What are rents like in Mauritania right now? (2026)

If you're thinking about renting out property in Mauritania, you're probably wondering what landlords actually charge and what tenants are willing to pay.

In this article, we break down current rental prices in Mauritania, neighborhood by neighborhood, so you can see exactly where the market stands in 2026.

We update this blog post regularly to make sure you always have access to the freshest data available.

And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Mauritania.

Who is the author of this content?

THE AFRICANVESTOR

A team specialized in real estate investing in African countries

We are a team of financial experts, legal professionals, developers, and local real estate specialists dedicated to helping people like you avoid mistakes when investing in real estate in a foreign place, particularly in Mauritania. If you’d like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

What are typical rents in Mauritania as of 2026?

What's the average monthly rent for a studio in Mauritania as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a studio in Mauritania is around 15,000 MRU, which works out to roughly $375 or €350.

Most studios in Nouakchott fall within a range of 12,000 to 18,000 MRU per month (about $300 to $450, or €280 to €420), depending on location and condition.

The main factors that cause studio rents to vary in Mauritania include proximity to central Nouakchott, whether the unit comes furnished, and most importantly, whether reliable backup power and water systems are included.

What's the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in Mauritania as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Mauritania is around 23,000 MRU, which translates to approximately $575 or €535.

The realistic range for most 1-bedroom apartments in Nouakchott spans from 18,000 to 28,000 MRU per month (about $450 to $700, or €420 to €650), with furnished units at the higher end.

In Mauritania, neighborhoods like Dar Naim, Arafat, and El Mina tend to have the cheapest 1-bedroom rents, while Tevragh-Zeina and Ksar consistently command the highest prices due to their expat-friendly infrastructure and security.

What's the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom in Mauritania as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Mauritania is around 36,000 MRU, which equals roughly $900 or €840.

Most 2-bedroom apartments in Nouakchott rent for between 28,000 and 45,000 MRU per month (about $700 to $1,150, or €650 to €1,070), though high-end furnished units with full backup utilities can reach 70,000 MRU.

The cheapest 2-bedroom rents in Mauritania are found in peripheral neighborhoods like Sebkha, Arafat, and El Mina, while the most expensive are in Tevragh-Zeina and parts of Ksar where secure compounds with generators are standard.

By the way, you will find much more detailed rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Mauritania.

What's the average rent per square meter in Mauritania as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the average rent per square meter in Mauritania is approximately 280 MRU, which works out to around $7 or €6.50 per square meter per month.

Across different neighborhoods in Nouakchott, rent per square meter ranges from about 120 MRU in peripheral areas like Dar Naim to 500 MRU in prime districts like Tevragh-Zeina (roughly $3 to $12.50, or €2.80 to €11.60).

Compared to other cities in the region, Nouakchott's rent per square meter sits in the middle range, generally lower than Dakar but comparable to secondary West African capitals.

In Mauritania, properties that push rent per square meter above average typically feature reliable backup power systems, secure compound access, modern finishes, and air conditioning throughout.

How much have rents changed year-over-year in Mauritania in 2026?

As of early 2026, rents in Mauritania have increased by an estimated 2% to 5% compared to the same time last year, with Nouakchott at the higher end of that range.

The main factors driving rent changes in Mauritania this year include steady urban migration into Nouakchott, moderate inflation as signaled by the central bank, and continued demand from the expat and NGO community.

This year's rent growth in Mauritania is slightly softer than the previous year, reflecting a more stable inflation environment and no major supply shocks in the formal rental market.

What's the outlook for rent growth in Mauritania in 2026?

As of early 2026, rent growth in Mauritania is projected to remain moderate at 2% to 5% for the full year, with Nouakchott likely at the upper end and secondary cities like Nouadhibou growing more slowly at 1% to 4%.

The key factors likely to influence rent growth in Mauritania include continued urban migration, infrastructure improvements in central Nouakchott, and the level of activity from international organizations and embassies.

Neighborhoods expected to see the strongest rent growth in Mauritania are Tevragh-Zeina and Ksar, where limited supply of quality units meets consistent high-end demand from expats and diplomatic staff.

Risks that could cause rent growth in Mauritania to differ from projections include a slowdown in expat hiring, currency depreciation reducing USD-denominated purchasing power, or unexpected new supply coming online in mid-market areas.

We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Mauritania. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.

Which neighborhoods rent best in Mauritania as of 2026?

Which neighborhoods have the highest rents in Mauritania as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the three neighborhoods with the highest average rents in Mauritania are Tevragh-Zeina (averaging 50,000 to 70,000 MRU or $1,250 to $1,750), Ksar (40,000 to 55,000 MRU or $1,000 to $1,375), and select parts of Teyarett (35,000 to 50,000 MRU or $875 to $1,250).

