Cost of Living in Petite Martinique

Betsy Burlingame

Understanding the the cost of living in Petite Martinique 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: $400 – $600 per month 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: $300 – $500 per month 3-bedroom apartment in city center: $800 – $1,200 per month 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: $600 – $1,000 per month
Apartment Purchases	Price per square meter in city center: $1,000 – $1,500 Price per square meter outside city center: $800 – $1,200
Transportation	One-way local transport ticket: $1.50 – $2.50 Monthly local transport pass: $40 – $60 Taxi starting tariff: $3 – $5 Taxi 1 km tariff: $2 – $3 Gasoline (1 liter): $1.20 – $1.50
Groceries	Milk (1 liter): $1.50 – $2.00 Bread (500g): $1.50 – $2.50 Rice (1 kg): $1.50 – $2.50 Eggs (12): $2.50 – $4.00 Chicken breasts (1 kg): $6.00 – $8.00 Beef round (1 kg): $8.00 – $12.00 Apples (1 kg): $3.00 – $5.00 Oranges (1 kg): $2.50 – $4.00 Tomatoes (1 kg): $2.00 – $3.50 Potatoes (1 kg): $1.50 – $2.50 Water (1.5-liter bottle): $1.00 – $1.50 Bottle of wine (mid-range): $10.00 – $15.00 Domestic beer (0.5-liter bottle): $2.00 – $3.00 Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): $2.50 – $4.00
Restaurants	Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $8.00 – $15.00 Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: $40.00 – $60.00 McMeal at McDonald’s (or equivalent): $6.00 – $8.00 Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): $2.00 – $3.00 Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): $2.50 – $4.00 Cappuccino (regular): $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 – $200 per month 1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans): $0.20 – $0.40 Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): $50 – $80 per month
Private School Tuition	Preschool (or Kindergarten) tuition: $2,000 – $4,000 per year Elementary school tuition: $3,000 – $6,000 per year Middle school tuition: $4,000 – $8,000 per year High school tuition: $5,000 – $10,000 per year

Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on the specific location within Petite Martinique. It is always a good idea to research and compare prices in the area you plan to live in.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Petite Martinique

“The cost of living in Petite Martinique is relatively low compared to many Western countries. Housing is affordable, with both rentals and property purchases costing less than in many other parts of the world. Food prices are also reasonable, especially if you buy local produce and products. Utilities such as electricity and water are not overly expensive, but can vary depending on usage. Transportation costs are also quite low, especially if you use public transportation. However, imported goods and dining out can be more expensive due to import taxes and the cost of transporting goods to the island. Overall, the cost of living is manageable, especially if you adapt to a local lifestyle,” said one expat living in Petite Martinique.

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

“I’ve been living in Petite Martinique 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 more local neighborhoods, like the areas around the main village or near the school. These areas tend to be more affordable compared to the more touristy spots near the beaches or the marina.Next, you’ll need to adjust your expectations when it comes to modern amenities. While you can find some places with air conditioning, it’s not as common as you might be used to. You’ll also need to be prepared for occasional power outages and limited internet access. I’ve found that investing in a good fan and a reliable mobile data plan can help make these adjustments more manageable.When it comes to food, you’ll need to be mindful of your budget. Eating out can be expensive, especially at the more touristy restaurants. I recommend shopping at the local markets and cooking at home as much as possible. This not only saves money but also allows you to enjoy the fresh, local produce that Petite Martinique has to offer.Transportation is another area where you can save money. The island is small, so walking or biking is often the most convenient and affordable way to get around. If you need to travel to the mainland or other nearby islands, you can take the ferry, which is relatively inexpensive.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, like hiking, snorkeling, or exploring the island’s beautiful beaches, you’ll need to be selective about more expensive pursuits like scuba diving or dining out at high-end restaurants.Overall, living in Petite Martinique on $1,500 a month is doable, but it requires some adjustments and sacrifices. By being mindful of your spending and embracing the local lifestyle, you can make it work and enjoy a unique and rewarding experience,” commented an expat living in Petite Martinique.

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

“I’ve been living in Petite Martinique 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’ll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you’ll need to find affordable housing. I’d recommend looking for a place in the more residential areas, like the outskirts of the main town. These neighborhoods tend to be more affordable compared to the more touristy areas near the beaches. You can find a decent apartment or small house for around $800 to $1,200 a month, depending on the size and location.When it comes to utilities, you’ll need to be mindful of your usage, especially with electricity. The cost of electricity can be quite high, so try to use energy-efficient appliances and be conscious of turning off lights and electronics when not in use. Water and internet bills are relatively affordable, but it’s still a good idea to monitor your usage.Groceries can be a bit expensive, especially if you’re looking for imported goods. To save money, try to shop at the local markets and buy fresh produce, fish, and meats. This will not only help you save money but also allow you to enjoy the local cuisine and support local businesses.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Public transportation is quite affordable, and since Petite Martinique is a small island, you can easily get around by bus or shared taxis. If you prefer to have your own vehicle, consider buying a used car or scooter to save on costs.Entertainment and dining out can be pricey, especially in the more touristy areas. To save money, try to find local spots that offer more affordable prices, or consider cooking at home more often. There are also plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy, like hiking, snorkeling, or exploring the island’s beautiful beaches.In terms of healthcare, it’s important to have health insurance, as medical costs can be high, especially for expats. Make sure to budget for this expense and research the best insurance options for your needs.Overall, living in Petite Martinique on $3,000 a month is doable, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices to ensure you stay within your budget. By choosing affordable housing, being conscious of your utility usage, shopping locally, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can enjoy a comfortable life on this beautiful island,” said one expat living in Petite Martinique.

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

“I’ve been living in Petite Martinique 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’ll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you’ll need to be mindful of where you choose to live. Some neighborhoods can be quite expensive, so I’d recommend looking into more affordable areas like the southern part of the island, where you can find reasonably priced apartments and houses. I’d avoid the more upscale neighborhoods in the northern part of Petite Martinique, as they tend to be pricier.Another thing to consider is transportation. Owning a car can be quite expensive, so I’d recommend using public transportation or even walking or biking when possible. This will not only save you money but also help you stay fit and healthy.When it comes to dining out, you’ll find that there are plenty of affordable options, especially if you’re willing to try the local cuisine. There are many small, family-owned restaurants that offer delicious meals at reasonable prices. However, if you’re craving something more upscale or international, you might have to pay a bit more.Groceries can also be a bit expensive, especially if you’re looking for imported products. To save money, I’d recommend shopping at local markets and buying fresh, local produce whenever possible. This will not only help you save money but also allow you to enjoy the delicious flavors of the island.Finally, you’ll need to be mindful of your entertainment and leisure activities. While there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy, such as hiking, snorkeling, and exploring the beautiful beaches, you might have to cut back on more expensive hobbies or outings.Overall, living in Petite Martinique on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, but it will require some adjustments and sacrifices. By being mindful of your spending and embracing the local culture and lifestyle, you’ll be able to enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling life on this beautiful island,” commented an expat living in Petite Martinique.

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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