Safest and Cheapest Caribbean Islands: Choosing the Best Option to Live

Many people are assured that the Caribbean is a cheap place to live, and it is often true. The prices in many jurisdictions are really low, while the conditions for rest and recreation are in many ways similar to those offered by the best Asian and European resorts. But does it mean that the islands with the most affordable prices are safe in 2025? Often, the cheapest islands are not the safest islands to visit or live in, meaning, you need to find a balance of affordability, safety, and any other goals you have. 

The question of where to relocate is not that easy to answer. It all depends on your requirements and preferences, habits, and the minimum income available to you. While many people have safe travel experiences, including solo travel, to these islands and have no problems, there is a difference when it comes to living in a country. Many islands are very safe, but others have higher crime rates than others, which will give someone pause for thought. 

The approach to choosing a place to live is complex, and affordable prices alone are not a sufficient reason to embark on a Caribbean vacation, let alone relocation. So, to help you, we have put together a guide on affordable locations in the Caribbean. We list some of the safest countries in the Caribbean as well as the most affordable, so you can make the choice for you, and you can consult our experts for more information about relocation, citizenship, business registration, foreign banking, and more. 

You will need to weigh your preferences against things like travel advisories and, of course, locals and foreigners who relocated can advise you more in-depth about safety. Often, the cheaper countries and islands tend to have higher crime rates, although crime rates across the country do not always reflect the reality of where you may enjoy, and you can mitigate the risks by being smart. 

This guide will help you, so you can see the white sands of the beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, while enjoying a lower crime rate and feeling at ease walking alone at night. We are experts in relocation and know plenty about the Caribbean, due to its range of citizenship by investment programs and opportunities for wealth and asset protection. We want to share our knowledge about the region, for you to make the right choice, and make a tropical Caribbean paradise your new home. 

Caribbean Countries with Affordable Prices

The best place to live in the Caribbean is not always the cheapest one. You cannot have comfort, safety, developed infrastructure, and all conditions for a good rest or business free of charge. Prices may be affordable for a particular target audience and focused on guests who have a tight budget, but you should remember that the creation and maintenance of comfortable living conditions require costs. Consequently, it would not be quite correct to ask which island in the Caribbean is the cheapest place to live, unless you’re willing to sacrifice comfort and face higher rates of crime and other dangers such as hurricanes.

That doesn’t mean you cannot have affordability and comfort. Here is a breakdown of the top, affordable destinations.

Belize

Not an island nation, but part of Central America and of the Caribbean region, and very affordable. This is the only country in the whole of Central America that has an English-speaking population. It is an ideal place for history lovers (Belize is the heart of the ancient Mayan civilization). There are a lot of foreign residents and digital nomads in the country, so you should have no problems with integration into the local society. 

What about safety? Belize, on paper, has a very high crime rate compared to the locations and islands on this list; however, it is generally gang-related, and rarely, if at all, affects tourists, and is isolated to parts of Belize City and the border area of Guatemala. Many of the tourist areas are extremely safe, and plenty of people visit and live with ease in the small nation. 

Plus, Belize offers excellent banking and financial opportunities and offshore structures for wealth management, due to its tax haven status. 

Key Features:

• Two people can live comfortably on USD 2,000 a month
• Excellent conditions for those who love unity with nature
• You will only need USD 150 to fly from the U.S
• If you’re looking for the best places to live in the Caribbean but have a tight budget, the minimum cost of accommodation is USD 30 to 40 (Airbnbs, affordable hotels)
• Simplified procedure of real estate purchase and rent, which means that investment in real estate is profitable, as you have a short payback period and minimal risks
• Imported goods and food products are quite expensive
• Life in Belize will not require considerable expenses on food, as the cost of the majority of dishes in local restaurants starts from USD 19.

Dominican Republic

The island’s economy is focused on tourists and the provision of financial services, and it is rapidly developing. If you are interested in a Caribbean residence permit, the Dominican Republic would be an excellent choice as the procedure for obtaining a residence permit is simplified, and the costs are not very high. Real estate prices are quite affordable, and you are sure to find some good, low-cost options.

There is a risk of crime in the capital, Santa Domingo, especially, but many of the tourist areas and island resorts are incredibly safe to visit and live in. 

Key Features:

• Flights from the USA will cost USD 100 (if you use low-costers or special offers)
• Hotel rooms: from USD 30
• Your gastronomic life in the Dominican Republic will not require considerable expenses, as a lunch in a local restaurant costs USD 10 or a little more
• You will need at least USD 1,800 for two people to live here. If your main goal is to find the best place to live in the Caribbean with affordable cuisine, the Dominican Republic may be a good choice.