These neighborhoods in Mauritania command premium rents because they offer the best road infrastructure, reliable utility access, proximity to embassies and international offices, and a perception of greater security.

The typical tenant profile renting in these high-rent Mauritania neighborhoods includes expats working for embassies, international NGOs, and multinational companies, as well as senior government officials and wealthy local professionals.

By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Mauritania.

Where do young professionals prefer to rent in Mauritania right now?

The three neighborhoods where young professionals prefer to rent in Mauritania are Teyarett, Ksar, and parts of Riyadh, all offering a good balance of accessibility and value.

Young professionals in these Mauritania neighborhoods typically pay between 18,000 and 35,000 MRU per month (about $450 to $875, or €420 to €815), depending on unit size and furnishing level.

What attracts young professionals to these neighborhoods in Mauritania is the combination of reasonable commute times to central offices, access to restaurants and services, and more affordable rents compared to top-tier areas like Tevragh-Zeina.

By the way, you will find a detailed tenant analysis in our property pack covering the real estate market in Mauritania.

Where do families prefer to rent in Mauritania right now?

The three neighborhoods where families prefer to rent in Mauritania are Tevragh-Zeina for those with higher budgets, Ksar for its mix of space and central access, and Riyadh for larger units at more affordable prices.

Families in Mauritania typically pay between 35,000 and 70,000 MRU per month (about $875 to $1,750, or €815 to €1,630) for 2 to 3 bedroom apartments in these neighborhoods.

What makes these neighborhoods attractive to families in Mauritania is the availability of larger units, quieter streets, more reliable water and electricity infrastructure, and a greater sense of security.

Top educational options near these family-friendly neighborhoods in Mauritania include the French School of Nouakchott (Lycée Français Théodore Monod) in Tevragh-Zeina and several private schools serving both local and international curricula.

Which areas near transit or universities rent faster in Mauritania in 2026?

As of early 2026, the three areas that rent fastest in Mauritania are the Ksar to Tevragh-Zeina corridor near major employment centers, central Teyarett along main road arteries, and parts of Riyadh that connect to busy commuter routes.

Properties in these high-demand areas of Mauritania typically stay listed for only 15 to 25 days, compared to 35 to 45 days in less connected neighborhoods.

The typical rent premium for properties within easy reach of major roads and employment hubs in Mauritania is around 10% to 20%, or roughly 3,000 to 6,000 MRU extra per month ($75 to $150, or €70 to €140).

Which neighborhoods are most popular with expats in Mauritania right now?

The three neighborhoods most popular with expats in Mauritania are Tevragh-Zeina, Ksar, and select pockets of Teyarett, all known for their security, services, and proximity to international offices.

Expats in these Mauritania neighborhoods typically pay between 40,000 and 70,000 MRU per month (about $1,000 to $1,750, or €930 to €1,630) for furnished apartments with reliable utilities.

What makes these neighborhoods attractive to expats in Mauritania is the availability of furnished, move-in-ready apartments with backup generators, water tanks, security features, and easy access to international schools and embassies.

The most represented expat communities in these Mauritania neighborhoods include French, American, and other European nationals working for embassies, UN agencies, international NGOs, and mining or energy companies.

And if you are also an expat, you may want to read our exhaustive guide for expats in Mauritania.

Who rents, and what do tenants want in Mauritania right now?

What tenant profiles dominate rentals in Mauritania?

The three tenant profiles that dominate the rental market in Mauritania are local urban households (the largest group), public and private sector professionals, and expats working for NGOs, embassies, and international companies.

In Mauritania, local urban households represent roughly 60% to 70% of the rental market, formal sector professionals account for about 20% to 25%, and expats make up roughly 10% to 15% but have an outsized impact on premium rents.

Local households in Mauritania typically seek affordable 1 to 2 bedroom unfurnished units, professionals look for mid-range furnished or semi-furnished apartments, and expats prefer larger furnished homes with full backup utilities.

If you want to optimize your cashflow, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Mauritania.

Do tenants prefer furnished or unfurnished in Mauritania?

In Mauritania, roughly 30% to 40% of formal rental demand is for furnished apartments, while 60% to 70% prefer unfurnished units, though this varies significantly by tenant type and neighborhood.

The typical rent premium for a furnished apartment compared to unfurnished in Mauritania is 30% to 50%, which translates to roughly 6,000 to 15,000 MRU extra per month ($150 to $375, or €140 to €350) depending on the unit.

In Mauritania, the tenant profiles that tend to prefer furnished rentals are expats on short to medium-term assignments, NGO workers, and corporate transferees who want move-in-ready housing with reliable utilities included.

