Cost of Living in Morocco in 2021

Hi Cheryl,
Let me answer your question from the perspective of a displaced expat, therefore I share my view on a like for like basis rather than a COVID impact view.
Private healthcare in Morocco is considerably cheaper than the U.K. As an example my son had a hernia op in Rabat, a top paediatric professor surgeon, 2 nights in the clinic, cost £840. In the U.K. this would have cost £4000.
Utilities - Gas and electric I find is a quarter of the price of the U.K. Internet I find similar cost to the U.K., in fact what we pay for Orange darbox per month is the same as the U.K. We pay 349dhr for our package.
Food wise, breads and pastries are incredibly cheap, a baguette at my bakery here in kenitra cost 10p vs £1 for equivalent in the U.K. A Mille feuille in kenitra 10p vs £4 in the U.K. vegetables and fruits if bought from the souk or market are cheaper than the U.K., only marginally but if compared to organic produce in U.K. supermarkets then the cost in Morocco is half. Meats I find the same price, although the quality in Morocco is better. The way I would describe it, in Morocco you’re buying organic produce for the same price as mass produced non organic in the U.K.
Overall our grocery shopping is approx half that of what we would spend in the U.K.
Sadly with COVID I’ve not joined the gym in Kenitra, however the cost is around 300dhr per month, this is an upmarket gym, with pool, classes spa. Again same as what I was paying in the U.K.
Hope it helps
Cheers
P

As an expat, prior to Covid, i could live in a douar on 8.000 dh a month, trips, vehicle and insurance included, plus enough to help around, but it was tight for me as i am quite active. But i would not have been able to do it in a city where rents and utilities are higher.

i have not found organic produce in my region in NW Morocco. Do not be deceived. Produce at the souks come from farms using pesticides, mostly not controlled, especially the strawberries.

the cost of life out of the city is not expensive as inside. a budget of 8000 dh for me is big , and it depend on how much your active

I would not recommend to buy property in Morocco, unless you have been in the country at least a couple of years and know you will stay there, nor is it recommended to build. Too many scammers, fraud, no real accurate appraisals, most times no titles either. In this case, buyer beware applies. Also, on resale, it may be hard to find local buyers. Remember that expats are very visible and that money talks... best be very cautious in this case. Know your rights in Morocco before signing anything.

I am an American citizen born in Morocco, and I hate living here and can't wait to get the hell out.
Too dirty, you can't even walk on the side walk it is all occupied by coffee shops and other small shops.  If you're honest you can't survive in this land, sales Tax is 20% for the services you get!! Morocco is not cheap.
During Hassan II (May God Rest hit Soul) things were much better. Now I just hope one day, the Moroccan government will consider making a huge improvement...

I agree with you that this kingdom has become a virtual depottoir, due to the laissez faire attitude of the people who seem to shun any type of self-improvement changes, but some young adults strive hard to improve the looks of their neighborhoods like in Tanger, for instance. The dollar has also lost its value in the 2.5 years i have been away, causing me to lose at least 250 US dollars on transactions. Not really feasible to live there anymore, mostly because of exchange rates and the pervasive corrupt mentality, with its unethical practices. Morocco is fast losing its reputation of 'muslim hospitality'. Big joke. The three rural families who adopted me like one of theirs all screwed me over big time with their hidden agendas, and i had to move 9 times in 4.5 years to get away from dishonest or disrespectful owners. Nonetheless, opportunities would abound if the population understood the laws of cause and effect and didn't exploit those who come with good intentions. Remember that for a country to really thrive, strong, ethical, charismatic leadership matters, followed by the same actions from the people, but that corruption trickles down from the top and that weak spines bend. Shouma indeed...

Hi.  Petersonic

Whats the situation with health cover
Cost etc

Hi
I have a healthcare private package with AXA through my employer based in the U.K., this does include an element of international cover.
What I will say is that the cost of private medical care in Morocco and from experience is much better value that the U.K. another example our son was born by caesarean and the cost for the hospital stay, doctor and all the care was £1400. The professional and proficiency of the professor was as good as any equivalent in the U.K.
Access to a specialist is quick and easy, access to get scans is fast and easy and cost effective.
Overall in comparison to the U.K. the care and experience is equivalent to the U.K., the difference and positive difference is that access is much faster and the cost is cheaper (still expensive for Moroccans).
Hope this helps.

May i know which hospital your wife went to? Was it in Kenitra? Public hospitals are so unsanitary.

In kenitra yes, it was a private clinic called Val Fleury. Her Gynécologue-Obstétricien throughout the pregnancy did the operation. Our son Had his operation at Ambassador clinic in Rabat.

Happy for you that you found good care. All the best to you! Have you gone to Assilah yet? Lovely coastal town between Moulay Bousselham and Tanger. Maybe 2.5 hrs from Kenitra.

Kind regards,

Hi,
Not yet no. We migrated south to a villa in Marrakech for a week for a change of scene. It was nice, but the drive with a 4m old baby was tough, especially going, maybe because it was our first long drive.
Any thoughts on when you will return?

It all depends on the pandemic and what they require now to get back in Morocco. I am not particularly in favor of the vaccinations. Hope you are both happy in Kenitra and enjoying your baby. These are precious times. Good luck with everything.