Saint-Denis, the capital of Reunion, is a vibrant city known for its cultural diversity and scenic beauty. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone planning to move or visit.

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

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $12.96 on average, with a range between $4.23 and $21.16.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $52.89.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $19.04, with a range between $16.93 and $21.16.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer averages $7.4, imported beer $3.17, cappuccino $3.42, and Coke/Pepsi $2.91.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced at $1.06 per liter.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $3.17 to $4.44, averaging $3.81.
  • Cheese (Local, 1kg) - Local cheese costs $10.58 per kg.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges, Bananas) - Apples and oranges are priced at $2.64 per kg, while bananas cost $2.12 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Lettuce, Tomatoes, Onions) - Lettuce costs between $0.9 and $2.12 per head, tomatoes $2.12 per kg, and onions $2.29 per kg.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.8 and $2.12.
  • Monthly Pass - A monthly pass for public transport is priced between $37.02 and $40.2.
  • Car Purchase (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Corolla) - A Volkswagen Golf costs $29,619.57, while a Toyota Corolla is priced at $30,148.49.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $502.47 to $899.17, averaging $700.82.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $423.14 to $740.49, averaging $564.18.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $74.93 and $116.89, averaging $95.91.
  • Internet - Internet services range from $60.3 to $63.47, with an average cost of $61.88.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 17 user contributions, as of the most recent update in May, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$12.96
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$52.89
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$19.04
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$7.40
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.17
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.91
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.12
Cappuccino (regular)
$3.42
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.06
Eggs (regular) (12)
$3.81
Local Cheese (1kg)
$10.58
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.63
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$4.23
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.48
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$11.64
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$12.59
Apples (1kg)
$2.64
Oranges (1kg)
$2.64
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.51
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.73
Tomato (1kg)
$2.12
Banana (1kg)
$2.12
Onion (1kg)
$2.29
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$10.58
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.80
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$38.61
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$29,619.57
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$30,148.49
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$700.82
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$564.18
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$95.91
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$61.88
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$31.73
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$14.28
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$10.58
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$63.47
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,974.64
Saint-Denis Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Saint-Denis offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many urban centers, with reasonable prices for dining and groceries.

Housing costs are moderate, especially outside the city centre, making it a viable option for those looking to save on rent.

Transportation is economical, with affordable public transport options and competitive car prices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Saint-Denis provides a balanced cost of living with affordable dining, grocery, and transportation options.

While housing in the city centre can be pricier, options outside the centre offer significant savings.

Overall, Saint-Denis is an attractive destination for those seeking a cost-effective lifestyle in a culturally rich environment.