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Moving to Sint Maarten/Saint Martin? 2024 Living Costs

Originally written in English & checked by Managing Editor: Ian Wright
Last Updated:

Sint Maarten and Saint Martin are two different territories on one small island in the northeast Caribbean which was partitioned in 1648 by the Netherlands and France.  Sint Maarten controls its internal affairs, but the Netherlands is responsible for defence.  The northern part of the island, Saint Martin, is controlled by the French.  The island was badly hit by Hurricane Irma in 2017 and is slowly rebuilding.

If you are considering moving to Sint Maarten/Saint Martin, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved when moving and living in this part of the world.

Quick Sint Maarten/Saint Martin Facts:

  1. Population: Sint Maarten – 44,054, Saint Martin – 40,262 (2022 estimate)
  2. Official Language:Official language of Sint Maarten is Dutch and English, and Saint Martin is French.
  3. GDP Per Capita:US$28,988.26 (Sint Maarten – 2019), US$18,400 (Saint Martin – 2019)
  4. Quirky Facts:  Culinary capital of the Caribbean. Sint Maarten holds the record for the most restaurants per square mile.
  5. Currency: Sint Marten: Antillean Guilder (ANG/NAF/Florin). As of 2023 1 ANG = £0.46 ,US$0.55, €0.53, $0.76 (CAD) and $0.83 (AUD); and Saint Martin: Euro (€). As of 2023, €1= £0.86, US$1.05, $1.743 (CAD) and $1.57 (AUD)

1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Sint Maarten/Saint Martin

Here are some sample container shipping rates to Sint Maarten/Saint Martin from other countries.

Destination Country (Port/City)20FT40FT
Andorra (Andorra la Vella)$1,868$3,171
Australia (Sydney)N/A$12,406
Austria (Vienna)N/A$3,739
Bahrain (Manama)N/A$12,306
Brazil (Santos)$8,780$9,731
Cambodia (Sihanoukville)$7,606$8,618
China (Beijing)$6,757$7,134
China (Shanghai)$6,408$7,077
Greece (Piraeus)$3,966$5,523
Hong Kong (Hong Kong)$6,696$7,077
India (Mumbai)$16,500$15,960
Indonesia (Jakarta)$7,295$7,762
Luxembourg$2,963$4,610
US (Los Angeles)$912$1,309
US (New York)$2,624$1,937

2. Sint Maarten/Saint Martin Housing Costs

Housing costs are fairly high in Sint Maarten/Saint Martin.  There’s a good selection of various sized apartments, houses and luxury villas available for both rent and purchase.

Monthly Rental Prices in Sint Maarten

  • 1 bedroom apartment in the city centre: ANG1,562.60 – ANG2,702.63  
  • 1 bedroom apartment outside the city centre: ANG1,171.14 – ANG2,162.10
  • 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre: ANG4,324.20 – ANG8,107.88
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside the city centre: ANG3,423.33 – ANG4,324.20
  • Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in the city centre: ANG2,792.71 – ANG5,405.25
  • Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside the city: ANG2,162.10 – ANG3,603.50

Source:  Numbeo 

Sint Maarten Housing Cost Comparison

Below are how rents in Sint Maarten compare with other countries around the globe.

United Kingdom is 19.65% cheaper
United States is 22.30% more expensive
Canada is 13.37%more expensive
Australia is 6.54% cheaper
France is 34.67% cheaper
Spain is 44.51% cheaper
Italy is 47.20% cheaper
Germany is 32.61% cheaper

Source: Numbeo

How to Save on Housing Costs

  • Share an apartment or house. Sharing a room or flat with a roommate or flatmate is a great way to save on housing costs. Have a look at the following sites to find your perfect room or flatmate both in Sint Maarten and Saint Martin: Sint Maarten Roommate, Free Rent Ads, Erasmusu, Roommates in Saint Martin, Martin Roommates, and I Roommates.
  • Different areas – different prices. Areas in cities both in Sint Maarten and Saint Martin are expensive both for housing as well as the cost of living. Places like Terres Basses in Saint Martin and Cupecoy and Orient Bay in Sint Maarten are popular but expensive. Suburbs such as Philipsburg, Cole Bay, Oyster Pond in Sint Maarten, and Marigot, Concordia, and Simpson Bay are great places to live and more affordable.

3. Sint Maarten/Saint Martin Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs

Sint Maarten is renowned for its excellent restaurants.  Tourism is the island’s main source of income and, before COVID, it was pulling in around 1.5 million visitors annually.  The high number of tourists is reflected in the concentration of restaurants on both parts of the island. The prices in restaurants and food shops are high compared with most countries in the world.

