12 Cheap Caribbean Countries—Because Paradise Doesn’t Have To Be Pricey

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The Caribbean is one of the world’s most highly sought-after tourist destinations. Famous worldwide for offering breathtaking tropical destinations, travelers can expect pristine beaches, unique cultural experiences, tropical weather, picturesque scenery, and much more. In other words, the Caribbean is the perfect destination for escaping the daily grind.

However, with such high praise, the Caribbean has become a symbol of luxury. As such, many destinations cost a fortune to visit. Luckily, there are still Caribbean countries that remain budget-friendly. Here are 12 of the cheapest Caribbean countries you can visit to learn more. These entries were selected because they have lower average daily trip costs than other Caribbean countries.

St. Lucia

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Let’s start with St. Lucia, a postcard-perfect Caribbean country famed for its stunning natural scenery, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and delightful weather. Despite being known for its 5-star luxury resorts and honeymoon villas, St. Lucia is surprisingly affordable compared to other Caribbean countries. For context, the average daily travel cost in St. Lucia is $211.

That might sound like a lot, but the average daily living cost in Barbados is $376. In St. Lucia, you’ll spend your time soaking up the sun, strolling along glorious white sand beaches, exploring the lush landscape, and tucking into Caribbean delights. Notable points of interest include the Pitons Mountains, Reduit Beach, Rodney Bay, and Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens & Mineral Baths.

Jamaica

Jamaica is best known for its tranquil beaches, scenic landscapes, vibrant culture, and summer vacation resorts. It’s also famed for being one of the most affordable Caribbean tourist destinations. For starters, Jamaica is cheaper to fly to than other Caribbean islands. You can fly directly from many destinations in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Secondly, the island offers more affordable accommodation, tourist attractions, food, and drink. The Average daily travel cost in Jamaica is only $128. Negril is one of the best places to stay in Jamaica. When you’re not relaxing on the iconic Seven Miles Beach, visit Kool Runnings Water Park, play golf at Negril Hills Golf Club, and sunbathe at Negril Cliffs.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic also offers more affordable flights than other Caribbean countries, offering direct connections to many countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. Like Jamaica, the Dominican Republic also has more affordable accommodation options and cheap tourist activities. On vacation in the country, you can expect to spend approximately $147 daily.

A much-loved Caribbean destination, the Dominican Republic is well-known for its naturally beautiful landscapes, beautiful beaches, and diverse wildlife. Punta Cana and Santo Domingo are affordable places to stay on the island. Meanwhile, popular attractions in the Dominican Republic include the Three Eyes National Park, Puerto Plata Cable Car, Ocean World Adventure Park, and Bavaro Beach.

Dominica

Dominica, not to be mistaken for the Dominican Republic, is a mountainous Caribbean island country best known for its lush rainforest landscape, natural hot springs, and mesmerizing waterfalls. Compared to other Caribbean countries, it’s also one of the most affordable Caribbean nations to visit. The average daily travel cost on the island is $204.

With low property prices, favorable taxes, and tax incentives for those over 65, Dominica is also one of the most affordable places in the Caribbean to live. The average cost of living is only $900 per person. Better yet, Dominica has many exciting things to do. Learn about island history in Fort Shirley, scuba dive at La Sorciere, hike in Cabrits National Park, and explore the Old Market in Roseau.

Cuba

Despite being one of the Caribbean’s most fascinating, beautiful, and exciting countries, Cuba is an astonishingly affordable place to visit. Budget travelers can comfortably survive on the island for approximately $50 daily. Incredibly, that includes accommodation, food, transport, and activities. We don’t know about you, but we’re already booking our flights.

If you visit Cuba, you’ll likely fly into Havana, the nation’s capital. This vibrant capital city is a hub for Cuban culture and history. You’ll never tire of exploring the historic Old Havana, where magnificent 1950s American Cuban cars are rolling along the streets. Other exciting places to visit in Cuba include Varadero Beach, Baracoa, Santa Maria del Mar Beach, and Cienfuegos.

Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago is the place to go if you are searching for wall-to-wall sunshine, crystal-clear turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and many things to do at an affordable price. Despite being one of the most naturally beautiful islands in the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago offers affordable accommodation, cheap activities, and cheap eats.

