Renting an apartment in Mauritius: the neighbourhoods to target

Grand Baie, Tamarin, Flic en Flac, Moka or Port Louis: the areas to rent in Mauritius, the rents to expect, the residence permit and lease pitfalls.

The Remoters editorial team

Published on

22 December 2023

Updated on

6 October 2026

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In Mauritius, the search for an apartment is first of all a matter of the map. Four areas concentrate newcomers' demand: the North around Grand Baie and Pereybère, the West with Tamarin and Flic en Flac, the Central Plateau with Moka, Floréal and Beau Bassin-Rose Hill, and finally Port Louis, the capital. Each has its own climate, pace and rent level: the coast is more expensive and more popular, the Central Plateau cooler and more affordable.

The rental market is mostly made up of furnished homes, and rents are quoted in Mauritian rupees (MUR). According to the 2026 PropertyCloud property index reported by Defimedia in March 2026, the average asking rent on the island is around 70,000 rupees per month, an average pulled upward by villas. An apartment in town is well below that, starting at 15,000 rupees. At the Bank of Mauritius indicative rate in early October 2026, one euro is worth about 53 rupees.

The main island has 1,194,974 inhabitants as of 1 July 2026 according to Statistics Mauritius, out of a little over 1.24 million for the whole Republic.

This guide covers the areas where you can rent, the rents to expect, the residence permit you will need and the precautions to take before signing.

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Where to rent an apartment in Mauritius

Grand Baie and Pereybère, in the North

Grand Baie is the area most in demand among foreigners settling in. Shops, restaurants and services are plentiful, and social life is lively all year round. This comfort comes at a price: rents there are among the highest on the island. Pereybère, right next door, is quieter and a little cheaper, which makes it a popular option for families.

Tamarin and Flic en Flac, on the West coast

Tamarin has a more residential feel. Supply there is limited against steady demand, which keeps rents high and timelines short: a good home goes quickly. Flic en Flac, further north on the same coast, is a seaside resort with a long beach and all the everyday services (supermarkets, pharmacies, schools). Rents there are more accessible than in Tamarin. One point to watch: the road between Port Louis and Flic en Flac is often jammed at rush hour.

Moka, Floréal and Beau Bassin-Rose Hill, on the Central Plateau

The Central Plateau has a cooler climate than the seafront and generally more moderate rents. Moka is developing fast; families choose it for its international schools and the presence of the University of Mauritius. Floréal is a green, quiet neighbourhood. Beau Bassin-Rose Hill is well served by transport and services, in a setting where Mauritian residents and newcomers mix.

Port Louis, the capital

The economic and administrative centre, Port Louis offers a more urban choice and moderate rents for city-centre apartments. It is a practical option if you work in the capital and want to avoid daily commuting.

Choosing according to your situation

You are coming alone and work in Port Louis or on the Central Plateau: Port Louis, Beau Bassin-Rose Hill or Moka keep your commute short.
You are coming with your family: Moka and Floréal for the schools and the quiet, Pereybère or Flic en Flac if you want to be by the sea.
You want seaside living: Grand Baie or Tamarin, with the matching budget.

Whatever the area, a car is still almost essential. The bus network covers the island, but it isn't enough for living in residential and coastal areas.

Together we will find your home

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The rents to expect

Rents vary widely depending on the area, the size and the level of amenities. Here are the monthly ranges to know:

Studio or one-room in town: MUR 15,000 to 30,000, or about €280 to €570.
Apartment in Port Louis: MUR 15,000 to 40,000, or about €280 to €750.
Apartment or house in Flic en Flac: MUR 18,000 to 60,000, or about €340 to €1,130.
Two bedrooms in Grand Baie: MUR 45,000 to 70,000, or about €850 to €1,320.
Three-bedroom villa in Grand Baie: MUR 80,000 to 120,000.
Three- or four-bedroom villa in Tamarin: MUR 75,000 to 190,000.

On the Central Plateau (Moka, Floréal, Beau Bassin-Rose Hill), rents are generally more moderate than by the sea for an equivalent floor area. Furnished homes, the majority, rent for more than unfurnished ones.

The extra charges

Check what the rent includes. Water, electricity supplied by the Central Electricity Board (CEB) and internet are often at your expense, as is the upkeep of the pool or garden in a house. These items can weigh heavily on the monthly budget: ask the landlord for recent bills before you commit.

Rent is negotiable, notably on the lease length and payment terms. A complete application and a commitment to a long term are your best arguments.

Residence permit, application and lease

The residence permit first

A landlord will ask for your passport and your residence or work permit. It is therefore better to know under which status you are settling before you start searching. The Economic Development Board (EDB) presents several routes:

The Occupation Permit, to work in Mauritius as an employee or self-employed.
The Premium Visa, valid for one year and renewable, for a stay of more than six months. It is for people whose income comes from abroad and who do not enter the Mauritian job market. It is required beyond 180 days of presence in the calendar year, and the application must show, among other things, where you will be living.
The permanent residence permit, for a long-term move.

The tourist visa granted on arrival does not allow you to stay more than 180 days a year: for a one-year lease, you need a suitable permit.

The rental application

Valid passport.
Residence or work permit, or proof of the application in progress.
Proof of income: employment contract, payslips or a letter from your employer.

The lease

Insist on a written contract that specifies the rent, whether charges are included or not, the term, and the conditions for renewal and termination. The notice period is generally three months: bear that in mind if your stay might be cut short. Then do a detailed inspection report and inventory on move-in, signed by both parties, so you can get your deposit back when you leave.

Precautions that avoid nasty surprises

Don't pay anything before viewing the home, in person or through someone you trust, and before checking the landlord's identity. Listing photos don't show damp, the state of the air conditioning or waterproofing.
View at different times: noise, traffic and light change a lot between morning and evening, especially near coastal roads.
Test the equipment: air conditioning, hot water, water pressure, windows and doors. Note every defect in the inspection report.
Limit your search to two areas and one specific type of home: you will compare better and decide faster.
Plan ahead: in sought-after areas like Grand Baie or Tamarin, start four to six weeks before you arrive.
Ask for a receipt for every payment, deposit included.

Searching remotely, with someone on the ground

Preparing a move to Mauritius from Europe means juggling the time difference, listings that disappear within days and viewings you can't do yourself. A Remoters home finder based on the island can search in your area and budget, view homes for you with photos and a report, put your application together and review the lease before signing. The first conversation and the quote are free.