Cost of Living in Morocco 2023: Common Prices & Expenses
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Looking to Learn about the Morocco Cost of Living in 2023?
Morocco is a North African country known for its rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and bustling cities. With a population of over 38 million people, Morocco is a diverse country with a variety of lifestyles and income levels. The cost of living in Morocco varies depending on where you live and your lifestyle, but generally speaking, it is relatively affordable compared to many other countries.
According to Numbeo, the cost of living for a single person living in Morocco is $409 per month without rent. The cost of living without rent increases to $1,434 per month for a family of four.
Housing
The cost of housing in Morocco varies depending on where you live, but it is generally more affordable than in many Western countries. In cities like Rabat and Casablanca, you can expect to pay around $330 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in a nice area. In Morocco’s smaller cities and towns, you can find apartments for much less, sometimes as low as $165 per month.
On average, the cost of rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the center of a Moroccan city is $310. To live outside the city center, the average price of a one-bedroom apartment is $178. Families looking to rent a 3-bedroom apartment in the city center can expect to pay an average of $549 per month.
Utilities
The cost of utilities in Morocco varies depending on where you live and your usage, but it is generally affordable. You can expect to pay around $40 per month for electricity, water, and gas for a small apartment.
Internet and phone plans are also affordable, with many companies offering plans for less than $11 per month. However, many of the low-cost internet plans in Morocco come with very low internet speeds. If you need high-speed internet for streaming or video calls, you can expect to pay something more like $35 per month.
Mortgages
As mortgage rates seem to be rising everywhere, the average rates in Morocco have not been hit as hard as other countries. The interest rate for a 20-year, fixed rate mortgage in Morocco is 4.9%.
Food and Drink Prices in Morocco
Moroccan cuisine is famous for its flavorful spices, and it is relatively affordable to eat out in Morocco. You can find local, inexpensive restaurants serving traditional dishes like tagine and couscous for around $3 per meal. These restaurants will typically have a “quick serve” feel to them and the standard of service may not be as high as it would be in a nicer restaurant.
A three-course meal at a nice restaurant can cost closer to $10 per person. There may be restaurants in the most touristy parts of Morocco’s big cities that can have higher prices, but these can be easily avoided. For the most part, eating out can be half the price or less than in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom.
Groceries
If you prefer to cook at home, your meals in Morocco can be even cheaper if you buy them at a grocery store. You can get a jug of milk for around 75 cents and a loaf of bread for 45 cents. For a dozen eggs, you can expect to pay about $1.30.
TIP: In supermarkets or grocery stores in Morocco, make sure to weigh any produce before you check out. There will be an attendant whose job it is to assist with this. They will weigh your items on a scale, then slap a price tag on them before you make the purchase.
Markets
For even cheaper food, you can head to the Moroccan street markets, also known as “souks.” The merchants will sell meat, produce, spices, and more at a fraction of the supermarket prices. The major difference from a regular grocery store is that you can negotiate with these merchants down to your preferred price.
TIP: Bargaining is part of the culture in Morocco. Some vendors may start high, but you should never buy something for more than 40% of their starting offer.
It may be uncomfortable at first, but the vendors expect customers to do it, and it’s really not difficult to get them to bring the price down. So have fun with it, and if they don’t give you a satisfactory price, simply walk away (and then see what kind of price they shout at you).
Transportation
Transportation in Morocco is relatively affordable, with a one-way ticket on public transportation costing around $0.50 and a monthly pass costing around $15. For longer distances, you can take a train, which is comfortable and affordable, with prices ranging from $2.20 to $22 depending on the distance and the class of the train. Gas prices can vary just like anywhere, but are around $5.30 per gallon country-wide.
Car rentals in Morocco are extremely affordable. Booking through Discover Cars can get you deals when you rent a car for a week or a month. Prices can be as low as $11 per day for weekly rentals and $9 per day for monthly rentals.
Taxis are also available in most cities, and they are usually cheaper than in many Western countries. The starting price for a ride is around 75 cents, plus $1.25 per mile.
TIP: If you do take a taxi in Morocco, insist that the driver use the meter or agree on a fixed price ahead of time.
Education
Education is compulsory in Morocco until the age of 15, and there are both public and private schools available. Public schools are free, but the quality can vary depending on the area. Private schools are generally more expensive, with fees ranging from $165 to $1,100 per year.
American Education System
There are American schools located in the cities of Marrakesh, Casablanca, Rabat, and Tangier. These schools are primarily intended for American children but are open to other nationalities as well. Tuition at an American school costs between $6,333 and $16,676 per year, depending on the age of the child.
Healthcare
Healthcare in Morocco is relatively affordable, with both public and private healthcare systems available. Public healthcare is free or low-cost, but the quality of care you receive depends on where you live. The standard of hospitals and medical equipment drops exponentially from the large cities to the smaller towns.
