Essaouira, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco
A charming coastal city with a UNESCO-listed medina, famous for its strong winds, art galleries, and laid-back vibe.
Below Average vs Morocco Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Essaouira vs Morocco Average
Taxes
- Income Tax: None
- VAT: 20.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: MAD 42,000
- Unemployment: 8.5%
- Population: 77,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 300/year
- Summer High: 76°F
- Winter Low: 48°F
Housing
- Median Home: MAD550,000
- 1BR Rent: MAD2500/mo
Cost of Living
Essaouira's cost of living index is 80 (Morocco average = 100).
| Category | Essaouira | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 80 | 100 | -20.0% |
| Housing | 74 | 100 | -26.0% |
Data source: HCP / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | MAD550,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | MAD2500/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | MAD3,125/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | MAD366 |
Data source: Mubawab / Numbeo, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Essaouira:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | MAD120 | Based on ~300 kWh/month typical Moroccan household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | MAD6 | Estimated based on local climate. electric or gas heating |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | MAD50 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | MAD100 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | MAD30 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | MAD306 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: ONEE, Lydec, Maroc Telecom 2025
Best Neighborhoods
Downtown Essaouira
The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: MAD3,000/mo.
Essaouira Heights
Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: MAD2,750/mo.
East Essaouira
Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: MAD2,250/mo.
West Essaouira
Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: MAD2,375/mo.
Remote Work Score
Essaouira scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Essaouira has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 68°F | 48°F | 2.5" |
| April | 61°F | 63°F | 2.8" |
| July | 76°F | 51°F | 1.5" |
| October | 56°F | 66°F | 2.2" |
Taxes
- Income Tax: 0% (None)
- VAT: 20%
- Property Tax: ~1.2% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 8.5%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Essaouira per 100,000 residents:
City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: UN Office on Drugs and Crime
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Essaouira, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco?
The cost of living index in Essaouira is 80, which is Lower the Morocco national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Essaouira?
The median home price in Essaouira is MAD550,000. The housing index is 74.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Essaouira is approximately MAD2500/mo.
Does Essaouira, Marrakech-Safi have income tax?
Essaouira is in Marrakech-Safi, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Essaouira?
Essaouira enjoys approximately 300 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 76°F, while winter lows can drop to around 48°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: HCP / Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: Mubawab / Numbeo, 2026
- Income & Employment: HCP Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities ONEE, Lydec, Maroc Telecom 2025
Data last updated: July 19, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.