South Sound, located in the beautiful Cayman Islands, is known for its stunning beaches and vibrant community. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering a move or planning an extended stay.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to transportation and housing, 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 $29.86 on average, with a range between $11.94 and $47.78.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $143.33, with prices ranging from $107.5 to $179.17.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $15.53, with a range between $12.54 and $17.92.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3.58 to $9.56, imported beer $7.17 to $11.94, cappuccino $3.58 to $8.36, and Coke/Pepsi $2.39 to $5.38.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $1.8 and $4.6 per liter, averaging $3.08.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $3.02 and $7.17, with an average price of $4.98.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $3.58 to $11.94, averaging $9.53.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $3.29 to $13.17 per kg, while oranges range from $5.27 to $13.14 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $2.39 and $7.9 per kg, and lettuce costs $2.39 to $11.94 per head.

Transportation

  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.62 and $2.35 per liter.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $11.94, with a cost of $3.82 to $11.13 per km and $17.92 to $89.58 per hour of waiting.
  • Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs between $35,833.69 and $41,805.97, while a Toyota Corolla ranges from $32,250.32 to $35,833.69.

Housing Costs

  • Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child - The cost for preschool ranges from $1,194.46 to $1,791.68, averaging $1,603.98.
  • International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child - Yearly tuition for international primary school ranges from $16,579.05 to $35,833.69, averaging $25,214.97.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $298.61 and $527.95, averaging $395.2.
  • Internet - Internet services range from $95.56 to $143.33, with an average cost of $111.26.
  • Mobile Phone Plan - A mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data costs between $83.61 and $179.17, averaging $101.99.

Cost of Living Data

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Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$29.86
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$143.33
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$15.53
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$7.76
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$8.96
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.81
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.91
Cappuccino (regular)
$6.64
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$3.08
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$4.98
Eggs (regular) (12)
$9.53
Local Cheese (1kg)
$12.86
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$2.79
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$23.89
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$3.98
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.28
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$13.14
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$14.85
Apples (1kg)
$10.37
Oranges (1kg)
$8.24
Potato (1kg)
$6.56
Lettuce (1 head)
$6.21
Rice (white), (1kg)
$5.87
Tomato (1kg)
$8.15
Banana (1kg)
$4.59
Onion (1kg)
$5.51
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$16.41
Transportation
Avg / Range
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.76
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$38,819.83
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$17.92
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$5.97
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$29.86
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$34,012.14
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$395.20
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$111.26
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$101.99
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$17.92
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$89.58
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$70.17
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$128.40
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$146.32
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
7.75%
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$1,603.98
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$25,214.97
South Sound Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

South Sound offers a high cost of living, particularly in dining and education. Housing and utilities are also significant expenses.

Transportation costs can vary, especially with car purchases and taxi fares. Grocery prices are relatively high, reflecting the island's import reliance.

For those planning to move, budgeting for higher-than-average expenses in dining, education, and utilities is essential.

Conclusion

Living in South Sound, Cayman Islands, comes with a premium price tag, reflecting its desirable location and lifestyle.

Prospective residents should prepare for substantial costs in dining, education, and utilities, while also considering the high transportation expenses.

Despite the costs, the quality of life and natural beauty of the Cayman Islands make it a sought-after destination for many.