Cost of Living in Mauritania
for Expats 2026

Nouakchott's expatriate neighborhoods (Arafat, Ksar, Sebkha) rent one-bedroom furnished apartments at $300–$600 monthly; unfurnished drops to $200–$400. Secondary cities (Nouadhibou, Kaédi) offer basic housing at $100–$250. Most expat accommodations are pre-furnished due to a small rental market and limited long-term locals. Leases typically require 3–6 month deposits and 2–3 year commitments. Villa rentals with yards are available in Nouakchott at $500–$900. Security-conscious expats often negotiate compound housing with generators, water tanks, and secure walls (standard features).

Mauritania's markets focus on regional staples: dates, millet, lamb, camel meat, and vegetables. Imported Western goods are scarce and expensive in Nouadhibou (port city); Nouakchott has slightly better variety. Monthly food budgets: $80–$140 on full local diet (abundant dates, fresh bread, locally grown vegetables); $200–$320 including imported staples and occasional dining out. Dining out is inexpensive: local restaurants (warrants): $3–$5 per meal; mid-range restaurants: $8–$15. Alcohol is technically prohibited under Islamic law but available to expats through private channels at premium prices.

Nouakchott has minimal public transport; shared minibuses (car rapides) cost $0.30–$0.50 per ride but serve fixed routes informally. Taxis are metered (unreliably) at $1–$3 per ride. Most expats hire drivers ($250–$450 monthly) or own vehicles. Fuel: $0.95/liter. Sand roads and extreme heat make vehicle maintenance frequent; 4WD is recommended for travel beyond Nouakchott. Long-distance buses connect Mauritania's cities but are uncomfortable and slow (12+ hours Nouakchott to Nouadhibou). Inter-city taxis are shared and cost $10–$20.

Mauritania's public healthcare is basic; expats use private clinics in Nouakchott: Clinique Cheikh Zaid, Polyclinique Khalifa. Consultation fees: $25–$50. Serious cases require evacuation to Morocco (Casablanca) or Senegal (Dakar); medical evacuation insurance ($100–$250 annually) is strongly recommended. Medications are inconsistently stocked; chronic condition patients should carry 6-month supplies from home. Tropical diseases (malaria, dengue) are concerns; antimalarial prophylaxis recommended for visitors.