Read our article on the residence by investment in the Dominican Republic.

Curacao

Part of the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao), the island’s strong connections with the Netherlands resulted in an increased level of comfort and safety. Curacao is not the cheapest place to live in the Caribbean, but it is still possible to find suitable, affordable accommodation or a low-priced cafe. The island gives a lot of opportunities for informative active tourism and a relaxed rest on the beach.

The multilingual island, famous for its blue liquor, has a very low crime rate and is one of the safest islands to travel to and live in. As it is located outside of hurricane alley, hurricanes are few and far between and not a significant problem for the island. It has flights to Europe, as well as South America, providing you with an opportunity for further adventure. 

Key Features:

• You can find beaches with few people on them, both private and even public
• There are excellent conditions for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and sailing
• The island has a really good Caribbean climate: the weather in Curacao is good all year round
• A flight from the USA will be a little more expensive (USD 200)
• Accommodation is relatively expensive, but it is quite possible to find a hotel or a hostel that charges USD 30 per night
• The Caribbean cuisine in Curacao is delicious and inexpensive (from USD 20 per person), while prices in international restaurants are a little higher.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a self-governing nation and unincorporated US territory, attracting many tourists and foreign residents alike. Puerto Rico is the world’s rum production center, so the price of high-quality alcohol is very low here. If a tourist or an expat is interested in the best Caribbean place to live by overall characteristics, Puerto Rico should be considered . You are sure to be fascinated by the stunning nature of the place and finally fall in love with it – or maybe love it at first sight!

Plus, it has a lower crime rate than many U.S cities, and often has the lowest travel advisory rating due to its safety (minor some petty crime, which can happen anywhere). It is easily one of the safest Caribbean islands to visit and live in, which, while not as cheap as the others we have described, boasts a larger population and opportunities, and a strong U.S connection. 

Key Features:

• A flight from the USA will cost USD 125, and there are many special offers that will help you save on costs
• Good hotels near the beach cost USD 50, while accommodation located closer to the island center is low-priced
• There is a wide choice of bars to suit each taste
• A lunch for two in a restaurant will cost at least USD 40

Grenada

This is a classic Caribbean island with nutmeg plantations, tropical forests, and hot springs. It has an underwater volcano nearby, so the water temperature in some basins reaches 35 degrees. There are wonderful flower fields in Grenada and a lot of places of interest for tourists. It consists of one major island, Granada, and two smaller islands, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. 

It possibly offers some of the safest islands in the Caribbean, with an incredibly low crime rate and a level one travel advisory. It’s also surprisingly affordable, especially away from tourist spots, which are still very safe. Combining this with the beautiful nature and plenty of activities, alongside the citizenship by investment scheme, it is a top choice for relocating. 

Key Features:

• A flight from the USA will cost from USD 200. The price in high season is 1.5-2 times higher, but airlines often offer discounts
• Accommodation will be quite expensive if you look for it after you arrive, but Airbnb offers interesting options at USD 30-35
• Alcohol is not very expensive here (USD 1-2 per bottle of beer), and cocktails with local ingredients are even more affordable (it is characteristic of practically any Caribbean island)
• A three-course lunch will cost you around USD 20. However, if you move a little away from beaten tourist tracks, you can have a good meal for USD 10.

Jamaica

This is one of the most hospitable and welcoming destinations in the Caribbean. It is considered the informal golf center of America. You can find entertainment to suit any taste in Jamaica, but some of them are focused on adults. The typical Caribbean life in Jamaica was adored by Bob Marley (Robert Nesta Marley, who was born here) and Ian Fleming (Ian Lancaster Fleming, the author of novels about James Bond). 

When it comes to safety, of course, outside of the touristic resorts and inside certain cities, there are high rates of crime. Crime has decreased a lot over the years on this island, and millions of tourists visit here, as do foreign residents, without problem. 

Key Features:

• Flight from the US will cost about USD 200 (from November to January)
• Jamaica is not the best Caribbean island if you are on a tight budget: a hotel room will cost USD 30 or more without a conditioner (but with Wi-Fi)
• You can buy local alcohol at a low price (a bottle of Red Stripe beer costs USD 2)
• Seafood-based cuisine is also quite affordable (you can buy a serving of lobsters at USD 10, and other dishes are even cheaper).

