What is the Cheapest Caribbean Island to Visit in 2024? (2024)

Endless days of sunshine, diverse gastronomy, picturesque landscapes, and white sandy beaches attract many visitors to the Caribbean. Tourists can access various activities on the best cheap Caribbean vacations, from water sports in Key West and hiking through Grenada’s lush rainforest to dining at cheap fancy restaurants in Punta Cana and marveling at Mayan Ruins on Mexico’s Caribbean coast.

Besides the Caribbean’s gorgeous, secluded beaches and many all-inclusive resorts, the most affordable Caribbean destinations are the ideal option for Americans and foreigners worldwide looking to relocate to the Caribbean.

The Ten Cheapest Caribbean Destinations in 2024

Many Caribbean islands on the cheap Caribbean vacations list offer affordable flights from the US and numerous hotel deals in sought-after locations. We’ll look at affordable Caribbean islands for your perfect Caribbean vacation. Whether you’re a family looking for an all-inclusive vacation or budget travelers seeking the best deals on scuba diving, these Caribbean countries offer everything from upscale resorts and white sand beaches to affordable prices and budget-friendly accommodations.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is the cheapest Caribbean island for vacation. It’s popular for its cheap all-inclusive resorts and adventure activities, which are available at affordable prices. This island boasts several of the Caribbean’s best beaches with crystalline waters and pristine coral reefs. The best time to visit is between November and May when you’ll experience occasional rain, ensuring you can enjoy ziplining, cave swimming, and other adventurous activities.

Here, you’ll spend around $25 or $30 on food and $5 on local transportation in the famous Punta Cana and Puerto Plata. Even though Punta Cana is one of the most luxurious cities in the Dominican Republic, you’ll find affordable accommodation using platforms like Airbnb and Booking, offering fantastic vacation rentals and hotel deals.

Jamaica

When visiting the Caribbean with children, the trick is finding a location where everyone can have a good time without breaking the bank. Whether your kids and teens want outdoor adventures, love trying new foods, are eager to explore a destination’s reggae music and culture, or want to spend their time lounging on a white sand beach, there’s something for everyone in a great destination like Jamaica.

Jamaica is often considered one of the best Caribbean destinations for relocation or an affordable Caribbean vacation. If you’re thrifty and plan to make use of seasonal package deals and offers, you and your family can enjoy a fun-filled and affordable option for a Caribbean vacation in one of the island’s many hotels or world-class resorts on the Caribbean Sea.

There are a variety of affordable all-inclusive resorts, mainly in Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, and Negril. The best time to visit is between December and April, avoiding hurricane season. It’s the easiest Caribbean island to visit from the US, where you’ll find cheap flights to Kingston or Montego Bay from several cities in the US, including Miami, Atlanta, and New York, as well as European cities like London and Frankfurt.

Puerto Rico

While Puerto Rico is known for its turquoise waters and gorgeous beaches, there’s much more to do when visiting this Caribbean destination. Make your way through dramatic mountains, immerse yourself in the colorful street life, and visit the must-see El Yunque rainforest.

San Juan is the island’s capital city and is often likened to a miniature tropical Las Vegas but with lower prices, thanks to its hotel strip, bars, and casinos. Of course, it’s a top-rated stop among younger travelers, with options for cheap hotels and hostels for as little as $30 per night.

The island also caters to the more sophisticated traveler with the old town and its gorgeous ocean-view fortress and cobblestone streets. Various budget airlines now fly to San Juan, making it even easier for the budget traveler to enjoy a fabulous holiday and a great deal.

Bahamas

When looking for affordable Caribbean vacation destinations that still offer an atmosphere of luxury, the Bahamas is the spot for you. Given its proximity to the US, the Bahamas is one of the easiest tropical destinations for US citizens, with a mere one-hour flight from Miami. Moreover, its facilities offer the convenience of clearing US immigration before departing for various destinations across the United States.”

This Caribbean getaway offers watersports, scuba opportunities, golf courses, all-inclusive resorts and hotels, and a plethora of other sites and sounds to enjoy.

Comprising more than 700 islands, the Bahamas is the perfect place to visit if you’d like to partake in island hopping, made easier by the many options for a cheap Caribbean cruise. The island is also home to the highly Instagram-able ‘Pig Beach’, Paradise Island, and the famous Thunderball Grotto, which was used in the James Bond films.

