Discover the best Caribbean islands offering a balance between affordability and safety. From Belize with its English-speaking community and Mayan history to the Dominican Republic’s thriving economy, explore ideal destinations for expats and digital nomads.
Many people are assured that living in the Caribbean is cheap, and it is true. You can enjoy rest and recreation of the same quality as in the best European and Asian resorts, but the total costs will be much lower. But what about safety? The problem is that you will have to strike a balance as the cheapest place to live often turns out to be the most dangerous one, and vice versa. It simply means that affordable prices should not be the sole criterion for the choice and you’d better adopt a complex approach. This post will give you a brief overview of the Caribbean islands, and you can continue the journey on a trusted portal to find your option for a secure and economical life abroad.
Affordable Caribbean Islands
The cheapest Caribbean island is not always the best choice if you are looking for a good place to live. If you want to take advantage of safety, comfort, developed infrastructure, and all conditions for business or rest, you cannot expect to get them for free. Comfortable living conditions require expenses, so you’d better not look for the cheapest Caribbean island but rather for the one that is safe and affordable. We have selected the best options for you in this post.
Belize
This is the only Central American country with an English-speaking population, which may be a critical factor for you. The island used to be a center of the ancient Mayan civilization, so it may be a perfect choice for history lovers. You will find integration into the local community easy as there are a lot of expats and digital nomads here.
Basic information:
- An ideal island for those who love unity with nature
- Two persons will need USD 2,000 a month to live a comfortable life
- Flight from the US costs only USD 150
- Real estate is easy to purchase or rent, and it is a good investment opportunity
- Most dishes in local restaurants will cost around USD 19
- If you are on a tight budget, use Airbnb or affordable hotels at USD 30 to 40 per night
- Mind that you will pay a lot for imported goods and food
Dominican Republic
The main sources of revenue for the country’s economy are financial services and tourism, and it is thriving. You can easily obtain a residence permit here at an affordable cost. Real estate does not cost much, so you are sure to find something for yourself.
Basic information:
- The cheapest hotel room comes at USD 30 a day
- The flight from the US will cost USD 100 if you use special offers
- A lunch at a local restaurant will cost you about USD 10
- A couple will need about USD 1,800 to live comfortably.
The Dominican Republic is a great place to live in the Caribbean with affordable cuisine.
Curacao
Looking for increased comfort and safety? Curacao, an island that has close connections with the Netherlands, will provide all that to you! We cannot say that this is the cheapest Caribbean country, but it is still possible to find low-priced accommodation and an affordable café. Curacao is suitable for those who love relaxed beach rest and those who prefer informative active tourism.
Basic information:
- If you like kitesurfing, windsurfing, and sailing, you will find excellent conditions here.
- Beaches are semi-deserted, which is unusual for the Caribbean
- The weather is good throughout the year
- Accommodation is not very cheap, but you can find an inexpensive hotel or hostel at USD 30 per night
- The flight from the US costs USD 200
- The local cuisine is very tasty and cheap (you can have lunch at USD 20), while international restaurants will cost a bit more.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico, or the Island of Enchantment as it is often called, is a global rum production center, so you can buy this drink at the lowest price possible here. Though you will not find too many places of interest in the country, Puerto Rico is an ideal choice if you want to choose the best country by its total characteristics. And if you love stunning natural views, you will not be disappointed!
Basic information:
- You can get a lunch for two in a local restaurant at USD 40
- The choice of bars is so wide that you will have a hard time choosing!
- If you want to live near the beach, you can rent a hotel room at USD 50. The closer is the accommodation to the island center, the cheaper it will cost.
- Flight from the US comes at USD 125 (and even cheaper if you get a special offer).
Grenada
Hot springs, tropical forests, nutmeg plantations – that’s all about Grenada! There is an underwater volcano near the island, which warms some of the basins to 35 degrees! Opt for Grenada to enjoy its wonderful flower fields and numerous places of interest.
Basic information:
- If you take care to find accommodation before you arrive using Airbnb, you will find options at USD 30-35. Otherwise, offers upon arrival may be much more expensive.
- You can enjoy a three-course lunch in tourist places at USD 20 or even 10 if you step off the beaten track.
- Flight from the US costs on average USD 200 and may be two times more expensive in high season, but discounts are often available.
- Alcohol is inexpensive (a bottle of beer costs USD 1-2), and cocktails with local ingredients cost almost nothing.
Jamaica
If you want to opt for the most hospitable Caribbean island, this is Jamaica, informally known as the golf center of America! It offers entertainment for any taste, with some of them being for adults only.
Basic information:
- The island is hardly suitable for a tight budget as the price of a hotel room (with Wi-Fi but without air conditioning) starts at USD 30.
- The local cuisine is based on seafood and is quite cheap (a serving of lobsters costs USD 10, for instance).
- Alcohol is inexpensive (USD 2 per bottle of RedStripe beer).
- If you fly from the US in the period from November to January, a plane ticket will cost USD 200.
- Want to know more about great places to live in the Caribbean? Follow the above link and continue your journey!
