Assalamu alaikum, fellow travelers!
Have you ever wondered about the real cost to live in Morocco? Not the tourist prices or the fancy expat estimates, but the actual day-to-day expenses of living here? Well, grab some mint tea and settle in, because I'm about to share the honest truth about living costs in Morocco, straight from my monthly budget in the beautiful coastal town of Saïdia.
Just last month, while paying my electricity bill and buying groceries, I realized how many people ask about living expenses here. So I decided to track everything – from utility bills to that delicious wood-fired pizza by the beach. The numbers might surprise you!
Monthly Housing Costs: Your Biggest Expense
Rent in Rural Morocco
Living in Saïdia, a countryside town near the Mediterranean Sea, gives me a unique perspective on housing costs. Our house would rent for around 4,000 dirhams per month (about $400 USD or 1623,35 Złoty).
But here's what's interesting – rent varies dramatically based on several factors:
- Standard homes: 4,000-5,000 dirhams monthly
- Larger properties: Up to 6,000 dirhams for houses with six rooms or two living rooms
- Location matters: Better spots command higher prices
- Size and amenities: More bedrooms and larger living areas increase costs
The beautiful thing about living in rural Morocco is that you get incredible value. Our neighborhood has well-maintained parks, gorgeous flower gardens, and we're just minutes from the endless Mediterranean coastline. Perfect for those evening bike rides along the beach!
Big City vs. Countryside Living
Now, if you're thinking about Casablanca or Marrakech, prepare your wallet! These major cities are two to three times more expensive for housing. It's like comparing Zakopane to smaller Poland towns – the price difference is dramatic.
In cities like Marrakech, you'll find larger houses with more amenities, but the rent jumps significantly. This is universal – famous areas cost more worldwide, and Morocco follows the same pattern.
Utilities: The Monthly Reality Check
Electricity Bills in Morocco
Let me be honest – electricity feels expensive here. Our monthly bill came to 226 dirhams (about $23 USD), and we haven't even started using air conditioning yet!
Here's what I've learned about electricity costs:
- Summer bills are higher due to cooling needs
- Even modest usage adds up quickly
- Morocco's electricity rates are on the pricier side
- We're careful about our consumption, but it still feels steep
Internet and Water Costs
Our internet bill is 249 dirhams monthly (around $25 USD). The service is reliable, and payment is quick – literally 30 seconds at the local office.
Water is much more reasonable at around $10 monthly. We paid a deposit upfront, and they deduct from it each month. Compared to electricity, water costs are quite manageable.
Pro tip: We pay in person because setting up online payments requires a local bank account. Until we establish banking here, the monthly office visits work perfectly fine.
Food and Grocery Expenses: Where Your Money Goes
Weekly Grocery Shopping
Here's where the cost to live in Morocco gets interesting. Our recent grocery trip cost 393 dirhams (about $39 USD), and this lasted us roughly one week. We bought:
- Dog food for our two senior pups (11 and 12 years old!)
- Moroccan mint tea varieties
- Coffee beans and honey
- Cheese, cake, and various essentials
Monthly grocery spending for two people averages 2,000-2,500 dirhams ($200-250 USD). This includes fruits, water, and random items we pick up throughout the month.
Dining Out: Beachfront Café Prices
One of my favorite parts of living here is enjoying meals with a sea view! At our regular beachfront café, prices are reasonable:
- Wood-fired pizza: 70-90 dirhams ($7-9 USD)
- Fresh juice: 30 dirhams ($3 USD)
- Breakfast set: 85 dirhams ($8.50 USD)
Our total meal for two came to 205 dirhams ($20.50 USD). Yes, beachfront locations cost about 20 dirhams more than inland spots, but dining with Mediterranean views while enjoying quality food? Totally worth it!
For comparison, similar pizza in Korea costs 18,000-20,000 won – significantly more expensive than Morocco's offerings.
Transportation: Getting Around Without Breaking the Bank
Local Transportation Options
Living without a car means relying on Morocco's excellent taxi system. Here's what you can expect:
- Shared taxis to nearby cities: $2-5 USD depending on distance
- Local trips: Very affordable for getting around town
- Long-distance travel: Even trips 1-2 hours away remain budget-friendly
We also bought a secondhand bike for $40. It's quite used (my husband taped the handlebars!), but it's perfect for neighborhood errands. The wide seat requires a towel for comfort, but it gets us everywhere we need to go.
Hassan's tip: Shared taxis in Morocco wait until they're full before departing. It's cheaper than private transport and a great way to meet locals!
