Cost of living in Morocco
Cost of living is a factor to evaluate when considering moving to Morocco. These figures will vary depending on your individual situation. If you have children a good education may be a top priority however this may be more costly than you might realise.
These sample prices will give you an idea of the typical monthly cost in Morocco.
Average salary in Morocco
The legal minimum wage (SMIG) in Morocco is 3,422 dirhams gross per month in 2026 (about 382$). A typical urban salary sits between 4,000 and 8,000 dirhams net, while experienced professionals in Casablanca or Rabat earn 12,000 to 25,000 dirhams and more. Keep in mind that Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakesh and Tangier are noticeably more expensive than the rest of the country.
Cost of Education and Schools in Morocco
You must first choose which is the best education system for your children. The best choice in terms of quality are the international schools however tuition fees are very high and the admission process for international schools is quite intense.
French education system
French is as the primary language of instruction in Morocco, you can register your children in a French or Belgian school in several cities in the Kingdom.
Tuition and Fee of French schools
If you are French, the school fees will be 25.000 Dhs (2789$) to 34.000 Dhs (3793$) per year, If you are not French it will cost 45.000 Dhs (5020$) to 60.000 Dhs (6693$) per year.
Added to this is the cost of the first registration to pay 14.000 Dhs (1562$) to 23.000 Dhs (2566$).
Online Registration : https://www.efmaroc.org/fr/
American education system
The American schools are intended primarily for Americans but are also open to other nationalities, they are available in Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier and Marrakesh.
Tuition and Fee of American schools
American Schools can cost between 60.000 Dhs (6693$) to 140.000 Dhs (15617$) per year according to the age of your child. Registration fees cost between 18.000 Dhs (2008$) to 30.000 Dhs (3346$).
List of American School in Morocco : http://morocco.usembassy.gov/american-schools.html
Accommodation costs in Morocco
What are the most expensive, and the cheapest, Moroccan cities? the cost of the accommodation depends on the location and the type - temporary or long term accommodation - you want to live in. The capital Rabat, Casablanca and Marrakesh are the most expensive cities to live in Morocco.
Buying Property in Morocco
| City | Buying price per square meter |
|---|---|
| Rabat | 10.000 Dhs et 25.000 Dhs par m² (1115$ - 2789$) |
| Casablanca | 11.000 Dhs et 28.000 Dhs par m² (1227$ - 3123$) |
| Marrakesh | 9.000 Dhs et 18.000 Dhs par m² (1004$ - 2008$) |
| Agadir | 7.000 Dhs et 18.000 Dhs par m² (781$ - 2008$) |
| Tangier | 9.000 Dhs et 20.000 Dhs par m² (1004$ - 2231$) |
| Fes | 8.000 Dhs et 15.000 Dhs par m² (892$ - 1673$) |
| Essaouira | 5.000 Dhs et 10.000 Dhs par m² (558$ - 1115$) |
Renting Property in Morocco
| City | Rental price per square meter |
|---|---|
| Rabat | 115 Dhs / m² (12.83$) |
| Casablanca | 120 Dhs / m² (13.39$) |
| Marrakesh | 105 Dhs / m² (11.71$) |
| Agadir | 75 Dhs / m² (8.37$) |
| Tangier | 90 Dhs / m² (10.04$) |
| Fes | 105 Dhs / m² (11.71$) |
| Essaouira | 75 Dhs / m² (8.37$) |
Healthcare
Public and Private Hospitals
The best Moroccan Public and Private hospitals are located in Rabat and Casablanca, The level of hospitals and their medical equipment drops dramatically when getting out of the cities. Generally it is advised to avoid Public hospitals and go rather to Private clinics. The price is obviously more expensive but the quality of care is better, with the added bonus of less waiting time.
Health Insurance
It is important to take out Health Insurance. Its cost will vary depending on your age and the options you want to take, the average cost being between 10.000 (1115$) and 25.000 Moroccan Dirhams (2789$) per year.
