Road Town, the capital of the British Virgin Islands, is a vibrant city known for its beautiful harbors and bustling economy. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocating or planning an extended stay.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you budget effectively for life in Road Town.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $20 on average, with a range between $10 and $25.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $80, with prices ranging from $70 to $80.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $11.5, with a range between $8 and $15.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer is consistently priced at $4, imported beer at $1.8, cappuccino $4.75, and Coke/Pepsi $2.1.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $1.99 and $2.79 per liter, averaging $2.33.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.99 and $4.99, with an average price of $4.66.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $4 to $6, averaging $5.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $3.31 to $4 per kg, while oranges average $2 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $4 and $5 per kg, and lettuce costs $4.99 to $7 per head.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $4.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.15 and $1.3 per liter, averaging $1.23.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1500 to $2000, averaging $1666.67.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1200 to $1600, averaging $1366.67.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $4000 to $4500, averaging $4333.33.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $3500 to $4000, averaging $3666.67.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $119 and $200, averaging $163.
  • Internet - Internet services range from $110 to $150, with an average cost of $125.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 13 user contributions, as of the most recent update in July, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$20.00
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$80.00
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$11.50
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$4.00
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.80
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.10
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.67
Cappuccino (regular)
$4.75
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$2.33
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$4.66
Eggs (regular) (12)
$5.00
Local Cheese (1kg)
$18.00
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.89
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$16.50
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$5.50
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.00
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$5.00
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$10.00
Apples (1kg)
$3.65
Oranges (1kg)
$2.00
Potato (1kg)
$4.54
Lettuce (1 head)
$6.33
Rice (white), (1kg)
$4.00
Tomato (1kg)
$6.70
Banana (1kg)
$3.03
Onion (1kg)
$3.62
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$15.00
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$4.00
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.23
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$1,666.67
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$1,366.67
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$4,333.33
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$3,666.67
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$163.00
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$125.00
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$81.67
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$120.00
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$20.00
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$10.00
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$47.50
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$55.00
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$130.00
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$140.00
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,692.50
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$375.00
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$10,320.00
Road Town Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Road Town offers a relatively high cost of living, particularly in terms of housing and dining. Rent prices are significant, especially for larger apartments in the city centre.

Dining out can be expensive, with mid-range restaurant meals costing around $80 for two people. However, there are more affordable options for casual dining.

Transportation costs are moderate, with public transport and gasoline prices being relatively stable.

Grocery prices vary, with some items like milk and bread being more expensive compared to other regions.

Conclusion

Living in Road Town, British Virgin Islands, comes with its financial challenges, particularly in housing and dining expenses. However, the city offers a unique lifestyle with its beautiful surroundings and vibrant culture.

Prospective residents should budget carefully, considering the higher costs of living, especially if planning to rent in the city centre. Exploring local markets and dining options can help manage expenses effectively.