Towns Where Your Caribbean Life Will Not Cost Much

It is not that hard to choose a country to live in. You should set the main priorities, find out the conditions of getting a residence permit (permanent residence or citizenship), and move to the tropical paradise. However, the best Caribbean island to live in is an individual choice, so it’s better not to rely on the opinion of others. It would be more useful to come for a short stay and then make a final decision.

It is a little more difficult to opt for a particular city. The cheapest Caribbean islands to live in often have 2-3 well-known tourist centers where prices are quite high, but so is safety and comfort. Therefore, choose not only the country but also a particular city where the financial threshold is lower (on the condition that you preserve the desired level of comfort). The figures below are average and they may differ to some extent from the real cost of living, but they show some of the cheapest towns and cities in the Caribbean.

Dominican Republic

Puerto Plata

• 1-bed apartment (center): USD 185
• 3-bed apartment (center): USD 371
• Monthly budget: ~USD 1,000

Sosua

• Monthly budget: just over USD 900
• Dinner for two: USD 45

Luperon

• Budget options available
• Hotel rates from USD 53/night

Punta Cana

• Average rent: USD 400/month
• High-end rent: USD 900/month
• Affordable transport, food, and entertainment

Santo Domingo

• 1-bed apartment: USD 355
• 3-bed apartment: USD 715 (center) / USD 390 (outskirts)
• Monthly budget: USD 1,200

Las Terrenas

• Budget for 2 people: under USD 2,000/month
• 1-bed apartment to buy: up to USD 100,000

Jamaica

Negril

• Rent: from USD 350/month
• Monthly budget: from USD 800

Port Antonio

• Rent: from USD 300/month
• Monthly budget: from USD 900

Ocho Rios

• Rent: ~USD 500/month
• Monthly budget: from USD 1,000

Montego Bay

• Rent: ~USD 500/month
• Monthly budget: USD 1,300–1,400

Kingston

• Costs ~40–45% lower than major U.S. cities
• No exact figures, but likely in USD 1,200–1,500 range

Puerto Rico

Magas Arriba

• Rent: ~USD 330/month
• Small family house to buy: USD 75,000
• Very affordable for retirees

Maunabo

• Rent: ~USD 370/month
• Good house to buy: USD 90,000
• Affordable and comfortable

Belize

Corozal

• Rent: USD 250–700/month
• 2-bed house to buy: USD 50,000
• Restaurant meal: from USD 20 per person

Placencia

• Rent: USD 500 (1 person), USD 900 (couple)
• Apartment (shoreline): USD 140,000
• Monthly budget for 2 people: USD 2,500

San Pedro

• Monthly budget: ~USD 2,000
• Known for diving and fishing (can increase expenses)

Cost Comparison – From Cheapest to Most Expensive (Monthly)

1. Negril, Jamaica – from USD 800
2. Port Antonio, Jamaica – from USD 900
3. Sosua, Dominican Republic – just over USD 900
4. Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic – ~USD 1,000
5. Ocho Rios, Jamaica – from USD 1,000
6. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – USD 1,200
7. Montego Bay, Jamaica – USD 1,300–1,400
8. San Pedro, Belize – ~USD 2,000
9. Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic – under USD 2,000 (for 2 people)
10. Placencia, Belize – USD 2,500 (for 2 people)

The Safest Caribbean Islands to Live In

Affordable prices, the focus on tourists, and the status of a resort town often go hand in hand with increased risks due to an unfavorable crime situation. Potential threats are posed by the cheapest real estate in the Caribbean, as it can attract various fraudsters. What is a safe place to travel may also be different when it comes to living in. Nonetheless, many of the islands we described are very safe, with homes and properties of the rich and famous.

Can excellent living conditions (low prices, good climate, opportunities for rest and entertainment, an easy procedure for receiving a residence permit, and a developed service sector for wealthy people) be combined with a high level of personal safety? The cheapest places in the Caribbean, such as Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and the Bahamas, are quite unsafe, with some of the highest rates of crime in the Caribbean, especially outside of the tourist areas. So, you want to get the balance right.

However, it is important to focus not on whole countries and islands, but on towns and districts. One spot in one country with high levels of crime may be safer if it is a tourist resort than a town in a generally safer country. What is worth doing is taking a trip to the Caribbean and learning more about the islands you are most interested in, to get an overall feel. Let’s go to the safest places, though. 