Grenada

Grenada, an Eastern Caribbean gem, boasts an array of attractions that often fly under the radar for travelers searching for the best cheap Caribbean vacations. The island offers delicious food, with influences from African and Asian cultures, and tourists will find a beautiful beach in every corner of the island.

Exploring Grenada’s vibrant capital, St. George’s, including its fragrant Market Square, and indulging in a refreshing swim in the calm waters of Grand Anse Beach come at no cost. The months from summer through fall are perfect times to visit. However, Grenada is uniquely located outside the hurricane zone, meaning visitors can travel to the island throughout the year without worrying about their vacation being disrupted.

US Virgin Islands

A popular cruise port, this Caribbean paradise is a great place to visit outside the peak winter season.

As it features as a port for many Caribbean cruises, you can enjoy this destination as one stop on a tour of the Caribbean without forking out additional expenses for hotel accommodation.

Additionally, as a US territory, visitors arriving from a US airport can travel to the country’s islands without having to pass through US immigration.

Trinidad and Tobago

Located near Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago offers some of the best things to see and do in the Caribbean, from the country’s abundant wildlife to vibrant cultural festivals like the famous Trinidad and Tobago Carnival. In addition to the pristine beaches you’d expect to find on a Caribbean island, you’ll see a variety of colorful birds at the wildlife sanctuaries around the island. You can go island hopping and explore picturesque coves and hidden bays.

As the country borders South America, it’s positioned outside the Caribbean’s hurricane zone. This advantageous location means that visitors experience only occasional rain and storms during hurricane season compared to other islands that may face more frequent and severe weather disruptions.

Martinique

With a variety of free attractions, such as Les Salines Beach and St. Louis Cathedral, you’ll find plenty of cheap, family-friendly activities to enjoy on the French Caribbean island. Furthermore, the many budget-friendly street food vendors and accommodation deals make it an excellent option for a cost-effective getaway.

Travelers can rent comfortable sea-view apartments beside palm trees for as little as $85 per night, enhancing the island’s allure as one of the best islands for cheap Caribbean vacations.

British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands epitomize quintessential Caribbean island allure, boasting pristine white sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, top-tier resorts, and options for pretty cheap Caribbean accommodation outside peak season.

The British Overseas Territory is a great place to visit and explore a wide selection of hundreds of small islands, all located within a relatively small area. Chartering a small boat is an excellent way to get around, and visitors can charter boats for as little as $250 per day.

St Lucia

St Lucia’s ample opportunities to enjoy affordable outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and snorkeling have placed it on the list of Caribbean countries to consider for the best cheap Caribbean vacations.

The imposing Twin Piton mountains and picturesque volcanic black sand coastline flank the island’s distinctive jungle interior. Foreigners can find budget-friendly accommodation. Foreigners visiting Saint Lucia can easily find budget-friendly accommodation options, ranging from cozy guesthouses and hostels to affordable hotels. A spacious two-bedroom apartment in Castries can be rented for under $100 per night.

The Cheapest Caribbean Islands to Live On

Suppose you’ve already experienced the best cheap Caribbean vacations and plan to take the leap and retire in the Caribbean. In that case, you’ll have other factors to consider when searching for the cheapest Caribbean islands to live on.

No matter where you end up in the Caribbean, you’re likely to find direct flights to the US and Europe, untouched beaches, impressive resorts, ports for cruise ships, historical sights, natural beauty, and local restaurants offering a taste of local culture.

Dominica

Compared to the United States or Europe, Dominica’s living cost is low. Whether renting, buying property, or purchasing things from the local markets, Dominica real estate prices are lower than other Caribbean countries. If you plan to retire in the Caribbean but are worried about the expenditure, Dominica is the perfect place.

For example, the monthly expenses come to around $4,000 for a family of four, excluding rent. If you stay alone, your monthly expenditure will be around $1,300 (excluding rent).

St Lucia

St Lucia is one of the cheapest Caribbean islands on which to live. The cost of living in St Lucia is lower than in many countries in the United States and Europe. The country is tax-friendly and levies no capital gains, inheritance, wealth tax, or tax on worldwide income. Not only is St Lucia affordable, but it also provides its residents with a very high quality of life with plenty to do and see.

