If you are looking to relocate to the Caribbean, St Lucia’s laid-back lifestyle and optimal climate have made it an ideal option for foreigners. Knowing the cost of living in St Lucia will help you maximize your Caribbean experience on this island. This article provides comprehensive information on everyday expenses, including groceries and utilities.
An Overview of St Lucia's Cost of Living
The average monthly expenses, including rent, for single persons and families living in St Lucia are reasonable compared to the UK and the US. The estimated monthly costs of living is under $400 for a single person, excluding rent and additional expenses like health insurance.
Groceries, especially locally produced goods, are cheap. Food items such as bananas, onions, and avocados are grown on the island. If you’re wondering, ‘Is St Lucia expensive for dining out?’ A typical dinner for two at mid-range restaurants costs about $55, which is cheaper than in the US at $75.
Most estimates suggest that living expenses in St Lucia are around $1,500 to $2,500 per month for an individual and between $2,500 and $4,000 per month for a family of four. Naturally, your cost of living in St Lucia will vary based on your lifestyle, including vehicle ownership, participation in activities like golfing, and other factors.
The Cost of Groceries in St Lucia
You can buy groceries in local markets at a relatively low cost in St Lucia by consuming locally produced goods. Products produced in St Lucia include rice, fresh white bread, fruits, and vegetables, which are, on average, cheaper than in the USA. However, St Lucia food prices for imported products like milk are more expensive than in the United States.
Here are the average prices for everyday food products in St Lucia vs the United States:
Item St Lucia United States Eggs (12 regular) $3.63 $3.66 White rice (1kg) $1.81 $4.58 Fresh white bread (500g) $1.37 $3.57 Bananas (1kg) $1.54 $1.68 Potatoes (1kg) $4.22 $3.02 Beef (1kg) $14.09 $16.02
Cheese (1kg) $9.72 $12.87 Chicken (1kg) $10.36 $12.04
Dining Out in St Lucia
St Lucia is one of the best Caribbean countries for retirees to live due to its dine out options. The average price to eat in restaurants in popular towns like Rodney Bay is cheap compared to the USA and many European countries.
St Lucia prices for a simple meal in an inexpensive restaurant cost about $7 to $8 on average, while a three-course two-person dinner in a mid-range restaurant costs about $55, compared to $75 in the USA. A combo meal at Burger King or an equivalent fast food restaurant costs $7.40 on average.
Even with the high import charges on items like vehicles and electronics, retirees in St Lucia enjoy reasonably priced imported beers and wine in restaurants. Imported beer at restaurants costs about $2 to $3, whereas in the United States, it’s around $7. Domestic beers are cheap and priced under $3 on average.
Take a look at our St Lucia Citizenship Ultimate Guide
St Lucia Healthcare Costs
St Lucia’s healthcare system provides free medical treatment for citizens and permanent residents. In terms of private health services, the island is one of the most cost-effective in the Caribbean. Retirees living in St Lucia can see a private doctor for about EC$126 ($47). International health insurance companies like Allianz, Cigna Global Health, and Clements Worldwide provide comprehensive healthcare policies for $200 to $400 to St Lucian residents based on individual circumstances.
St Lucia Transportation Costs
Taxis and buses have significantly lower prices than in the USA. Taxis are considered the convenient way to travel across the island. The average price to travel one hour is $18.50 compared to $30 in the US. A one-way ticket on St Lucia public transportation costs just $1.11, compared to the US average cost of $2.50.
Like other Caribbean countries, purchasing a vehicle in St Lucia, such as a Total Corolla Sedan or the equivalent new car, is more expensive than in the USA. Import taxes include an import duty, excise tax, and service charge. Total import duties range from 60.5 to 125 percent of the vehicles, depending on it’s age and engine size.
St Lucia Real Estate Costs
Renting in St Lucia
As one of the most affordable developed countries in the Caribbean, monthly rent in St Lucia is affordable. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is $510, and outside the city center, it is $340.
