Cost of Living in the Caribbean: What It Really Costs to Live There

When people think about the Cost of Living, the total amount of money needed to cover basic expenses like housing, food, transportation, and utilities in a specific place. Also known as living expenses, it’s not just about rent or groceries—it’s whether your paycheck can keep up with daily reality. The Caribbean isn’t one place. It’s 25+ countries and territories, each with its own economy, currency, and rules. What’s cheap in Jamaica might be expensive in Barbados. What’s affordable in the Dominican Republic could feel like a luxury in Puerto Rico. You can’t just Google "Caribbean cost of living" and get a straight answer—because there isn’t one.

That’s why you need real data, not brochures. The Caribbean cost of living, the combined monthly expenses for housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and other essentials across Caribbean nations varies wildly. In the Cayman Islands, a one-bedroom apartment can cost over $2,000 a month. In Nicaragua or Honduras, you might find the same space for under $500. Groceries? Imported goods in tourist-heavy islands like St. Lucia or the Virgin Islands can cost twice as much as local produce. Electricity bills? They’re often higher than in the U.S. because most islands rely on expensive diesel generators. And don’t forget healthcare—many expats pay out of pocket since public systems are stretched thin.

Then there’s the hidden stuff: how often you eat out, whether you drive or walk, if you need internet for remote work, or if you’re paying for water delivery because the tap isn’t reliable. These aren’t small details—they’re the difference between surviving and thriving. Some islands let you live comfortably on $2,000 a month. Others demand $5,000 just to keep the lights on. And the 2025 trends? Inflation is pushing prices up, especially for fuel and food imports. The affordable Caribbean islands, Caribbean destinations where the cost of living remains relatively low compared to regional peers, often due to local economies and lower tourism density are getting harder to find—but they still exist. Places like Dominica, Grenada, and parts of Belize are still within reach for budget-savvy travelers and remote workers.

You don’t need to move to the Caribbean to understand this. You just need to know what you’re getting into. Whether you’re dreaming of retirement on a beach, working remotely from a villa, or just planning a long-term stay, the cost of living isn’t a number on a website—it’s your daily reality. That’s why the posts below don’t just list prices. They show you exactly how much people are paying for rent, groceries, and electricity right now. No guesses. No fluff. Just what’s actually happening on the ground. What you’ll find here are real breakdowns, island by island, so you can decide where your money goes the furthest.