Saint Lucia is a warm and relaxing country known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. We've got the ultimate travel cost guide to help you plan your adventure which includes average costs from fellow travelers, hotel rates, food prices, entertainment and sightseeing costs, and transportation, too. It's everything you need to budget wisely and still have an unforgettable time.
How much does it cost to travel to Saint Lucia?
You should plan to spend around $246 (EC$664) per day on your vacation in Saint Lucia. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $87 (EC$235) on meals
- $21 (EC$58) on local transportation
- $264 (EC$714) on hotels
A one week trip to Saint Lucia for two people costs, on average, $3,440 (EC$9,296). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
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One Week
Per person
$1,720
EC$4,648
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$3,440
EC$9,296
-
One Month
Per person
$7,371
EC$19,920
-
One Week
For a couple
$3,440
EC$9,296
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$6,879
EC$18,592
-
One Month
For a couple
$14,742
EC$39,840
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Saint Lucia cost?
A one week trip to Saint Lucia usually costs around $1,720 (EC$4,648) for one person and $3,440 (EC$9,296) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Saint Lucia on average costs around $3,440 (EC$9,296) for one person and $6,879 (EC$18,592) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Saint Lucia will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Saint Lucia on average costs around $7,371 (EC$19,920) for one person and $14,742 (EC$39,840) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Saint Lucia expensive to visit?
Saint Lucia is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.
Within the Caribbean Islands, which is known to be an expensive region, Saint Lucia is moderately priced compared to the other countries. The overall cost of travel here is comparable to Puerto Rico or Trinidad and Tobago.
With a wide selection of accommodation and activities, Saint Lucia makes it easy for any traveler to find something that fits their budget. Affordable hotels are available for budget travelers, but there are also luxury hotels for those with deeper pockets, and plenty of mid-range hotels for couples and families.
Saint Lucia can cost as much as you want, but eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities can save you money.
On average, budget travelers spend $103 (EC$279) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $246 (EC$664) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $531 (EC$1,435) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Saint Lucia.
For more details, see Is Saint Lucia Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Saint Lucia?
The average Saint Lucia trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Saint Lucia travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Saint Lucia cost?
Saint Lucia on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$56
(EC$151)
|
$132
(EC$357)
|
$282
(EC$762)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$9.14
(EC$25)
|
$21
(EC$58)
|
$44
(EC$119)
|
|
Food 2
|
$36
(EC$98)
|
$87
(EC$235)
|
$189
(EC$511)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$21
(EC$56)
|
$52
(EC$140)
|
$129
(EC$348)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$4-11
(EC$10-30)
|
$9-27
(EC$24-72)
|
$20-59
(EC$53-160)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. Many people think they can visit Saint Lucia on a tight budget, but most travelers aren't comfortable with a low "shoestring" budget. Think about what you enjoy during your vacations and how you typically travel. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you want to visit museums, sights, and participate in activities? Is dining out a priority? These factors will shape both your budget and your itinerary.
What is a budget traveler, anyway?
Many people might hear that you can explore Saint Lucia for just $103 a day, but if you're not ready to sacrifice some comforts, be prepared to spend quite a bit more.
Backpackers often manage to stick to this tight budget, but it usually means sleeping in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest eateries or grabbing fast food, relying on public transport or walking everywhere, and limiting themselves to free attractions.
So, are you average?
Mid-range hotels, well-known restaurants, and visits to museums and attractions with entry fees are common choices for families or couples traveling on vacation. Most travelers will want to visit the major sights, and landmarks. Most of these activities cost money, after all, so it's wise to plan for a budget closer to $246 per person each day.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
For those seeking an all-inclusive experience with top-tier service, be prepared for a daily price around $531. Staying in luxury hotels, dining at fine restaurants, indulging in high-end excursions, and hiring private drivers will push you into the "luxury" bracket. You'll find yourself vacationing among the elite in destinations like the major cities and resort areas.
Accommodation Budget in Saint Lucia
The wide range of prices for hotels and accommodation in Saint Lucia can be very surprising. Some destinations have much higher price tags than others, and even within the same areas you can find a big difference between the budget-friendly and higher-end hotels. Also, during peak season, prices are much higher. You can save a good bit of money if you travel during the low season or shoulder seasons, as room prices adjust according to the overall demand. Booking in advance can often save you money, too.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Saint Lucia for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $264 (EC$714). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $132 (EC$357) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Saint Lucia? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in Saint Lucia
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $21 (EC$58) per person, per day, on local transportation in Saint Lucia. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Saint Lucia is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$21
EC$58
Saint Lucia generally has limited options for public transportation. You should plan to rent a car or have a prearranged form of transportation available, such as a tour. However, this may cut into your overall trip budget.
Food Budget in Saint Lucia
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Saint Lucia can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Saint Lucia is $87 (EC$235) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$87
EC$235
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Saint Lucia is about $87 (EC$235) per person. Previous travelers have typically spent from $36 to $189 per day. Generally, breakfast and lunch will cost less than dinner, but that will vary based on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Saint Lucia are as follows:
- Breakfast: $16 to $26
- Lunch: $13 to $43
- Dinner: $30 to $69
- Coffee: $8
- Fast Food or Street Food: $14
Traditional food in Saint Lucia is heavily based on fresh fruits and vegetables. The food is often flavored with curry or prepared in stew or jerk styles. In town you'll find a good number of local restaurants, and if you're in a rural area, the small rum shacks will often prepare food as well. It's a great way to try some of the best local dishes.
Roti: This is a flaky, phyllo like bread that is often served with either vegetables or meat. It is usually served on the side of a meal or as a quick and filling snack between meals. It's similar to the Indian or Southeast Asian form of the bread. Generally this is a cheap option for those who are looking for something hearty but don't want to pay a lot.
