Cost of Living in Marrakech: The Budget to Plan For

«How much does it cost to live in a Marrakech property?» This is one of the questions we’re most often asked by prospective homeowners, whether they’re planning to live there year-round, retire in the sun or make regular visits to their riad. The answer depends less on the city than on your lifestyle: you can live in Marrakech very simply or very comfortably, and the difference between the two is considerable.

Rather than listing prices that change rapidly and never quite match your specific circumstances, this guide outlines the main areas of expenditure, what causes them to vary, and the things you don’t always think about before moving in.

In short : Your budget in Marrakech depends mainly on your housing situation (owner-occupied or rented, in the medina or the new town), your eating habits (local markets or imported products), whether you employ staff, your children’s schooling and your health cover. If you’re a homeowner, you’ll need to factor in running costs (water, electricity, internet) and local taxes: council tax and municipal services tax.

Housing: the biggest expense

Owner

If you buy your riad, you’ll no longer have to pay rent, but you’ll have to bear the cost of maintaining an old house: waterproofing the terraces, limewashing, plumbing and regular minor repairs. Set aside a budget each year for routine maintenance, and allow for more in the first few years if the riad has not been fully renovated.

Tenant

Rents vary considerably depending on the neighbourhood, the type of property (flat, riad, villa), the standard of accommodation and the season. Renting for a few months before buying remains an excellent way to get a feel for a neighbourhood and gauge your actual budget.

Household expenses

• Water and electricity : At Marrakech, these are supplied by RADEEMA, the city’s autonomous water and electricity distribution authority. Your bill depends on your consumption: air conditioning in summer, heating in winter, swimming pools and watering all have a significant impact.
• Gas : often supplied in bottles for the kitchen and the water heater.
• Internet and telephone : Several providers offer fibre, ADSL or 4G broadband, depending on coverage in the neighbourhood.
• Home insurance : essential, particularly in the event of water damage.

In a riad, winter can often take you by surprise: nights can be chilly and the thick walls trap damp. Heating and dehumidification are part of the budget. To plan ahead for the seasons, read our article on When to visit Marrakech, which provides a month-by-month breakdown of the climate.

Local taxes payable by the owner

Two local taxes apply to most properties, in accordance with the Local Authority Taxation Act:

• The council tax : It applies to main and second homes, based on the rental value. It is calculated using a progressive scale, with an initial tax-free allowance. The main residence is subject to a tax allowance of 75 %, and new-build properties occupied as a main residence are exempt for five years.
• The local services charge : it funds the local authority’s services; the rate is 10.50 % of the rental value in urban areas.

These taxes remain modest for most riads, but they must be paid annually and transferred into your name following the purchase. For an overview, see our Guide to property taxation in Morocco.

Eating

This is the role where your lifestyle makes the biggest difference:

• local markets and shops offer fruit, vegetables, spices, bread and fresh seasonal produce at affordable prices; ;
• supermarkets Shops in the new town offer a wide selection, including imported goods, which are considerably more expensive; ;
• restaurants range from humble local eateries to fine-dining restaurants, with very significant differences in price.

Cooking with local, seasonal produce is the best way to enjoy Marrakech whilst keeping to your budget.

Domestic staff

Many homeowners employ a domestic helper, a caretaker or a gardener, particularly for a villa or riad that is occupied on a part-time basis. As well as wages, bear in mind the legal framework: domestic work in Morocco is governed by Law No. 19-12, which sets out, amongst other things, the terms and conditions of employment for domestic workers. Seek advice on drawing up a valid contract and completing the necessary social security formalities.

Health

Marrakech has public hospitals, private clinics and numerous doctors, some of whom speak French. For foreigners, the key issue is that of cover : maintaining cover in your own country, international insurance or local cover. Compare the options before you set off, taking into account your age and your needs.

Education

For families, education can become the biggest expense. Marrakech is home to a number of schools within the network of the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE), as well as Moroccan and international private schools. Fees vary depending on the school and the year group: find out as early as possible, as places are sometimes limited.

Getting around

• On foot, if you’re staying in the medina: that’s the great thing about a riad.
• By minicab, for journeys around town.
• By car, which is essential whether you live in La Palmeraie or outside the city: fuel, insurance, maintenance and parking all add to the budget.
• By plane : Marrakech-Ménara Airport connects the city to numerous European destinations; this is something to bear in mind if you make frequent return journeys.

Leisure and social life

Hammams, golf courses, excursions in the Atlas Mountains, cultural life, cafés and restaurants: Marrakech offers a wide range of activities, from the simplest to the most upmarket. Here too, the cost depends entirely on your choices. In fact, many newcomers find that the city’s greatest pleasures are often the simplest: a cup of tea on a terrace at sunset, a stroll through the souks, or dinner with friends on a patio.

Pensioners: specific points

If you’re thinking of retiring there, other issues come into play: taxation of your pension, tax residence and health cover. These are covered in our article on retirement in Morocco.

Drawing up your budget: the method

1. List your permanent positions : accommodation, service charges, taxes, insurance, school fees, health cover.
2. Estimate your variable costs : food, restaurants, transport, leisure, travel.
3. Add a margin for household maintenance and unexpected expenses.
4. Try it out in-store : a stay of a few weeks, living «just like at home», is worth more than any estimate.
5. Don’t forget to exchange your money : if your income is in euros, fluctuations in the exchange rate affect your purchasing power.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the cost of living in Marrakech lower than in France?

For many everyday items, such as local fresh produce or certain services, the answer is often yes. Imported goods, international schooling and certain high-end services, on the other hand, can cost just as much, or even more.

What taxes does a riad owner pay at Marrakech?

Mainly the housing tax and the local services tax, which are calculated on the basis of the rental value. The main residence is eligible for a 75 % allowance on the housing tax.

Who supplies water and electricity to Marrakech?

RADEEMA, the autonomous water and electricity distribution authority of Marrakech.

Do you need a car to live in Marrakech?

Not in the medina, where you get around on foot or by taxi. It becomes essential in the Palmeraie and outside the city.

Prepare your installation

We help our clients find the riad that suits their lifestyle, and we’re happy to share our experiences of everyday life at Marrakech. Contact Klair & Arno.