How Much Does Mauritius Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Mauritius is a premier island destination that caters to a surprising variety of travel styles, from backpackers to high-end honeymooners. While often synonymous with luxury resorts, the island offers a tiered economic landscape where daily costs for a solo traveler range from $76 / MUR 3,501 on a budget to $694 / MUR 32,012 for a premium experience. Unlike more isolated island nations, Mauritius benefits from a robust local infrastructure and a diverse culinary scene that provides excellent value. Visitors will find that staying in coastal apartments or inland guesthouses significantly lowers the barrier to entry compared to all-inclusive resort packages. By leveraging public transport and the abundance of high-quality street food, it is entirely possible to experience the island's natural beauty without the typical luxury markup.
Is Mauritius expensive to visit?
Mauritius offers a wide spectrum of costs, ranging from an accessible $76 / MUR 3,501 to a lavish $694 / MUR 32,012 per day depending on your choice of accommodation and activities.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Mauritius
$76
per person /day
$271
per person /day
$694
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $227 | $812 | $2,081 |
| 5-Day Trip | $379 | $1,355 | $3,467 |
| 7-Day Trip | $531 | $1,896 | $4,854 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is wise to maintain a 15% buffer for activity supplements, such as the $76 / MUR 3,504 fee for interacting with wildlife at Casela, which is not included in the $33 / MUR 1,526 basic entrance price. Small incidental costs like the $2.12 / MUR 98 short-stay airport parking fee can also add up during a multi-stop itinerary.
How Does It Compare?
See how Mauritius stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Mauritius
Food & Drink (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Street Food Meal (Dholl Puri & Drink) Individual street food items like Dholl Puri are only ~$0.59 / MUR 27, a full meal is ~$3.24 / MUR 149. | $3.25 MUR 150 |
| Mid-Range Restaurant Dinner (3 Courses) Per person cost is ~$26 / MUR 1,195. Excluding alcoholic drinks. | $26 MUR 1,201 |
| Local Beer (Phoenix 0.33L) in Restaurant Imported beers cost ~$1.77 / MUR 81 more. Local beer is refreshing and widely available. | $4.33 MUR 200 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Official Airport Taxi (North Zone/Grand Baie) Fixed rates apply for different island zones. Expect to pay ~$61 / MUR 2,798 for a 1.5-hour drive north. | $61 MUR 2,801 |
| Metro Express Full Fare (Port Louis to Curepipe) A fast and modern way to travel the central corridor. Costs less than ~$1.24 / MUR 57. | $1.19 MUR 55 |
| Public Bus (Short Trip) Slow but scenic. Most trips cost under ~$0.94 / MUR 43. Carry exact change if possible. | $0.87 MUR 40 |
| Daily Car Rental (Budget) Essential for exploring remote beaches. Fuel costs ~$1.65 / MUR 76 per liter extra. | $48 MUR 2,201 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Budget Guesthouse (Manuel's Apartment) Located in Port Louis. Basic amenities but clean. Saves ~$41 / MUR 1,902 per night compared to hotels. | $42 MUR 1,953 |
| Mid-Range Hotel (Villa Anakao) Good value mid-range option with pool and sea views. Represents ~$166 / MUR 7,661 per night. | $153 MUR 7,053 |
| Luxury 5-Star Hotel (Labourdonnais Waterfront) Premium business and leisure hotel in the heart of Port Louis. Equivalent to ~$430 / MUR 19,830. | $395 MUR 18,246 |
Activities (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Seven Colored Earths & Chamarel Waterfall Covers entrance to the geopark and the waterfall viewpoint. Roughly ~$12 / MUR 549. | $12 MUR 550 |
| Casela Nature Parks Entrance Price for international visitors. Includes basic park access and viewing of wildlife. | $33 MUR 1,526 |
| SSR Botanical Garden Entrance (Non-Citizen) Must show passport or ID. Locals pay only ~$0.59 / MUR 27, but tourists pay ~$6.47 / MUR 299. | $6.5 MUR 300 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Tourist SIM with 100GB Data (My.t) Great value for high-speed connectivity. | $29 MUR 1,351 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
The dining landscape is a highlight for budget travelers, with street food meals like Dholl Puri costing as little as $3.25 / MUR 150. For a more formal experience, a three-course dinner at a mid-range restaurant averages $26 / MUR 1,201 per person, while a local Phoenix beer in a restaurant is priced around $4.33 / MUR 200.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Dewan Dholl Puri
$1.08–$3.25 / MUR 50–MUR 150Rose Hill · Street food area
Legendary spot; go before 13:00 as they often sell out. Cost is ~$1.18 / MUR 54.
Ti Kouloir
$3.25–$8.67 / MUR 150–MUR 400Grand Baie · Local chain
Try the 'Boulettes' (steamed dumplings) for a cheap and filling snack (~$3.24 / MUR 149).
Chez Rosy
$9.76–$20 / MUR 450–MUR 900Gris Gris / Souillac · Local chain
Their octopus curry is famous and great value for fresh seafood (~$14 / MUR 652).
Port Louis Central Market
$0.87–$5.41 / MUR 40–MUR 250Port Louis · Street market
Grab an Alouda (milky drink with basil seeds) for ~$1.06 / MUR 49 to cool down.
Tante Athalie
$11–$22 / MUR 500–MUR 1,000Pamplemousses · Local chain
Perfect lunch stop after visiting the Botanical Garden. Meal costs ~$16 / MUR 761.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Navigating the island is most affordable via the public bus system at $0.87 / MUR 40 per short trip or the modern Metro Express corridor for $1.19 / MUR 55. For maximum flexibility to reach remote beaches, a daily car rental costs $48 / MUR 2,201, which is often more economical than multiple long-distance taxi trips like the $61 / MUR 2,801 fare from the airport to Grand Baie.
