If you are looking to relocate to St Lucia, the cost of living on the island is important to consider. This guide provides detailed information on St Lucia’s cost of living.
Understanding the cost of living in St Lucia
The cost of living in St Lucia compared to the UK and the US is relatively low and residents benefit from a favorable tax regime – there are no capital gains, inheritance tax, wealth tax on worldwide income, or assets. Because St Lucia offers high quality of life, the island has seen an increase in foreign expats relocating to this tropical paradise – mostly coming from the US and Canada. St Lucia’s expat community is considered one of the most friendly in the world.
Eating and dining out in St Lucia
St Lucia is internationally recognized for its delicious cuisines coming from all over the world. In the cosmopolitan and bustling cities of Castries and Rodney Bay, you can find a high concentration of restaurants with cuisine from France, Japan, China, and India.
You can also find local and succulent food anywhere on the island. Make sure to try St Lucia’s signature national dish known as Green Figs and Salt Fish, it’s rated highly.
To give you an estimate of restaurant prices: a meal in an inexpensive restaurant amounts to $5, while a three-course meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant amounts to $29.
St Lucia transport costs
St Lucia has two airports – Hewanorra International Airport and George Charles Airport – and its main seaport is Castries. Well connected to the rest of the world, St Lucia has direct flights to the US, Canada, and Europe.
The main public transport to use to get around is the mini-bus, but private taxis are widely available in St Lucia. The cost of private taxis is more expensive than in the US, however, distances on the island are relatively short.
Health care in St Lucia
St Lucia’s healthcare system is pretty efficient. You can find wellness centers in all the towns and villages. In total there are 36 health and wellness centers, three public hospitals, one private hospital, and one psychiatric hospital in St Lucia.
All St Lucia citizens and residents benefit from free medical treatment at health centers. However, health care is privately funded. You can find a number of insurance companies providing affordable health insurance in St Lucia.
Cost of groceries in St Lucia
Depending on if you consume local or imported products, the cost of groceries can be relatively cheap in St Lucia.
- Locally produced food such as rice, fresh white bread, fresh fruits and vegetables – oranges, onions, tomatoes, potatoes – are low-cost and cheaper than in the US.
- Imported products such as milk, meat, and gasoline are more expensive than in the US.
- Wines, domestic and imported beers are low-cost and cheaper than in the US.
Study costs in St Lucia
Saint Lucia provides free and compulsory education for children up to the age of 15.
The island has one university – the University of the West Indies Distance Education Centre – and several medical schools.
Depending on the school, the cost of studying in St. Lucia varies. On average, students should plan to spend around $4,000-$10,000 per semester. Housing and insurance have to be considered as additional costs.
Real estate in St Lucia
Renting in St Lucia
There are many options to rent property in St Lucia. Depending on the type of property and its location, prices vary.
Living in the city center is twice as expensive as living outside the city center.
You can for example rent a one-bedroom apartment in Castries’s city center for $480 per month and a three-bedroom apartment for $1,000 per month.
If you rent a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center you will pay around $250 and approximately $480 for a three-bedroom apartment.
Buying property in St Lucia
With an influx of expats relocating to the island, St Lucia’s real estate market is booming. Properties such as villas, resorts, apartments, condos, historical colonial homes are available for a wide range of prices. Some of the best cities to live in St Lucia are Castries, Rodney Bay, Soufriere, and Marigot Bay. Below are some of the property prices you can find on the market:
- St Lucia local home = Starting from $200,000.
- Modern condos and bungalows = around $300,000
- Beachfront villas = $1,000,000.
Foreigners wishing to buy property in St Lucia need to apply for the Alien Landholding License.
Another popular option to buy St Lucia property is to apply to the St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program. Invest a minimum of $300,000 in pre-approved high-end branded hotels and resorts or in a boutique property and get a St Lucia passport.
FAQs:
Is the cost of living in St Lucia expensive?
The cost of living in St Lucia is relatively low. Compared to the US and the UK, eating out, groceries, and real estate are cheaper.
What is the cost of living in St Lucia compared to the UK?
The cost of living in St Lucia is lower than the cost of living in the UK.
What is the best place to live in St Lucia?
Some of the best places to live in St Lucia are Castries, Rodney Bay, Marigot Bay, and Soufriere.
How can I get the St Lucia passport?
You can get the St Lucia passport via the St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program, provided that you have made an investment of at least $100,000 in the country’s economy. If you have resided over 7 years in St Lucia, you can also apply for citizenship.
