Marigot, the capital of the French side of the island of Saint Martin, offers a unique blend of Caribbean charm and French sophistication. Understanding the cost of living in Marigot is crucial for anyone considering relocating or visiting this picturesque locale.

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 $20.86 on average.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10.43.
  • Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) - Domestic beer is priced at $2.09.
  • Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) - Imported beer costs $2.09.
  • Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) - A bottle of Coke or Pepsi is priced at $2.09.
  • Water (0.33 liter bottle) - A small bottle of water costs $1.56.
  • Cappuccino - A regular cappuccino is priced at $3.13.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced at $2.61 per liter.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs $2.03.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs are priced at $4.17.
  • Local Cheese (1kg) - Local cheese costs $4.17 per kg.
  • Water (1.5 liter bottle) - A 1.5 liter bottle of water costs between $1.3 and $1.57, averaging $1.44.
  • Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) - A mid-range bottle of wine is priced at $8.34.
  • Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) - A bottle of domestic beer costs between $1.9 and $2.09, averaging $1.99.
  • Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) - Imported beer is priced at $2.09.
  • Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) - A pack of Marlboro cigarettes costs between $2.61 and $18.77, averaging $10.69.
  • Chicken Fillets (1kg) - Chicken fillets are priced at $4.17 per kg.
  • Apples (1kg) - Apples cost between $3.65 and $3.91, averaging $3.78 per kg.
  • Oranges (1kg) - Oranges are priced between $1.88 and $3.65, averaging $2.76 per kg.
  • Potato (1kg) - Potatoes cost between $1.83 and $3.13, averaging $2.48 per kg.
  • Lettuce (1 head) - A head of lettuce costs $3.13.
  • Tomato (1kg) - Tomatoes are priced between $3.13 and $3.65, averaging $3.39 per kg.
  • Banana (1kg) - Bananas cost between $1.56 and $3.65, averaging $2.61 per kg.
  • Onion (1kg) - Onions are priced at $2.61 per kg.
  • Beef Round (1kg) - Beef round or equivalent red meat costs $13.56 per kg.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $2.09.
  • Monthly Pass - A monthly pass for public transport is priced at $83.44.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced at $1.25 per liter.
  • Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) - The starting fare for a taxi is $5.21.
  • Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) - The cost per kilometer in a taxi is $5.21.
  • Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) - The cost for an hour of waiting in a taxi is $5.21.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $782.23.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $625.78.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1460.16.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $1042.97.

Utilities

  • Internet - Internet services cost $41.72 for 60 Mbps or more, unlimited data.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 4 user contributions, as of the most recent update in May, 2023.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$20.86
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$10.43
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.09
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.09
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.09
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.56
Cappuccino (regular)
$3.13
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$2.61
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$2.03
Eggs (regular) (12)
$4.17
Local Cheese (1kg)
$4.17
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.44
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$8.34
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.99
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.09
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$10.69
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$4.17
Apples (1kg)
$3.78
Oranges (1kg)
$2.76
Potato (1kg)
$2.48
Lettuce (1 head)
$3.13
Tomato (1kg)
$3.39
Banana (1kg)
$2.61
Onion (1kg)
$2.61
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$13.56
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$2.09
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$83.44
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.25
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$16,687.56
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$5.21
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$5.21
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$5.21
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$13,558.64
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$782.23
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$625.78
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$1,460.16
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$1,042.97
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$41.72
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$62.58
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$20.86
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$15.64
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$62.58
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$41.72
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$73.01
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$62.58
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$2,330.05
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
5%
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$625.78
Marigot Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Marigot offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many other Caribbean destinations, particularly in terms of housing and dining.

Transportation costs are moderate, with public transport and fuel prices being reasonable.

Grocery prices vary, with some items like beef and cheese being more expensive, while others like bananas and potatoes are more affordable.

Utilities, especially internet services, are reasonably priced, making it easier to manage monthly expenses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Marigot presents a balanced cost of living, making it an attractive option for those looking to enjoy a Caribbean lifestyle without the high expenses often associated with island living.

Whether you're planning a short visit or considering a longer stay, understanding these costs will help you budget effectively and make the most of your time in this beautiful part of Sint Maarten.