Is it Possible to Live for Less than $1000 in Marrakech?

Marrakech, also known as the “Red City,” is a beautiful destination located in Morocco. The city is bustling with life and culture, where the old meets the new, and locals and tourists alike come together to explore all that it has to offer. One of the factors that make Marrakech attractive is its affordability, but can you really live here for less than $1000? In this blog post, we’ll explore the cost of living in Marrakech and see if it is possible to live on such a tight budget.

Currency and Cost of Living in Marrakech

The currency used in Marrakech is Moroccan Dirham (MAD). At the time of writing, USD 1 equals approximately MAD 10. Thus, living on a budget of less than $1000 translates to living on less than MAD 10,000 per month in Marrakech. This might seem like a tight budget, but very doable for those looking for affordable living opportunities.The cost of living in Marrakech varies according to your lifestyle choices. If you are willing to live like a local, you can save a considerable amount. It’s possible to live in Marrakech with limited expenses, depending on how frugal you are with your living choices. You can save money by staying away from expensive restaurants, tourist areas, and up-market stores. Instead, you can try to shop at local markets and buy fresh produce, cook for yourself, and eat at inexpensive cafes.

Accommodation in Marrakech

Accommodation is the most significant expense a person has while living in Marrakech. However, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option, you can easily find a room for rent or small apartments for less than MAD 4,000 per month. Of course, the cost may rise if the apartment is located in a more expensive and touristy area or has additional amenities like a pool or a balcony.If you are looking for a shared accommodation option, you can easily find affordable apartments for around MAD 2,000, which is cheaper than renting a single apartment. It is also popular to live in a traditional Moroccan “riad” which are houses built around a central courtyard, and they may offer shared rooms for low prices.

Transportation in Marrakech

Marrakech has a widespread public transport system that connects different parts of the city. The cost of transportation varies depending on the distance and the mode of transport used. The cheapest and most used form of transportation in Marrakech is the local bus, which offers tickets as low as MAD 4. The city also has a reliable taxi system, with taxis being slightly more expensive than buses with an average cost of MAD 20 for a one-way trip within the city.Another way to save money on transportation is to ride bicycles instead of using taxis or buses. Marrakech now offers bike sharing services, and for around MAD 50 per day, you can rent a bicycle and ride around the city.

Food and Groceries in Marrakech

Food and groceries are generally affordable in Marrakech. Eating out at a local restaurant can cost you as little as MAD 30 for a simple meal. If you prefer to cook for yourself, buying groceries from local markets can be economical. A week’s worth of groceries for one person can cost as little as MAD 200. Moroccan cuisine is tasty and has a plethora of options to choose from, and is easy to recreate in the comfort of your own home.

Entertainment and Recreation in Marrakech

Marrakech is known for its rich cultural heritage, and there are plenty of things to do in the city. The most popular attractions such as the Majorelle Gardens, Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, and the Koutoubia Mosque all have a small entrance fee. The cost of museums and tours can vary, but the entrance fee for the major attractions in Marrakech is around MAD 70.There are also plenty of free activities to enjoy, such as visiting the Kasbah or exploring the artisanal markets. Attending local events and festivals can be an exciting and rewarding experience for little to no cost.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is entirely possible to live on a budget of less than $1000 in Marrakech comfortably. While some expenses are necessary, like rent, food, transportation and entertainment, you can find ways to save money by adjusting the level of comfort you want. Marrakech is an affordable destination that offers many thrilling experiences to visitors without breaking the bank. With a little bit of planning and research on living costs, you can enjoy a fulfilling life in the beautiful city of Marrakech without worrying about the high cost of living.