The Complete Monthly Budget Breakdown
Total Living Costs for a Couple
After tracking everything carefully, here's our realistic monthly budget for two people living in rural Morocco:
- Rent: 4,000 dirhams ($400 USD)
- Utilities (electricity, internet, water): ~500 dirhams ($50 USD)
- Food and groceries: 2,000-2,500 dirhams ($200-250 USD)
- Transportation and miscellaneous: 500-1,000 dirhams ($50-100 USD)
Total monthly expenses: ~10,000 dirhams ($1,000 USD)
This covers everything – housing, utilities, food, transportation, and daily life expenses for a couple. Living alone would definitely reduce these costs.
Cultural Insights: Understanding Moroccan Living
Tea Culture and Daily Expenses
Morocco's incredible tea culture means mint tea appears everywhere! Supermarkets sell tea in three-packs because Moroccans drink tea multiple times daily – morning, afternoon, lunch, and sometimes evening.
Traditional Moroccan mint tea uses both fresh mint and dried green tea leaves. While you can buy convenient tea bags, nothing compares to the authentic preparation. The foamy, sweet result is pure magic!
Pet-Friendly Living
Contrary to some beliefs, many Moroccan families keep dogs as pets. Supermarkets stock dog food, toys, and pet supplies. We even saw a European woman walking her dog in a stroller!
Finding senior-appropriate food for our 11 and 12-year-old dogs requires careful selection, but options exist at reasonable prices.
Language and Daily Life
Most Moroccans speak multiple languages – Arabic, French, English, and Amazigh. Even café menus appear in French by default, and staff often speak English fluently. This multilingual environment makes daily tasks easier for international residents.
Comparing Morocco to Other Countries
Value for International Income
If you're earning in dollars or euros, Morocco's cost to live feels quite reasonable. The 10,000 dirhams monthly expense translates to about $1,000 USD – excellent value for Mediterranean coastal living with year-round pleasant weather.
Regional Price Variations
Like everywhere worldwide, location dramatically affects costs:
- Rural areas: Best value, beautiful scenery, slower pace
- Major cities: 2-3x more expensive, more amenities, job opportunities
- Tourist areas: Premium pricing but convenient services
Practical Tips for Living in Morocco
Banking and Payments
- Set up a local bank account for online bill payments
- Cash payments work everywhere
- Utility offices provide quick, efficient service
- Keep receipts for expense tracking
Shopping Strategies
- Local markets offer better prices than tourist areas
- Supermarkets stock international brands alongside Moroccan products
- Honey and tea make excellent affordable purchases
- Weekly shopping trips help control food costs
Transportation Planning
- Shared taxis offer economical city-to-city travel
- Bicycles work perfectly for local errands
- Walking distances are generally manageable
- Coastal areas provide beautiful scenery for outdoor activities
Why Morocco Offers Excellent Value
Living in Morocco provides incredible value for money. Where else can you:
- Rent a Mediterranean coastal home for $400 monthly
- Enjoy wood-fired pizza with sea views for under $10
- Experience rich cultural diversity daily
- Access multiple languages and international communities
- Enjoy year-round pleasant weather
The cost to live in Morocco allows for a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank, especially compared to European or North American expenses.
Is Morocco Right for Your Budget?
After months of tracking every dirham, I can confidently say Morocco offers exceptional living value. Whether you're considering a temporary stay or permanent relocation, understanding these real costs helps plan effectively.
Our monthly 10,000 dirham budget ($1,000 USD) covers everything for two people plus two dogs in a beautiful coastal setting. Your costs might vary based on location, lifestyle choices, and family size, but this gives you realistic expectations.
What questions do you have about living costs in Morocco? Are you considering a move here, or curious about specific expenses I didn't cover? Drop your questions in the comments below – I love sharing insights about life in this incredible country!
Bislama (goodbye for now), and remember – Morocco might just be more affordable than you think!
Frequently Asked Questions About Living Costs in Morocco
A: In countryside areas like Saïdia, expect 4,000-6,000 dirhams monthly ($400-600 USD) depending on size and location.
A: Electricity runs about 200-250 dirhams ($20-25), internet around 250 dirhams ($25), and water approximately 100 dirhams ($10) monthly.
A: Food costs are reasonable. A couple spends roughly 2,000-2,500 dirhams ($200-250) monthly on groceries, with dining out very affordable.
A: Not necessarily. Shared taxis are affordable and efficient for longer distances, while bikes work perfectly for local transportation.
A: Major cities like Casablanca and Marrakech cost 2-3 times more than rural areas, similar to urban vs. rural pricing worldwide.
A: Approximately 10,000 dirhams ($1,000 USD) covers all expenses for two people, including rent, utilities, food, and transportation.