Cost of Living in Cap Estate

Betsy Burlingame

Understanding the the cost of living in Cap Estate 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: $600 – $1,000 per month 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: $400 – $700 per month 3-bedroom apartment in city center: $1,200 – $2,000 per month 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: $800 – $1,500 per month
Apartment Purchases	Price per square meter in city center: $1,500 – $2,500 Price per square meter outside city center: $1,000 – $1,800
Transportation	One-way local transport ticket: $1.50 – $2.50 Monthly local transport pass: $40 – $60 Taxi starting tariff: $3 – $5 Taxi 1km tariff: $2 – $3 Gasoline (1 liter): $1.20 – $1.50
Groceries	Milk (1 liter): $1.50 – $2.50 Bread (500g): $1.50 – $2.50 Rice (1kg): $1.50 – $2.50 Eggs (12): $2.50 – $4.00 Chicken breasts (1kg): $6.00 – $10.00 Beef round (1kg): $8.00 – $12.00 Apples (1kg): $3.00 – $5.00 Oranges (1kg): $2.50 – $4.00 Tomatoes (1kg): $2.00 – $3.50 Potatoes (1kg): $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): $1.50 – $2.50 Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): $2.00 – $3.50
Restaurants	Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $10.00 – $15.00 Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: $40.00 – $60.00 McMeal at McDonald’s: $6.00 – $8.00 Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): $2.00 – $3.50 Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): $3.00 – $5.00 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 – $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: $4,000 – $8,000 per year Middle school tuition: $6,000 – $10,000 per year High school tuition: $8,000 – $12,000 per year

Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on various factors such as location, time of year, and personal preferences. It is always a good idea to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Cap Estate

“The cost of living in Cap Estate is considered to be relatively high compared to other parts of the island. This is largely due to its status as a luxury residential area, popular among expatriates and affluent locals. Housing costs, in particular, are quite high, with prices for both rentals and property purchases significantly above the island average. The cost of groceries and dining out is also higher than in other parts of Saint Lucia, reflecting the area’s upscale nature. Imported goods, in particular, can be quite expensive. Transportation costs can vary. While owning and maintaining a vehicle can be costly, public transportation is relatively affordable. However, the frequency and reliability of public transport can be an issue.Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet are also a significant part of the cost of living. These services are generally reliable but can be expensive, particularly for larger properties.Despite the high cost of living, many residents feel that the benefits of living in Cap Estate, such as its beautiful surroundings, high-quality housing, and sense of community, make it worth the expense,” said one expat living in Cap Estate.

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

“I’ve been living in Cap Estate 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 a more affordable neighborhood to live in. Cap Estate is known for its luxury villas and upscale properties, so it might not be the best option if you’re on a tight budget. Instead, consider looking for a place in nearby neighborhoods like Gros Islet or Rodney Bay. These areas are still close to the beach and have a good mix of local and expat communities, but the cost of living is generally lower.One of the sacrifices you’ll have to make is cutting back on dining out at fancy restaurants. While there are some great dining options in Cap Estate, they can be quite pricey. Instead, try exploring the local food scene in Gros Islet or Rodney Bay, where you can find delicious and affordable meals at local eateries and street food vendors.Another thing to consider is transportation. Owning a car in Saint Lucia can be expensive, so you might want to rely on public transportation or even consider getting a scooter or bicycle to get around. This will not only save you money but also give you a chance to explore the island at a slower pace and really take in the beautiful surroundings.You’ll also need to be mindful 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. This will not only help you save money but also contribute to the island’s sustainability efforts.Finally, you might have to cut back on some of the more luxurious amenities you’re used to. For example, you may not be able to afford a place with a private pool or a gym membership. However, with the beautiful beaches and lush nature all around you, there are plenty of free outdoor activities to keep you active and entertained.In conclusion, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Saint Lucia is possible, but you’ll need to make some sacrifices and be mindful of your spending. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, cutting back on dining out, relying on public transportation, conserving utilities, and enjoying the natural beauty of the island, you can make it work and have a great experience living in this beautiful Caribbean paradise,” commented an expat living in Cap Estate.

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

“I’ve been living in Cap Estate 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. For example, you might not be able to afford a luxurious villa with a private pool, but you can still find a nice apartment or a smaller house in a decent neighborhood.One of the more affordable neighborhoods I’d recommend is Rodney Bay. It’s not as upscale as Cap Estate, but it’s still a nice area with plenty of amenities, like supermarkets, restaurants, and bars. Plus, it’s close to the beach, which is always a plus. Another option is Gros Islet, which is a bit more local and less touristy, but still has a good mix of expats and locals living there.On the other hand, I’d avoid looking for housing in the more expensive neighborhoods like Marigot Bay or Sugar Beach, as these areas cater more to the luxury market and would likely be out of your budget.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the modern amenities you’re used to, like high-speed internet or a state-of-the-art gym. However, you can still find places with decent internet and basic gym facilities, or you could always join a local gym if that’s important to you.Eating out might also be a bit more expensive than you’re used to, but you can save money by cooking at home and shopping at local markets for fresh produce. And while you might not be able to afford a car, public transportation is pretty reliable and affordable, so you can still get around the island without too much trouble.Overall, living in Saint Lucia on $3,000 a month is doable, but you’ll have to be mindful of your spending and be willing to make some sacrifices in terms of luxury and convenience. But in exchange, you’ll get to enjoy the beautiful island life and all the natural beauty that Saint Lucia has to offer,” said one expat living in Cap Estate.

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

“I’ve been living in Cap Estate 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, you might have to make some sacrifices to make it work. For example, you might not be able to afford a luxurious villa with a private pool, but you can still find a nice apartment or townhouse in a safe and convenient location.One of the more affordable neighborhoods to consider is Rodney Bay, which is close to Cap Estate. It has a good mix of residential and commercial properties, and you’ll find plenty of restaurants, shops, and other amenities nearby. The cost of living in Rodney Bay is generally lower than in Cap Estate, so you’ll be able to stretch your budget further.On the other hand, you might want to avoid the more expensive neighborhoods like Marigot Bay and Sugar Beach, as the cost of living there can be quite high. These areas are known for their luxury resorts and upscale properties, so they might not be the best fit for someone on a $5,000 a month budget.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the luxuries you’re used to, like having a housekeeper or eating out at fancy restaurants every night. However, you can still enjoy a good quality of life by cooking at home more often and taking advantage of the beautiful natural surroundings that Saint Lucia has to offer.Overall, living in Cap Estate on a $5,000 a month budget is doable, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood and cutting back on some luxuries, you can still enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling life in this beautiful Caribbean paradise,” commented an expat living in Cap Estate.

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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