You can live in Mauritania fairly cheaply—about $680/month on average—so your money goes further than in many countries. Rent for a city-center one-bedroom is roughly $204, utilities around $90 for a single person, and internet about $61. Groceries and street food are inexpensive; transport is affordable with $0.50 bus fares and $17.60 monthly passes. Salaries average $754 after tax, so budgeting matters. Keep going to see detailed cost breakdowns and saving tips.
Overview of Living Costs and Key Numbers
Although prices vary by city, Mauritania’s overall cost of living is about $680 per month—roughly 1.68 times cheaper than the global average—so your budget will stretch further than in many countries.
Although prices vary by city, Mauritania’s cost of living is about $680 monthly, making everyday expenses considerably cheaper.
You’ll see those savings across core Living categories: average monthly after-tax salary is $754, covering roughly 1.1 months of basic expenses at that cost level.
Key data points show utilities at $89.6 per person and $136 for a family, with internet around $60.6 for 50 Mbps+.
Eating out remains inexpensive—lunchtime menus average $5.01 and a restaurant dinner for two is about $25.1—helping discretionary spending go further than in pricier markets.
Transport is similarly affordable: single local tickets cost $0.50 and monthly public passes run $17.6.
Taken together, these Cost of Living figures let you compare Mauritania quantitatively to other countries, highlighting lower everyday expenses but a tight margin when salaries and living costs are close.
Housing and Rent Prices by City
When you compare urban rents, a 1-bedroom apartment in Mauritania’s city centers averages about $204 per month, roughly 85.6% cheaper than similar units in the United States. You’ll find rent prices vary by city: major urban centers push averages up, while smaller towns and rural areas remain far cheaper. A 1-bedroom outside city centers typically costs less, making housing in Mauritania budget-friendly.
| Location Type | Typical 1BR Rent | Relative Cost |
|---|---|---|
| City center (major) | $204/month | Baseline |
| Outside center | Lower than $204 | Cheaper |
| Rural/smaller towns | Noticeably lower | Lowest |
When you plan accommodation, factor maintenance and other housing costs into your budget. Comparing city-by-city rent prices helps you choose between convenience and savings; if you prioritize lower rent, select locations outside main urban centers.
Typical Monthly Utilities and Internet Costs
Beyond rent, monthly utilities and connectivity are a key part of your housing budget in Mauritania: a single-person household averages about $89.6 per month while a family pays roughly $136.
Utility breakdowns show an 85m² apartment incurs about $145.9 monthly for electricity, heating/cooling, water, and garbage, indicating larger homes push costs above the single-person average.
You’ll typically pay a separate mobile phone contract and home internet bill: a mobile phone contract with calls and 10GB+ of data runs about $25.2 per month, while a high-speed internet plan (60 Mbps+, unlimited) averages $60.8.
Compared to the United States, these figures are lower — the high-speed internet plan is roughly 14.9% cheaper than similar U.S. services — so your connectivity spending is relatively economical.
Budget by household size and apartment area: single occupants can expect base monthly utility costs near $90, families and larger units should plan for $130–$150 or more.
Grocery and Food Prices (Markets and Restaurants)
You’ll find basic market staples like a liter of milk for $1.41, a 0.5 kg loaf of bread for $0.28, a dozen eggs for $2.21, and chicken breast at $5.49/kg, which keeps grocery bills low.
Eating out is also affordable: a lunch menu runs about $5.01, a fast-food meal about $6.26, and a mid-range dinner for two averages $25.10.
Market Staple Prices
One quick way to stretch your budget in Mauritania is to buy local staples: a loaf of bread is about $0.28 and a liter of milk $1.41, while a dozen eggs runs $2.21 and 1 kg of chicken breast about $5.49.
You’ll find grocery prices lower than many countries, so your cost of living can drop if you cook at home. Compare a cheap restaurant meal at roughly $3 to fast-food equivalents near $6.26; groceries still undercut dining out for regular meals.
Buying staples lets you control portions and costs—1 kg chicken yields multiple servings versus single-plate restaurant pricing. Track weekly market prices to optimize spending, prioritize bread, milk, eggs and chicken for the best value.
Restaurant Meal Costs
While eating out in Mauritania stays affordable, you’ll see clear differences depending on venue and meal type: a typical lunch menu runs about $5.01, fast-food combos cost roughly $6.26, and a mid-range dinner for two averages $25.10—so regular restaurant meals will usually cost more than cooking with market staples.
You’ll judge value by menu type, portion size and service level; overall restaurant meal costs remain lower than in many countries.
- Lunch menu: ~$5.01 — quick, economical option
- Fast-food combo: ~$6.26 — convenient, slightly pricier per meal
- Mid-range dinner for two: ~$25.10 — sit-down experience
- Cappuccino: ~$2.45 — café prices reflect local market levels
- Local beer (0.5L): ~$1.95 — affordable drinking option for social outings
Street Food Availability
After comparing sit-down and cafe prices, look to street vendors for even cheaper, quicker meals: fast-food-style options average about $6.26—only slightly above the $5.01 lunch-menu rate—and local snacks and grilled fare often run lower still.
You’ll find street food widely available in urban centers, offering affordable alternatives to restaurants and cafes. Compared with a $25.10 mid-range dinner for two, grabbing kebabs, fried snacks, or sandwich-like items from vendors cuts costs substantially and speeds service.