Which amenities increase rent the most in Mauritania?

The five amenities that increase rent the most in Mauritania are reliable backup electricity (generator or solar), dependable water supply with storage tanks, air conditioning throughout, 24-hour security or a guarded compound, and dedicated parking.

In Mauritania, backup power typically adds 4,000 to 8,000 MRU per month ($100 to $200), reliable water adds 2,000 to 5,000 MRU ($50 to $125), full AC adds 3,000 to 6,000 MRU ($75 to $150), security adds 3,000 to 7,000 MRU ($75 to $175), and parking adds 2,000 to 4,000 MRU ($50 to $100).

In our property pack covering the real estate market in Mauritania, we cover what are the best investments a landlord can make.

What renovations get the best ROI for rentals in Mauritania?

The five renovations that get the best ROI for rental properties in Mauritania are water system upgrades (tank, pump, plumbing), electrical reliability improvements (wiring, generator readiness), air conditioning installation, security enhancements (doors, lighting, perimeter walls), and window sealing for dust and heat control.

In Mauritania, water system upgrades typically cost 200,000 to 400,000 MRU ($5,000 to $10,000) and can increase rent by 3,000 to 6,000 MRU monthly, electrical upgrades cost 150,000 to 300,000 MRU ($3,750 to $7,500) for 2,500 to 5,000 MRU extra rent, while AC installation runs 100,000 to 200,000 MRU ($2,500 to $5,000) for 2,000 to 4,000 MRU more per month.

Renovations that tend to have poor ROI and should be avoided by landlords in Mauritania include luxury cosmetic finishes, high-end kitchen appliances, and decorative landscaping, since tenants prioritize functional reliability over aesthetics in this market.

We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Mauritania versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.

How strong is rental demand in Mauritania as of 2026?

What's the vacancy rate for rentals in Mauritania as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the estimated vacancy rate for rental properties in Mauritania is between 6% and 10% for formal rentals in Nouakchott.

Across different neighborhoods in Mauritania, vacancy rates range from around 4% to 8% in prime areas like Tevragh-Zeina and Ksar to 8% to 12% in more peripheral districts like Dar Naim and Arafat.

The current vacancy rate in Mauritania is roughly in line with historical averages, as demand from urban migration continues to absorb new supply, though quality mismatches keep some units on the market longer.

Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in Mauritania.

How many days do rentals stay listed in Mauritania as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the average number of days rentals stay listed in Mauritania is around 30 to 35 days for typical properties in Nouakchott.

The range of days on market in Mauritania varies from about 15 to 25 days for well-priced units in prime neighborhoods like Tevragh-Zeina and Ksar, to 45 days or more for overpriced or lower-quality units in peripheral areas.

The current days-on-market figure in Mauritania is similar to one year ago, as the market remains relatively stable with no major shifts in supply or demand dynamics.

Which months have peak tenant demand in Mauritania?

The peak months for tenant demand in Mauritania are September through November and January through February, when most organizational relocations and new assignments begin.

The specific factors driving seasonal demand patterns in Mauritania include the start of the academic and business year in September, new-year budget cycles for NGOs and embassies in January, and the end of the hot season making moves more comfortable.

The months with the lowest tenant demand in Mauritania are typically June through August, when extreme heat and the vacation season slow down relocations and lease decisions.

What will my monthly costs be in Mauritania as of 2026?

What property taxes should landlords expect in Mauritania as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the main tax landlords in Mauritania should expect is the rental income tax (IRF), which is calculated on gross rental income rather than property value, making annual amounts highly variable based on rent collected.

For a typical rental property in Mauritania generating 300,000 to 600,000 MRU in annual rent ($7,500 to $15,000, or €7,000 to €14,000), the resulting IRF liability can range from roughly 30,000 to 100,000 MRU per year ($750 to $2,500) depending on applicable rates and deductions.

Property taxes in Mauritania are calculated based on declared rental income under the IRF system, with rates and thresholds defined by the tax authority, and landlords are responsible for filing and payment.

Please note that, in our property pack covering the real estate market in Mauritania, we cover what exemptions or deductions may be available to reduce property taxes for landlords.

What maintenance budget per year is realistic in Mauritania right now?

A realistic annual maintenance budget for rental properties in Mauritania is around 1.5% to 3% of the property value, or roughly 1 to 2 months of rent per year, with higher budgets needed if you provide generator or water systems.

For a typical rental property in Nouakchott worth 20 to 40 million MRU ($500,000 to $1 million), landlords should budget 300,000 to 1,200,000 MRU annually ($7,500 to $30,000, or €7,000 to €28,000) for maintenance and repairs.

