Adequate Salary for living in Mauritius

Hi, yes that looks decent. Ave salaries here are quite low - secretarial/admin = Rs 35k = 700 GB

A bit of advice, become familiar with exchange rate - it plays a big role in your life

What job is it and where?

Thank you very much for your reply!

It is a University position located in Quartier Militaire and I am not even sure where would be the most convenient to live. I do not have a driving licence which is a pain too.

The salary is much lower in comparison with the UK and money is a big issue for me right now. Plus, I would like to save a little bit too. Anyway, big decision

You will find some information on various prices/costs on this website and information about living accommodation, tax, etc.  I know a number of people do not have cars here, but public transport in the evening is somewhat limited so you should think about that when deciding on where to live should you decide to accept the job.

Thank you very much for your reply. I have spent hours on this website looking at prices, etc...but I still got confused. I understand that this amount is adequate for a comfortable living by myself; however, it is always good to ask for a second opinion.
Also, thank you for your advice re transport. I was worried it might be a problem.

Best,

Lea.

1 British Pound Sterling = 50.024 Mauritian Rupee ( giver or take)

though the pound has been taking a beating since BREXIT has been in the news

Thus 17,000.00 GBP = 850,402.39 MUR

Just a search wrt "cost of living" on this forum will direct you to this list of threads:

https://www.expat.com/forum/108-22-cost … itius.html

Dear Lea,

First of all, congratulations on your new position.

1. Salary
Your given salary will be enough for a single person to live a decent life style and enjoy the benefits of living on a tropical island.

2. Tax will be at 15% of chargeable income (if you pay tax in Mauritius) - it's certainly much less than the UK. Check on the Mauritius Revenue Authority website.

3. Public transport
Public transport in Quartier Militaire is very decent (the frequency of buses is better than some country side in UK).

Buses are in two categories: either run by private companies or state owned company (NTC). NTC buses tend to stay on schedule, regular and usually run late. Not the same can be said of the private bus companies.

4.  Taxi
Given that you don't have driving licence, you will have to rely on taxis. This will increase your expenses.

5. An indication of expenses:
Monthly grocery = Rs 12,000 (generous)
Bills (water, electricity, landline, internet) = Rs 300 + Rs 1500 + Rs 1500 = Rs 3300
Bottled LPG = Rs 330
Eating out = 10 x Rs 1000 = Rs 10,000 (i'm assuming a single curry meal)
Mobile phone = Rs 1500
Accommodation = Rs15000
Taxis = Rs10,000 (10 trips/month)
Public Transport =  Rs4,000
Clothes = Rs 5,000
Total = Rs 61130

As you see, you'll have an income of Rs70,800/month before tax.

You'll be alright.

Note: the above figures are indicative and will depend on your lifestyle.

Accommodation:
If you want to leave near work, I suggest Moka. You can get something near the fountain. Closest beach would Belle Mare.

Cheers
GJ

Hello,

Some good advice given already.

I'd agree it's important to understand and monitor exchange rates as they can have a big bearing on your finances. A site such as www.xe.com is useful to monitor rates and will give you a long historical perspective. Check what your bank(s) charge to transfer money. Also consider using a specialist broker such as http://www.iptfx.com/.

If you are flying twice a year abroad it's worth registering with airlines' frequent flyer programes to benefit from your air miles accrued.   

Good luck.

Dear all,

Thank you very much for the information provided. I really appreciate it and all the replies are very helpful

Best,

Lea.

Hi Lea
Is the salary you mentioned a monthly or a yearly salary?
If it is a monthly salary, you will be a queen here.
However, if it is a yearly salary, you will get around 70,000 Mauritian rupees per month. It is more than a decent money to live but it all depends on your life style.
You may get a small double room house for approx. 15000 - 20000 rs. i.e. 400 GBP
Electricity, water and gas may be around 4000 rs. i.e 80 GBP
Transport may be expensive if you prefer to have a car but very affordable using the public bus services (quite good service depending where you are located). Private car is quite expensive: just less than half of your 17000GBP will allow you to get a good 2nd hand car. Think about 5000-6000 rs running cost.  Public transport may be around 3000 - 4000 rs.
Bottom line: you may have around 40000 rs left for your groceries, dining out,... and It all depends on your life style.
Good luck.

30000 should be enough for a month

Hello Lea,

I agree with what everyone has said except 2 things:

-public transport: In my opinion is really bad. I think you need a car to live in Mauritius.

-rent: expect at least 25,000Rs for rent. You can find something cheaper, but it will be harder, and maybe not so nice. You can view rentals at https://www.lexpressproperty.com/en/


Otherwise it is a great country to live, I love it here! I know single people with no dependant find it a little bit boring, and that there's not much to do. That's the experienxe of the people I know. I have small kids, so for me here is perfect!

Hope it helps,
Jessica

Thank you very much, Jessica! I am also worried about being bored there and it is too far away to fly out for a weekend to visit your folks and friends in the UK. But I am very glad you told me that single pals of yours find it a little bit hard as this factor is also very important for me.

Best ,

Lea.

But you can find other expatriates to chill out...make new friend and experience something new

is your salary monthly or yearly.....ive been living in Mauritius for 2 years now on my own, ive made great friends - im from cape town , South Africa. I live up north in mon choissy purely as I want to be by the coast...which I am right on the beach.
great lifestyle and beauty is what u can expect.
let me know on your salary and I can give you more advise.
rgds

Lea,

I'm sure that once you are in Mauritius and that your friends know about it, you won't have to fly out. Instead, they will like to fly in and spend some time with you on the island.

Cheers
Gawesh