Cost of Living in Marigot Bay

Joshua Wood

If you're moving to Marigot Bay, understanding the the cost of living in Marigot Bay helps you know 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: $500 – $800 per month 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: $400 – $600 per month 3-bedroom apartment in city center: $1,000 – $1,500 per month 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: $800 – $1,200 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): $2.50 – $4.00 Oranges (1kg): $2.00 – $3.50 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 Combo meal at a fast-food restaurant: $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 Soft drink (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 an 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 individual preferences. It is always a good idea to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Marigot Bay

“The cost of living in Marigot Bay is considered relatively high compared to other Caribbean islands. This is due to the fact that it is a popular tourist destination with a high demand for goods and services. The cost of housing is particularly high, especially for properties with a view of the bay or those located near the beach. Groceries and dining out can also be quite expensive in Marigot Bay. Imported goods, in particular, tend to be pricey due to the costs associated with transportation and import taxes. However, local produce and seafood can be more affordable.Transportation costs can vary. While owning and maintaining a car can be expensive due to the high cost of imported vehicles and parts, public transportation and taxis are relatively affordable.Healthcare in Marigot Bay is also a significant expense. While there is a public healthcare system, many residents and expats choose to use private healthcare, which can be costly.Despite the high cost of living, many people find that the natural beauty and relaxed lifestyle of Marigot Bay make it worth the expense,” said one expat living in Marigot Bay.

Can I live in Marigot Bay on $1,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Marigot Bay 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 nearby villages of Anse La Raye or Canaries, as they tend to be more budget-friendly than Marigot Bay itself. You can find a decent one or two-bedroom apartment for around $500 to $700 a month. As for utilities, expect to pay around $100 to $150 a month for electricity, water, and gas. Keep in mind that electricity can be expensive here, so you’ll want to be mindful of your usage, especially with air conditioning. Internet and cable TV can cost you around $50 to $100 a month, depending on the package you choose. Groceries can be a bit pricey, especially if you’re used to shopping at big supermarkets. I suggest shopping at local markets and buying fresh produce, as it’s usually cheaper and fresher. You can expect to spend around $300 to $400 a month on groceries if you cook most of your meals at home. Eating out can be expensive, so try to limit that to special occasions or when you’re craving something specific. Transportation is another expense you’ll need to consider. If you don’t have a car, you can rely on public transportation, which is relatively cheap. A bus ride can cost you around $1 to $3, depending on the distance. However, if you plan on exploring the island frequently, you might want to consider renting a car, which can cost around $500 a month. In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy, like hiking, snorkeling, or visiting the beautiful beaches. However, if you’re into more luxurious experiences like fine dining or spa treatments, you’ll need to budget accordingly. Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Marigot Bay is doable, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. Stick to affordable neighborhoods, cook at home, and enjoy the natural beauty of the island to make the most of your budget,” commented an expat living in Marigot Bay.

Can I live in Marigot Bay on $3,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Marigot Bay 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 dine out at fancy restaurants every night or live in the most luxurious neighborhoods. However, you can still enjoy a good quality of life with modern amenities.When it comes to housing, you’ll want to avoid the more expensive neighborhoods like Cap Estate and Rodney Bay, as they tend to cater to tourists and expats with higher budgets. Instead, consider looking for a place in more affordable areas like Gros Islet, Castries, or even Soufriere. These neighborhoods still offer decent housing options and are close to essential amenities like grocery stores, schools, and healthcare facilities.As for transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to import taxes and high fuel prices. So, you might want to consider using public transportation or even renting a scooter to get around. This will not only save you money but also give you a chance to experience the local culture more authentically.When it comes to dining and entertainment, you’ll have to be more selective about where you go and how often you indulge. Instead of eating out at high-end restaurants, try exploring local eateries and street food vendors, which can be both delicious and budget-friendly. You can also save money by cooking at home and shopping at local markets for fresh produce.In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy on the island, such as hiking, snorkeling, and exploring the beautiful beaches. You might have to cut back on more expensive activities like scuba diving or boat tours, but there’s still plenty to see and do without breaking the bank.Overall, living in Marigot Bay on a $3,000 a month budget is doable, but you’ll have to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, and being selective about dining and entertainment options, you can still enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling life in this beautiful Caribbean paradise,” said one expat living in Marigot Bay.

Can I live in Marigot Bay on $5,000 a month?

“I’ve been living in Marigot Bay 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 might have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you’ll want to avoid the more expensive neighborhoods like Cap Estate and Rodney Bay, as the cost of living there can be quite high. Instead, consider more affordable areas like Gros Islet, Castries, or even Soufriere. These neighborhoods still offer a good quality of life, but at a more reasonable price.One of the sacrifices you might have to make is in terms of housing. While you can find modern, well-equipped apartments and houses in Marigot Bay, they can be quite expensive. To stay within your budget, you might have to opt for a smaller or older property, or one that’s a bit further away from the beach or other popular attractions.Another area where you might have to cut back is dining out. While there are plenty of great restaurants in Marigot Bay, eating out regularly can quickly add up. Instead, consider cooking at home more often and taking advantage of the fresh, local produce available at the markets.Transportation is another factor to consider. While public transportation is available, it’s not always the most reliable or convenient option. You might want to invest in a car to get around more easily, but keep in mind that this will add to your monthly expenses in terms of gas, insurance, and maintenance.Finally, you might have to be more mindful of your overall spending on entertainment and leisure activities. While there’s no shortage of things to do in Marigot Bay, some activities can be quite pricey. Look for more affordable options, like hiking, snorkeling, or exploring the island’s many beautiful beaches.Overall, living in Marigot Bay on a $5,000 a month budget is definitely doable, but it will require some adjustments and sacrifices. By being mindful of your spending and prioritizing your needs, you can enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling life in this beautiful Caribbean paradise,” commented an expat living in Marigot Bay.

Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

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