A Guide on Cost of Living in Morocco

Morocco, a captivating North African nation, offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many developed countries. With its blend of modernity and tradition, it attracts expatriates and travellers seeking an enchanting lifestyle without excessive expenses. Popular cities like Casablanca, Marrakech and Rabat offer a balanced mix of amenities and cost-effectiveness. Understanding key aspects such as accommodation, transportation, food, healthcare and entertainment can help individuals make informed financial decisions when considering Morocco as their new home or travel destination.

Why Choose Morocco to Study Abroad?

Choosing Morocco as a destination comes with a plethora of compelling reasons. From its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes to its warm hospitality, Morocco offers a unique and immersive experience. The country’s relatively affordable cost of living, diverse cuisine, and vibrant markets add to its allure. Moreover, Morocco boasts a stable political environment, making it a safe and secure place to live or visit. Whether it’s exploring ancient medinas, indulging in flavorful Moroccan cuisine or embarking on Sahara desert adventures, Morocco promises an unforgettable and enriching journey for those seeking a blend of tradition and modernity.

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Cost of Living in Morocco

Understanding the factors below is crucial for individuals planning to relocate or live in Morocco. Here are some factors explained for the cost of living:

Restaurants

Here are the approximate cost of food in the restaurant in Morocco:

Item	Price (MAD)	Range (MAD)
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	30	20 – 60
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant	200	140 – 500
McMeal at McDonald’s (or Equivalent Combo Meal)	60	50 – 70
Cappuccino (regular)	17	8 – 30
Coke/Pepsi (0.33-litre bottle)	5	4 – 12
Water (0.33 litre bottle)	3	3 – 6

Markets

Important things available in the markets at the approximate prices are given in the table:

Item	Price (MAD)	Range (MAD)
Cheese (Local) (1kg)	84	45 – 132
Orange (1kg)	11	8 – 17
Banana (1kg)	7	3 – 12
Potato (1kg)	14	8 – 20
Lettuce (1 head)	4	1 – 7
Water (1.5 litre bottle)	6	5 – 7
Tomato (1kg)	6	3 – 10
Apples (1kg)	8	6 – 10
Milk (1 litre) (regular)	6	3 – 10
Rice (1kg) (white)	51	20 – 75
Onion (1kg)	5	2 – 13
Beef Round (1kg) (Equi…)	14	11 – 19
Bread (Fresh White) (500g)	6	3 – 10

Transportation

The cost of transportation in Morocco is given below:

Item	Price (MAD)	Range (MAD)
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment	386	250 – 650
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data	99	99 – 99
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	343	200 – 500

Sports and Leisure

For sports and leisure in Morocco, here is the approximate price:

Item	Price (MAD)	Range (MAD)
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult	221	108 – 400
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)	201	100 – 300
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat	60	50 – 80

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Childcare

The childcare price ranges are shown in the table below:

Item	Price (MAD)	Range (MAD)
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child	988	500 – 2,000
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child	27,400	11,500 – 60,000

Clothing and Shoes

Price for the various types and brands of clothes and shoes is given below:

Item	Price (MAD)	Range (MAD)
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, …)	739	120 – 701
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)	374	250 – 1,200
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes	314	300 – 1,200
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)	616	200 – 647

Rent per Month

Here is the cost of rent per month in Morocco:

Item	Price (MAD)	Range (MAD)
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre	5,491	1,500 – 5,000
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre	1,799	3,000 – 10,000
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre	3,080	2,000 – 6,000
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre	3,197	1,000 – 3,500

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Buy Apartment

For apartments, here are the approximate costs shown in the table:

Item	Price (MAD)	Range (MAD)
Price per Square Metre to Buy an Apartment in City Centre	14,488	9,500 – 25,000
Price per Square Metre to Buy an Apartment Outside of the Centre	7,964	5,000 – 14,000

Salaries and Financing

Here are the approximate range of salary and financing in Morocco:

Item	Price (MAD)	Range (MAD)
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)	3,891
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate	5	4 – 6

Things to Know When Moving to Morocco

Moving to Morocco can be an appealing choice for various individuals, including young professionals seeking career opportunities or retirees looking for an improved quality of life:

Good Reasons for Moving to Morocco

• Affordable cost of living, relaxed lifestyle, and high quality of life.
• Pleasant weather with over 8 months of sunshine per year.
• Attractive features such as gastronomy, beaches, landscapes, and cultural offerings.
• The warm hospitality of Moroccan inhabitants.

Advantages for Europeans Moving to Morocco

• Proximity to Europe with frequent flights.
• The French language is commonly spoken in major cities.
• Establishing relationships and sending children to school is easy for French-speaking expats.

Steps to Follow for a Successful Expat Life in Morocco

• Obtain a residence permit within 15 days of arrival (mandatory for administrative procedures).
• Apply for an international driver’s licence.
• Inform tax authorities to become a Moroccan tax resident.
• Find suitable accommodation.
• Inform relevant authorities about the move, including health insurance, mutual insurance, and pension funds.
• Open a bank account in Morocco to receive a salary and avoid conversion fees.

Working in Morocco as an Expat

• Legal requirements for work authorization (work contract approval, practising authorization, etc.).
• The local job market often favours Moroccan citizens over expats.
• Opportunities may exist in specific sectors like engineering, telecommunications, and new technologies.

Healthcare System in Morocco

• Most ex-pats (excluding seconded workers) must join the local public health insurance system.
• International health insurance is recommended for comprehensive coverage, especially in the private sector and for care abroad.
• By following these important points and taking the necessary steps, expats can have a successful experience while moving and living in Morocco.

Morocco offers an alluring mix of rich cultural experiences, stunning landscapes, and a relatively affordable cost of living. From the bustling markets to the flavoursome cuisine, the country captivates expatriates and travellers alike. With its stable political environment and diverse amenities, Morocco proves to be an enticing destination for those seeking a vibrant and enriching lifestyle.

FAQs

This concludes the information regarding the cost of living in Morocco. If you have further questions or need assistance with your study abroad journey, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of experts at Leverage Edu. We are here to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience for you.