Accommodation Overview
Lodging ranges from budget-friendly options like Manuel's Apartment for $42 / MUR 1,953 per night to mid-range seaside hotels like Villa Anakao at $153 / MUR 7,053. Those seeking ultimate comfort can expect to pay around $395 / MUR 18,246 for luxury establishments such as the Labourdonnais Waterfront.
Accommodation Budget in Mauritius
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Eat like a local at Port Louis Central Market where snacks and traditional meals cost significantly less than in tourist-heavy Grand Baie.
- 2 Utilize the Metro Express for just $1.19 / MUR 55 to travel between Port Louis and Curepipe, avoiding expensive taxi fares through the central traffic corridor.
- 3 Stay in a budget guesthouse like Manuel's Apartment at $42 / MUR 1,953 to save approximately $41 / MUR 1,902 per night compared to standard hotels.
- 4 Opt for local Phoenix beer at $4.33 / MUR 200 instead of imported brands which typically carry a $1.77 / MUR 81 surcharge in restaurants.
- 5 Purchase a local My.t SIM card with 100GB of data for $29 / MUR 1,351 to avoid high international roaming fees during your stay.
- 6 Visit the SSR Botanical Garden with your ID or passport; while non-citizens pay $6.5 / MUR 300, it remains one of the island's most affordable major attractions.
- 7 Dine at local favorites like Ti Kouloir in Grand Baie or Chez Rosy in Souillac for high-quality meals at a fraction of resort prices.
- 8 Use public buses for coastal travel at $0.87 / MUR 40 per trip; they are slower but offer a scenic and highly affordable alternative to car rentals.
- 9 Book a car rental for $48 / MUR 2,201 to combine multiple inland sights like Chamarel and Black River Gorges into a single day to save on transport overhead.
- 10 Shop at Super U or Winners supermarkets for beach snacks and bottled water rather than buying from hotel minibars or beach kiosks.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Apr
+30-50%
May, Jun, Sep
-25-40%
May, Sep
Mauritius is a year-round destination, but May and September offer the best balance of dry weather and lower prices (saving ~$118 / MUR 5,433/night on mid-range rooms).
Events to Watch
- ● Christmas & New Year (Dec 20 - Jan 5): +100% hotel spikes
- ● Easter Holidays (Late April): High demand for family resorts
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Swimming and sunbathing at Flic en Flac Beach, one of the longest and most popular public beaches on the island.
- 2 Watching the sunset from the pristine white sands of Trou aux Biches.
- 3 Hiking the marked trails of Black River Gorges National Park to see endemic birds and lush forest scenery.
- 4 Visiting the spiritual site of Ganga Talao (Grand Bassin), a sacred crater lake surrounded by temples and statues.
- 5 Taking in the 360-degree coastal views from the Maconde Viewpoint on the southern coastal road.
- 6 Exploring the historic Red Roof Church (Notre-Dame Auxiliatrice) at Cap Malheureux for iconic photo opportunities.
- 7 Wandering through the colorful stalls and atmosphere of the Port Louis Central Market.
- 8 Strolling along the Caudan Waterfront to enjoy the umbrellas and harbor views without spending a cent.
- 9 Snorkeling directly from the shore at Blue Bay Marine Park (bring your own gear).
- 10 Picnicking under the filao trees at Mont Choisy Beach.
- 11 Exploring the public access areas of the Roche Noire Lava Tubes for a unique geological experience.
- 12 Hiking to the public viewpoint of Le Morne Brabant for stunning views of the 'underwater waterfall' effect (public trail only).
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Tandem Skydive with Skydive Mauritius
Unbeatable aerial views of the coastline and lagoons from 10,000 feet. Roughly ~$372 / MUR 17,168.
Luxury Private Day at Ile Des Deux Cocos
Includes boat transfers, buffet, and unlimited drinks on a private tropical island (~$68 / MUR 3,151).
Underwater Waterfall Helicopter Tour
The only way to witness the famous optical illusion from above. Costs ~$606 / MUR 27,980 for a private flight.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Mauritius
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Mauritius and what they cost
Île aux Cerfs (via Speedboat)
$26 / MUR 1,201 by boat
Free
$54 / MUR 2,501
Black River Gorges (Private Day Taxi)
$76 / MUR 3,501 by taxi
Free
$98 / MUR 4,502
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Mauritian Rupee (MUR)
1 $ ≈ 46 Rs
Yes
Widely accepted in hotels, malls, and major restaurants. Cash is essential for street food (Dholl Puri) and small village shops.
Tipping is not mandatory but 10% in restaurants is appreciated for good service. Rounding up taxi fares by ~$1.18–$2.35 / MUR 54–MUR 109 is standard.
MCB and SBM ATMs are the most reliable. Avoid independent ATMs in small shops which may charge high transaction fees of ~$4.71–$7.06 / MUR 217–MUR 326.
Expected in Port Louis Central Market and with private taxi drivers. Aim for 20-30% off the first quoted price in markets.
Connectivity
eSIM: $29–$35 for 100GB (30 days) (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $28 / MUR 1,304 for 100GB data plan
WiFi: Excellent in resorts and major malls; limited in remote national parks.
Buy a My.t Tourist SIM at the airport for the best speed and massive data allowance.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Mauritius.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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Complete Cost Guide
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