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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Laborie 2024
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Cost of Living in Laborie

By Joshua Wood, LPC

William Russell
William Russell

Summary: If you're moving to Laborie, understanding the the cost of living in Laborie helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Category Details Cost
Apartment Rentals 1-bedroom apartment in city center EC$1,000 - EC$1,500 (US$370 - US$555)
1-bedroom apartment outside city center EC$800 - EC$1,200 (US$296 - US$444)
Apartment Purchases Price per square meter in city center EC$2,000 - EC$3,000 (US$740 - US$1,110)
Price per square meter outside city center EC$1,500 - EC$2,500 (US$555 - US$925)
Transportation One-way local transport ticket EC$2.50 (US$0.93)
Monthly transport pass EC$100 - EC$150 (US$37 - US$55)
Gasoline (1 liter) EC$3.50 (US$1.30)
Groceries Milk (1 liter) EC$5.50 (US$2.04)
Bread (500g) EC$3.50 (US$1.30)
Rice (1kg) EC$4.00 (US$1.48)
Chicken breasts (1kg) EC$20.00 (US$7.41)
Restaurants Meal at an inexpensive restaurant EC$20 - EC$30 (US$7.41 - US$11.11)
Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant EC$100 - EC$150 (US$37 - US$55)
Fast food meal (e.g., McDonald's) EC$20 (US$7.41)
Utilities Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment EC$250 - EC$400 (US$93 - US$148)
Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) EC$150 - EC$200 (US$55 - US$74)
Mobile call rate (per minute, no discounts or plans) EC$0.50 (US$0.19)
Private School Tuition Preschool (or Kindergarten) tuition, full day, private EC$3,000 - EC$6,000 per year (US$1,110 - US$2,220)
Elementary school tuition, private EC$6,000 - EC$12,000 per year (US$2,220 - US$4,440)
Middle school tuition, private EC$8,000 - EC$15,000 per year (US$2,960 - US$5,555)
High school tuition, private EC$10,000 - EC$20,000 per year (US$3,700 - US$7,410)
Please note that the costs provided are approximate and may vary depending on the specific location within Laborie. The costs are also subject to change due to inflation and other economic factors. It is always a good idea to research the current cost of living before making any decisions or commitments.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Laborie

"The cost of living in Laborie is considered moderate compared to other Caribbean islands. Housing and rental prices are relatively affordable, especially when compared to more tourist-heavy areas. The cost of groceries and dining out is also reasonable, with local markets and restaurants offering cheaper options. Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet are fairly priced, but can be considered high compared to average local wages. Transportation costs are also moderate, with affordable public transportation options available. However, owning and maintaining a car can be expensive due to high import taxes on vehicles. Healthcare is generally affordable, but it is recommended to have health insurance for more serious medical procedures or emergencies. Overall, while the cost of living is manageable, it is important to note that average local salaries may be lower than in more developed countries," said one expat living in Laborie.

Can I live in Laborie on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Laborie for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. For example, you might not be able to afford a luxurious apartment in the more upscale neighborhoods like Cap Estate or Rodney Bay. Instead, you should consider looking for a more modest place in areas like Vieux Fort or Micoud, which are more affordable and still offer a decent quality of life.One of the sacrifices you'll have to make is cutting back on dining out at fancy restaurants, as they can be quite expensive here. Instead, you can explore the local food scene, which is not only more affordable but also offers a great variety of delicious Caribbean dishes. You can also save money by cooking at home and shopping at local markets for fresh produce.Another thing to consider is transportation. Owning a car can be quite expensive due to import taxes and high gas prices. Instead, you can rely on public transportation, which is relatively cheap and efficient. You can also save money by walking or biking to nearby places.When it comes to entertainment, you might have to cut back on expensive activities like going to high-end resorts or taking guided tours. However, there are plenty of affordable or even free activities to enjoy, like hiking, visiting local beaches, or attending community events.In terms of healthcare, you should be prepared to pay out-of-pocket for most medical expenses, as public healthcare can be limited and private healthcare can be costly. It's a good idea to have some savings set aside for emergencies or consider purchasing a health insurance plan that covers you while living abroad.Overall, living in Laborie, Saint Lucia on $1,500 a month is doable, but you'll have to be mindful of your spending and be willing to make some sacrifices. By living in a more affordable neighborhood, cutting back on dining out, and finding cost-effective ways to enjoy your time, you can make it work and still enjoy the beautiful island life," commented an expat living in Laborie.

Can I live in Laborie on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Laborie for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. However, there are some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll need to find affordable housing. I recommend looking for a place in the more residential areas of Laborie, such as Augier or Banse. These neighborhoods are more affordable compared to the more touristy areas like La Pointe or the beachfront. You can find a decent 2-bedroom apartment for around $600-$800 per month in these areas.When it comes to utilities, you can expect to pay around $100-$150 for electricity, water, and gas. Internet and cable TV packages can range from $50-$100 per month, depending on the provider and the plan you choose. I suggest going for a basic package to save some money.Groceries can be a bit expensive in Saint Lucia, especially if you're looking for imported products. To save money, I recommend shopping at the local markets and buying fresh produce, as well as sticking to local brands. You can expect to spend around $300-$400 per month on groceries if you're careful with your spending.Eating out can also be quite affordable if you stick to local restaurants and street food vendors. A meal at a local restaurant can cost around $10-$15, while street food can be as cheap as $3-$5. Of course, if you want to dine at more upscale restaurants, you'll have to be prepared to spend more.Transportation is relatively cheap in Laborie. You can either use the local buses, which cost around $1-$2 per ride, or rent a car for around $500-$600 per month. If you're planning to explore the island, I recommend renting a car, as it gives you more freedom and flexibility.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of affordable options in Laborie and the surrounding areas. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches, go hiking in the nearby rainforest, or explore the local culture and history. Most of these activities are either free or very affordable.In summary, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Laborie, Saint Lucia is possible if you're willing to make some sacrifices and be mindful of your spending. By choosing affordable housing, shopping smartly, and enjoying the local culture and natural beauty, you can have a great experience without breaking the bank," said one expat living in Laborie.

Can I live in Laborie on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Laborie for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. However, there might be some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll want to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. Laborie itself is a relatively small village, so you won't find a huge difference in prices between neighborhoods. However, you might want to avoid the more touristy areas, as they tend to be more expensive. Instead, consider looking for a place in the more residential areas, where you'll find more locals and lower prices.When it comes to utilities and other monthly expenses, you'll find that they're generally quite affordable in Laborie. However, you might have to make some sacrifices when it comes to certain modern amenities. For example, high-speed internet might not be as readily available or as fast as you're used to, and you might have to pay a bit more for it. Additionally, while you'll find most of the basic amenities you need in Laborie, you might have to travel to the larger town of Vieux Fort for certain items or services.In terms of transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive in Saint Lucia due to import taxes and the cost of fuel. You might want to consider using public transportation or renting a car when necessary to save on costs. The local bus system is quite affordable and can get you to most places on the island.Eating out can also be a bit pricey, especially if you're used to dining at high-end restaurants. However, there are plenty of local eateries and roadside food stands where you can enjoy delicious and affordable meals. You might also want to consider cooking at home more often, as groceries are generally quite affordable in Laborie.Overall, living in Laborie on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, but you'll have to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices when it comes to certain modern amenities. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, and eating at local establishments, you'll be able to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while staying within your budget," commented an expat living in Laborie.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


William Russell
William Russell

William Russell
William Russell

SJB Global
SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

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