12 Beautiful Places in the Caribbean Where You Can Live for Less Than $2,000 a Month
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The Caribbean is a world-famous destination loved most for its year-round sunshine, beautiful white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and coral reefs teeming with marine life. With pricey all-inclusive resorts and high-end cruises offering unparalleled luxury to match, it’s no surprise many people rule out a move to the Caribbean.
However, what would you say if we told you that you could live in the Caribbean for less than $2,000 monthly? You’d probably tell us we’re crazy, but while many islands are expensive, others are surprisingly affordable. To learn more, we’ve compiled a list of 12 beautiful places in the Caribbean where you can live for less than $2,000 monthly.
Negril, Jamaica
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The first destination on our list is Negril, a highly sought-after destination in Jamaica best known for its pristine beaches, Jamaican cuisine, and affordability. Jamaica is generally one of the most budget-friendly places to stay in the Caribbean. Flights from America are usually cheaper, and you can find accommodation that won’t hurt your bank account.
Singles moving to Jamaica can live comfortably for approximately $1,777, including rent, utilities, food, and entertainment. In Negril, you can spend your days strolling along the beaches, exploring the local markets, hiking along the coast, and tucking into traditional Jamaican cuisine. Points of interest in the town include Seven Miles Beach, Negril Cliffs, and Negril Farmers Market.
Read also: Places in the Caribbean To Live for Less Than $2500
Bocas del Toro, Panamá
Bocas del Toro is a picturesque town located at the southern tip of Isla Colón in Panamá. The seaside town is best known for its beautiful beaches, marine parks, and affordable prices. Expats can live in Bocas del Toro for an average of $1,772, while locals can live comfortably for approximately $1,035 monthly.
Daily expenses such as housing, utilities, and groceries are moderately priced in Bocas del Toro. You can find charming one-bedroom apartments for approximately $400 monthly. You won’t need a big budget for activities, as you’ll likely spend most of your time at the beach. Popular places include Starfish Beach, Polo Beach, Wizard Beach, and Bastimentos National Marine Park.
Read also: Affordable Beach Destinations in the Caribbean
Castries, St. Lucia
The next destination will test your money-saving skills. St. Lucia is a luxury destination famed for its honeymoon villas, impressive verdant mountains, and tropical beaches. However, individuals can live on the island for between $1,500 and $2,500 monthly.
Therefore, if you’re savvy with your money, you could live on the island for $2,000 or less. You may have to opt for a simpler lifestyle, but you’ll have a tropical paradise on your front door. Your money will go further if you move to the capital, Castries. In the city, spend time relaxing on Vigie Beach, exploring Castries Market, and admiring the local architecture, such as the Cathedral Basilica.
Read also: White-Sand Beaches in the Caribbean
Willemstad, Curacao
Curacao is a stunning Caribbean island between Aruba and Bonaire off the coast of Venezuela. While travelers who seek wall-to-wall sunshine, white sand beaches, and exotic waters love the island, Willemstad often steals the show. Willemstad is a fascinating city with a mixture of African and Dutch heritage.
It features a beautiful Old Town with colonial architecture, breathtaking pastel-colored houses, and mesmerizing sandy beaches. Notable attractions in the city include Queen Emma Bridge, Hato Caves, Mambo Beach, and Renaissance Mall & Rif Fort. From a financial standpoint, Willemstad is an attractive proposition. A single person can live in the city for approximately $1,612 monthly.
Read also: Honeymoon Destinations in the Caribbean
Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Expats can live in Puerto Viejo for roughly $1,759 monthly. However, locals can live comfortably for less than $1,000. This would suggest that savvy travelers can make further savings if they live a more affordable lifestyle, leaving them with more money to do the things they love.
Puerto Viejo’s biggest draw is Costa Rica’s incredible natural beauty. You’ll be treated to lush forests, golden-sand beaches framed by turquoise waters and palm trees, and vibrant cafes and restaurants at every turn. The fact this destination is cheaper than other coastal retreats in Costa Rica is also a significant bonus.
Read also: Surreal Places in the Caribbean
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a gorgeous Caribbean destination that shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti. It’s famous worldwide for its breathtaking beaches, luxury resorts, and diverse landscape. It’s also renowned for being one of the most affordable places to live in the Caribbean.
