Kralendijk, the capital of Bonaire, is a charming Caribbean town known for its vibrant culture and beautiful landscapes. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering a move or extended stay.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you plan your budget effectively.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $16 on average, with a range between $10 and $30.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $100, with prices ranging from $80 to $140.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $18, with a range between $16 and $20.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $5 to $10, imported beer $3.5 to $7, cappuccino $2.5 to $3, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $5.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $1.82 and $2 per liter, averaging $1.89.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs $2.25 on average.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $4 to $8.39, averaging $6.19.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $3.51 per kg, while oranges are priced at $3.62 per kg.
  • Chicken Fillets (1kg) - Chicken fillets are priced at $8.99 per kg.

Transportation

  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.51 and $1.59 per liter, averaging $1.55.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $10.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1000 to $1100, averaging $1066.67.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $800 to $950, averaging $883.33.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1600 to $2500, averaging $1966.67.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1400 to $2200, averaging $1766.67.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment average $566.67.
  • Internet - Internet services range from $70 to $119, with an average cost of $94.5.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 11 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$16.00
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$100.00
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$18.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$7.00
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.25
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.00
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.67
Cappuccino (regular)
$2.75
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.89
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$2.25
Eggs (regular) (12)
$6.19
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$10.00
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$8.99
Apples (1kg)
$3.51
Oranges (1kg)
$3.62
Transportation
Avg / Range
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.55
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$10.00
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$1,066.67
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$883.33
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$1,966.67
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$1,766.67
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$566.67
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$94.50
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$45.00
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$100.00
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$30.00
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$16.00
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,625.50
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$0.00
Kralendijk Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Kralendijk offers a relatively high cost of living compared to other Caribbean destinations, particularly in terms of dining and utilities.

Housing costs vary significantly depending on location, with city centre apartments being more expensive.

Transportation costs are moderate, with gasoline prices being a key consideration for those planning to drive.

Conclusion

Living in Kralendijk, Bonaire, presents a unique blend of Caribbean charm and modern amenities, but it comes with a higher cost of living.

Prospective residents should budget carefully, especially for dining and utilities, while exploring housing options both in and outside the city centre for potential savings.