MUR 3,102
$132 MUR 6,205
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$516 MUR 24.3K
$332 MUR 15.6K
$663 MUR 31.3K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$347 MUR 16.3K
$217 MUR 10.2K
$434 MUR 20.4K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$939 MUR 44.2K
$544 MUR 25.7K
$1,197 MUR 56.4K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$716 MUR 33.8K
$349 MUR 16.4K
$894 MUR 42.1K
💵 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: July 20, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to spend about $230 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $43.00 for two – broadly in line with the African average.

Cost Highlights

Taxi is more expensive than 98% of cities in Africa

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

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 $1,061 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 $1,061 including rent, or roughly $740 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 $1,591 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 $516; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $347. Overall, the market runs from $347 to $516 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
Is food shopping expensive in Surinam?
Expect to spend around $230 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 $37.91 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 $1,061. 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 $1,061 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 $1,061, so putting money aside takes more than $1,591 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 $1,061 for residents – backpackers can do less with some planning.

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