Thinking about relocating to St Kitts and Nevis? Breaking down the cost of living is an essential part of planning your move. Expats can enjoy a high standard of living in St Kitts and Nevis, with low taxes, beachfront villas, and a relaxed lifestyle in the Caribbean, but the cost of everyday expenses can vary significantly depending on your preferences and whether items are produced locally or imported. Keep reading this cost guide for insights into housing, groceries, utilities, healthcare, and education expenses.
Key Takeaways about the Cost of Living
St Kitts and Nevis Cost of Living Facts
| Factor | Data Point |
|---|---|
| Currency | Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD/EC) | 1 USD = 2.70 XCD |
| Monthly Cost (Single, Person excl. Rent) | $700 to $1,400 |
| Monthly Cost (Family of 4, xcl. Rent) | $2,000 to $3,000 |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) | $890 per month |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside the City Center) | $665 per month |
| Property Pucharse (Per m2) | $4,500 |
| Income Tax Rate | 0 percent |
| Citizenship Program Property Investment | $600,000 (private home) |
| Internet (300 Mbps) | $50 per month |
Understanding the Cost of Living in St Kitts and Nevis
A fantastic island in the Caribbean, St Kitts and Nevis’ cost of living is considered relatively affordable.
While it is more expensive to live in Saint Kitts and Nevis than in most other Caribbean islands due to the fact that the country has to import many of its products, it is still more affordable than places like the US and the UK.
Additionally, the favorable personal income tax system makes up for the extra spending.
St Kitts and Nevis Cost of Groceries
Because St Kitts and Nevis imports many products, the Saint Kitts and Nevis cost of groceries can be moderate to expensive. However, local products are relatively low-cost.
Locally produced fresh vegetables, fruits, and meat are cheap, such as white rice, eggs, chicken, local cheese, tomatoes, potatoes, and onions. Imported food such as milk, fresh white bread, oranges, and imported wine is more expensive than average.
Here are the average prices for everyday food products in Saint Kitts and Nevis:
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| White rice (1kg) | $3.70 |
| Milk (1 liter) | $2.44 |
| Fresh white bread (500g) | $3.70 |
| Potatoes (1kg) | $2.22 |
| Bananas (1kg) | $3.07 |
| Eggs (12) | $5.55 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $9.25 |
| Onions (1kg) | $1.85 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter) | $1.85 |
| Domestic Beer (0.33 liter) | $3.70 |
Cost of Internet and Utilities
Utility costs can be quite high in St Kitts and Nevis, but are generally lower than in the United States. The country relies on imported fuel for energy, so heavy electricity usage can be expensive. St. Kitts Electricity Company Limited (SKELEC) and Nevis Electricity Company Limited (NEVLEC) are the country’s main electricity providers, with rates averaging $0.19 to $0.29 USD/kWh. A household with one or two people pays around $90 per month in electricity bills. You can expect to pay more with frequent air conditioning usage.
A 300 Mbps broadband connection from Flow costs $50 per month. A 500 Mbps broadband connection costs just under $70 per month. Flow also provides prepaid cellphone plans with data from $5 per month.
Cost of Eating and Dining out in St Kitts and Nevis
St Kitts and Nevis have built an excellent reputation for their rich cuisine. The country is filled with restaurants and hotels providing delicious food. The main inspirations for the national dishes are Creole, West Indian, Chinese, Western, and Indian. Due to the high number of restaurants present on the island, you can enjoy a wide range of restaurant prices.
Typically, a meal in an inexpensive restaurant costs $22, while a three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant costs $92. Local and imported beers are cheap in Saint Kitts and Nevis. A local beer costs $2.22 at a restaurant versus $6 in the USA. local eats, such as rotis and saltfish flatbreads cost $8 to $15 per plate.
St Kitts and Nevis Transport Costs
A practical aspect of Saint Kitts and Nevis is its efficient bus network, which provides access to most parts of the country. A local bus ticket on public transport is cheaper than the average price of a US bus ticket at $2.22 compared to $2.50 in the US, as well as a monthly pass. Taxi prices are yours to negotiate with the driver and are considered relatively cheap. A ferry runs daily and between Saint Kitts and Nevis, costing $11 to $15 each way.
