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

By Betsy Burlingame

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

Summary: If you're moving to Praslin, understanding the the cost of living in Praslin helps you know 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: $900 - $1,200 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: $700 - $1,000 per month
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square meter in city center: $1,500 - $2,000
  • Price per square meter outside city center: $1,000 - $1,500
Transportation
  • One-way local transport ticket: $1.50 - $2.00
  • Monthly local transport pass: $40 - $60
  • Taxi starting tariff: $3.00 - $5.00
  • Taxi 1km tariff: $2.00 - $3.00
  • Gasoline (1 liter): $1.20 - $1.50
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): $1.00 - $1.50
  • Bread (500g): $1.50 - $2.50
  • Rice (1kg): $1.00 - $2.00
  • Eggs (12): $2.50 - $3.50
  • Chicken breasts (1kg): $6.00 - $8.00
  • Beef round (1kg): $8.00 - $12.00
  • Apples (1kg): $2.50 - $4.00
  • Oranges (1kg): $2.00 - $3.50
  • Tomato (1kg): $1.50 - $2.50
  • Potato (1kg): $1.00 - $2.00
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): $1.00 - $1.50
  • Bottle of wine (mid-range): $10.00 - $15.00
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter bottle): $1.50 - $2.50
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): $2.00 - $3.00
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $10.00 - $15.00
  • Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant (three courses): $40.00 - $60.00
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): $2.00 - $3.00
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): $3.00 - $4.00
  • Cappuccino: $2.50 - $4.00
  • Coke/Pepsi (0.33-liter bottle): $1.00 - $1.50
  • Water (0.33-liter bottle): $0.50 - $1.00
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment: $100 - $150 per month
  • 1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans): $0.20 - $0.30
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): $50 - $70 per month
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool (or Kindergarten) tuition: $2,000 - $4,000 per year
  • Elementary school tuition: $4,000 - $6,000 per year
  • Middle school tuition: $6,000 - $8,000 per year
  • High school tuition: $8,000 - $12,000 per year
Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on the specific area within Praslin. It is always a good idea to research and compare prices in the area you plan to live in.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Praslin

"The cost of living in Praslin is considered moderate. Housing and rental prices are relatively affordable compared to other Caribbean islands. The cost of groceries and dining out is also reasonable, although imported goods can be more expensive due to shipping costs. Public transportation is quite affordable, but owning and maintaining a car can be costly due to high import taxes on vehicles. Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet are also a significant part of the monthly budget, with electricity being particularly high due to the tropical climate. Healthcare is relatively affordable, but it's recommended to have health insurance. Overall, while the cost of living in Praslin is lower than in many North American or European cities, it is higher than in many other parts of the Caribbean," said one expat living in Praslin.

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

"I've been living in Praslin 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 neighborhoods like Mon Repos or Micoud, where you can find a decent apartment or small house for around $500-$700 a month. Avoid more expensive areas like Cap Estate or Rodney Bay, as rents there can easily go over $1,000 a month.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your utility bills. Electricity can be quite expensive here, so try to use energy-efficient appliances and be conscious of your usage. Water is relatively cheap, but it's still a good idea to conserve where you can. Internet and phone services can also add up, so look for affordable plans and avoid using too much data.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Public transportation is quite affordable, with bus fares typically costing around $1-$2 per ride. If you need a car, consider buying a used one or sharing with a neighbor to cut down on costs. Gas prices can be high, so try to limit your driving and carpool when possible.When it comes to food, shopping at local markets and cooking at home can save you a lot of money. Imported goods can be expensive, so try to stick to local produce and products. Eating out can also add up, so limit dining out to special occasions or opt for more affordable local eateries.Finally, entertainment and leisure activities can be done on a budget. There are plenty of beautiful beaches and nature spots to explore for free, and many local events and festivals are either free or low-cost. Just be mindful of your spending on things like alcohol, as it can be quite expensive here.Overall, living in Praslin on $1,500 a month is doable, but you'll need to be conscious of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being mindful of utility usage, using public transportation, shopping locally, and enjoying low-cost leisure activities, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Praslin.

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

"I've been living in Praslin 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 adjustments to your lifestyle. First, you'll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more expensive areas, like Cap Estate and Rodney Bay, are probably out of your budget. Instead, consider looking for a place in Mon Repos or Micoud, which are more affordable and still offer a decent quality of life.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to import taxes and high gas prices. I'd recommend using public transportation, like buses and minibuses, which are quite affordable and reliable. You can also consider getting a bicycle or scooter for shorter distances.As for groceries and dining out, you'll need to adjust your expectations a bit. Imported goods can be quite expensive, so try to stick to local produce and products as much as possible. There are also plenty of local markets where you can find fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish at reasonable prices. When it comes to eating out, you'll find that there are many affordable local restaurants and street food vendors that offer delicious meals at a fraction of the cost of more upscale establishments.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, you'll need to be a bit more selective. While there are plenty of free or low-cost activities like hiking, beach days, and exploring the island's natural beauty, you'll need to be mindful of your budget when it comes to more expensive pursuits like scuba diving, boat tours, or attending cultural events.Lastly, you'll need to be conscious of your utility usage, as electricity and water can be quite expensive on the island. Make sure to turn off lights and appliances when not in use, and try to conserve water as much as possible.Overall, living in Praslin, Saint Lucia on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to make some sacrifices and adjustments to your lifestyle. By being mindful of your spending and embracing the local culture and way of life, you can still enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling experience on this beautiful island," said one expat living in Praslin.

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

"I've been living in Praslin 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 are some sacrifices you might 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 areas in Praslin include Mon Repos and Micoud, where you can find reasonably priced housing options. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Cap Estate and 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, you might want to consider using public transportation, which is relatively affordable and reliable. Alternatively, you could also rent a car when needed or invest in a scooter for shorter distances.As for groceries and dining out, you'll find that local markets and smaller restaurants offer more affordable options compared to larger supermarkets and high-end restaurants. By shopping at local markets and eating at smaller establishments, you'll not only save money but also get to experience the local culture and cuisine.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options available, such as hiking, snorkeling, and exploring the beautiful beaches and nature reserves. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive activities like scuba diving, golfing, or frequent visits to high-end spas.Lastly, while you'll have access to modern amenities like internet and cable TV, you might need to be mindful of your usage to avoid high monthly bills. Opting for a more basic internet and cable package can help you save money while still staying connected and entertained.Overall, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Praslin, Saint Lucia is achievable, but it does require some adjustments and sacrifices. By being mindful of your spending and choosing more affordable options, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while staying within your budget," commented an expat living in Praslin.

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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