Even casual beverage choices support low-cost dining out: a cappuccino is roughly $2.45 and local beer about $1.95. If you prioritize budget and convenience, street food in Mauritania delivers value and variety without sacrificing the core dining-out experience.
Transportation and Commuting Expenses
A bus ride in Mauritania costs about $0.50 one-way, so if you commute regularly you’ll see dramatic savings compared with the U.S. where a comparable trip runs roughly $2.50 (about 80.9% cheaper here).
You’ll find transportation costs mainly favor public and short taxi trips, though fuel is pricier. A local ticket is inexpensive, and monthly commuting expenses stay low.
- One-way local ticket: $0.50 vs $2.50 (80.9% cheaper)
- Monthly pass: $17.60 vs $65 (72.9% cheaper)
- Taxi starting fare: $0.90 vs $3.80 (76.5% cheaper)
- Taxi per km: $0.30 vs $1.70 (85.5% cheaper)
- Gasoline: $1.30/L vs $0.90/L (39.1% higher)
If you rely on public transport, you’ll cut costs substantially.
If you drive, higher fuel prices narrow savings from cheap taxis. Use monthly passes for predictable commuting to maximize economy and keep travel predictable and affordable.
Salaries, Employment and Purchasing Power
How much buying power will your paycheck get you in Mauritania? The average monthly after-tax salaries are roughly $754, far below the US average of $4,336.80, so your nominal income will be lower.
However, the country’s cost of living ranks 150th of 197 and is about 1.68 times cheaper than the world average, which cushions low wages and improves relative purchasing power.
Essential costs—rent and utilities—are significantly inexpensive; rent runs about 85.6% less than in the United States, letting salaries stretch further for housing.
Even so, the average salary covers only about 1.1 months of typical living expenses, signaling tight margins and the need for careful budgeting.
If you work in higher-paid sectors or as an expatriate, your purchasing power rises markedly compared with local averages.
In short: salaries are low in absolute terms, the cost of living is substantially lower, and your real purchasing power will depend on your income source and spending discipline.
Education, Childcare and Healthcare Costs
Low wages and low living costs shape how far your paycheck goes toward schooling and health services in Mauritania.
Low wages and low living costs determine how much of your paycheck covers schooling and healthcare in Mauritania.
You’ll find education, childcare and healthcare much cheaper than in Western countries, but relative affordability depends on your $758.8 average monthly take-home pay.
Key comparisons and figures:
- Private preschool: about $81.5/month versus $1,374.4 in the U.S., so preschool is far cheaper.
- International primary tuition: roughly $7,019.3/year per child compared with $22,696.4 in the U.S., reducing schooling expense gaps.
- Childcare: overall costs are 11.1 times lower than U.S. levels, impacting family budgets greatly.
- Healthcare: consultations and basic services are generally accessible and priced well below Western norms.
- Affordability note: despite low nominal costs, pricing against local wages still matters for long-term planning.
These data-driven contrasts show lower absolute costs for education, childcare and healthcare, but always weigh them against local income when evaluating true affordability.
Tips for Budgeting and Money-Saving in Mauritania
Because your average monthly salary of about $758 only stretches to roughly 1.1 months of living expenses, you’ll need a tight, data-driven budget that prioritizes essentials like utilities, food, and transport.
Focus on fixed costs: utilities run about $89.6 for a single person and $136 for a family, so allocate those first. Compare groceries and dining—bread at $0.28 and a dozen eggs $2.21 mean cooking is very cheap, while a meal for two at $24.1 still undercuts many countries; use a mix of home cooking and occasional dining out.
For transport, favor public options: a one-way ticket local is $0.5 and a monthly pass $17.6, which beats taxi fares for regular commutes.
Track weekly spending, set a percentile cap for discretionary items, and adjust after one month of real data. Prioritize liquid savings equal to one month’s expenses, then incrementally build an emergency fund.
Living in Mauritania rewards disciplined budgeting and comparisons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Monthly Income in Mauritania?
You earn about $754 monthly on average in Mauritania; monthly salaries reflect tight economic conditions, and you’ll compare cost factors showing living is roughly 36.7% cheaper than the U.S., informing budgeting and relocation decisions.
Can I Move to Mauritania?
Yes — you can move, but visas requirements vary; compare housing options (city 1‑bed ~$204) against your $758 monthly income, and plan cultural adaptation strategies; you’ll balance affordability, services, and lifestyle differences carefully.
Can You Drink Alcohol in Mauritania?
You generally can’t drink alcohol in Mauritania; alcohol regulations restrict it heavily, cultural attitudes enforce prohibition, and expatriate experiences show limited access in some hotels/clubs but legal risks remain high compared to more permissive countries.
Is Mauritania Cheap to Travel?
Yes — you’ll find Mauritania cheap to travel; affordable accommodations average $204, local transportation costs about $0.50 per ticket or $17.60 monthly, and dining options run near $3, making it especially cheaper than many countries.
Conclusion
So you’re weighing Mauritania’s wallet-friendly rents against the occasional imported everything? Expect cheap local markets, modest utilities and low transport fares—yet salaries lag, healthcare and international goods bite, and Nouakchott costs more than smaller towns. If you like numbers: rent can be a fraction of European prices, but purchasing power often won’t match. Budget for surprises, favor local produce, and enjoy being able to afford space—just don’t ask for avocado toast.
