Saint-Leu, located on the picturesque island of Reunion, offers a unique blend of cultural richness and natural beauty. 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 expenses, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you make informed financial decisions.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant typically costs $26.45.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $84.63.
  • Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) - A domestic beer costs approximately $7.40.
  • Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) - An imported beer is priced at $5.29.
  • Water (0.33 liter bottle) - A small bottle of water costs $1.06.
  • Cappuccino - A regular cappuccino is priced at $2.64.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced at $1.06 per liter.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs $1.17.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs are priced at $4.23.
  • Local Cheese (1kg) - Local cheese costs $21.16 per kg.
  • Water (1.5 liter bottle) - A 1.5 liter bottle of water is priced at $0.79.
  • Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) - A mid-range bottle of wine costs $5.29.
  • Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) - A domestic beer bottle costs $1.59.
  • Cigarettes (20 Pack, Marlboro) - A pack of Marlboro cigarettes costs $13.75.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $3.17 per kg, while oranges are priced at $2.12 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Tomatoes) - Potatoes and tomatoes are priced at $2.12 and $3.17 per kg, respectively.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $2.12.
  • Monthly Pass - A monthly pass for public transport is priced at $42.31.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline costs between $1.15 and $1.80 per liter, averaging $1.48.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1057.84.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $740.49.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1904.12.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $1269.41.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost $89.92.
  • Internet - Internet services cost $31.74.
  • Mobile Phone Plan - A mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data costs $9.52.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 2 user contributions, as of the most recent update in September, 2023.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$26.45
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$84.63
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$7.40
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.29
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.06
Cappuccino (regular)
$2.64
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.06
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$1.17
Eggs (regular) (12)
$4.23
Local Cheese (1kg)
$21.16
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.79
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$5.29
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.59
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$13.75
Apples (1kg)
$3.17
Oranges (1kg)
$2.12
Potato (1kg)
$2.12
Rice (white), (1kg)
$2.12
Tomato (1kg)
$3.17
Banana (1kg)
$1.59
Onion (1kg)
$2.12
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$2.12
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$42.31
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.48
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$1,057.84
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$740.49
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$1,904.12
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$1,269.41
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$89.92
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$31.74
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$9.52
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$31.74
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$9.52
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,904.12
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
4%
Saint-Leu Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Saint-Leu offers a relatively high cost of living, particularly in dining and housing. However, transportation and utilities are more affordable.

To save money, consider living outside the city centre and utilizing public transportation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Saint-Leu presents a unique living experience with its blend of cultural and natural attractions. While the cost of living can be high, especially in dining and housing, strategic choices such as living outside the city centre can help manage expenses.

Potential residents should weigh these costs against the benefits of living in such a vibrant and scenic location.