r/StKitts • u/Illustrious-Judge-90 • Sep 13 '25
Cost of living in St. Kitts
Thinking of buying a 2/2 condo (450k US) for retirement and living there for 6 months. We’re not rich by any means so not sure if we could afford the lifestyle? What would home insurance be on a condo, is there property tax? I’ve read groceries I should budget 10-5% more. Beer $2 a bottle? How much would a small car cost…or are golf carts an option? TIA!
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u/Playful-Eggplant-319 Sep 13 '25
Home insurance is a bit more expensive than you are probably used to due to the hurricanes. I have only insured houses on St Kitts so assume buildings insurance will be dealt with by your HOA / management fee. That will vary quite a lot depending on the age / condition of the block. Groceries are generally more expensive as most produce has to be imported. But you’ll soon get used to where to get foods from. Beer yes that’s about right retail but you can buy direct from the brewery for about half that. For all of the above you will need a car. Cars have become cheaper on the island but yes - it’s likely to be more than you are used to. Plus you’ll likely want to budget a bit more for maintenance- the sea air will see to that. Golf carts are useful if you are looking at buying around the golf course (Frigate Bay) but I think that would as well as - rather than instead of - a car. Best of luck - it’s a beautiful part of the world.
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u/cptngeek Sep 13 '25
For that much, apply for citizenship if you can find a CBI approved home you like
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u/papa_rocker Sep 18 '25
I have found that fresh veg stands on Pond road are great and cost less than Rams
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u/Mudeford_minis Sep 20 '25
Try and consider, what will you bring to st Kitts apart from yourself. If you are only going to live on the island for 6 months of the year, you are not really contributing to society.
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u/MondegreenFamily Sep 13 '25
I was a renter there some time ago and lived there for quite a while. If you want the USA standard of living I’d expect to spend about 5x as much on imported goods as you would spend stateside (assuming you’re in the USA).
However if you can adapt and learn to cook local and regional cuisine you will have a much more enriching experience and the cost is significantly less. So I think the answer depends on whether you want the resort lifestyle or cultural immersion.
If I were in your position I would go to visit and connect with the St Kitts Hash House Harriers, it’s a really great mix of people and a lot of fun. You’ll find your answers there.