Private healthcare is more expensive, but the quality is generally better. The cost of private health insurance in Morocco ranges from $22 to $92 per month.
Clothing
Shopping in the cities of Morocco can be a great experience. The cities have malls and department stores selling the same brands you may be familiar with in the United States, but at a lower price.
You can buy a pair of Levi’s jeans for $32, or a summer dress for $38. Shoes cost a bit more, but still less than in other countries. A pair of Nike running shoes is $73, while a pair of men’s leather business shoes are $62.
Similar to groceries, you can find even lower clothing prices in the street markets. Many of the merchants will sell inauthentic versions of name brands and other cheap apparel. With a bit of bargaining, you can score a new t-shirt, hat, and pair of sandals for around $5 each.
Sports & Leisure
For those with an active lifestyle, a monthly gym membership in Morocco is around $21 on average. If you would rather spend time relaxing, a ticket to a movie will cost about $6.
Attractions and Excursions
Since most of the people buying excursions are tourists, don’t expect the prices to be super low. A half-day guided tour will be $45, while a full-day guided tour can be $70 or more.
A full-day excursion outside the city depends on the location. In a tourist hub like Marrakesh, you can expect to pay up to $250 for this type of excursion. In small cities or towns, an excursion will cost $100 in total.
Average Salary
The average salary after taxes for people living in Morocco is $389 per month, or $4,668 per year. Although many of the prices listed in this article may seem low for Westerners, it can be difficult to cover expenses on a Moroccan salary.
It is estimated that the cost of living for a single person living in Morocco is $409 per month without rent. For a family of four, this monthly cost goes up to $1,434 without rent.
People living in Morocco while making American salaries can live quite comfortably in the country. Tourists or expats can live a rather luxurious lifestyle for $700 to $1,200 a month.
Minimum Wage
Instead of an hourly minimum wage for in the United States, Morocco has a monthly minimum wage. This minimum wage comes out to $312 per month.
Morocco Cost of Living Averages
| Item | Cost |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment in City Center | $310/month |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment outside of City | $178/month |
| 3-Bedroom Apartment in City Center | $549/month |
| Utilities (Electricity, Water, and Gas) | $40/month |
| Internet (Basic) | $11/month |
| Internet (High Speed) | $35/month |
| Meal (Quick Restaurant) | $3 |
| Meal (Sit-Down Restaurant) | $10 |
| Jug of Milk | $0.75 |
| Loaf of Bread | $0.45 |
| A Dozen Eggs | $1.30 |
| Public Transit (One-Way) | $0.50 |
| Public Transit (Monthly Pass) | $15 |
| Gallon of Gas | $5.30 |
| Taxi Per Mile | $1.25 |
| Levi’s Jeans | $32 |
| Summer Dress | $38 |
| Nike Running Shoes | $73 |
| Men’s Leather Business Shoes | $62 |
| Gym Membership | $21/month |
| Movie Ticket | $6 |
Price of Living in Morocco FAQs
These are questions that are commonly asked when it comes to living in Morocco and the expenses associated with it.
Is Morocco affordable to live?
Relatively, yes. Morocco is not a very expensive country. It’s an extremely affordable place to live for people from North America or most parts of Europe.
Is Morocco cheap for Americans?
Yes, for those earning an American salary, Morocco is a cheap destination. It’s an affordable country for a backpacking trip or vacation.
Can Americans live in Morocco?
US citizens can stay in Morocco for up to 90 days. After that, they will need a residence permit from the Moroccan immigration office. Americans will need to ask about any requirement at the office and expect plenty of paperwork.
How much does a meal cost in Morocco?
You can buy a sandwich and a side in Morocco for about $2 at a quick-serve restaurant. This price can go up to $3 for a slightly fuller meal. At nicer restaurants, a meal will be around $10.
Is $1000 dollars a lot in Morocco?
Yes, compared to American standards, $1,000 will go a long way in Morocco. Since the Moroccan cost of living is $409 per month, it’s possible to live very comfortably in Morocco for $1,000 a month.
Average house price in morocco?
According to Zillow, the average home value in Morocco is $161,279. The average has increased 6.7% over the past year.
How much is Morocco worth?
Morocco has an estimated GDP of $150.59 billion in 2023. The country has the 5th largest economy in Africa.
Cost of living in Morocco vs UK?
Anyone looking to move from the United Kingdom to Morocco will be substantially lowering their cost of living. Housing in Morocco is 58% cheaper than in the UK. Food is also cheaper, at about 41% less than in the UK.
Conclusion
The cost of living in Morocco is relatively affordable compared to many other countries. Housing, food, transportation, utilities, education, and healthcare are all affordable, with prices varying depending on where you live and your lifestyle. Whether you are a student, a family, or a retiree, Morocco offers a range of options for a comfortable and affordable lifestyle.
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