Other
Food
This is where Morocco clearly wins the cost of groceries as well as food being cheap. It is possible to eat in popular restaurants for less than 50 Dirhams (6$) however in the European type restaurants prices increase with an average of 200 Dirhams (22$) per menu.
You can find alcohol quite easily especially in some supermarkets in large cities, however prices are much more expensive than in Europe.
Telecommunication
The price of a 4G GSM subscription is about 100 Dhs (11$) per month If you do not need to make many calls you can opt for prepaid cards they are cheaper and rechargeable to suit your needs.
WhatsApp, Skype and other VoIP apps work normally in Morocco (a short-lived block was lifted in late 2016). Home fiber internet is widely available in the cities from about 250 - 400 dirhams per month (28$ - 45$), and 4G/5G coverage is good.
Transport and Driving
Public transport in Morocco can be very inexpensive but it can also be a bit daunting.
City Buses
City buses are not recommended because they are often overloaded and are prime spots for pickpockets.
Intercity Buses
The intercity buses, particularly the CTM and the ONCF, are very good with attractive prices.
Grand Taxi
The 'Grands Taxis' (big taxi) are used for city-to-city or village transport and are always white. It is not recommended to use them. They take risks and carry up to 6 people although their prices are cheap.
Petit Taxi
The city taxi (petit taxi) are small cars available only inside cities and painted in the designated color, they can carry only three passengers at a time. You can watch the fare on the meter (insist on using the meter or agree on a fixed price in advance).
Train
The train is very cheap by European and U.S standards, it is recommended to use First Class which provide air-con.
Traveling in Morocco by train, the railway network and more : Train in Morocco
Car rental
Renting a car can provide an excellent way of exploring Morocco, the cost of renting starts at 150 Dhs per day (17$).
Tips for saving on Rental cars in Morocco : Car Rental in Morocco
Cars
Due to Customs charges the price of imported cars is more expensive than in Europe, especially with regard to used cars. For new cars it is 15% to 25% more expensive than in Europe.
Water - Electricity
The price of water and electricity is roughly the same as in Europe.
Taxes
Property taxes and maintenance costs are very low by European and U.S standards.
Sample Monthly Budgets (updated 2026)
| Profile | Budget |
|---|---|
| Single person, medium city (Agadir, Fes...) | 7,000 - 10,000 Dhs (781$ - 1115$) |
| Single person, Casablanca / Rabat | 9,000 - 13,000 Dhs (1004$ - 1450$) |
| Couple, comfortable lifestyle | 12,000 - 18,000 Dhs (1339$ - 2008$) |
| Family with 2 children in private school | 18,000 - 30,000 Dhs (2008$ - 3346$) |
Rent is the main variable: living outside the city centers, or in a medium city, can cut these budgets by a third. Retirees will find a dedicated budget breakdown in our guide to retiring in Morocco.
Frequently Asked Questions: Salaries & Cost of Living
What is the average salary in Morocco?
A typical urban salary in Morocco is between 4,000 and 8,000 dirhams net per month (roughly $400-800), while experienced professionals in Casablanca or Rabat earn 12,000 to 25,000 dirhams or more. Pay is higher in the big coastal cities and lower in rural areas.
What is the minimum wage (SMIG) in Morocco in 2026?
The legal minimum wage (SMIG) is 3,422 dirhams gross per month in 2026, about $382, which works out to roughly 17.9 dirhams per hour in industry and services. The agricultural minimum wage (SMAG) is set slightly lower.
What is the average monthly wage in Morocco?
Most employees earn between 4,000 and 8,000 dirhams net per month, with the legal minimum at 3,422 dirhams gross. Jobs in tourism, industry and public service cluster in this range, while finance, IT and management roles in the big cities pay well above it.
Is the average Moroccan salary enough to live on?
In most cities a single person lives comfortably on 6,000 to 10,000 dirhams a month, because rent, food and transport are far cheaper than in Europe or North America. Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakesh and Tangier are the most expensive; smaller towns cost noticeably less. See the sample budgets above.
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