Portsmouth, a vibrant city in Dominica, offers a unique blend of cultural richness and natural beauty. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both residents and potential newcomers.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Portsmouth, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $5.55 on average.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $55.5.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $6.66.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer averages $2.59, imported beer $3.7, cappuccino $2.59, and Coke/Pepsi $2.22.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced at $2.78 per liter.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs $2.22.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs average $6.66.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $7.4 per kg, while oranges are $4.08 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced at $2.86 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.85 per head.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $0.74.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3.7, with a cost of $3.7 per km.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $259.01 to $837.89, averaging $464.31.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $222.01 to $634.77, averaging $428.39.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $666.04 to $1269.53, averaging $967.78.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $629.04 to $1015.63, averaging $822.33.

Utilities

  • Internet - Internet services average $64.75.
  • Mobile Phone Plan - A mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data costs $40.7.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 3 user contributions, as of the most recent update in March, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$5.55
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$55.50
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$6.66
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.59
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.70
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.22
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.85
Cappuccino (regular)
$2.59
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$2.78
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$2.22
Eggs (regular) (12)
$6.66
Local Cheese (1kg)
$2.59
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.85
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$11.10
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.85
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.59
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$5.55
Apples (1kg)
$7.40
Oranges (1kg)
$4.08
Potato (1kg)
$2.86
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.85
Rice (white), (1kg)
$2.04
Tomato (1kg)
$4.08
Banana (1kg)
$2.59
Onion (1kg)
$2.86
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.74
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.70
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$3.70
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$464.31
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$428.39
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$967.78
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$822.33
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$64.75
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$40.70
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$37.00
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$11.10
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$55.50
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$24.05
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$55.50
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$66.60
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$629.04
Portsmouth Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Portsmouth offers a relatively affordable cost of living, especially in terms of dining and transportation.

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

Grocery prices are moderate, but items like eggs and apples are on the higher end.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Portsmouth, Dominica, presents a balanced cost of living with affordable dining and transportation options.

While housing in the city centre can be pricey, options outside the centre offer more budget-friendly alternatives.

Overall, Portsmouth is an attractive option for those seeking a blend of affordability and quality of life.