Is Mauritius expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Mauritius can be expensive or moderate depending on how you travel: the famous luxury resorts are among the priciest in the Indian Ocean, but guesthouses, street food and buses are cheap. A mid-range day is about Rs 10,600 (roughly €200) per person. Compared with the Maldives or Seychelles, independent travel here is much cheaper.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | Rs1,800 | Rs5,000 | Rs20,000 |
| Food & drink | Rs900 | Rs2,000 | Rs6,000 |
| Sights & tickets | Rs600 | Rs1,800 | Rs5,000 |
| Local transport | Rs800 | Rs1,800 | Rs4,500 |
| Per person, per day | Rs4,100 | Rs10,600 | Rs35,500 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Mauritius day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Dholl puri from a street stall | a few dozen rupees |
| Bus ride between towns | about Rs 30-50 |
| Seven Coloured Earths at Chamarel | about Rs 300-400 |
| Pamplemousses Botanical Garden | about Rs 300 |
| Boat to Île aux Cerfs | about Rs 1,500-3,500 |
| Driver for the day | about Rs 3,000-4,500 |
| Seafood dinner at a beach restaurant | roughly Rs 800-1,500 per person |
| Mid-range double, west or north coast | Rs 7,000-14,000 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation dominates: guesthouses cost Rs 3,000-5,500, mid-range hotels Rs 7,000-14,000 and luxury resorts Rs 20,000-60,000, often quoted in euros. Transport is the next share because the island is best seen by rental car or driver, and taxis are unmetered. Boat trips, catamaran cruises and helicopter flights are the big optional extras. Street food and local restaurants are cheap; resort restaurants are not.
When it is cheaper
Hotel prices are usually lowest from about May to September outside European school holidays, sometimes 20-40% below the December-January peak (check current offers). January to March is cheaper too, but it is the hot, humid cyclone season.
How to spend less
- Eat dholl puri, farata and curries from street stalls and local cafes instead of resort restaurants.
- Stay in guesthouses or apartments in Flic en Flac, Grand Baie or Mahébourg.
- Rent a car for a few days rather than hiring drivers every day.
- Use the buses and the Metro Express for town-to-town trips.
- Book catamaran trips locally, comparing prices between operators.
- Agree taxi fares before getting in, as taxis are not metered.
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Common questions
Is Mauritius expensive?
It can be, but it does not have to be. Budget about Rs 4,100 a day on a budget or Rs 10,600 mid-range per person; luxury resorts cost far more.
Is Mauritius cheaper than the Maldives?
Usually yes, especially for independent travellers, because you can stay in guesthouses, eat street food and use buses.
Do hotels in Mauritius charge in euros?
Many resorts quote in euros; guesthouses and local businesses use rupees (roughly Rs 50-53 to €1).