Cost of Living
Cost of living in Morocco is quite low if you live by local standards. Housing, local goods, and groceries are inexpensive. However, many expats pay higher prices as shops and services are offered at a higher rate to people who are not locals. This can be corrected by building up consumer relationships with local shops, but will usually be present in most transactions. Prices are also very high for foreign or international goods. Choosing foreign products over domestic will result in a significantly higher cost of living.
Basic Costs of Living:
- Groceries for a family of 4 - 500 dirham (about 45 euro) per week
- Domestic Beer (.5L) - 3.50 euro
- Street Food - 2.50 euro
- Fast Food Chain Meal - 5 euro
- Meal at mid-range Restaurant for 2 - 18 euro
- Public Transport Ticket (one way) - .35 euro
- Monthly Public Transport Pass - 21 euro
- Basic Utilities - 35 euro per month
- 1 bedroom Apartment in city center of Casablanca - 400 euro
Use the Cost of Living calculator to help estimate costs.
Prepare for your Housing Search
Research, research, and introspection should define your pre-accommodation search. Familiarize yourself with the different areas and find where you want to live. Read blogs from the area, find official resources, visit the different areas. Ask yourself questions like:
How big a place do you want? A studio? A three room flat?
Where do you want to live? In the center of the city, or in the outlying suburbs?
What kind of transport do you need?
What's your price range?
With answers to these important questions you can begin to think of a specific place.
Short-term Accommodation
Short-term accommodation can help you and your family get situated after the move without having to make any permanent decisions quite yet. They also offer the opportunity to get to know the area and your needs before picking permanent accommodations.
To find the perfect short-term rental, go to Subrent.
Flatsharing
A flatshare is usually a great value and can provide an expat with an opportunity to get to know a local. These arrangements are less common in Morocco, but pairing with another expat can be a good way to increase security, share costs, and prevent loneliness.
An important trait in any roommate situation is having boundaries and a clear understanding of what each roommate requires. To protect yourself against potential problems, make sure to have a contract that explicitly states rights and responsibilities.
Hostel
Hostels are generally the cheapest option and provide a clean and safe temporary abode. Hostel International (HI) affiliated youth hostels can be found in the major cities. Dorm beds average Dh 50.
Riads, traditional guesthouses, are a great option for a friendly, inexpensive, place to stay. They are often family-run and may offer meals.
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