Centrally located three-bedroom apartments cost an average of $890 per month, much lower than the average rent in other Caribbean states and the USA, which is $2,940. Outside the city center, monthly rents are much cheaper at $650.
St Lucia real estate prices
Foreign nationals considering moving to the Caribbean can purchase St Lucia real estate shares for as little as $300,000 to qualify for the country’s Caribbean citizenship program. St Lucia is a popular retirement destination for Americans due to its affordable real estate prices and the opportunity to obtain citizenship through several investment options, including buying property.
Real estate firms operating in St Lucia, such as St Lucia Homes and 7th Heaven Properties, offer two-story houses in Soufriere for $223,000 and one-bedroom suites in luxury resorts Cap Estate for $395,000.
St Lucia Study Costs
Saint Lucia provides free and compulsory primary and secondary education for children up to the age of 15. The University of the West Indies Distance Education Centre is the island’s primary university. Depending on the school and course, studying costs between $4,000 to $10,000 per semester.
Tuition fees at St Lucia’s University of the Southern Caribbean begin at $832.00 per credit for international and non-CARICOM students. The registration fee is $1,230 for the first and second semesters, and $1,005 for the third semester.
The Cost of Living in St Lucia vs the USA
The cost of living in Saint Lucia is lower than in the USA for both a single person and a family of four, including monthly rent, housing prices, and daily expenses. Here is a comparison of the differences in the cost of living between both countries, according to the last update by the cost-of-living index, Numbeo.
- Monthly rent prices are 72.3 percent lower in St Lucia than in the USA
- Restaurant prices are 46.3 percent lower in St Lucia than in the USA
- Groceries prices are 5.7 percent lower in St Lucia than in the USA
St Lucia taxes are more advantageous compared to those in the USA. The country does not levy taxes on worldwide income, capital gains, wealth, or inheritances.
St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Cost
The St Lucia Citizenship by Investment program allows foreign investors to obtain Caribbean citizenship and a St Lucia passport by making a minimum contribution of $240,000 to the island’s National Economic Fund (NEF), purchasing real estate worth at least $300,000, or investing $250,000 into a business. Obtaining citizenship takes 10 to 12 months.
St Lucia offers one of the most affordable investment programs for families. The $240,000 donation option qualifies up to three family members to obtain citizenship alongside a principal applicant.
Compare St Lucia vs Dominica Citizenship in our detailed comparison Guide
Frequently Asked Questions about Saint Lucia's Cost of Living
To answer the question, “Is St Lucia very expensive?” While certain items, such as imported cars and electronics, may be expensive in Saint Lucia, the overall cost of living is relatively low. Compared to the United States and the United Kingdom, rent, property prices, eating out, and groceries are cheaper.
The estimated monthly costs of living in St Lucia are cheaper than in the UK. Food prices in both countries are relatively even but rent prices in St Lucia are lower.
To retire in St Lucia, you must invest at least $240,000 in the country’s economy. Additionally, you’ll need a monthly budget of around $1,500 to $3,000 to cover health and housing expenses.
The monthly budget needed to live in St Lucia depends on your lifestyle, personal circumstances, and where you choose to live. Generally, the estimated costs for a single person would be around $1,500, whereas the estimated cost of living in St Lucia per month for a family of four would be around $3,500. You’ll need to consider additional needs such as private healthcare, a monthly pass for a gym, and other expenses to accurately determine what you’d need in USD to live comfortably in St Lucia.
Affordable utility rates contribute to the overall low cost of living in St Lucia. Numbeo reports that utilities in a typical 85-square-meter apartment, covering heating, electricity, gas, and garbage collection, cost nearly half as much as in the USA: $115 versus $205, respectively.
While the overall St Lucia cost of living may be lower than the USA in terms of taxes, utilities, and some consumer goods, expats should be aware of costs such as private healthcare, import duties, transportation, St Lucia banking fees, and fuel, which can significantly add to personal expenses.
