Morocco, its sandy beaches and rock formations overlooking the immensity of the Atlantic, its lush oases scattered in the middle of the desert, its scents of spices escaping from the lively and colorful souks, while flourishing, far from the hustle and bustle of the narrow streets, its shady riads, true havens of peace and freshness… So many atmospheres and contrasts that make of this Maghreb country, one of the most popular tourist destinations for the French.
Bordered to the south by the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, to the west by the Atlantic and to the north by the Mediterranean, this state of 37 million inhabitants located between sea and mountains attracts millions of tourists each year (17.4 million, in 2024). But if the hospitality of its inhabitants, its rich craftsmanship and the mildness of its climate are particularly appreciated by vacationers and expatriates looking for a total change of scenery, the low prices charged in the Cherifian kingdom also prove to be a major asset.
While inflation weighs heavily on the budgets of European households, Morocco stands out as an attractive alternative for those looking for an affordable daily life, without sacrificing their quality of life.
A cost of living that defies all competition
Beyond its tourist dynamism and its unrivaled level of sunshine, Morocco offers, compared to Western European countries, a very competitive standard of living. Here, the average salary is around, depending on the region and sector, 3,000 to 4,500 dirhams per month (or approximately 270 to 400 euros). While this may seem excessively low (83% lower than in France), it is important to take into account the local standard of living, which is much more affordable than in most Western European countries. Expatriates, on the other hand, benefit from much more comfortable salaries, particularly in the fields of industry, education, finance or digital.
Catering: quality, abundance and low budget
Couscous, tagine, pastilla, harira, méchoui, zaalouk… Moroccan cuisine, renowned throughout the world for its spicy flavors and its sweet-salty combinations, is also distinguished by its prices: very low, compared to the prices in Western Europe.
If you are an epicurean at heart, Morocco will be an Eldorado for your purse and your taste buds. In Morocco, the prices listed on restaurant menus are 60% cheaper than in France. Expect an average of 3.8 euros in a cheap restaurant and 11.9 euros for a mid-range restaurant. That is to say a price more than half as expensive, compared to those charged in French restaurants. For drinks, a cappuccino served on site will cost you 1.58 euros, or half as much as a cappuccino served in France, especially in Paris, where prices are very high compared to the rest of France. The same goes for green tea with mint, a Moroccan specialty par excellence. The water bottle‘1.5L costs 0.34 euros, or 83% less expensive than in French supermarkets. For a beer, the average price is 2.8 euros. It’s 53% cheaper than in France. For wine lovers, however, prices remain more or less the same.
When it comes to food purchases, prices are on average 54% cheaper than in France. A Moroccan baguette will cost you approximately 0.44 euros. In France, it is 1.40 euros at most artisan bakers. For a box of 12 eggs, it will cost you 1.70 euros, more than twice as much as what it can cost you in France. The same goes for cheese, fruit, vegetables or even a piece of beef or a chicken cutlet. Prices are generally divided by two, if not three.
And if you want to reduce the bill, like in France, choose to buy your fruits and vegetables at the local market, rather than at the supermarket.
Housing: very competitive rental prices and purchase prices
If you intend to invest in stone, Morocco offers excellent value for money. Particularly for those wishing to settle there, for life or for several months a year, hoping to enjoy a more peaceful and authentic life.
If you plan to invest, the prices in the Moroccan real estate market are indeed very competitive. Count on average between 720 and 1,200 euros per m² (8,000 to 12,000 dirhams) for an apartment located in the city center, in a medium-sized or tourist city such as Casablanca, Fez, Tangier, Marrakech, Meknes, Agadir or Rabat. A price far removed from the prices in France (between 4,500 and 7,000 euros, according to the national average). In inland regions, the purchase price oscillates between 500 and 900 euros, while in France, the price range is more between 2,500 and 4,500 euros.
If you are considering purchasing a completely renovated old riad in the medina of Marrakech, count on 1,000 euros to 1,500 euros per m² ; a price fluctuating between 600 and 1,000 euros in the historic heart of Fez. Generally speaking, in Morocco, the purchase price per m² is 5 to 7 times cheaper than in France.
For rental, a furnished apartment in a large city like Marrakech, Casablanca or Rabat will cost you between 2,500 and 5,000 dirhams/month (or 220 to 450 euros), depending on the location and quality of the property. In medium-sized towns, prices can reach 1,500 dirhams/month (135 euros). The charges (water, electricity, internet) remain reasonable, between 500 and 800 dirhams/month (45 to 70 euros), which is, once again, much cheaper than the charges paid in France.
Transport: accessible solutions for all budgets
Morocco also has a quality transport network, compared to other countries in the region, which are much less developed. A ticket for one trip on public transport costs on average 0.47 euros, or 74% cheaper than a Paris metro ticket paid individually (2.50 euros). Taxis are also more affordable, with fares starting at 7 dirhams, or 0.66 euros. The train, in particular the TGV line between Tangier and Casablanca, also remains inexpensive: you will pay between 11 and 16 euros only for a ticket of 2nde class and between 16 and 22 euros for a ticket of 1era class for a total journey of 2h10. Enough to make SNCF users jealous…
Fuel, although increasing, remains more accessible than in Europe: around 12 to 14 dirhams/liter (1.10 to 1.30 euros/L).
Accessible and varied sports and leisure activities
In Morocco, a one-month gym membership costs between 150 and 400 dirhams (11 to 40 euros). For outdoor activities (hiking, surfing, horse riding, yoga), these are often free or inexpensive.
Nursery and schooling: prices much cheaper than in France
If you are a parent, dropping your children off at daycare will cost you on average 98 euros per month. This is 86% cheaper than the prices of French crèches. For registration and tuition fees in an international primary school, the year will cost you between 4,000 euros and 7,000 euros depending on the establishment. If you plan to enroll your child at the Lycée Français Lyautey in Casablanca, count between 3,500 and 6,000 euros for example. At the American School of Marrakech, prices range more between 8,000 and 12,000 euros per year, while at the British International School in Rabat, tuition costs around 6,000 to 9,000 euros per year. That is to say prices much cheaper than in France, where prices are on average around 10,000 and 18,000 euros.
Culture: richness and accessibility
Morocco is full of cultural treasures, accessible at low prices: entry to national museums and monuments often costs between 10 and 50 dirhams (1 to 4 euros). For entry to the cinema, count around 60 dirhams, or 6.2 euros. Festivals, exhibitions, concerts: Morocco also offers many events, often free or very affordable.
Its relaxed lifestyle and low prices, combined with its optimal level of sunshine, make Morocco a preferred destination for French vacationers, retirees and expatriates. Whether to live there, invest there or spend a few months there, the Kingdom of the Setting Sun will seduce you with its incomparable value for money, its modern infrastructure and its centuries-old traditions.