  1. Inexpensive Restaurant: ANG21.62 – ANG41.67
  2. Domestic beer: ANG3.60 – ANG7.21
  3. Coke/Pepsi: ANG3.15 – ANG 5.41
  4. 1L of milk: ANG4.05 – ANG7.21
  5. Loaf of Bread: ANG1.80 – ANG7.21
  6. 12 Eggs: ANG3.24 – ANG8.65
  7. 1kg Chicken Fillets: ANG8.33 – ANG36.04
  8. 1kg Beef: ANG10.81– ANG43.24
  9. 1kg Apples: ANG4.50 – ANG10.81
  10. 1kg White Rice: ANG2.70 – ANG7.21

 Source: Numbeo 

Below is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major countries in the world.

  • UKrestaurants are 43% cheaper and groceries are 34.21% cheaper than in Sint Maarten.
  • United State restaurants are 25% cheaper and groceries are 3.36% cheaper than in Sint Maarten.
  • Canada restaurants are 22% cheaper and groceries are 12.98% cheaper in Sint Maarten.
  • Australia restaurants are 71% cheaper and groceries are 3.65% cheaper than in Sint Maarten.
  • France restaurants are40% cheaper and groceries are 12.79% cheaper than in Sint Maarten.
  • Spain restaurants are 53% cheaper and groceries are 45.28% cheaper than in Sint Maarten.
  • Italy restaurants are 31% cheaper and groceries are 30.42% cheaper than in Sint Maarten.
  • Germanyrestaurants are 27% cheaper and groceries are 32.04% cheaper than in Sint Maarten.

Source: Numbeo

Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries

4. Sint Maarten/Saint Martin Alcohol Costs

The island is well known for its party atmosphere and locally produced rum, gin and other favourites are enjoyed by visitors and islanders alike.  The island imports a lots of its alcohol which is reflected in the high prices charged by restaurants and supermarkets.

  • Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: ANG5.41 – ANG9.01    
  • Pint (0.5L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: ANG3.60 – ANG7.21
  • Pint (0.5L) domestic beer at a supermarket:ANG2.70 – ANG4.17
  • Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: ANG2.25 – ANG6.31
  • Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: ANG10.81– ANG16.67

Source:  Numbeo 

How to drink for less in Sint Maarten/Saint Martin

5. Sint Maarten/Saint Martin Transportation Fares

Minibuses are the most commonly used mode of transport to get around the island.  Fares and reasonable and the buses are reliable and punctual.  Taxis are also an option. 

Below are some example ticket costs.

  • One-way ticket (Local transport: ANG1.80 – ANG4.17
  • Monthly Pass, (Regular Price): ANG0.00 –ANG166.68
  • Taxi start (normal tariff): ANG18.02 – ANG 36.04
  • Taxi 1km (normal tariff): ANG9.01 – ANG 10.42

Source: Numbeo 

How to save money on public transport

  • Cycling is popular in Sint Maarten and Saint Martin.
  • Scooters and mopeds are also available for rent.
  • Boats and water taxis are another option.

6. Cost of Internet in Sint Maarten/Saint Martin

Sint Maarten and Saint Martin have good internet across the island. You can also get free Wi-Fi in most restaurants and bars. Here are some sample broadband internet prices from 2023 for unlimited downloads:

7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure

Sint Marten and Saint Martin have tropical climates with humid, warm, sunny days.  Summer temperatures ranges from 29C to 32C.  Winter temperatures range from 23C to 26C.  The island has an average annual rainfall of 1,000mm, with the wettest month being November.

Here are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.

  • Pair of Jeans: ANG45.04 – ANG126.12
  • Summer Dress: ANG36.04 – ANG 83.34
  • Running Shoes (Trainers): ANG88.29 – ANG180.18
  • Business Shoes: ANG72.07 – ANG270.26
  • Gym membership per month: ANG90.09 – ANG126.12
  • Movie (cinema) ticket: ANG6.00 – ANG14.41–31.25

Source: Numbeo 

8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Sint Maarten and Saint Martin

Buying a car in Sint Maarten/Saint Martin is expensive but it’s an easy process. Have a look at the following website for detailed information – Buying and Owning a Car in Sint Maarten.

Unless you have a US or Canadian driving licence, you’ll need an International Driving Licence plus your home country’s driving licence to drive on the island.

  • Volkswagen Golf:ANG33,335.43 – ANG39,638.52
  • 1 litre (¼ gallon) of gas (petrol): ANG1.89 – ANG3.04
  • Other fees (if any): The average monthly cost of owning and running a car in Sint Maarten/Saint Martin is around €500.

Source: Numbeo, Seaside Prescribed, Sualiga Post and Insider.

Ways to save money driving in Sint Maarten/Saint Martin

  • The island is extremely small so if you don’t own a vehicle use a taxi –  Taxi St. Maartenand  Martin Taxi Service.
  • You can also hire a bicycle, moped or scooter to get around on.

