Updated:
If you've ever considered moving to Haiti, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Haiti?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Haiti and whether the reported $2670 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $850.53.
Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
12.99 $ |
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
70.0 $ |
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
12.0 $ |
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
5.0 $ |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
6.0 $ |
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
3.0 $ |
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
2.1 $ |
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
2.39 $ |
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
1.96 $ |
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
1.4 $ |
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
3.16 $ |
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
2.53 $ |
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
6.04 $ |
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
12.06 $ |
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
19.39 $ |
|
Apples (1 lb) |
2.35 $ |
|
Banana (1 lb) |
2.35 $ |
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
2.92 $ |
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
2.91 $ |
|
Potato (1 lb) |
4.79 $ |
|
Onion (1 lb) |
2.68 $ |
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
0.99 $ |
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
1.0 $ |
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
7.5 $ |
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.12 $ |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
1.38 $ |
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
2.15 $ |
|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
0.5 $ |
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
30.61 $ |
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
0.5 $ |
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
-- |
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
11.91 $ |
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.86 $ |
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
25000.0 $ |
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
45000.0 $ |
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
88.74 $ |
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
0.12 $ |
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
93.78 $ |
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
66.36 $ |
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
20.0 $ |
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
5.0 $ |
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
100.0 $ |
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
6867.8 $ |
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
53.39 $ |
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
32.91 $ |
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
86.79 $ |
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
150.0 $ |
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
1300.0 $ |
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
703.15 $ |
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
1947.2 $ |
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
1016.84 $ |
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
2960.08 $ |
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
1689.75 $ |
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
850.53 $ |
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
14.0 % |
|
The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 12.99 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 70.0 USD.
Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 1.96 USD, a loaf of bread 1.4 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 2.53 USD.
Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 0.5 USD and a monthly pass around 30.61 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.
For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 88.74 USD.
For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 66.36 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 20.0 USD.
Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 100.0 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 6867.8 USD.
Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 53.39 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 86.79 USD.
Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 1300.0 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 703.15 USD.
If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 2960.08 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 1689.75 USD.
The average monthly net salary here is about 850.53 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 14.0% annually.
Haiti
Generally speaking, Haiti is not a safe place to visit. Keep in mind that many people have reported that there are no safe places in Haiti. If you do visit, stick to maximum precaution measures.
Transport is definitely not safe in Haiti. Upon arriving, make sure that no one is following you, as criminals have been known to watch people arriving and then following them and attacking them. The same thing applies to people withdrawing money from banks or ATMs. Apart from this, public transport has been known to be the site of many criminal actions, stabbings, murders, robberies and kidnappings, so avoid using public transportation, including “tap-taps” by all means.
The poverty in Haiti is present everywhere so it is, of course, highly advised against walking around looking like you have money. The situation in Haiti is crushing so it’s no wonder that people will try and steal from you if you look like a target with money. Apply maximum precaution measures in order to minimize the chances of getting stolen from.
In the past, there have been numerous natural disasters hitting Haiti, such as cyclones, hurricanes, tropical storms, torrential rains, floods and earthquakes. The hurricane season is between June and November.
The chances of getting mugged or kidnapped are high in Haiti. By all means, avoid walking around Port au Prince alone, particularly at night, and if you do, stay away from the insanely high crime level slum areas Carrefour, Martissant, Cite Soleil, the Delmas road area, and Petionville.
Even though there haven't been any terrorist attacks in Haiti’s recent history, they shouldn't be ruled out. Tourists are advised to remain aware of their surroundings at all times.
As you would expect in a country ridden with crime like Haiti, people will probably try to scam you. Be wary of anyone using tactics in order to distract you. Double check your change and negotiate everything in advance. Be careful when entering any taxi vehicles and agree on the price in advance.
Haiti is not a safe place for women to travel to. Do not go anywhere unaccompanied, and under no circumstances leave your accommodation without company after dark. Women are easier targets and there have been many reports of sexual attacks, rapes and robberies.
Most countries do not need a visa to enter Haiti. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months past the date of your return from Haiti. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
Haitian gourde is the official currency in Haiti. Most major cities have ATMs, but keep in mind that they often run out of money or stop working. Credit cards are usually accepted in most establishments in the capital but rarely elsewhere.
Haiti’s climate is generally tropical, characterized by hot and humid weather. Fog and drizzle brought by the north winds interrupt Haiti's dry season from November to January, and from February to May, the weather is very wet, making it a wet season.
Toussaint Louverture International Airport is the busiest airport in Haiti. It is located in Tabarre, a commune of Port-au-Prince in Haiti.
Just like anywhere else, we advise getting travel insurance when traveling to Haiti, because it would cover not only medical problems, but also theft and loss of valuables.