Rent prices in St Lucia depend on the location. For instance, renting a one-bedroom apartment in Castries’s city center will cost around $560 per month. In comparison, renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center will cost around $250 per month.

Antigua and Barbuda

Renowned for its white sand beaches, tropical weather, and relaxed lifestyle, Antigua and Barbuda is a popular destination in the Caribbean. The country offers all modern conveniences to people, with plenty of things to do and see, and is around 20 percent cheaper than the United States and the United Kingdom.

As per Numbeo, the monthly expenditure for a single person is around $1,100, excluding rent. For a family of four, living in Antigua and Barbuda will be around $3,900, excluding monthly rent.

Grenada

Grenada is also among the cheapest Caribbean islands to live on. Compared to the US and other Caribbean islands, the cost of living in Grenada is notably lower, be it education, real estate, groceries, or restaurants. In Grenada, a meal in a local and inexpensive restaurant will cost you around $7.40. A three-course meal in a mid-size restaurant will cost around $80 for two people.

In terms of rent, you need to pay around $750 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center. However, it will cost you around $400 outside the city center. If you plan to buy a property in Grenada, the price can vary from $160,000 to $7,000,000.

Cost of Living in the Caribbean

Caribbean real estate

The Caribbean region has a thriving real estate market, and there are many affordable Caribbean countries where you can find your ideal property. The cost of housing that you encounter, however, will depend on the type of ownership – in other words, whether you want to rent or buy it.

If you are looking for affordable property to buy in the Caribbean islands, you should consider places like Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Aruba, Honduras, and Belize, as they offer some of the most economical real estate options for you to buy or rent. To rent one-bedroom properties in these locations, you must pay around $700 to $1000 each month. Please note that these properties will not be beach-facing.

Places like Barbados, the Cayman Islands, and the Turks and Caicos Islands have more expensive properties than the ones mentioned above. However, since the Turks and Caicos Islands are a tax-neutral jurisdiction, it levies no annual property taxes, income tax, or capital gains tax on residents. People living in the Cayman Islands also don’t receive direct government taxation.

So, if you plan to move to the Caribbean permanently, please consider all these factors and assess them before making your big move.

Utilities

To live in your home comfortably, you must manage a few essential utilities like water, gas, electricity, telephone bills, air conditioning, etc. The cost of all of these can differ significantly depending on where you reside in the Caribbean.

Places like the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Curaçao have the highest cost of utilities compared to the other Caribbean islands. The expenditure on utilities in these places can range between $200 – $350. Please note that this is the average cost of utilities if you live in a small apartment. When you get a bigger space, the utility cost will automatically rise since you will tend to use more water, electricity, and air conditioning.

If you are looking for a place in the Caribbean with a low cost of utilities, then you should consider moving to the Dominican Republic, Belize, Costa Rica, or Panama regions.

Food and drinks

The cost of everyday items like milk, bread, eggs, and chicken is higher across the Caribbean than in the United States. If you want somewhere more affordable, check out Grenada, St Lucia, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.

If you are fond of fruit and vegetables, purchasing them from the local markets or roadside stalls is often cheaper.

On the other hand, luxury items like beer, wine, and cigarettes are cheaper in the tropical islands than in the United States. Although destinations such as the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands are attractive tourist spots, the cost of living, food, and drinks are slightly higher than in the other parts of the Caribbean. The reason for the higher price is that these places offer a greater variety of imported goods that are readily accessible to you.

To give you an example of the cost of living, two people sharing a home would spend around $600 on groceries. But please keep in mind that this is an estimate for you. Your budget can go up if you indulge in good wine and food more than once in a while.

Restaurant and entertainment

The prices of restaurants and entertainment options vary from place to place in the Caribbean. For example, let’s take a look at the cost of a McDonald’s combo meal in the Caribbean. According to Numbeo, this will cost you around $7.04 in the Dominican Republic, while the same meal will cost you around $8.70 in Grenada, $10 in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and $13.80 in the Cayman Islands.

