Vieux Fort, Saint LuciaCost of Living in Vieux Fort
Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Vieux Fort helps a newcomer 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 local 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$4.50 (US$1.67) | |
| Chicken breasts (1kg) | EC$20 (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$200 (US$37 - US$74) | |
| Fast food meal (e.g., McDonald's) | EC$15 - EC$25 (US$5.56 - US$9.26) | |
| Utilities | Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment | EC$200 - EC$400 (US$74 - US$148) |
| Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) | EC$150 - EC$250 (US$55 - US$93) | |
| Mobile call rate (per minute, no discounts or plans) | EC$0.50 (US$0.19) | |
| Private School Tuition | Preschool (monthly) | EC$400 - EC$800 (US$148 - US$296) |
| Elementary School (annual) | EC$4,000 - EC$8,000 (US$1,480 - US$2,960) | |
| Middle School (annual) | EC$5,000 - EC$10,000 (US$1,850 - US$3,700) | |
| High School (annual) | EC$6,000 - EC$12,000 (US$2,220 - US$4,440) |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Vieux Fort
"The cost of living in Vieux Fort is considered moderate. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite affordable, while outside the city center, it is even cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is also relatively low. Groceries in Vieux Fort are reasonably priced, with local markets offering fresh produce at lower costs. Dining out in inexpensive restaurants is quite affordable, while a three-course meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant can be a bit more expensive. Transportation costs are also moderate, with a one-way ticket on local transport being quite cheap. Gasoline prices are a bit high, but owning and maintaining a car is still within reach for many residents. Healthcare in Vieux Fort is generally affordable, with private health insurance being an option for those who prefer it. Overall, while the cost of living in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia is not the cheapest, it is still quite manageable for both locals and expats," said one expat living in Vieux Fort.
Can I live in Vieux Fort on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Vieux Fort for a while now, and I can tell you that it is possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you will have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. I recommend looking for a rental in neighborhoods like La Resource, Pierrot, or Grace. These areas are more budget-friendly and still offer decent living conditions. You might have to settle for a smaller apartment or a shared living situation to keep your housing costs low.When it comes to utilities, you'll need to be mindful of your usage. Electricity can be expensive here, so try to use energy-efficient appliances and be conscious of turning off lights and electronics when not in use. Water is also a precious resource, so be conservative with your usage.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Public transportation is relatively cheap, and you can get around Vieux Fort and the surrounding areas easily by bus or shared taxi. Owning a car can be expensive due to the cost of gas and maintenance, so I'd recommend relying on public transportation as much as possible.Groceries can be affordable if you shop at local markets and buy fresh produce, meats, and fish. Imported goods can be pricey, so try to stick to local products as much as possible. Eating out can also add up quickly, so I'd recommend cooking at home most of the time and treating yourself to a meal out occasionally.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options in Vieux Fort. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches, go for hikes, or explore the local culture and history. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive activities like scuba diving, boat tours, or frequent trips to other parts of the island.In conclusion, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being conscious of your utility usage, relying on public transportation, shopping locally, and enjoying low-cost leisure activities, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Vieux Fort.
Can I live in Vieux Fort on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Vieux Fort 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 might have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll need to choose an affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more affordable areas in Vieux Fort include Cedar Heights and La Resource. These neighborhoods offer a mix of local and expat communities, and you can find decent housing options at reasonable prices. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Cap Estate or Rodney Bay, as the cost of living there can be significantly higher.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to import taxes and high fuel prices. Instead, consider using public transportation or even renting a scooter to get around. This will not only save you money but also give you a chance to experience the local culture more authentically.Eating out can also be a significant expense, especially if you're used to dining at high-end restaurants. To save money, try eating at local eateries or cooking at home using fresh produce from the local markets. This will not only help you stay within your budget but also allow you to enjoy the delicious local cuisine.Another sacrifice you might have to make is in terms of entertainment and leisure activities. While there are plenty of things to do in Vieux Fort, some activities can be quite expensive, such as golfing or going on guided tours. Instead, consider exploring the island's natural beauty by hiking, snorkeling, or visiting the many beautiful beaches.Lastly, you might need to adjust your expectations when it comes to the quality of certain services and infrastructure. While Vieux Fort has modern amenities, it's important to remember that it's still a developing country, and things might not always work as efficiently as you're used to.Overall, living in Vieux Fort on $3,000 a month is definitely doable, but it requires some adjustments and sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, eating local cuisine, and enjoying low-cost leisure activities, you can live comfortably and enjoy the beautiful island of Saint Lucia," said one expat living in Vieux Fort.
Can I live in Vieux Fort on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Vieux Fort 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 consider the neighborhood you choose to live in. Some of the more affordable neighborhoods in Vieux Fort include La Resource, Pierrot, and Grace. These areas offer a mix of local and expat communities, and you can find decent housing options at reasonable prices. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Moule-a-Chique or Cedar Heights, as the cost of living there can be significantly higher.When it comes to housing, you can find a comfortable apartment or house for around $1,000 to $2,000 a month, depending on the size and location. Keep in mind that utilities like electricity and water can be a bit expensive, so you'll want to factor that into your budget as well.As for transportation, owning a car can be quite costly due to import taxes and high gas prices. Instead, you might want to consider using public transportation or renting a car when necessary. The local bus system is quite affordable and can get you around Vieux Fort and other parts of the island.Groceries and eating out can also add up, so you'll want to be mindful of your spending in this area. Shopping at local markets and cooking at home can help you save money, but you can still enjoy the occasional meal out at one of the many delicious local restaurants.In terms of entertainment and activities, there are plenty of affordable options to enjoy on the island. You can explore the beautiful beaches, hike the Pitons, or visit the Sulphur Springs, all without breaking the bank. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive activities like scuba diving or sailing trips to stay within your budget.Overall, living in Vieux Fort on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in certain areas. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being conscious of your transportation and food expenses, and enjoying the many low-cost activities the island has to offer, you can live comfortably and enjoy your time in Saint Lucia," commented an expat living in Vieux Fort.
About the Author
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.
Additional Information:
