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Are you wondering how much food costs in St Kitts & Nevis? Then this post is exactly what you are searching for.
As Caribbean nationals, we can confirm that the information provided in this article came directly from a grocery retail store on the island.
We are conscious that if you planning a vacation or even relocation to the island that you will appreciate reliable information on the cost of food.
So let us dive into some further details.
What Is The Cost of Food In St Kitts & Nevis
Along the same lines as several of its regional counterparts, the majority of the food items consumed on the island are imported from abroad.
There is a tax called Value Added Tax (VAT) which is added to goods and services on the island. It is levied at a rate of 17%.
At selected time of the year, the Government often approves a Discounted VAT day where individuals can purchase items at a lower tax rate.
Locals often use the opportunity to stock up on items or make a special purchase when there is a concession.
Not all food items are subject to VAT. There are several staple items that are zero rated to make these items affordable to the masses.
The prices quoted at the local supermarkets are usually VAT inclusive.
Below is a table which details the prices of food items on the island. This list includes the brand (where available) as well as the weight to give you an idea as to the size of the item.
| Brand | Items | Size | XCD$ | USD$ |
| Broccoli | 1 pound | 7.95 | 2.94 | |
| Carrots | 1 pound | 2.95 | 1.09 | |
| Idaho | Potatoes | 5 pounds | 18.95 | 7.02 |
| Multigrain local bread | 1 loaf | 10.00 | 3.70 | |
| Kraft | Macaroni and Cheese | 12 ounces | 2.95 | 1.09 |
| Mahatma | Rice | 5 pounds | 17.95 | 6.65 |
| Barilla | Spaghetti | 1 pound | 4.95 | 1.83 |
| Bag Apples | 10 count | 34.95 | 12.94 | |
| Grapes ( Red Seedless) | 1 pound | 18.95 | 7.02 | |
| Kraft | Mozzarella Cheese | 1 pound | 14.95 | 5.54 |
| Kraft | Cheddar Cheese | 1 pound | 19.95 | 7.39 |
| Chicken Drumsticks | 1 pound | 6.95 | 2.57 | |
| Brunswick | Canned Tuna | 4 ounces | 3.95 | 1.46 |
| Island Purified | Purified Water | 1 gallon | 6.00 | 2.22 |
| Folgers | Instant Coffee | 400 G | 53.95 | 19.98 |
| Tropicana | Orange Juice | 89 ounces | 54.95 | 20.35 |
| Heinz | Ketchup | 114 ounces | 24.95 | 9.24 |
| Salmon | per pound | 27.95 | 10.35 | |
| Olive Oil | 5 litres | 107.95 | 39.98 | |
| Bertolli | Spaghetti Sauce | 24 ounces | 19.95 | 7.39 |
| Campbell | Chicken Noodle | 6.95 | 2.57 | |
| Dominos | Sugar | 5 pounds | 17.95 | 6.65 |
| Purity | All Purpose Flour | 4.4 KG | 9.95 | 3.69 |
| Kelloggs | Cornflakes | 18 ounces | 19.95 | 7.39 |
| Eggs | 1 dozen | 11.00 | 4.07 | |
| Brunswick | Sardines | 4.50 | 1.67 | |
| Carnation | Evaporated Milk | 3.75 | 1.39 | |
| Fresh Milk | 1 gallon | 19.60 | 7.26 | |
| Vegetable Oil | 1 Litre | 26.80 | 9.93 |
What Is The Cost of Drinks In St Kitts & Nevis
Carib Brewery Ltd is the leading manufacturer of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages on the island.
The cost of a malt or coca cola on the island is approximately USD$2. These are readily available at both supermarkets and small corner shops.
What Is The Best Currency To Use In St Kitts & Nevis
St Kitts & Nevis shares the Eastern Caribbean Dollar as it official currency along with seven other Caribbean islands.
The head office for the central bank is located in Bird Rock near the capital city of Basseterre.
The Eastern Caribbean currency has bank notes as well as coins. Bank notes are available in $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 denominations.
Coins are available in 5 cents, 10 cents, 25 cents, $1 and $2 denominations. Coins in 1 cents and 2 cents pieces were recently discontinued.
The Eastern Caribbean Dollar has been pegged to the US (United States) dollar since July 7th, 1976 at a rate of USD $1 to XCD $2.70.
As a general rule, US dollars are readily accepted by most businesses on the island.
For ease of completing business transactions, it is best that you travel with notes of smaller denominations.
US bank notes that are worn or torn are not accepted by commercial banks on the island and hence vendors will also reject them.
US coins cannot be used at local businesses.
Furthermore, St Kitts & Nevis is a cryto-friendly country with Bitcoin Cash accepted some businesses on the island especially in key tourist areas.
There are plans to make Bitcoin Cash a legal tender on the island.
Major Grocery Stores In St Kitts & Nevis
There are three major supermarkets with locations both in St Kitts & Nevis being Best Buy, RAMS and ValuMart IGA.
Many other smaller supermarkets are also on both islands such as Dong Fang supermarket in the capital city of Charlestown in Nevis.
Furthermore, there are food delivery apps such as CaribeEats and 869ToGo if you prefer to have a meal delivered to you.
What Is The Cost of Living In St Kitts & Nevis
As with everywhere, the cost of rent in St Kitts and Nevis depends on where you choose to stay.
To give you a good indication of how much to budget, a one bedroom apartment fully furnished in a great location will cost you approximately XCD$1,400 to XCD$2,000 per month. This translates to about USD$518 to USD$ 740 per month.
A fully furnished apartment often comes with items such as beds, stove, microwave and washing machine.
On average, the cost of electricity each month for an individual is approximately XCD $150 to XCD$200 each month. This translates to about USD$56 to USD$74 each month.
The cost of electricity fluctuates with changes in fuel prices.
The cost of water is about XCD$50/ USD$18 each month.
The providers for mobile telephone and internet services on the island are Flow and Digicel which both have footprint in other Caribbean islands.
The price of the internet service is approximately XCD$150 which is about USD$50 monthly.
Can You Drink The Water In St Kitts & Nevis?
The water in the tap in St Kitts & Nevis is safe to drink. The water is collected, treated and distributed. Locals often purchase spring and purified water from suppliers.
Island Purified Water and Nelson Spring Water are two companies that provide natural spring water and purified water on the island respectively.
Is it Cheap To Eat Out In St Kitts & Nevis?
The average cost of fast food meal in St Kitts & Nevis for an individual is USD$10. If you prefer the atmosphere of a cafe, you can budget about USD$25 per person. For a three course meal at a restaurant, one can average approximately USD $60 per person.
With reference to fast food chains, KFC, Burger King, Domino’s Pizza and Subway are all on the island of St Kitts.
Reggie Beach Bar & Grill is one of the popular beach bars on the island located on Cockleshell Beach. It specializes in seafood, burgers, tropical drinks and salads.
Futhermore, the Shiggidy Shack Beach Bar is another popular spot to relax with friends and family.
Sugar Mill Restaurant on Cockleshell Beach is an exceptional restaurant on the island.
It has breathtaking views of Nevis and is usually the end point the annual Nevis to St Kitts Cross Channel Swim.
During the month of July, the island hosts its annual restaurant week. If you are a foodie at heart, this is the best month to visit the island.
Best Time To Visit St Kitts & Nevis
The best time to visit St Kitts and Nevis is from the period December to April each year. This is the dry season and sunny weather is highly predictable on most days. The hurricane season starts in June and ends in November each year with special offers on hotels during the peak period in September.
Does St Kitts & Nevis Get Hurricanes?
Yes, St Kitts & Nevis is susceptible to hurricane as the island is located on the Southern edge of the hurricane belt. The last tropical cyclone to impact the island was hurricane Irma in 2017. This caused damage to buildings, crops and infrastructure. September is the season’s peak.
Therefore it is prudent to consider travel insurance if you are visiting the island during the hurricane season.
Furthermore, travel insurance is also advisable when visiting the Caribbean to safeguard yourself and your loved ones if there are any cancellation, delays, interruptions, lost luggage and adventure sports activities.
For reliable insurance coverage to the St Kitts & Nevis, we strongly recommend World Nomads Travel Insurance.
How To Get To St Kitts & Nevis
Numerous international airlines provide daily non-stop flights to St Kitts & Nevis. American Airlines flies three times each week from Miami and once weekly from Charlotte, North Carolina.
In addition, Delta provides service from Atlanta and New York City once weekly. British Airways also flies twice weekly from Gatwick.
There are also other Caribbean airlines such as Caribbean Airlines and InterCaribbean Airways.
Top Things To Do In St Kitts & Nevis
Enjoy Flyboarding Experience– soar in the air with a flyboard in one of the many beaches on the island.
The session includes one on one coaching on how to use the flyboard. The board allows you to soar at an altitude of 30 feet.
Take An Island Tour– relax and enjoy historical, scenic and important landmarks around the island.
Tours often visit notable landmarks such Berkeley Memorial, Independence Square and Immaculate Conception Catholic Cathedral.
An island tour will not be complete without a visit to the UNESCO Heritage site, Brimstone Hill which features panoramic views of the city.
On a clear day, one can also see Nevis, St Eustatius, Saba, St Maarten and St Martin.
Hike Mount Liamuiga– trek to the summit to the tallest peak on the island. Mt Liamuiga stands at an altitude of 3,792 feet. The word Liamuiga comes from the Kalinago word which means “fertile land”.
The summit provides views of Nevis, St Barts and Saba.
Tour Wingfield Estate- this is the remains of an 18th century sugar cane plantation and rum distillery.
The ruins feature storage areas, workshops, boiling houses, stables and dormitories.
Tour The Island On An ATV– enjoy the lush green vegetation of the island. Stops include visiting sugar plantations and other historic landmarks. The tour also includes pick up and drop off from your hotel.
Final Thoughts: Cost of Food In St Kitts & Nevis In 2024
We trust that the information in this article prepares you for your upcoming adventure in St Kitts & Nevis.
The Sugar City as it is fondly called is truly an amazing place to visit and we are confident that your stay on the island will be unforgettable.
More St Kitts & Nevis Guides:
What Are The Pros & Cons Of Living In St Kitts
What Is The Best Currency To Use In St Kitts & Nevis
