| Cost Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Apartment Rentals (1 bedroom in city center) | TTD 2,500 – 3,500 per month |
| Apartment Rentals (3 bedrooms in city center) | TTD 5,000 – 7,000 per month |
| Apartment Purchase (Price per square meter in city center) | TTD 7,000 – 10,000 |
| Transportation (Monthly Pass) | TTD 200 – 300 |
| Transportation (Gasoline, 1 liter) | TTD 5.75 |
| Groceries (Milk, 1 liter) | TTD 10 – 15 |
| Groceries (Bread, 500g) | TTD 10 – 15 |
| Groceries (Rice, 1kg) | TTD 5 – 10 |
| Groceries (Chicken Breasts, 1kg) | TTD 30 – 40 |
| Restaurants (Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course) | TTD 200 – 300 |
| Restaurants (Domestic Beer, 0.5 liter draught) | TTD 15 – 20 |
| Utilities (Basic for 85m2 Apartment) | TTD 500 – 700 per month |
| Private School Tuition (Preschool) | TTD 1,500 – 2,500 per month |
| Private School Tuition (Elementary School) | TTD 2,000 – 3,000 per month |
| Private School Tuition (Middle School) | TTD 2,500 – 3,500 per month |
| Private School Tuition (High School) | TTD 3,000 – 4,000 per month |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Chaguanas
“The cost of living in Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago is considered moderate compared to other cities in the world. Housing and rental prices are relatively affordable, especially when compared to larger cities. The cost of groceries and food is also reasonable, with local markets offering fresh produce at lower prices. Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet are also moderately priced. Transportation costs are quite low, with affordable public transportation options available. However, owning and maintaining a car can be more expensive due to the cost of petrol and vehicle maintenance. Healthcare in Chaguanas is a mix of public and private providers, with the cost varying depending on the type of service required. Private healthcare tends to be more expensive, but is often preferred for its higher quality of service.Eating out in restaurants can range from inexpensive to pricey, depending on the type of restaurant. Local eateries and street food are quite affordable, while high-end restaurants can be quite expensive. Overall, the cost of living in Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago is affordable for many, but it can vary greatly depending on one’s lifestyle and spending habits,” said one expat living in Chaguanas.
Can I live in Chaguanas on $1,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Chaguanas for a few years now and I can tell you that it’s possible to live on $1,500 a month, but it does require some adjustments. The cost of living here is relatively low compared to many other places, but it’s not exactly cheap either. You’ll need to be mindful of your spending, especially when it comes to housing and food. For housing, I’d recommend looking at neighborhoods like Edinburgh 500, Lange Park, or Orchard Gardens. These areas are more affordable and still offer a decent quality of life. You can find a small apartment or house for around $500-$700 a month. On the other hand, areas like Endeavour, Montrose, or Valsayn are more upscale and expensive, so you might want to avoid them if you’re on a tight budget. As for food, eating out can be quite expensive here, especially if you’re used to Western prices. I’ve found it’s much cheaper to cook at home. Local produce and groceries are reasonably priced, and you can get a week’s worth of food for around $50-$70. Utilities like electricity, water, and internet can add up to around $200 a month, depending on your usage. Transportation is another cost to consider. Public transportation is quite affordable, but if you’re planning to get a car, keep in mind that gas prices can be high. Lastly, entertainment and leisure activities can vary greatly in price. There are plenty of free or low-cost activities to do, like visiting the local beaches or parks, but going to the cinema, dining out, or other activities can add up. Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Chaguanas is doable, but it requires careful budgeting and some sacrifices,” commented an expat living in Chaguanas.
Can I live in Chaguanas on $3,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Chaguanas for a few years now and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but it does require some careful budgeting and lifestyle adjustments. The cost of living here is relatively low compared to many other places, but it’s not exactly cheap either. For instance, rent for a decent one-bedroom apartment in a good neighborhood can range from $500 to $800 a month. If you’re looking for more upscale accommodations in a posh neighborhood like Lange Park, you could easily spend over $1,000 a month on rent alone. So, if you’re trying to stick to a $3,000 budget, I’d recommend looking for a place in a more affordable neighborhood like Felicity or Edinburgh. These areas are still safe and have all the basic amenities, but the cost of living is significantly lower. As for other expenses, groceries can cost around $200 to $300 a month, depending on your eating habits. Eating out is relatively affordable, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around $15 to $20. Utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, can add up to around $150 to $200 a month. Transportation costs can vary widely depending on how much you travel, but a monthly pass for public transportation costs around $30. If you have a car, gasoline costs around $1 per liter. In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of affordable or even free activities to enjoy. The local beaches are beautiful and free to access, and there are numerous hiking trails and nature reserves to explore. However, if you’re into more high-end entertainment like fine dining or clubbing, these can quickly eat into your budget. Healthcare is another important factor to consider. Public healthcare is free, but the quality of care can be inconsistent. Many expats, including myself, prefer to use private healthcare, which can be quite expensive. A visit to a private doctor can cost around $50, and that’s without any tests or medications. So, it’s a good idea to have some sort of health insurance. In conclusion, living in Chaguanas on a $3,000 a month budget is doable, but it requires some sacrifices. You might not be able to live in the most upscale neighborhood or indulge in high-end entertainment, but you can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. It’s all about finding the right balance between your income and your expenses,” said one expat living in Chaguanas.
Can I live in Chaguanas on $5,000 a month?
“I’ve been living in Chaguanas for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is definitely possible, even if you’re used to modern amenities. The cost of living here is relatively low compared to many other places. For instance, you can rent a decent two-bedroom apartment in a good neighborhood for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month. The neighborhoods of Lange Park and Edinburgh 500 are quite nice and affordable. They’re safe, have good amenities, and are close to shopping centers and restaurants. On the other hand, areas like Orchard Gardens and Palm View Gardens are a bit more upscale and expensive, so you might want to avoid those if you’re on a budget. When it comes to utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, you’re looking at around $200 a month. Groceries will probably cost you around $400 a month, but that can vary depending on your eating habits. Eating out is quite affordable here, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around $15 to $20. Transportation costs are also quite low. If you’re using public transportation, it’s only a few dollars a trip. If you’re driving, gas is quite cheap compared to the US or Europe. Healthcare is another factor to consider. Public healthcare is free, but the quality can vary. Private healthcare is more reliable and still quite affordable. A visit to a private doctor will cost you around $30 to $50. As for entertainment, there’s plenty to do here that won’t break the bank. There are beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and cultural sites to visit. A movie ticket is around $8 and a gym membership is around $30 a month. Of course, there are some sacrifices you’ll have to make. You might not have access to all the same products and brands you’re used to back home, especially when it comes to groceries and household items. You might also find that some services, like internet, aren’t as reliable as you’re used to. But overall, I’ve found that living in Chaguanas on $5,000 a month is not only doable, but quite comfortable. You just have to be mindful of your spending and choose your neighborhood wisely,” commented an expat living in Chaguanas.