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However, we don’t recommend visiting during the Trinidad Carnival because prices soar. Regarding daily travel costs, the average traveler spends approximately $213 daily in Trinidad and Tobago. Store Bay is one of the best places to stay on the island. You’ll find glorious beaches, essential amenities, boat trips, charming hotels, and more here.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico, an island nation west of the British Virgin Islands, is a breathtaking country famed for its vibrant towns and cities, lush rainforest, towering mountains, and rich history. San Juan, the nation’s capital city, is also renowned for being one of the cheapest destinations in the Caribbean.

Renowned for its vibrant nightlife, colonial architecture, and picture-perfect beaches, you’ll never be short of things to do in the city. Spend time getting lost in Old Town San Juan, exploring El Morro Fortress, relaxing on Playa la Ocho Beach, and partying in Calle Loíza. During the low season, you can expect to find deals on flights and accommodation. As such, you can keep your daily cost down to $218 or lower.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a Southern Caribbean country comprising a main island called St. Vincent and an archipelago of smaller islands. Despite its impressive natural beauty, vibrant yacht-filled harbors, and beautiful accommodation options, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is surprisingly underrated. As a result, it’s more affordable than other luxury islands.

To visit the country, you’ll have to spend approximately $166 per person daily, which makes countries like Barbados twice as expensive. On vacation in St. Vincent, you’ll likely spend most of your time relaxing on the beach, exploring the capital, Kingston, indulging in Caribbean food, and snorkeling in Buccament Bay. Noteworthy points of interest include Princess Margaret Beach, Montreal Gardens, and Fort Charlotte.

Honduras

Another seriously underrated Caribbean nation is Honduras. This gorgeous island nation offers Caribbean charm and character in abundance. One day, you’ll find yourself lounging by the beach. Next, you’ll snorkel in one of the many coral reefs around the island. Roatan is the best place to visit for the ultimate escape from reality.

Situated approximately 40 miles (65 kilometers) off the northern coast of Honduras, this tranquil island, which is becoming a popular place for expats to retire, offers wall-to-wall sunshine, turquoise waters, epic snorkeling spots, watersports, and much more. Alternatively, park yourself somewhere picturesque and sip cocktails all day. The average daily travel cost in Honduras is approximately $40.

Nicaragua

If you’re considering moving to the Caribbean but are on a tight budget, consider Nicaragua. A single person can live in the country for less than $700 monthly, including rent, utilities, food, and transport. If it only costs $700 monthly to live there, you can also expect low vacation costs.

Bordering the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean in Central America, Nicaragua is best known for its tropical beaches, vibrant towns and cities, lush scenery, and beautiful coastline. In San Juan del Sur, you can spend your free time surfing, sunbathing on Maderas Beach, swimming in the emerald waters, and hiking to the Christ of the Mercy Statue.

Panama

The penultimate Caribbean country on our list is Panama, a breathtaking tropical country most famous for the iconic Panama Canal. However, from a tourist standpoint, this beautiful country is best known for its stunning natural scenery, vibrant cities, rich history, and luxurious vacation resorts. Budget travelers visiting Panama on vacation can get by on approximately $80 daily.

While the mainland has much to offer, such as David, Panama City, and Colón, you’ll likely enjoy the nation’s islands most. Take Isla Colón for example. The main island in the Bocas del Toro Archipelago, this gorgeous island offers a charming waterfront town (Bocas Town), clear turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and many outdoor activities, including fishing and whale watching.

Belize

Last but certainly not least, we have Belize, a country you must visit if you seek affordable luxury and warm weather. Magnificent offshore cays, pristine white sand beaches, dense rainforests, Mayan ruins, and diverse wildlife await you in Belize, and you’ll be surprised how little you have to pay to access it all.

The average daily travel cost in Belize is only $105 per person. If you have a larger budget, this will leave you with more money to spend on activities and fine dining. The daily travel cost in Belize is so low because the country has affordable accommodations and pocket-friendly restaurants and activities. Some of the most popular places to stay in Belize include Ambergris Caye, Belize City, Caye Caulker, and Corozal.