| Category | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment Rentals | 1-bedroom apartment in city center | EC$1,000 – EC$1,500 (approx. US$370 – US$555) |
| 1-bedroom apartment outside city center | EC$800 – EC$1,200 (approx. US$296 – US$444) | |
| Apartment Purchases | Price per square meter in city center | EC$2,000 – EC$3,000 (approx. US$740 – US$1,110) |
| Price per square meter outside city center | EC$1,500 – EC$2,500 (approx. US$555 – US$925) | |
| Transportation | One-way local transport ticket | EC$2.50 (approx. US$0.93) |
| Monthly transport pass | EC$100 – EC$150 (approx. US$37 – US$55) | |
| Groceries | 1 liter of milk | EC$4.50 (approx. US$1.67) |
| 1 kg of rice | EC$3.50 (approx. US$1.30) | |
| 1 kg of chicken | EC$12 (approx. US$4.44) | |
| 1 kg of apples | EC$10 (approx. US$3.70) | |
| Restaurants | Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | EC$20 – EC$30 (approx. US$7.40 – US$11.10) |
| Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | EC$100 – EC$150 (approx. US$37 – US$55) | |
| Utilities | Basic monthly utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) | EC$200 – EC$300 (approx. US$74 – US$111) |
| 1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | EC$0.30 (approx. US$0.11) | |
| Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) | EC$150 – EC$200 (approx. US$55 – US$74) | |
| Private School Tuition | Preschool (or Kindergarten) tuition, full day, private | EC$3,000 – EC$5,000 per year (approx. US$1,110 – US$1,850) |
| Elementary school tuition, private | EC$5,000 – EC$8,000 per year (approx. US$1,850 – US$2,960) | |
| Middle school tuition, private | EC$6,000 – EC$10,000 per year (approx. US$2,220 – US$3,700) | |
| High school tuition, private | EC$8,000 – EC$12,000 per year (approx. US$2,960 – US$4,440) |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Choiseul
“The cost of living in Choiseul 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. Healthcare is relatively affordable, but it’s recommended to have health insurance. Overall, the cost of living in Choiseul, Saint Lucia is manageable, but it can vary depending on lifestyle and personal spending habits,” said one expat living in Choiseul.
Can I live in Choiseul on $1,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Choiseul 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 La Fargue or River Doree neighborhoods, as they tend to be more budget-friendly. You might have to settle for a smaller place or one without all the modern amenities you’re used to, but it’s doable.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be expensive due to import taxes and high gas prices. I suggest using public transportation, like buses and minibuses, which are affordable and reliable. You can also consider getting a bicycle or walking for shorter distances.Eating out can be pricey, especially in touristy areas. I recommend cooking at home most of the time and shopping at local markets for fresh produce and fish. You can still enjoy the occasional meal out, but try to stick to local eateries rather than high-end restaurants.As for entertainment, you’ll need to be mindful of your spending. There are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy, like hiking, visiting the beach, or attending local cultural events. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive hobbies or outings, like frequent trips to the cinema or nights out at bars and clubs.In terms of healthcare, the public healthcare system in Saint Lucia is not as advanced as what you might be used to. I recommend getting private health insurance to ensure you have access to quality care if needed. This will be an additional expense, but it’s important for your peace of mind.Overall, living in Choiseul on $1,500 a month is possible, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, cooking at home, and enjoying low-cost entertainment, you can make it work,” commented an expat living in Choiseul.
Can I live in Choiseul on $3,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Choiseul 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, you might have to make some sacrifices to make it work. For instance, you might have to cut back on dining out at fancy restaurants or limit your shopping sprees. When it comes to finding a place to live, I’d recommend looking for a rental in the more affordable neighborhoods like La Fargue or River Doree. These areas offer a good mix of local culture and modern conveniences, and you can find a decent apartment or house for around $800 to $1,200 a month. On the other hand, I’d avoid the more expensive neighborhoods like Anse Chastanet or Sugar Beach, as the cost of living there can be significantly higher.In terms of transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to import taxes and high gas prices. I’d suggest using public transportation, which is quite affordable and reliable, or even consider getting a scooter or motorcycle for getting around. This will help you save money on transportation costs.Groceries can be a bit pricey, especially if you’re looking for imported goods. I’d recommend shopping at the local markets for fresh produce and seafood, as it’s not only more affordable but also supports the local economy. For other items, you can shop at the larger supermarkets in nearby towns like Vieux Fort or Soufriere, where you can find a wider variety of products at more reasonable prices.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of affordable options to choose from. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches, go hiking in the nearby rainforest, or explore the local culture and history at various sites and events. Just be mindful of your budget and try to prioritize experiences over material possessions.Overall, living in Choiseul on $3,000 a month is doable, but it requires some adjustments and sacrifices. By being mindful of your spending and embracing the local culture and lifestyle, you can have a comfortable and enjoyable experience in this beautiful Caribbean island,” said one expat living in Choiseul.
Can I live in Choiseul on $5,000 a month?
“I’ve been living in Choiseul for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible for an expat to live comfortably on $5,000 a month here. However, you might have to make some sacrifices in terms of certain modern amenities. For example, you might not have access to high-speed internet or the latest gadgets and appliances, but you’ll still be able to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.In terms of affordable neighborhoods, I would recommend looking into areas like La Fargue and River Doree. These areas offer a more laid-back lifestyle and are more budget-friendly. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Reunion and Delcer, as they tend to have higher living costs.One of the sacrifices you might have to make is in terms of transportation. Public transportation is not as reliable or efficient as in more developed countries, so you might have to rely on taxis or even consider renting a car. Additionally, you might have to adjust your expectations when it comes to dining out and entertainment options, as there might not be as many high-end restaurants or activities available.However, there are plenty of local markets and grocery stores where you can find fresh produce and other essentials at reasonable prices. Plus, the natural beauty of Saint Lucia is hard to beat, with its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant local culture.Overall, living in Choiseul on $5,000 a month is doable, but you’ll have to be willing to adapt to a slightly different lifestyle and make some sacrifices in terms of modern amenities. But in exchange, you’ll get to experience the incredible beauty and charm of Saint Lucia,” commented an expat living in Choiseul.
