St Lucia, a beautiful island nation in the Caribbean, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocation or extended stay.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, 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 $5.55 on average.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $50.45, with prices ranging from $25.9 to $75.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $7.7, with a range between $7.4 and $8.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer averages $2.43, imported beer $3.61, cappuccino $2.74, and Coke/Pepsi $0.96.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced at $1.96 per liter on average.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs $0.93 on average.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs average $2.94, with prices ranging from $2.22 to $3.66.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $4.89 per kg, while oranges average $2.45 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced at $8.16 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.93 per head.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $0.65 on average.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $259.01, with a range from $185.01 to $333.02.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $351.52, ranging from $222.01 to $555.03.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment outside the centre averages $832.55, with prices between $740.04 and $925.05.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost $111.01 on average.
  • Internet - Internet services average $55.5.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 8 user contributions, as of the most recent update in August, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$5.55
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$50.45
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$7.70
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.43
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.61
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.96
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.69
Cappuccino (regular)
$2.74
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.96
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$0.93
Eggs (regular) (12)
$2.94
Local Cheese (1kg)
$11.10
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.81
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$10.73
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.85
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.22
Apples (1kg)
$4.89
Oranges (1kg)
$2.45
Potato (1kg)
$8.16
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.93
Rice (white), (1kg)
$0.97
Tomato (1kg)
$4.08
Banana (1kg)
$1.63
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.65
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$259.01
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$351.52
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$832.55
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$111.01
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$55.50
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$44.40
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$46.25
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$8.33
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$22.20
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$55.50
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$83.25
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$111.01
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$925.05
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$148.01
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$8,510.48
St Lucia Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

St Lucia offers a relatively affordable cost of living, especially in terms of housing and dining.

While some grocery items like potatoes can be pricey, overall food costs remain manageable.

Transportation is inexpensive, making it easy to get around the island without a significant financial burden.

Conclusion

In conclusion, St Lucia presents a cost-effective living environment with affordable housing and dining options.

Potential residents can enjoy the island's natural beauty and vibrant culture without breaking the bank, making it an attractive destination for both short-term and long-term stays.