The Cost of Living in St Kitts and Nevis in 2024

How much are living costs in St Kitts and Nevis? Are groceries cheap? Is it expensive to live in St Kitts and Nevis? This article answers common questions about moving to Saint Kitts and Nevis, taking a detailed look at St Kitts and Nevis’ cost of living.

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.

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 cheaper than average in Saint Kitts and Nevis for those who enjoy going to the bar.

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.

Healthcare in St Kitts and Nevis

Healthcare is available for all St Kitts and Nevis residents. In terms of medical facilities, St Kitts and Nevis are home to the Joseph N France General Hospital—located in St Kitts—and the Alexandra Hospital—located in Nevis.

Each hospital provides various types of treatment, but emergency evacuation might be needed in more severe cases. Therefore, it is recommended to have private insurance that covers evacuation. Saint Kitts and Nevis also have several private clinics.

Allianz, Bupa, and Pacific Prime are some of the most renowned expat health providers, with premiums including full health coverage from $200 to $400 per month.

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:

Study Costs in St Kitts and Nevis

Education in St Kitts and Nevis is free and compulsory for children aged 5 to 16. Private schools are also available.

Saint Kitts is home to several universities, a few of them being private medical schools.  The university fees vary according to each university and degree, and some universities are free for Saint Kitts and Nevis nationals. Below are the average university fees per year of four of the most famous Saint Kitts and Nevis universities:

• Clarence Fitzroy College: $650
• International University of Health Sciences: $1,000
• Medical University of the Americas Nevis: $3,000
• Windsor University School of Medicine: $10,000

Real Estate in St Kitts and Nevis

Renting

Monthly rent prices in Saint Kitts and Nevis vary depending on where you choose to live and how many bedrooms you are looking for. You can rent a one-bedroom apartment in the city center for $850 and outside the city center for $600. Some of the best cities to live in in St Kitts and Nevis are Basseterre, the capital, Sandy Point Town, Charlestown, and Bath.

Buying

St Kitts and Nevis real estate is very diversified and offers incredible opportunities. You can find beautiful villas and condos, luxurious resorts, boutique hotels, fancy apartments, and family houses. Average property prices per square meter are $5,000 in the city center and $4,000 outside the center.

For foreigners, several options are available for buying property in Saint Kitts and Nevis. You can apply for the Alien Landholding License, which costs ten percent of the property value – required for all non-nationals wishing to buy property.

You can buy a pre-approved property through the St Kitts Citizenship by Investment program—the Alien Landholding License is not required in this case. You can obtain a second citizenship by investing a minimum of $400,000 in an approved development or $800,000 in a single-family private dwelling. Your property investment must be held for at least seven years. The program gives investors and their families the unique opportunity to receive a St Kitts and Nevis passport and travel to more than 150 countries visa-free.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Cost of Living in Saint Kitts and Nevis