Maintenance costs in Mauritania tend to run higher than in many markets due to harsh climate conditions including extreme heat, dust, and the critical importance of keeping water and power reliability systems in good working order.

What utilities do landlords often pay in Mauritania right now?

The utilities landlords most commonly pay on behalf of tenants in Mauritania are internet service and water delivery or tank refills, especially for furnished units targeting expats.

In Mauritania, internet service typically costs 3,000 to 6,000 MRU per month ($75 to $150, or €70 to €140), while water delivery arrangements can run 2,000 to 5,000 MRU monthly ($50 to $125, or €45 to €115) depending on consumption and reliability.

The common practice in Mauritania is for unfurnished local leases to have tenants pay day-to-day utilities, while furnished expat-targeted leases often bundle internet, water management, and sometimes generator fuel into the rent.

How is rental income taxed in Mauritania as of 2026?

As of early 2026, rental income in Mauritania is taxed under the IRF (Impôt sur les Revenus Fonciers) system, which applies progressive rates to net rental income after allowable deductions.

The main deductions landlords can claim against rental income in Mauritania include property maintenance and repair costs, insurance premiums, and certain management expenses, though documentation requirements are strict.

A common tax mistake landlords in Mauritania should avoid is failing to properly register rental income with the DGI, as informal arrangements can lead to penalties when properties are later sold or transferred.

We cover these mistakes, among others, in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Mauritania.

We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Mauritania compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.

What sources have we used to write this blog article?

Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Mauritania, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.

We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.

Source	Why it's authoritative	How we used it
Banque Centrale de Mauritanie	It's Mauritania's central bank, so its inflation forecasts are among the most official macro indicators available.	We used it to anchor what normal rent growth looks like in 2026 when inflation is described as moderate. We also relied on it to keep our outlook realistic rather than hype-driven.
Office of National Statistics via Open Data for Africa	It's sourced from the national statistics office and published on a major international open-data platform.	We used it to confirm housing is a meaningful part of household costs in Mauritania's official CPI basket. We then applied CPI-based logic to translate inflation into plausible rent growth.
Trading Economics	It republishes standardized macro series and clearly cites national sources and base years.	We used it to check recent housing cost inflation direction and avoid inventing trends. We also used it to triangulate our year-over-year rent change estimate.
Wise	It's a widely used, transparent reference for mid-market exchange rates with dated history.	We used it to triangulate the USD to MRU conversion level around late 2025. We also relied on it to keep MRU to USD conversions consistent throughout the article.
World Bank Urban Population Data	It's a standard global indicator used by governments, researchers, and international organizations worldwide.	We used it to explain why demand pressure concentrates in Nouakchott and a few secondary cities. We then connected that concentration to neighborhood-level rent differences.
GFDRR (World Bank)	It's a World Bank-linked technical note focused specifically on Nouakchott and other key Mauritanian cities.	We used it to ground the demand story in real city pressure points like Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. We also used it to explain why infrastructure reliability affects rentability.
JICA Nouakchott Urban Master Plan	JICA reports are detailed, method-driven, and widely cited in urban planning and infrastructure circles.	We used it to frame how Nouakchott's growth and planning constraints shape where rentals cluster. We also used it to support the road network logic behind transit-adjacent rent premiums.
U.S. Department of State LQA	It's an official U.S. government benchmark for what adequate expat housing can cost at each diplomatic post.	We used it as an upper-bound reality check for high-end expat rentals in Nouakchott. We then triangulated downward from that ceiling to estimate typical local market rents.
UN International Civil Service Commission	It's the UN body that standardizes international civil service cost-of-living and related allowances globally.	We used it as a cross-check that Nouakchott is treated as a real cost-of-living duty station. We also used it to justify why an expat segment exists and influences certain neighborhood rents.
Expat.com	It's a large, established expat platform with visible listings rather than anonymous anecdotes.	We used it to sample asking rents and unit types actually marketed to renters in Mauritania. We then adjusted estimates slightly downward to reflect negotiated outcomes versus asking prices.
Airbnb	It's a large, trackable platform where furnished unit pricing is transparent and verifiable.	We used it only for the furnished, short-to-medium stay segment to price-check fully furnished premiums. We did not treat it as the core long-term market, just a triangulation point.
Direction Générale des Impôts	It's the Mauritanian tax authority's own public guidance portal for individual taxpayers.	We used it to state rental income tax references without relying on third-party interpretations. We also used it to keep landlord cost estimates grounded in actual tax administration.
PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries	It's a major global tax reference with repeatable structure and regular update discipline.	We used it as a cross-check against DGI guidance to reduce interpretation risk. We also used it to explain concepts like resident versus non-resident treatment in simpler language.