Nouakchott, Mauritania
Nouakchott is a major city in Mauritania with a population of 1,200,000.
Overview
Nouakchott is a city in Nouakchott with a population of 1,200,000. Nouakchott is a major city in Mauritania with a population of 1,200,000. Housing costs are close to the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 7a growing zone supports Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees. A relatively small share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with about 290 sunny days a year. The population skews young, with a median age of 20.0.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Below Average vs Mauritania Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Nouakchott vs Mauritania Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 16.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: UM 180,000
- Unemployment: 5.0%
- Population: 1,200,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 290/year
- Summer High: 95°F
- Winter Low: 62°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7a
Housing
- Median Home: UM2,000,000
- 1BR Rent: UM5000/mo
Cost of Living
Nouakchott's cost of living index is 100 (Mauritania average = 100).
| Category | Nouakchott | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 100 | 100 | 0.0% |
| Housing | 110 | 100 | +10.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | UM2,000,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | UM5000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | UM6,250/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | UM1,333 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Nouakchott:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | UM500 | |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | UM53 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | UM200 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | UM500 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | UM1253 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Nouakchott scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Nouakchott has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 82°F | 62°F | 2.5" |
| April | 80°F | 77°F | 2.8" |
| July | 95°F | 70°F | 1.5" |
| October | 75°F | 80°F | 2.2" |
Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Nouakchott faces the following natural hazards:
Sahel region with extreme drought conditions.
Extreme summer heat in the Sahara.
Frequent sandstorms in the Sahara.
Moderate seismic activity with occasional earthquakes.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 0% (None)
- Sales Tax: 16%
- Property Tax: ~0% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.0%.
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Arabic and French education systems.
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Nouakchott 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: Office National de la Statistique (2013)
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 Nouakchott, Mauritania?
The cost of living index in Nouakchott is 100, which is Lower the Mauritania national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Nouakchott?
The median home price in Nouakchott is UM2,000,000. The housing index is 110.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Nouakchott is approximately UM5000/mo.
Does Nouakchott, Nouakchott have income tax?
Nouakchott is in Nouakchott, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Nouakchott?
Nouakchott enjoys approximately 290 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 95°F, while winter lows can drop to around 62°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.