Pros and Cons of Living in Saint Lucia
Last updated on Oct 24, 2023
Summary: The pros of living in Saint Lucia include its stunning natural beauty, with lush rainforests, white sand beaches, and the iconic Pitons. The country also has a vibrant culture, with a rich history and a variety of festivals and events throughout the year. Additionally, the cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. The cons of living in Saint Lucia include the lack of infrastructure and public transportation, which can make it difficult to get around. Additionally, the country is prone to natural disasters such as hurricanes, which can cause significant damage and disruption. Finally, the economy is largely dependent on tourism, which can be unpredictable and unreliable.
What are the pros and cons of living in Saint Lucia?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Saint Lucia responded:
"Expats and digital nomads living in Saint Lucia enjoy the beautiful scenery, with its lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and majestic mountains. They also appreciate the friendly locals, the low cost of living, and the relaxed pace of life. On the downside, some expats and digital nomads find the lack of infrastructure and public transportation to be a challenge, as well as the limited job opportunities. Additionally, the island's small size can make it difficult to find a variety of activities and entertainment," said one in Saint Lucia.
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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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What do expats in Saint Lucia appreciate most about the local culture?
"The friendliness of people and the beach lifestyle in Saint Lucia," explained one expat living in Rodney Bay.
"Expats in Saint Lucia appreciate the laid-back atmosphere and the friendly locals. They also enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the island, with its lush rainforests, white-sand beaches, and crystal-clear waters. The vibrant culture of the island, with its unique music, art, and cuisine, is also a draw for many expats. Additionally, the relaxed pace of life and the low cost of living are attractive to those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life," said one expat in Saint Lucia.

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
What do expats find most challenging?
"Expats in Saint Lucia may find it challenging to adjust to the slower pace of life, as the island is known for its laid-back atmosphere. Additionally, the local culture is heavily influenced by the Caribbean, and expats may find it difficult to understand the local customs and traditions. Furthermore, the language barrier can be a challenge for expats, as English is the official language, but the local dialect is a mix of French, English, and African languages. Finally, expats may find it difficult to adjust to the hot and humid climate, as temperatures can reach up to 30°C (86°F) throughout the year," remarked one in Saint Lucia.
"Finding other mum's in the same situation with kids my child's age and activities for her to apart from the beach/pool. Also, cooking meals as I can't always get the ingredients I would like and can spend all day trying to think of new recipes," explained one expat.
About the Author
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.
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Saint Lucia?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Saint Lucia?
- Will I be able to find a job in Saint Lucia?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do expats in Saint Lucia appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Saint Lucia?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Saint Lucia accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Saint Lucia like?
- How are healthcare services in Saint Lucia?
- What are medical services in Saint Lucia like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Saint Lucia?
- What are emergency services like in Saint Lucia?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Saint Lucia?
- How are local medical facilities in Saint Lucia?
- As a foreigner living in Saint Lucia, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?