Essaouira, Morocco

Essaouira sits on Morocco's Atlantic coast, 16 kilometers from its airport (ESU), at an elevation of 10 meters above sea level. The climate is a hot, dry summer with temperatures peaking at 39 degrees Celsius and mild winters with lows around 6 degrees Celsius, paired with relatively high humidity averaging 72 percent. Expats tend to settle in the Medina and Ghazoua neighborhoods, drawn by the city's medium-sized expat community and the common use of English in tourist areas.

Living costs in Essaouira are low. A single person's monthly expenses excluding rent come to $440, while a family of four spends about $1,550 per month without housing. Rents are equally affordable: a one-bedroom in the city center runs $377 per month, and outside the center it drops to $327. A three-bedroom in the center costs $904 per month, and outside the center it is $553. Monthly utilities are $23, internet is $29, a mobile phone plan is $17, and a gym membership is $21. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs $5 per person, a three-course mid-range meal for two is $18, and a cappuccino is $1. The average monthly net salary for locals is $251, and the cost of living index is 37 out of 100 (New York City = 100).

Safety in Essaouira is solid, with a safety index of 65 out of 100 and a crime index of 35 out of 100 (lower is safer). Healthcare quality is rated as fair. These factors contribute to an overall expat score of 76 out of 100, a FIRE score of 78 out of 100, a retiree score of 54 out of 100, and a digital nomad score of 64 out of 100.

For those looking to stay long-term, Morocco offers a Retirement Visa requiring a minimum monthly income of $1,500, and a Digital Nomad Visa with a minimum monthly income of $587. The nearest airport is ESU, 16 kilometers away. Essaouira suits budget-conscious travelers, retirees, and digital nomads who value low costs, a safe environment, and a relaxed coastal lifestyle.