Mauritania flagCost of Living Guide · Mauritania

Cost of Living Guide in Mauritania

Complete pricing for housing, food, transportation, and everyday expenses

Mauritania offers a low overall cost of living, about 6% cheaper than the Africa average when including rent, though consumer prices excluding rent are 7% higher than regional norms. Rent is exceptionally affordable at over 50% below the Africa average, making it attractive for expats seeking budget housing in the region. Local salaries are low, but expat lifestyles remain viable on moderate incomes.

Estimated Monthly Budget

Frugal
$370 USD (without rent) or $657 total — local food, public transport, basic housing like a Nouakchott local.
Comfortable
$1,100-1,750 USD (45,000-70,000 MRU) — decent expat housing, mix of local/imported goods, occasional dining.
Family of four
$4,000-6,500 USD (160,000-260,000 MRU) — expat housing, international school, imported groceries, car for family of four.

Mauritania delivers strong value for money at 6.3% below Africa averages overall, especially with drastically cheaper rent offsetting slightly higher daily goods. Ideal for cost-conscious expats prioritizing housing savings over luxury.

Economic & Living Costs in Mauritania
Food & Dining Costs

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

100-200 MRU
Avg: 150 MRU
-25.0% vs 3 months ago

Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant (3-course)

550-1500 MRU
Avg: 1025 MRU
+2.5% vs 3 months ago

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

238-250 MRU
Avg: 244 MRU
-5.2% vs 3 months ago

Domestic Beer (0.5L draught)

50-119.97 MRU
Avg: 84.99 MRU
0.7% vs 3 months ago
Housing & Real Estate Costs

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

4000-10000 MRU
Avg: 7000 MRU
-7.2% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside Centre

4000-6000 MRU
Avg: 5000 MRU
-15.0% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

20000-30000 MRU
Avg: 25000 MRU
-6.1% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside Centre

10000-13200 MRU
Avg: 11600 MRU
-12.9% vs 3 months ago
Transportation Costs

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

15-20 MRU
Avg: 17.5 MRU
-5.9% vs 3 months ago

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

110-250 MRU
Avg: 180 MRU
-7.0% vs 3 months ago

Monthly Transport Pass

600-1150 MRU
Avg: 875 MRU
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Gasoline (1L)

38-70 MRU
Avg: 54 MRU
0.0% vs 3 months ago
Utilities & Communications Costs

Utilities for 85m² Apartment

2000-10000 MRU
Avg: 6000 MRU
-11.1% vs 3 months ago

Internet (60 Mbps+, Unlimited)

2000-2500 MRU
Avg: 2250 MRU
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Mobile Plan (10GB+ Data)

300-1000 MRU
Avg: 650 MRU
-43.5% vs 3 months ago
Grocery Costs

Milk (1L)

30-70 MRU
Avg: 50 MRU
-9.1% vs 3 months ago

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

10-15 MRU
Avg: 12.5 MRU
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Eggs (12)

60-96 MRU
Avg: 78 MRU
-13.3% vs 3 months ago

Local Cheese (1kg)

100-340 MRU
Avg: 220 MRU
-12.0% vs 3 months ago
Entertainment & Sports Costs

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee

833.33-10000 MRU
Avg: 5416.67 MRU
-1.5% vs 3 months ago

Tennis Court (1 hour, weekend)

N/A
Avg: N/A

Cinema Ticket

150-175 MRU
Avg: 162.5 MRU
-7.1% vs 3 months ago

Preschool / Kindergarten (monthly, private)

3600-32000 MRU
Avg: 17800 MRU
+483.6% vs 3 months ago
Last updated: 2026-04-03