Here are the safest Caribbean islands to live in:

• St. Barts (Saint Barthélemy). No serious crimes have been recorded here for a long time, and the overall criminal situation is quite favorable. The only disadvantage is relatively high prices: life on the island will be suitable for people with an above-average income (a room in an average hotel will cost at least USD 200).
• Anguilla. Often topping lists for the safest Caribbean islands to travel to and live in. Petty theft is registered here most often. However, the security service works very well in resort areas, so the belongings of tourists and wealthy residents of Anguilla are reliably protected. The situation with prices proves once more that the best Caribbean islands to live in require quite a high income.
• Cayman Islands. Theft is quite widespread, but there are very few violent crimes. The main reason is the focus on wealthy guests (at least those with an income above average) and very few firearms available.
• British Virgin Islands. In this British Overseas Territory, residents and guests are most often subject to minor pickpocketing, but more serious crimes are extremely rare. There are episodes of violence in separate disadvantaged districts, but they are in no way regular.
• St. Lucia. This is the safest Caribbean island to live in if you comply with standard rules of conduct (you don’t walk alone late at night or show the level of your income at every opportunity). It is important to remember that same-sex relationships are prohibited in St. Lucia, so if you are part of the LGBT+ community, you may face problems if you engage in certain activities in public. This is, unfortunately, a problem in many Caribbean islands. 

You may be interested in obtaining economic citizenship in St. Lucia.

• Martinique. This is one of the safest islands of the Caribbean archipelago. The most serious crimes here are petty theft and fraud with credit cards. However, if you enter the districts that tourists do not usually visit, you’d better do so in the daytime, accompanied by someone.
• Montserrat. The island is not very popular with tourists, which ensures a high level of safety. Montserrat is an overseas territory of the United Kingdom, so compliance with laws is a serious matter here. Serious crimes are very rare in Montserrat. An active volcano located on the island seems to pose more of a threat to the guests than the crime rate. 
• Grenada. This is a classic Caribbean island in terms of safety. Petty theft happens, and episodes of fraud are registered quite often, but more serious crimes happen rarely.

Look at the conditions under which citizenship by investment in Grenada may be available to you.

• Turks and Caicos Islands. This is a Caribbean offshore jurisdiction that includes 40 tiny islands. Small crimes are often registered in large towns, such as Cockburn Town and Providenciales. In remote districts, the main risks are connected with complicated access to medical services and the police. Frequently tops lists for low crime in the Caribbean.
• Guadeloupe. The French pearl of the Caribbean has a very low serious crime rate (though petty theft is widespread). However, you’d better comply with standard security rules.
• Saint Martin. There are very few serious crimes in resort districts. If the guest likes living in the Caribbean, Saint Martin will be a good choice. Relatively low prices would be an additional advantage.
• St Kitts and Nevis. These are the best Caribbean islands to live in if you focus on the overall balance of characteristics: safety, expanded business opportunities, developed resort infrastructure, and affordable prices. Keep in mind, though, that same-sex relations are prohibited by law in St. Kitts and Nevis.

You can get a second passport by investing in St. Kitts and Nevis.

• Barbados. This is the best Caribbean island for family rest. Serious crimes are rare here. Tourists, expats, and digital nomads suffer from petty theft, but this is the only danger you should be afraid of.
• Roatan. The tourist guides that describe the safest Caribbean islands to live in often exclude Roatan. But this is not because the island is too dangerous: it is not very popular with tourists, but expats and immigrants love it. What they adore is the stunning primeval nature of the place, low prices, and sufficient safety (if you comply with basic requirements, of course).
• Antigua and Barbuda. This is an excellent place to live and have a rest. The crime rate is closer to the moderate level, but all you have to do is comply with basic safety rules.

Obtain citizenship by investment in Antigua and Barbuda.

• Dominican Republic. This is a safe Caribbean island to live in if you stick to the tourist areas. Remote districts have a higher crime rate, but you can say that about almost any Caribbean island.
• Bahamas. The situation is similar to the one in the Dominican Republic. The guest is practically guaranteed a safe life in the Caribbean if he or she complies with basic rules of conduct and stays within tourist districts (it’s best of all to stick to those that border on large hotels). The further away you go, the higher the risks, but they still remain absolutely controlled.

In many locations, life in the Caribbean does not require considerable financial resources. This is a safe, comfortable, and calm region where you will have a good rest and enjoy its good climate and well-developed infrastructure. The cheapest places to live in the Caribbean are mainly quite safe, but you’d better take care if you leave the tourist area (and this is true for any island).

If you are planning to change your place of residence, we recommend that you get in touch with our experts to discuss the strategy for comfortable relocation. Real estate in the Caribbean is quite affordable, so you will save a lot if you take care to get good accommodation and a personal bank account.

Contact us by email at in**@***********rt.com or use alternative communication channels.