Vehicle ownership
The cost of owening a vehicle in St Kitts and Nevis is generally higher than in North America because there is no domestic production, and imports are subject to shipping costs, high customs duties, VAT, and registration fees. A four-year-old Toyota Corolla Cross from a popular dealership like Auto Estate St. Kitts & Nevis costs $30,000.
The Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Energy, and Utilities listed the maximum price per gallon of unleaded gasoline as $6.43. TDC Insurance and NAGICO Insurances are two popular local car insurance providers, with comprehensive coverage costing $400 to $1,200, depending on the vehicle and the driver’s age and experience.
Healthcare Cost
Healthcare is available through both public and private service providers. Residents can receive public health treatment at Joseph N. France General Hospital in St Kitts and Alexandra Hospital in Nevis. Meridian Medical Centre, PrimeHealth, and HCMD Urgent Care are private clinics equipped to provide faster care and a broader range of specialist treatment.
Private healthcare costs are lower than in the US and the UK, but the United Kingdom’s National Health Service provides a more comprehensive public healthcare service. A routine doctor’s visit costs between $30 and $60, while an appointment with a specialist costs between $75 and $150. Because advanced medical procedures may require evacuation, many expatriates choose private insurance policies that include evacuation cover.
Premiums with international health insurance providers, such as Allianz Care, Bupa Global, Cigna Global, and Pacific Prime, start at $100 per month for a basic policy and exceed $400+ for a comprehensive policy for a middle-aged person.
Real Estate in St Kitts and Nevis
Renting
Monthly rent prices in Saint Kitts and Nevis vary depending on where you choose to live, the type of property, and how many bedrooms you have. According to Numbeo, the current average cost for you to rent a one-bedroom apartment in the center of the best cities in St Kitts and Nevis is $890. Outside the city center, it will cost you $665, on average.
Buying
St Kitts and Nevis real estate offers villas, condos, luxury apartments, and traditional family houses. Average property prices per square meter are $5,000 in the city center and $4,000 outside the center. Foreigners can apply for the Alien Landholding License to buy real estate, which costs ten percent of the property value.
You can also buy an approved property through the St Kitts Citizenship by Investment Program, which must be valued at least $325,000 an approved development or $600,000 in a single-family private dwelling. The purchase also comes with a powerful St Kitts and Nevis passport.
Education Costs
St Kitts and Nevis residents attend government-funded public schools at the primary and secondary levels. International schools offering British and American curricula, such as St. Kitts International Academy and Nevis International Secondary School, charge between $4,000 and $8,000 per child.
The Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC) tuition fees start at $650, reaching $5,000+ for non-nationals. A Foundations of Medicine semester at Ross University School of Medicine costs $34,000, including admin fees and health insurance.
Cost of Taxes
St Kitts and Nevis’s tax system is relatively lenient. Residents do not pay personal income tax on salaries, self-employment earnings, and most investment income. Businesses pay a flat 33 percent corporate tax. The standard VAT rate is 17 percent for most goods and services. Certain tourism-related services qualify for reduced rates.
Taxes on imported vehicles are generally high, comprising a Customs Service Charge, import duty, VAT, and registration fees. While the absence of income tax limits the income tax burden, the high cost of imported goods requires factoring in taxes in the overall cost of living. For those with assets in St Kitts and Nevis, the government does not impose wealth, inheritance, or capital gains taxes.
| Tax | St Kitts and Nevis | United States | United Kingdom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Tax | 0 percent | 10-37 percent | 0-48 percent |
| VAT | 17 percent | 0-10 percent (state tax) | 20 percent |
| Annual Property Tax | 0.2-0.3 percent | 0.28-2 percent | Varies depending on location and age |
| Capital Gains Tax | 0 percent | 0-37 percent | 18-24 percent |
| Inheritance/Estate Tax | 0 percent | 1-16 percent (in 5 states) | 40 percent (above £325,000) |
