For those tempted by the fragrances of spice markets, the rhythm of medinas and the sunlit terraces of North Africa, Morocco has become an attractive destination. But the question many ask before moving, retiring, or working remotely here is: how much does it really cost to live in Morocco in 2024?
Costs vary widely depending on lifestyle
Saying you can “live on $1,000 a month in Morocco” might be accurate—for one person, in a smaller town, living simply. But that same amount in Casablanca, with Western-style amenities, could leave you short by the end of the month. The reality is more nuanced.
Let’s break it down. According to data compiled from Numbeo and Expatistan, monthly costs for a single adult ranged from 4,722 to 11,410 MAD ($517–$1,245) in 2024. A family of four needed anywhere from 16,731 MAD to 25,314 MAD monthly, depending largely on rent and lifestyle choices.
Living in Rabat has been more affordable than I expected. I pay the equivalent of $280 for a decent two-bedroom apartment. I dine out twice a week, shop local produce, and my monthly budget rarely crosses $900.
— Grace Miller, remote graphic designer from Texas, living in Morocco since June 2023
Housing: biggest budget driver
Housing costs in Morocco dominate household budgets. In 2024, average rental prices were as follows according to Statista:
| Type | Monthly Rent (MAD) |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom in city center | 3,257 |
| 3-bedroom in suburbs | 3,530 |
Rent in Marrakech, Rabat, and Casablanca tends to be highest, but even in these cities, apartments are significantly less costly than in most Western countries. For those looking to buy, property prices in September 2024 averaged 14,368 MAD/m² ($1,473) in central areas, and 8,500 MAD/m² ($872) on the outskirts.
Monthly living expenses broken down
Using compiled figures from various public datasets including Expatistan and StayHere.ma, here’s how a single person’s monthly budget might look:
- Rent: 3,000–6,000 MAD
- Groceries: 1,500–2,500 MAD
- Transport: 300–600 MAD
- Utilities: approx. 500–1,000 MAD
- Dining & Leisure: 500–2,000 MAD
Total: roughly 5,000 to 10,000 MAD per month, depending on location and choices.
Inflation and price trends remain stable — mostly
The Moroccan government reported in early 2025 a 0.9% rise in consumer prices over the previous year (Morocco World News). Most of that stemmed from moderate increases:
- Food: +0.8%
- Non-food items: +1.2%
- Restaurants and hotels: +3.4%, up to +3.9% by May 2025
Yet May 2025 showed a surprising twist: a deflation of 0.4% driven mainly by a 4.3% drop in transport prices, according to Yabiladi.
People pay very different prices depending on where they live
From Laâyoune to Marrakech: disparities across the map
Living in Morocco is far from uniform. For instance, Laâyoune saw the biggest inflation jump in 2024 at +3.0%, while cities like Marrakech saw almost none in 2025.
| City | Inflation (2024) | Notable feature |
|---|---|---|
| Laâyoune | +3.0% | Highest inflation, rising costs in basic goods |
| Casablanca | +0.8% | Steady rent, 6.75% average rental yield |
| Marrakech | +0.1% (May 2025) | Strong rental yield at 6.95% |
If you’re working remotely or living on savings, living outside the hottest tourist cities may stretch your budget farther without compromising too much on quality of life.
FAQ
What are the average rent prices for apartments in Morocco?
Average rents include 3,257 MAD/month for a central 1-bedroom and 3,530 MAD/month for a 3-bedroom in the suburbs, per Statista.
How much does it cost to eat out in Morocco?
A meal at a mid-range restaurant may cost between 60–150 MAD per person. Prices are higher in tourist-heavy areas.
What is the cost of public transportation in Morocco?
Monthly passes in cities like Casablanca average 250 MAD, while individual bus rides cost about 4–6 MAD. Transport costs are down 4.3% as of May 2025.
How much does it cost to buy groceries in Morocco?
Groceries for one person range from 1,500–2,500 MAD/month. Fresh produce and local staples are significantly cheaper than imported goods.
What are the average utility costs for a one-bedroom apartment in Morocco?
Electricity, water, and gas typically total around 380–600 MAD/month, depending on usage and the season.