Eating out in the Turks and Caicos is expensive compared to all the other places in the Caribbean. For example, a regular meal in an affordable restaurant will cost around $20, according to Numbeo.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Cheapest Caribbean Islands

Affordable Caribbean Vacation Destinations

Now, while some locations in the Caribbean have a higher cost of living, they can still make for an affordable vacation. In this section, we’ll take you through our list of affordable Caribbean destinations for your perfect vacation, where you can truly discover the country’s rich culture. Whether you’re a family looking for all-inclusive resorts or budget travelers looking for the best deals on scuba diving, these Caribbean destinations offer everything from upscale resorts and white sand beaches to affordable prices and budget-friendly accommodations.

Jamaica

When visiting the Caribbean with children, the trick is finding a location where everyone can have a good time without breaking the bank. Whether your kids and teens want outdoor adventures, love trying new foods, are eager to explore a destination’s music and culture, or want to spend their time lounging on a white sand beach, there’s something for everyone in Jamaica.

Jamaica is often considered one of the best Caribbean destinations for relocation or an affordable Caribbean vacation. The cost of living here is around 48 percent cheaper than in the UK, and if you’re thrifty and plan to make use of seasonal package deals and offers, you and your family can enjoy a fun-filled and affordable vacation in one of the island’s hotels or world-class resorts. There are a variety of affordable all-inclusive resorts, particularly in Negril. The best time to visit is between December and April, and you can find cheap flights to Kingston or Montego Bay.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is another popular choice for those in search of a destination full of all-inclusive resorts and plenty of adventures at affordable prices. This island boasts several world-class beaches with crystalline waters and nearby restaurants. The best time to visit is between November and May to ensure you can enjoy the many ziplining, cave swimming, and other adventurous activities.

Here, you’ll find yourself spending around $25 or $30 on food and $5 on local transportation. Despite the fact that Punta Cana is one of the most luxurious cities in the Dominican Republic, you’ll find affordable accommodation using platforms such as Airbnb and plenty of all-inclusive resorts with fantastic deals.

Puerto Rico

While Puerto Rico is known for its turquoise waters and gorgeous beaches, there’s much more to do when visiting this Caribbean destination. Make your way through stunning mountainous landscapes, immerse yourself in the colorful street life, and visit the must-see El Yunque rainforest.

San Juan is the island’s largest city and is often likened to a miniature tropical Las Vegas, thanks to its hotel strip, bars, and casinos. Of course, it’s a highly popular stop among younger travelers.

The island also caters to the more sophisticated traveler with the old town and its gorgeous ocean-view fortress and cobblestone streets. Various budget airlines now fly to San Juan, making it even easier for the budget traveler to enjoy a fabulous holiday and a great deal.

Bahamas

When looking for affordable Caribbean destinations that still offer an atmosphere of luxury, then the Bahamas is the spot for you. Due to its proximity to the US, it’s an exceptionally easy place for the country’s citizens to visit, being just an hour’s flight from Miami.

This Caribbean getaway offers watersports, scuba opportunities, golf courses, all-inclusive resorts and hotels, and a plethora of other sites and sounds to enjoy.

Consisting of more than 700 islands in total, it is the perfect place to visit if you’d like to partake in some island hopping. The island is also home to the highly Instagram-able ‘Pig Beach’, Paradise Island, and the famous Thunderball Grotto, which was used in the James Bond films.

Other Caribbean destinations to consider include:

• US Virgin Islands

A popular cruise port, this Caribbean paradise is a great place to visit outside of the peak winter season. As it features as a port for many cruises, you can enjoy this destination as one stop on a tour of the Caribbean.

• British Virgin Islands

A great place to visit and explore a wide selection of hundreds of small islands, all located within a relatively small area. Chartering a small boat is a good way to get around.

• Martinique

With a variety of free attractions, such as Les Salines Beach and St. Louis Cathedral, you’ll find plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy. Furthermore, the many budget-friendly street food vendors and accommodation deals make it an excellent option for a cost-effective getaway.

• Trinidad and Tobago

Located near Venezuela, these twin islands offer much to do. In addition to the pristine beaches you’d expect to find on a Caribbean island, you’ll see a variety of colorful birds at the wildlife sanctuaries around the island and can go island hopping and explore picturesque coves and hidden bays.