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Single expats can live comfortably on the island for under $1,200 monthly. Punta Cana is one of the best places to live if you want more bang for your buck. You’ll find affordable accommodation, cheap eats, and many free attractions in Punta Cana. Noteworthy places include Juanillo Beach, Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve, and the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana.
Read also: Cheapest Caribbean Islands
St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda
St. John’s, the main port and capital of Antigua and Barbuda, is another excellent option for making significant savings. The cost of living in Antigua and Barbuda is almost half our $2,000-a-month budget ($1,100). That’s quite impressive, considering you’ll find yourself living in a dual-island nation famous for its stunning rainforests, tropical beaches, and beautiful coral reefs.
In St. John’s, you’ll have good access to other parts of the islands, many things to see and do, and a wider range of accommodation options, so you can find something that suits your budget. Popular things to see in the city include the 17th-century Government House, the 19th-century Anglican Church, and St. John’s Cathedral.
Read also: Expat Destinations in the Caribbean
Havana, Cuba
Havana is the perfect destination if you want to experience big city life in the Caribbean. With a population of more than two million people, it’s one of the largest cities in the Caribbean region. The average cost of living for a single expat in Havana is approximately $1,200 monthly.
In Havana, travelers can step back in time in the old town. Old Havana, founded in 1519, is a fascinating part of the city famed for its old-time charm, character, and vintage cars. Quite bizarrely, Old Havana is still home to 60,000+ classic American cars. Other significant points of interest in Havana include the Castle of the Three Kings of Morro, the National Capitol of Cuba, and Fusterlandia.
Read also: Historical Sites To Explore in the Caribbean
Caye Caulker, Belize
Suppose you’ve always dreamt of living the island lifestyle but couldn’t afford it. In that case, you’re in luck because, according to International Living, most expats can live comfortably on the island of Caye Caulker for between $1,500 and $2,000 a month. You better start packing your bags!
Caye Caulker is a small Caribbean island located off the coast of Belize. The island is split by a narrow channel, where you’ll find a beautiful sandy beach. The only settlement on the island is Caye Caulker Village. It offers a simpler lifestyle but everything you need to live a happy life, including bars, restaurants, and shops. The island is also home to lush mangrove forests, a forest reserve, and a marine reserve. What’s not to like?
Read also: Remote Caribbean Islands for Private Getaways
Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Another small island destination that’ll treat you well is Isla Mujeres, a tropical island approximately eight miles from Cancún. The islands offer travelers a laid-back atmosphere, an escape from city life’s hustle and bustle, and many things to see and do.
You’ll spend your time on the island relaxing on the white sand beaches, hiking, participating in watersports, playing golf, and snorkeling in one of the many coral reefs. Places you don’t want to miss include Playa Norta, Punta Sur, the Underwater Museum of Art, and Playa Centro. Regarding finances, living on Isla Mujeres costs an average of $1,810 a month.
Read also: Must-Visit Caribbean Islands
Port of Spain, Trinidad
The penultimate destination on our list is the Port of Spain, located along the northwest coast of Trinidad. It’s the capital city of Trinidad and Tobago and is known for its stunning beaches, spectacular architecture, and affordable living. The average cost of living for a single person in Port of Spain is just $1,372 a month.
Las Cuevas Beach, Macqueripe Bay, and Maracas Beach are some of the most sought-after beaches. Meanwhile, the Royal Botanical Gardens and Queen’s Park Savannah offer a relaxed escape from the daily grind. Port of Spain is also famous for its festivals, including the iconic Trinidad Carnival and the Tobago Jazz.
Read also: Adventure Destinations in the Caribbean
St. George’s, Grenada
The final Caribbean destination on our list is St. George’s on the picturesque island of Grenada. Grenada is best known for its impressive volcano landscapes, vibrant coastal towns, and beautiful beaches. It also happens to be one of the most affordable Caribbean islands on which to live. In St. George’s, the capital of Grenada, Numbeo reports that a single person can live for just under $750 a month without rent.
With the average one-bedroom apartment in the city center costing approximately $641 monthly, you’re well within budget. In St. George’s, discover interesting landmarks, visit the best beaches, and immerse yourself in local attractions. Famous attractions you need to see include Fort George, St. George’s Market, the Grenada National Museum, and Grand Anse Beach.
Read also: Top Romantic Caribbean Island
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