Essaouira, Morocco
A charming coastal city with a UNESCO-listed medina, famous for its strong winds, art galleries, and laid-back vibe.
Overview
Essaouira is a city in Marrakech-Safi with a population of 77,000. A charming coastal city with a UNESCO-listed medina, famous for its strong winds, art galleries, and laid-back vibe. Housing is more affordable than the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6b growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with about 300 sunny days a year. Reported crime rates are relatively low. The population skews young, with a median age of 30.0.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Below Average vs Morocco Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Essaouira vs Morocco Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 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
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6b
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 | MAD150 | |
| Heating & Cooling | MAD6 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | MAD50 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | MAD200 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | MAD406 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: ONEE, Lydec, Maroc Telecom 2025
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" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Essaouira faces the following natural hazards:
Frequent drought conditions.
Extreme summer heat.
Frequent sandstorms.
Moderate seismic activity with occasional earthquakes.
Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts with tsunami risk.
Mediterranean region with wildfire risk.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 0% (None)
- Sales Tax: 20%
- Property Tax: ~0.2% 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
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Friday is a half-day. Breaks for Islamic holidays.
Demographics
The population of Essaouira is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: Haut-Commissariat au Plan (2014)
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, 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: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.