Barbeque: On Fridays in most local communities you will often find active and fun barbeques. During these events you are often served dishes such as chicken or pork that have been thoroughly marinated and are served with a rich sauce. The barbeques offer a festive environment and are a quintessential Caribbean experience. If you have the opportunity to attend on, you should not pass it up.
Curry: Caribbean curry is often served with chicken, pork or fish. The meat is generally richly seasoned and the dishes will have a strong flavor. Curry is often served as a meal that is prepared with sides ranging from salad, plantain, breadfruit, macaroni, and rice.
If you're traveling with kids, be sure to seek out restaurants that offer a kids' menu. This can help you save quite a bit of money, as these meals are usually priced much lower. Some places may not display the kids' options, so it's a good idea to ask the waiter before placing your order.
A lot of hotels feature breakfast in their room rates, although some charge separately for it. Breakfast quality and prices can vary widely from one hotel to another. Understanding this beforehand can help you figure out if the hotel buffet is worth the splurge or if a local bakery or café would be a more economical choice.
Choose to take a water bottle with you instead of purchasing drinks all the time. It's also beneficial for the planet.
Before taking off on a tour, check which meals are part of the package. If you have to pay for some meals on your own, that could lead to higher costs.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Saint Lucia, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Moonlight Volcano & Dinner Tour In Soufriere (Northern Pickup) for $150 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Saint Lucia
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Saint Lucia typically cost an average of $52 (EC$140) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$52
EC$140
A nice way to explore destinations in Saint Lucia is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Sulphur Springs Mudbath & Botanical Gardens Tour - All Inclusive for $120 details
- St. Lucia Drive and Snorkel Experience for $131 details
- Soufriere Tour - Gems of the West for $90 details
Nightlife Budget in Saint Lucia
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $18 (EC$48) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Saint Lucia per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$18
EC$48
Enjoying the nightlife is exciting, but drinking less can leave you with more money for other parts of your trip.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Saint Lucia. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Happy Sips & Wine Tasting for $98 details
Traveling in Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia is a British Commonwealth country that is located north of Trinidad and Tobago. Is is defined by the twin Pitons, Gros Piton and Petit Piton. These are dramatic mountain peaks that shoot vertically out of the water and are one of the most unique sights throughout the Caribbean.
The island is a commonly visited island in the Caribbean with the peak months being between January and April. This time also corresponds to the dry season (and of course, North America's winter). It's a wonderful choice if you're looking for an island vacation in the Caribbean.
Most visitors to Saint Lucia fly into one of its two international airports. There is one airport in the capital city of Castries, George FL Charles Airport, and a second, Hewanorra International Airport near Vieux Fort. Many other visitors arrive by cruise ship. It's also possible to travel from other Caribbean Islands on a ferry. Specifically, Martinique and Guadeloupe have extensive ferry connections, but the tickets of quite expensive.
Most tourists choose to travel around the island by taxi. You can arrange an island tour with a private taxi and it will likely be far cheaper than tours arranged for you through your hotel. Alternatively, for those on a tight budget with more time to spare, there are local buses that can take you around the island. This can be a fun option if you want a true Saint Lucia experience.
All inclusive resorts are a very popular way to visit Saint Lucia. These resorts include everything from your meals and hotel to some forms of entertainment, although excursions are often an extra charge. Many times it's a cheaper way to visit the Caribbean, but it can have a very packaged and manufactured feel. If you're looking for a nice vacation with minimal hassle, this is definitely a good option for you.
At A Glance
- St. Lucia is one of the more popular islands in the Caribbean in large part because of its beautiful beaches, dramatic landscape, and relatively easy accessibility. If you're looking for a unique experience that will truly take your breath away, then you are likely to find it here.
- There are two airports on St. Lucia. George FL Charles Airport is just two mile from downtown so you can actually walk to your flight if you're motivated and don't have a lot of luggage. It's also right next to Vigie Beach. This is the closest airport to most of the all-inclusive resorts. Hewanorra International Airport is the larger airport, but is about an hour from most of the resorts. The taxi wide is a nice way to orient yourself to the island though.
- There are several ferry services that run connections to nearby islands, but they can be expensive. Some of the more established companies include Express des Isles and Channel Shuttles, Inc, with the latter option generally being the less expensive of the two.
- If time allows, differently try to explore the island by local bus. They are generally small vans that run between the urban centers and are quite cheap. You'll be entertained by the atmosphere and music which will accompany you along the journey.
- If you're doing some souvenir shopping, you'll have several good options available to you. Castries market is a good option for gift buying, as is JQ Shopping Mall in Rodney Bay. La Place Carenage is a duty free outlet mall right in the harbor area of Castries. If prices aren't set, you can try your hand at negotiating.
Related:
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Top Tourist Attractions
Pigeon Island Nature Reserve: This beautiful reserve is located just north of Gros Islet. It has some of Saint Lucia's oldest buildings and is a great place to experience both the island's nature and its rich history. You can also enjoy views looking across at Martinique.
The Sulfur Springs: These are hot springs that are one of the island's top attractions. They just to the south of Soufriere and you can enjoy relaxing in a pool of hot water that runs throughout. Don't visit without a swim suit!
Climbing the Gros Piton: This is a realistic option for most people in decent shape. The trail begins at an elevation of around 600 feet above sea level. The hike takes about two hours to reach the summit which is at around 2600 feet above sea level. It'll take you an additional hour and a half to make the descent. You must take a guide with you and the entrance fee is US$30. You can use either a taxi or local bus to get to the trail head.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.