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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Le Francois 2024
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Cost of Living in Le Francois

By Betsy Burlingame

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Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Le Francois helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Category Cost
Apartment Rentals
  • 1-bedroom apartment in city center: €500 - €700 per month
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: €400 - €600 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment in city center: €800 - €1,200 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: €700 - €1,000 per month
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square meter in city center: €2,000 - €3,000
  • Price per square meter outside city center: €1,500 - €2,500
Transportation
  • One-way local transport ticket: €1.50
  • Monthly local transport pass: €40 - €60
  • Taxi starting tariff: €5
  • Taxi 1 km tariff: €1.50 - €2.00
  • Gasoline (1 liter): €1.40 - €1.60
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): €1.00 - €1.50
  • Bread (500g): €1.00 - €2.00
  • Rice (1 kg): €1.50 - €2.50
  • Eggs (12): €2.50 - €4.00
  • Cheese (1 kg): €10.00 - €18.00
  • Chicken breasts (1 kg): €7.00 - €12.00
  • Beef round (1 kg): €12.00 - €18.00
  • Apples (1 kg): €2.00 - €3.50
  • Bananas (1 kg): €1.00 - €2.00
  • Oranges (1 kg): €1.50 - €2.50
  • Tomatoes (1 kg): €1.50 - €3.00
  • Potatoes (1 kg): €1.00 - €2.00
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): €0.50 - €1.00
  • Bottle of wine (mid-range): €5.00 - €10.00
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter bottle): €1.00 - €2.00
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): €1.50 - €3.00
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: €10.00 - €15.00
  • Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: €40.00 - €60.00
  • McMeal at McDonald's: €7.00 - €9.00
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): €2.00 - €4.00
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): €3.00 - €5.00
  • Cappuccino: €1.50 - €3.00
  • Coke/Pepsi (0.33-liter bottle): €1.50 - €2.50
  • Water (0.33-liter bottle): €1.00 - €2.00
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment: €100 - €200 per month
  • 1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans): €0.10 - €0.30
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): €30 - €50 per month
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool: €300 - €500 per month
  • Elementary School: €400 - €700 per month
  • Middle School: €500 - €800 per month
  • High School: €600 - €1,000 per month
Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on various factors such as location, time of the year, and individual preferences. It is always recommended to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Le Francois

"The cost of living in Le Francois is considered moderate. Rent prices are relatively affordable compared to other cities, especially for single-bedroom apartments in the city center. The cost of groceries and dining out is also reasonable, with local markets offering fresh produce at lower prices. Utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and internet are also moderately priced. However, transportation costs can be a bit high, especially for private taxis. Health care is generally affordable, but it's advisable to have health insurance. Overall, the cost of living in Le Francois, Martinique is manageable for both locals and expats," said one expat living in Le Francois.

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

"I've been living in Le Francois 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. First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. I recommend looking for apartments in neighborhoods like La Pointe des Grives or La Trinité, where you can find more budget-friendly options. Avoid areas like La Pointe Faula or La Pointe Marin, as they tend to be more expensive due to their proximity to the beach and tourist attractions.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on food and entertainment. Eating out can be quite expensive here, so I suggest cooking at home as much as possible and shopping at local markets for fresh produce. When you do go out, try to stick to more affordable local restaurants rather than high-end establishments.Transportation can also be a significant expense, so consider using public transportation or carpooling with coworkers instead of owning a car. Gas prices can be quite high, and parking can be challenging in some areas.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Le Francois and the surrounding areas. You can spend time at the beach, go hiking in the nearby mountains, or attend local cultural events. Just be mindful of your budget when it comes to activities that require an entrance fee or equipment rental.In summary, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Le Francois, Martinique is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, cooking at home, using public transportation, and enjoying low-cost activities, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Le Francois.

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

"I've been living in Le Francois for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. I'd recommend looking into areas like La Pointe des Grives or La Pointe des Salines, where you can find more reasonably priced housing options. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like La Pointe des Chateaux or La Pointe des Trois Bassins, as they can be quite pricey.In terms of transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive here, so I'd recommend using public transportation or even getting a bike to get around. The bus system is pretty reliable, and it's a great way to save money on transportation costs.As for groceries and dining out, you'll need to be mindful of your spending. Shopping at local markets and cooking at home can help you save a lot on food expenses. When you do go out to eat, try to stick to more affordable local restaurants instead of the more expensive touristy spots.Another thing to consider is entertainment and leisure activities. While there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Martinique, like hiking, beach days, and exploring the beautiful nature, you might have to cut back on more expensive hobbies or outings, like frequent trips to high-end bars or clubs.Lastly, you'll need to be mindful of your utility usage, as electricity and water can be quite expensive here. Make sure to turn off lights and appliances when not in use, and try to conserve water as much as possible.Overall, living in Le Francois on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be conscious of your spending and make some sacrifices in order to make it work," said one expat living in Le Francois.

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

"I've been living in Le Francois for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even 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 avoid the more expensive neighborhoods like Pointe Thalémont or La Prairie. These areas are known for their luxury villas and high-end properties, which can be quite pricey. Instead, consider looking for a place in more affordable neighborhoods like La Pointe des Grives or La Pointe des Salines. These areas still offer a good quality of life, but at a more reasonable cost.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to the high cost of gas and maintenance. I'd recommend 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 explore the island in a more authentic way.Eating out can also be quite expensive, especially if you're used to dining at high-end restaurants. To save money, try cooking at home more often and shopping at local markets for fresh produce. When you do eat out, opt for more affordable local eateries instead of fancy restaurants.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy on the island. You can spend your days exploring the beautiful beaches, hiking in the lush rainforests, or visiting historical sites like the Habitation Clément. Just be mindful of your spending when it comes to activities that require an entrance fee or equipment rental.Lastly, while you might be used to having high-speed internet and the latest gadgets at your disposal, you may have to adjust your expectations when it comes to technology. Internet speeds can be slower in Martinique, and the latest gadgets might not be as readily available or as affordable as they are back home.Overall, living in Le Francois on $5,000 a month is doable, but it will require some adjustments and sacrifices. By being mindful of your spending and embracing the local lifestyle, you can enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling life on this beautiful island," commented an expat living in Le Francois.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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