| Category | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment Rentals | 1-bedroom apartment in city center | €500 – €700 per month |
| 1-bedroom apartment outside city center | €400 – €600 per month | |
| Apartment Purchases | Price per square meter in city center | €1,800 – €2,500 |
| Price per square meter outside city center | €1,200 – €1,800 | |
| Transportation | One-way local transport ticket | €1.50 |
| Monthly local transport pass | €40 – €60 | |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | €1.40 – €1.60 | |
| Taxi (1 km) | €1.50 – €2.00 | |
| Groceries | Milk (1 liter) | €0.90 – €1.20 |
| Bread (500g) | €1.00 – €1.50 | |
| Rice (1 kg) | €1.50 – €2.00 | |
| Chicken breasts (1 kg) | €7.00 – €10.00 | |
| Restaurants | Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | €10.00 – €15.00 |
| Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | €40.00 – €60.00 | |
| Fast food meal (e.g., McDonald’s) | €7.00 – €9.00 | |
| Utilities | Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment | €100 – €150 per month |
| Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) | €30 – €50 per month | |
| Mobile phone (prepaid, no contract) | €0.10 – €0.20 per minute | |
| Private School Tuition | Preschool (or Kindergarten) | €300 – €500 per month |
| Elementary School | €400 – €700 per month | |
| Middle School | €500 – €800 per month | |
| High School | €600 – €1,000 per month |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Saint-Esprit
“The cost of living in Saint-Esprit is considered moderate. Housing tends to be the most significant monthly expense, with rental prices varying based on the size and location of the property. Utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water are also a considerable part of the monthly budget. Groceries in Saint-Esprit are relatively affordable, with local markets offering fresh produce at reasonable prices. However, imported goods and specialty items can be more expensive. Dining out can range from inexpensive at local eateries to more costly at high-end restaurants. Transportation costs are also a factor to consider. While public transportation is available and affordable, many residents opt for personal vehicles, leading to additional costs for fuel, insurance, and maintenance. Healthcare in Martinique is of a high standard, but it can be expensive if you are not covered by insurance. Education, if you have children, can also add to your expenses, especially if you choose private schooling. Overall, while the cost of living in Saint-Esprit, Martinique is not exceptionally high, it is essential to consider all potential expenses based on personal lifestyle and needs,” said one expat living in Saint-Esprit.
Can I live in Saint-Esprit on $1,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Saint-Esprit 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 Rivière-Salée or Ducos, where you can find a decent one-bedroom apartment for around $600-$700 a month. Avoid neighborhoods like Les Trois-Îlets or Le Diamant, 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 transportation costs. Owning a car can be expensive, so I suggest using public transportation or carpooling with coworkers. If you do decide to buy a car, consider a used one to save on costs. Gas prices can be high, so try to limit your driving and plan your trips efficiently.When it comes to groceries, shopping at local markets and smaller grocery stores can help you save money. Avoid shopping at larger supermarkets, as they tend to be more expensive. Cooking at home and packing lunches for work will also help you save on food costs.For entertainment, take advantage of the beautiful natural surroundings that Martinique has to offer. Hiking, swimming, and exploring the island’s beaches and parks are all affordable ways to enjoy your time here. Limit your visits to restaurants, bars, and other expensive activities to special occasions.Lastly, be prepared to live a more minimalist lifestyle. This means cutting back on unnecessary expenses like cable TV, gym memberships, and shopping for non-essential items. Instead, focus on enjoying the simple pleasures of life in Martinique, like spending time with friends and family, and exploring the island’s rich culture and history.In conclusion, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Saint-Esprit, Martinique is possible, but it requires some sacrifices and careful budgeting. By finding an affordable place to live, being mindful of transportation and food costs, and embracing a more minimalist lifestyle, you can make it work,” commented an expat living in Saint-Esprit.
Can I live in Saint-Esprit on $3,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Saint-Esprit 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 neighborhoods, like Les Trois-Îlets or Le Diamant, might be out of your budget, so I’d recommend looking into areas like Le Lamentin or Ducos, which are more affordable and still offer a good quality of life.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive here, so I’d suggest using public transportation or even getting a scooter to get around. The cost of groceries can also be a bit higher than what you might be used to, so you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and try to shop at local markets for fresh produce and fish, which can be more affordable than supermarkets.Eating out can also be pricey, so you might want to cook more at home and save dining out for special occasions. As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy, like hiking, going to the beach, or attending local cultural events.In terms of modern amenities, you might have to sacrifice some of the luxuries you’re used to, like high-speed internet or cable TV, as these can be quite expensive here. However, you can still find decent internet plans and streaming services to keep you entertained.Overall, living in Saint-Esprit on $3,000 a month is doable, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. It’s a beautiful place to live, and with some careful planning, you can definitely make it work,” said one expat living in Saint-Esprit.
Can I live in Saint-Esprit on $5,000 a month?
“I’ve been living in Saint-Esprit 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 might be some sacrifices you’ll 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 neighborhoods in Saint-Esprit include Quartier Laugier and Quartier Beauséjour. These areas offer more reasonably priced housing options, while still providing access to modern amenities like grocery stores, restaurants, and public transportation. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Quartier Morne Acajou or Quartier Morne Poirier, as the cost of living in these areas can be significantly higher.One sacrifice you might have to make is in terms of your housing size and quality. While you can find modern apartments and houses in Saint-Esprit, they might be smaller or less luxurious than what you’re used to. However, this can be a worthwhile trade-off for the lower cost of living and the opportunity to experience life in a beautiful Caribbean island.Another area where you might need to make some adjustments is in your transportation. While public transportation is available in Saint-Esprit, it might not be as reliable or convenient as what you’re used to. You might want to consider getting a car, but keep in mind that gas prices can be higher in Martinique than in other countries. Alternatively, you could look into carpooling or using a bicycle for shorter distances.When it comes to dining out and entertainment, you’ll find that there are plenty of affordable options in Saint-Esprit. Local markets and street food vendors offer delicious and budget-friendly meals, while there are also more upscale restaurants if you’re looking to splurge occasionally. However, you might find that imported goods and products can be more expensive, so you might need to adjust your shopping habits and prioritize buying local products whenever possible.Overall, living in Saint-Esprit, Martinique on a $5,000 a month budget is definitely doable, but it will require some adjustments and sacrifices in terms of housing, transportation, and shopping habits. However, the beautiful surroundings, rich culture, and laid-back lifestyle make it a worthwhile experience,” commented an expat living in Saint-Esprit.
