Cost of living in Simpson Bay

Simpson Bay, located in the picturesque Sint Maarten, is a vibrant area known for its beautiful beaches and lively atmosphere. 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 the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you budget effectively for life in Simpson Bay.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $20 on average, with a range between $18 and $25.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $130, with prices ranging from $120 to $140.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $12.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4 to $6, imported beer is $4, cappuccino $3 to $5, and Coke/Pepsi $3.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $2.5 and $4 per liter, averaging $3.25.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1 and $4, with an average price of $2.67.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.8 to $4.8, averaging $3.53.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.5 to $5 per kg, while oranges range from $3 to $5 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $2 and $4 per kg, and lettuce costs $2 to $3 per head.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $1 and $1.25.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.1 and $1.69 per liter.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $10.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1200.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $900.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $3000.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2000 to $3500, averaging $2750.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $255 and $615.52, averaging $435.26.
  • Internet - Internet services range from $100 to $160, with an average cost of $130.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 5 user contributions, as of the most recent update in March, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$20.00
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$130.00
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$12.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$5.00
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.00
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.00
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.50
Cappuccino (regular)
$4.00
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$3.25
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$2.67
Eggs (regular) (12)
$3.53
Local Cheese (1kg)
$10.50
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.60
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$8.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.64
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.50
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$11.00
Apples (1kg)
$3.67
Oranges (1kg)
$4.00
Potato (1kg)
$3.33
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.67
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.87
Tomato (1kg)
$3.67
Banana (1kg)
$2.50
Onion (1kg)
$2.50
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$14.67
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$1.13
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.39
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$25,000.00
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$10.00
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$25,000.00
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$1,200.00
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$900.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$3,000.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$2,750.00
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$435.26
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$130.00
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$30.00
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$50.00
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$9.00
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$70.00
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$100.00
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$100.00
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,000.00
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
7%
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$300.00
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$9,250.00
OverviewJob Market
Simpson Bay Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Simpson Bay offers a mix of affordable and premium living options, with dining and grocery prices reflecting a moderate cost of living.

Housing costs can be significant, especially for larger apartments in the city centre, but more affordable options exist outside the centre.

Transportation is relatively inexpensive, with affordable public transport and fuel prices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Simpson Bay presents a balanced cost of living with opportunities for both affordable and luxurious lifestyles.

Prospective residents should consider their housing preferences and dining habits when budgeting for life in this vibrant area.

Overall, Simpson Bay offers a unique blend of Caribbean charm and modern amenities, making it an attractive destination for many.

Simpson Bay

Nearby Cities

Philipsburg5 miles
Basseterre57 miles
Road Town102 miles
All cities in Sint Maarten