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

By Joshua Wood, LPC

SJB Global
SJB Global

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Canaries 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 (approx. US$370 - US$555)
1-bedroom apartment outside city center EC$800 - EC$1,200 (approx. US$296 - US$444)
Apartment Purchases Price per square meter in city center EC$2,500 - EC$4,000 (approx. US$925 - US$1,480)
Price per square meter outside city center EC$1,500 - EC$2,500 (approx. US$555 - US$925)
Transportation One-way local transport ticket EC$2.50 (approx. US$0.93)
Monthly public transport pass EC$100 - EC$150 (approx. US$37 - US$55)
Gasoline (1 liter) EC$3.00 - EC$3.50 (approx. US$1.11 - US$1.30)
Taxi (1 km) EC$5.00 - EC$7.00 (approx. US$1.85 - US$2.59)
Groceries Milk (1 liter) EC$5.00 - EC$7.00 (approx. US$1.85 - US$2.59)
Bread (500g) EC$3.00 - EC$5.00 (approx. US$1.11 - US$1.85)
Rice (1 kg) EC$3.00 - EC$5.00 (approx. US$1.11 - US$1.85)
Chicken breasts (1 kg) EC$15.00 - EC$20.00 (approx. US$5.56 - US$7.41)
Restaurants Meal at an inexpensive restaurant EC$20.00 - EC$30.00 (approx. US$7.41 - US$11.11)
Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant EC$100 - EC$200 (approx. US$37 - US$74)
Utilities Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment EC$200 - EC$400 (approx. US$74 - US$148)
Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) EC$100 - EC$200 (approx. US$37 - US$74)
Mobile call (1 minute, no discounts or plans) EC$0.50 - EC$1.00 (approx. US$0.19 - US$0.37)
Private School Tuition Preschool (monthly) EC$300 - EC$600 (approx. US$111 - US$222)
Elementary School (annual) EC$3,000 - EC$6,000 (approx. US$1,111 - US$2,222)
Middle School (annual) EC$4,000 - EC$8,000 (approx. US$1,481 - US$2,963)
High School (annual) EC$5,000 - EC$10,000 (approx. US$1,852 - US$3,704)
Please note that the costs provided are approximate and may vary depending on the specific location within Canaries. 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 Canaries

"The cost of living in Canaries, can be considered moderate compared to other Caribbean islands. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite affordable, while outside the city center, it can be even cheaper. Groceries can be relatively inexpensive, especially if you buy local produce from markets. Eating out at restaurants can vary, with local eateries being more affordable than high-end restaurants. Transportation costs are also reasonable, with public transportation being the most cost-effective option. Taxis and car rentals are available but can be more expensive. Healthcare in Saint Lucia is generally affordable, but it's recommended to have health insurance as private healthcare can be costly. Utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water are not included in the rent and can add a significant amount to monthly expenses, especially if you use air conditioning frequently. Internet and mobile phone services are widely available and reasonably priced. Overall, while the cost of living in Canaries, Saint Lucia, is lower than in many developed countries, it's still higher than in many other parts of the world. It's always recommended to research and plan your budget carefully before moving," said one expat living in Canaries.

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

"I've been living in Canaries 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 a rental in the neighborhoods of Anse La Raye or Soufriere, as they tend to be more budget-friendly. You might have to settle for a smaller apartment or a shared living situation to keep costs down. Avoid the more expensive neighborhoods like Rodney Bay and Cap Estate, as they cater more to tourists and expats with higher budgets.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your utility costs. Electricity can be quite expensive here, so try to use energy-efficient appliances and be conscious of your usage. You might also want to consider using a prepaid cell phone plan to save on communication costs.When it comes to food, you'll need to adjust your eating habits. Eating out at restaurants can be pricey, so try to cook at home as much as possible. Shop at local markets for fresh produce and fish, as they tend to be more affordable than supermarkets. You might also want to consider cutting back on imported goods, as they can be quite expensive.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Public transportation is relatively cheap, so try to use buses and shared taxis instead of renting a car or using private taxis. If you do need a car occasionally, consider renting one only when necessary.Finally, you'll need to be mindful of your entertainment and leisure expenses. While there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy on the island, such as hiking, swimming, and exploring local attractions, you might have to cut back on more expensive pursuits like scuba diving or dining at high-end restaurants.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Canaries, Saint Lucia is doable, but it requires some adjustments and sacrifices. By being mindful of your spending and embracing a more local lifestyle, you can make it work and enjoy your time on this beautiful island," commented an expat living in Canaries.

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

"I've been living in Canaries 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. The cost of living here is generally lower than in more developed countries, but there are still some expenses that can add up quickly if you're not careful.One of the first things you'll want to do is find an affordable place to live. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods in Saint Lucia, like Rodney Bay and Cap Estate, are probably out of your budget. Instead, consider looking for a rental in Canaries itself or in nearby communities like Anse La Raye or Soufriere. These areas are more affordable and still offer a decent quality of life.When it comes to utilities, you'll find that electricity can be quite expensive in Saint Lucia. To save on your monthly bills, try to use energy-efficient appliances and be mindful of your usage. Water is generally more affordable, but it's still a good idea to conserve where you can.Groceries can also be a significant expense, especially if you're used to buying imported goods. To save money, try to shop at local markets and buy fresh produce, meats, and fish. This will not only help you save money but also allow you to enjoy the delicious local cuisine.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Owning a car in Saint Lucia can be expensive due to import taxes and high fuel prices. Instead, consider using public transportation or even walking or biking when possible. This will not only save you money but also help you stay active and healthy.Finally, you'll need to be mindful of your entertainment and leisure expenses. Dining out, going to bars, and participating in tourist activities can quickly eat into your budget. Instead, try to find free or low-cost activities like hiking, going to the beach, or exploring the beautiful natural surroundings of Saint Lucia.In conclusion, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Canaries, Saint Lucia is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your expenses and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being conscious of your utility usage, shopping locally, using public transportation, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work and enjoy a beautiful island lifestyle," said one expat living in Canaries.

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

"I've been living in Canaries 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 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 expensive areas, like Cap Estate and Rodney Bay, might be out of your budget if you want to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. Instead, consider looking for a place in Canaries itself, or nearby areas like Anse La Raye or Soufriere. These neighborhoods are more affordable and still offer a good quality of life.When it comes to housing, you might have to settle for a smaller or older property than you're used to. However, you can still find some nice apartments or houses with modern amenities if you're willing to search a bit. Just be prepared to compromise on certain aspects, like having a smaller yard or fewer bedrooms.In terms of transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive in Saint Lucia due to import taxes and high fuel prices. To save money, you might want to consider using public transportation or even renting a car when you need it. This will also give you the opportunity to explore the island and get to know the local culture better.As for groceries and dining out, you'll find that local produce and cuisine are generally more affordable than imported goods and fancy restaurants. Embrace the local food scene and try out the delicious street food and local eateries. This will not only save you money but also give you a more authentic experience of living in Saint Lucia.Finally, when it comes to entertainment and leisure activities, you might have to cut back on some of the more expensive options, like golfing or frequent trips to high-end resorts. However, there are plenty of affordable activities to enjoy on the island, like hiking, snorkeling, and exploring the beautiful beaches.Overall, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Canaries, Saint Lucia is definitely achievable, but it does require some adjustments and compromises. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being mindful of your spending, and embracing the local culture, you can enjoy a great quality of life on this beautiful island," commented an expat living in Canaries.

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.


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