Basseterre, the capital of Saint Kitts and Nevis, is a vibrant city known for its rich history and beautiful landscapes. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both potential residents and visitors.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Basseterre, 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 $20.35 on average, with a range between $5 and $27.75.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $92.51.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $13.98, with a range between $12.95 and $15.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.85 to $4, imported beer $3.7 to $5, cappuccino $3.7, and Coke/Pepsi $1.85 to $2.22.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $1.67 and $5.55 per liter, averaging $3.22.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $3.7 and $4.08, with an average price of $3.94.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $4.44 to $6.66, averaging $5.48.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.22 to $4.44 per kg, while oranges average $1.85 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.11 and $2.22 per kg, and lettuce costs $2.22 to $5.9 per head.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $1.85 and $2.59.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $20.35.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre is $700.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $650.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre is $5000.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter is $4000.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost $100 on average.
  • Mobile Phone Plan - A mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data costs between $37 and $47, averaging $40.33.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 13 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$20.35
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$92.51
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$13.98
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.22
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.70
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.10
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.41
Cappuccino (regular)
$3.70
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$3.22
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$3.94
Eggs (regular) (12)
$5.48
Local Cheese (1kg)
$11.01
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.57
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$18.50
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.29
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.33
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$5.55
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$11.35
Apples (1kg)
$3.33
Oranges (1kg)
$1.85
Potato (1kg)
$1.66
Lettuce (1 head)
$4.06
Rice (white), (1kg)
$3.33
Tomato (1kg)
$2.58
Banana (1kg)
$3.07
Onion (1kg)
$1.67
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$4.81
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$2.22
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$20.35
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$700.00
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$650.00
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$100.00
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$40.33
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$5.92
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$88.81
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$129.51
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$5,000.00
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$4,000.00
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,110.06
Basseterre Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Basseterre offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many urban centers, with moderate prices for dining and groceries.

Housing costs are reasonable, especially for those looking to rent outside the city centre.

Transportation is economical, with affordable public transport and taxi services.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Basseterre provides a balanced cost of living, making it an attractive option for those seeking a blend of affordability and quality of life.

Whether you're planning to move or visit, understanding these costs can help you budget effectively and enjoy all that this charming city has to offer.