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Cost of Living in Nouakchott

Nouakchott, Nouakchott Ouest, Mauritania · Population 1,446,761 · National capital

▲ +24% vs Mauritania average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)UM17,677 ($445)
Couple, monthlyUM31,481 ($793)
Family of four, monthlyUM40,817 ($1,028)

Estimated Prices in Nouakchott

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantUM186 ($4.68)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeUM743 ($18.72)per meal
CappuccinoUM55.74 ($1.40)each
Monthly groceries (single person)UM4,211 ($106)per month
Monthly public transport passUM681 ($17.16)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentUM1,796 ($45.24)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)UM520 ($13.10)per month
Fitness club membershipUM520 ($13.10)per month
Cinema ticketUM136 ($3.43)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreUM7,605 ($192)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreUM5,290 ($133)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreUM15,871 ($400)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Nouakchott is UM12,903 ($325) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of UM17,677 ($445) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly UM22,980 ($579) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (UM5,290 ($133)) represents about 30% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Nouakchott

Nouakchott vs ArafatNouakchott vs Dar NaimNouakchott vs NouadhibouNouakchott vs KiffaNouakchott vs ZouerateNouakchott vs Rosso

Nearby Cities

Tevragh Zeina

2 km away · Nouakchott Ouest

Ksar

2 km away · Nouakchott Ouest

Arafat

4 km away · Nouakchott Sud

Dar Naim

5 km away · Nouakchott Nord

Boutilimit

149 km away · Trarza

Rosso

176 km away · Trarza

Bogué

247 km away · Brakna

Aleg

247 km away · Brakna

Other Major Cities in Mauritania

Arafat

Nouakchott Sud · pop. 216,919

UM13,339 ($336) / mo

Dar Naim

Nouakchott Nord · pop. 186,925

UM13,339 ($336) / mo

Nouadhibou

Dakhlet Nouadhibou · pop. 173,525

UM13,339 ($336) / mo

Kiffa

Assaba · pop. 84,101

UM13,339 ($336) / mo

Zouerate

Tiris Zemmour · pop. 62,380

UM13,339 ($336) / mo

Rosso

Trarza · pop. 61,156

UM13,339 ($336) / mo

Ksar

Nouakchott Ouest · pop. 57,758

UM13,339 ($336) / mo

Living in Nouakchott

Nouakchott is the capital and one of the key cities in Mauritania. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is UM17,677 ($445), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around UM5,290 ($133) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to UM40,817 ($1,028) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately UM31,481 ($793) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Nouakchott is UM12,903 ($325). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least UM22,980 ($579) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nouakchott expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated UM17,677 ($445) per month in Nouakchott including rent outside the city centre. That is 24% more than the national average for Mauritania.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Nouakchott?
A net salary of around UM22,980 ($579) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Nouakchott with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Nouakchott is UM12,903 ($325).
How much is rent in Nouakchott?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated UM7,605 ($192) per month in the city centre and UM5,290 ($133) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about UM15,871 ($400).
Is Nouakchott cheaper than Mauritania on average?
No — Nouakchott is estimated to be about 24% more expensive than the Mauritania average, mainly due to housing demand as the national capital.
What is the cost of groceries in Nouakchott?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at UM4,211 ($106) in Nouakchott. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about UM186 ($5) and a cappuccino runs around UM56 ($1).
How do transport costs in Nouakchott compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Nouakchott is estimated at UM681 ($17). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Nouakchott are estimates based on Mauritania national averages adjusted for city size (population 1,446,761) and capital-city premium. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.