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 asked about moving to St Kitts and Nevis and takes 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 moderate. It is more expensive to live in St Kitts and Nevis than in most of the Caribbean islands due to the fact that the country has to import many of its products. However, the favorable tax system makes up for the extra spending.
Eating and dining out in St Kitts and Nevis
St Kitts and Nevis have built an excellent reputation for their rich cuisine over the years. The country is filled with restaurants and hotels providing delicious food. The dishes’ main inspiration are Creole, West Indian, Chinese, Western, and Indian. Due to the high number of restaurants present on the island, you will be able to enjoy a wide range of restaurant prices.
Typically, a meal in an inexpensive restaurant amounts to $11, while a three course meal for two in a mid range restaurant amounts to $92.
For those who enjoy going to the bar, local and imported beers are cheaper than average in St Kitts and Nevis.
St Kitts and Nevis transport costs
A very practical aspect of St Kitts and Nevis is that it has an efficient bus network, providing access to most parts of St Kitts and Nevis. A local bus ticket costs half the price of a US bus ticket.
Taxi prices are yours to negotiate with the driver and are considered relatively cheap.
There is a ferry that runs daily and at a low-cost between St Kitts and Nevis.
Health care in St Kitts and Nevis
Health care is available for all St Kitts and Nevis residents. In terms of medical facilities, St Kitts and Nevis is home to the Joseph N France General Hospital – located in St Kitts – and to the Alexandra Hospital – located in Nevis.
Each hospital provides various types of treatment but emergency evacuation might be needed with more severe cases. It is therefore recommended to have private insurance which covers evacuation. St Kitts and Nevis also have several private clinics.
Take a look at Allianz, Bupa, and Cigna Global which are some of the most renowned expat health providers, ranking highly in terms of full health coverage and quality of care.
Cost of groceries in St Kitts and Nevis
Because St Kitts and Nevis need to import many products, the 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.
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, 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 is the average university fees per year of four of the most famous St 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
Renting prices in St 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 St Kitts and Nevis are Basseterre – the capital city – Sandy Point Town, Charlestown, and Bath.
St Kitts and Nevis real estate
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. In order to buy Saint Kitts and Nevis property, several options are available for foreigners.
You can apply for the Alien Landholding Licence, which costs 10% of the property value – required for all non-nationals wishing to buy property.
Or you can buy a pre-approved property through the Citizenship by Investment program – the Alien Landholding Licence is not required in this case. You can either invest a minimum of $200,000 for at least seven years or purchase property as a single applicant, where an investment of at least $400,000 needs to be made. The program gives investors and their families the unique opportunity to receive a St Kitts and Nevis passport and travel to more than 140 countries visa-free.
To learn more about St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program please take a look at our St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship Ultimate Guide by local experts.
Frequently Asked Questions about the cost of living in St Kitts and Nevis
Is St Kitts and Nevis cost of living expensive?
Saint Kitts and Nevis cost of living is moderate due to the fact that many products need to be imported. Locally produced food is however cheap as well as beers. Depending on where you choose to live as well as the type of property you’re looking for, rent can be high or low-cost.
What is St Kitts and Nevis citizenship cost?
You can get Saint Kitts and Nevis citizenship provided that you make an investment of at least $125,000 (special offer from 1 Jan to 30 June 2023) in either government funds, or in pre-approved real estate.
What is St Kitts and Nevis currency?
Saint Kitts currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar.
What is the best place to live in St Kitts and Nevis?
Some of the best cities to live in St Kitts and Nevis are Basseterre, Sandy Point Town, Bath and Charlestown.
Is St Kitts and Nevis expensive?
The country’s cost of living is considered moderate, as many products have to be imported into the island.
Is it expensive to live in St Kitts?
Saint Kitts and Nevis cost of living is considered moderate. The estimated monthly costs for a single person is around $1,100, and a family of four estimated monthly costs will be around 2,800, without rent.
How much is rent in St Kitts and Nevis?
According to the cost of living database Numbeo, a one bedroom apartment can cost between 805 per month (in the city center) to 600 (outside the center). A three bedroom flat in the city center can cost 3,500 per month, with the same size apartment costing about 1,500 if it is located away from the center.