Need your car/vehicle moved to Sint Maarten/Saint Martin? Then read our guide to Car Transport & Vehicle Shipping.

9. Taxes in Sint Maarten/Saint Martin

Non-residents are subject to tax on their local income.  Residents must pay tax on their worldwide income.  Tax rates start at 12.5% and go up to 47.5% depending on your income.

Sint Maarten and Saint Martin are tax havens so there is no VAT payable on the island.  Have a look at the following information on indirect taxes for a detailed explanation of the island’s tax system.

10. Flight Costs from Sint Maarten/Saint Martin

If you do make the move to Sint Maarten/Saint Martin, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities from Saint Martin/Sint Maarten based on the lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of 2023:

  • London: ANG1,055
  • Paris: ANG1,023
  • New York: ANG442
  • Toronto: ANG394
  • Sydney: ANG1,617
  • Berlin: ANG986
  • Madrid: ANG1,022
  • Rome: ANG995

Other Sint Maarten/Saint Martin Relocation Tips

The above costs and pricing should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Sint Maarten or Saint Martin. But perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.

11. Relocating to Sint Maarten/Saint Martin Alone

Moving abroad can be stressful but moving alone can be really difficult.  The holiday atmosphere in Sint Maarten/Saint Martin and its friendly people will quickly help you ease into your new life. Below are a few tips about settling in Sint Maarten/Saint Martin.

  • Meetups:Meet people who enjoy the same activities you do through Meetup.  If there isn’t a group that appeals to you, then start one
  • Attend local events: Sint Maarten/Saint Martin is a small island but that doesn’t stop the locals from regularly putting on events. Have a look at the following sites for inspiration – Events – St. Maarten, I Explore, FestivalsFrommers, EuropCar and Orange Smile.

12. Moving to Sint Maarten/Saint Martin with a Family

Moving abroad with a family is exciting and as well as challenging. Sint Maarten/Saint Martin has a lot to attract families, especially those with young children. Most activities centre on the sea – snorkelling, diving, boating, fishing, skiing and much more.

  • New parents (or parents-to-be): Start a Meetup group for new parents or parents-to-be so you can share you experiences and support one another.
  • Live in a family-friendly area:Suburbs of Phillipsburg, Simpson Bay, and Moho village on the Dutch side of the island, and Cupecoy-Lowlands, Marigot, and Grand Case on the French side are popular family-friendly areas. Other popular areas include Down Beach, Sint Maarten and Orient Village, Anse Marcel, and the Cul-de-Sac in Saint Martin.
  • Find things to do with the kids:Sint Maarten and Saint Martin have many activities to keep the kiddies busy. Have a look at the following websites for inspiration – Trip Advisor, Visit Maarten, Air   Transat and Destination.

13. Moving to Sint Maarten/Saint Martin for Work

Moving to a new country for work is one of the most common reasons people choose to move. While it is possible to move without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move.

Sint Maarten/Saint Martin is a big tourist destination, particularly for the cruise industry. There are many jobs available in hospitality and tourism, entertainment, education, healthcare and logistic and transportation.

Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:

  • Salary:The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea of how much more you’ll want to be making to make the move worthwhile. You can also check salary ranges on sites such as Sint Maarten and Average Salary Survey.
  • How to find work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to Sint Maarten/Saint Martin, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: We Expats, Indeed, Snagajob, Craigslist and Careers. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.

14. Moving to Sint Maarten/Saint Martin from Australia

People from more than 120 countries currently live in Sint Maarten/Saint Martin which includes a handful of Australians. If you are thinking of moving from Australia to Sint Maarten/Saint Martin, here are a few things to consider.

  • Size comparison:Australia is 142,302 times bigger than Saint Martin. The population of Australia is 25,890,773 whereas the total population of Sint Maarten and Saint Martin is only 84,316.
  • Join expat groups: Connect with fellow Australians through MeetUp,  Internationsand Facebook.

15. Moving to Sint Maarten/Saint Martin from Canada

There are a handful of Canadians living working on the island. If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.

  • Size:Canada is 183,452 times bigger than Saint Martin. The population of Canada is 38,929,902 whereas the total population of Sint Maarten and Saint Martin is only 84,316.
  • Expat groups:Meet fellow Canadians in Sint Maarten/Saint Martin through Internations and MeetUp.

16. Moving to Sint Maarten/Saint Martin from the United Kingdom

There are a small group of Brits living and working in Sint Maarten/Saint Martin. If you’re considering joining them, here are a few bonus tips:

  • Size: The UK is 4,478 times bigger than Saint Martin. The population of the UK is 68,730,050 whereas the total population of Sint Maarten and Saint Martin is only 84,316.
  • Expat groups:Connect with fellow Brits in Sint Maarten/Saint Martin through Internations and MeetUp.

Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Sint Maarten/Saint Martin you can start by comparing moving quotes here.

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