Cost of Living in Surinam - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $1,067 monthly including rent, or $654 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,726 with rent, or $1,100 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,386 including rent, or $1,547 for daily expenses alone.

Surinam sits 19–22% below the global median across household types. Within Africa, costs are slightly above average (13%) – still relatively affordable for the region.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$5.77 MUR 269
$3.15 MUR 147
$12.59 MUR 586
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$38.85 MUR 1,809
$25.90 MUR 1,206
$54.0 MUR 2,513
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$7.65 MUR 356
$6.56 MUR 305
$8.74 MUR 407
Cappuccino
$2.60 MUR 121
$1.04 MUR 48.40
$5.73 MUR 267
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.13 MUR 52.7
$0.72 MUR 33.61
$2.38 MUR 111
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.66 MUR 30.68
$0.55 MUR 25.40
$1.75 MUR 81.5
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.67 MUR 124
$1.93 MUR 89.7
$6.43 MUR 299
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.70 MUR 219
$2.09 MUR 97.2
$6.27 MUR 292
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.61 MUR 74.9
$1.29 MUR 60.2
$2.27 MUR 106
White Bread (500g)
$0.73 MUR 33.90
$0.20 MUR 9.37
$1.22 MUR 56.7
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.16 MUR 54.1
$0.99 MUR 45.96
$1.42 MUR 66.1
Eggs
$2.55 MUR 119
$0.99 MUR 46.17
$3.10 MUR 144
Local Cheese (1kg)
$5.34 MUR 249
$5.34 MUR 249
$5.34 MUR 249
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.42 MUR 299
$2.04 MUR 94.8
$8.56 MUR 398
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$11.38 MUR 530
$3.84 MUR 179
$17.06 MUR 794
Apples (1kg)
$2.76 MUR 128
$1.15 MUR 53.5
$4.17 MUR 194
Banana (1kg)
$2.71 MUR 126
$0.98 MUR 45.75
$4.35 MUR 203
Oranges (1kg)
$1.40 MUR 65.4
$1.01 MUR 46.99
$5.25 MUR 245
Tomato (1kg)
$3.03 MUR 141
$1.29 MUR 60.2
$4.33 MUR 202
Potato (1kg)
$0.97 MUR 45.16
$0.84 MUR 39.17
$1.05 MUR 48.85
Onion (1kg)
$0.96 MUR 44.79
$0.73 MUR 33.82
$1.04 MUR 48.44
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.74 MUR 34.39
$0.54 MUR 25.32
$0.87 MUR 40.60
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.92 MUR 42.89
$0.55 MUR 25.83
$1.66 MUR 77.5
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$6.50 MUR 303
$6.39 MUR 298
$9.59 MUR 447
Wine (Bottle)
$8.57 MUR 399
$6.43 MUR 299
$12.86 MUR 599
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.65 MUR 76.8
$1.47 MUR 68.5
$2.09 MUR 97.4
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.28 MUR 106
$1.65 MUR 77.0
$3.10 MUR 144
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$4.32 MUR 201
$3.24 MUR 151
$6.48 MUR 302
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$3.17 MUR 148
$3.17 MUR 148
$3.17 MUR 148
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$21.11 MUR 983
$21.11 MUR 983
$21.11 MUR 983
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.33 MUR 62.0
$1.21 MUR 56.5
$1.37 MUR 63.8
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$36.8K MUR 1.7M
$35.2K MUR 1.6M
$38.4K MUR 1.8M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$31.6K MUR 1.5M
$31.6K MUR 1.5M
$34.5K MUR 1.6M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$45.49 MUR 2,118
$32.10 MUR 1,495
$64.2 MUR 2,990
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$10.80 MUR 503
$7.55 MUR 352
$43.18 MUR 2,010
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$29.00 MUR 1,350
$21.09 MUR 982
$42.18 MUR 1,964
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$30.88 MUR 1,438
$22.45 MUR 1,045
$40.70 MUR 1,895
Cinema Ticket
$6.45 MUR 300
$5.38 MUR 250
$8.60 MUR 400
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$126 MUR 5,853
$41.90 MUR 1,951
$189 MUR 8,778
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$7,707 MUR 358.9K
$3,824 MUR 178.1K
$12.9K MUR 601.8K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$78.7 MUR 3,665
$32.19 MUR 1,499
$107 MUR 4,997
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$75.8 MUR 3,530
$25.99 MUR 1,210
$152 MUR 7,059
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$122 MUR 5,679
$75.3 MUR 3,508
$194 MUR 9,020
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$76.7 MUR 3,569
$52.3 MUR 2,434
$94.1 MUR 4,380
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$606 MUR 28.2K
$367 MUR 17.1K
$699 MUR 32.6K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$445 MUR 20.7K
$356 MUR 16.6K
$557 MUR 25.9K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,242 MUR 57.8K
$1,006 MUR 46.9K
$1,421 MUR 66.1K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$740 MUR 34.5K
$601 MUR 28.0K
$833 MUR 38.8K
💵 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: August 29, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to spend about $220 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $39.00 for two – broadly in line with the African average.

Cost Highlights

Taxi is more expensive than 95% of cities in Africa

1-bedroom apartment, outside city center is more expensive than 93% of cities in Africa

3-bedroom apartment, city center is more expensive than 90% 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 $1,067 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 $1,067 including rent, or roughly $654 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 $1,600 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 $606; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $445. Overall, the market runs from $445 to $606 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
Is food shopping expensive in Surinam?
Expect to spend around $220 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 $30.88 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 $1,067. 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 $1,067 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 $1,067, so putting money aside takes more than $1,600 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 $1,067 for residents – backpackers can do less with some planning.

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