I am new to this board & am just curious after reading posts for a few weeks: Which islands in the Caribbean are considered the least expensive, mid-range, and most expensive to visit? I know there are so many variables on any one individual's trip, but on average, what do you think?

Overall, IMO I'd say St. Barth's & Anguilla (hotels) are pretty pricey but any island in the Caribbean is expensive in the day-to-day stuff since most everything is imported.

You can find more of the less expensive places to stay on lots of other islands. It depends on what you're pricing.

You are correct in that this is a difficult question to answer as there are so many variables. The truth is one can visit the "expensive" islands on a budget and you can spend lots of money on the in-expensive islands. It really come down to what you are seeking in a vacation. personally I would never choose an island based soley on price.

At the risk of making generalized statements that someone will always disagree with, in the Caribbean you'll find the following:

Least Expensive Destinations -
Cancun
Cozemel
Playa del Carmen
Belize
Roatan
Costa Rica
Dominican Republic
Jamaica
Culebra
Vieques

Mid-range destinations -
Several of the Bahamas Out-islands
Turks & Caicos excluding Providenciales
Puerto Rico
St. Thomas
St. Croix
Anegada
Tortola
St. Martin
Saba
St. Eustatia
St. Kitts
Nevis
Antigua
Barbuda
Guadalupe
Dominica
St. Vincent
All of the Grenadines except Petit St. Vincent and Mustique
Grenada
St. Lucia
Aruba
Bonaire
Curacao
Trinade & Tobago

Expensive Islands -
Nassau
Grand Bahamas
Several of the Bahamas Out-islands
Providenciales (Turk & Caicos)
Grand Cayman
St. John
Virgin Gord
Peter Island
Necker Island
Other BVI's
Anguilla
St. Barth's
Mustique
Petit St. Vincent
Martinique
Barbados

Opps! on the expensive list that should read "Virgin Gorda".

wow what a thorough list a traveller has made. and to make carrybean's point - on virgin gorda is a dandy small resort called sandcastle. deluxe room is $220/nt in low season... not 5* mind you, but gives you access to all bvi's.

I would actually list Nevis as expensive and Virgin Gorda as inexpensive.

I have spent more for dinner in Nevis than in St barths, for example many times. And Virgin Gorda is always one of our least expensive trips. The restaurants are not so much $$ and groceries are less than other places, Nevis being one of them.

Of course, no matter what island it depends on where you stay, what you do, etc. You can find expensive/inexpensive options on any island. It just depends on what you are looking for in a vacation.

virginia: the Sandcastle is actually on Jost Van Dyke.

I would put St John with the mid range group.Aruba with the expensive group.

caribbeansoul, of course you are right. thank you for correcting me. have you by chance stayed there?

see what I mean - everyone will have some differences of opinion about the cost to vacation on different islands so it is virtually impossible to make definitive lists. overall costs will depend on where one stayed, what they did, where they dined and what they are comparing it to. My list was not meant to be all inclusive nor so defined as tobe set in stone. As I said, you can stay in a upscale resort, wine and dine at the best restaurants and spend a huge sums on sightseeing tours, etc. on islands that are otherwise considered economical destinations and you can find budget accomodations, inexpensive meals and do nothing but lounge under a palm tree on a beach on the so-called expensive islands. It depends on what you want to do, see and your own particular lifestyle.

Atraveller,
You are exactly right.

Christie

Virginia: no, I haven’t stayed at Sandcastle….and it’ll be some time before we are able to due to their no children policy. It sounds like a great anniversary getaway to me….we are celebrating our 4th tomorrow!

Congrats Brett...we are celebrating our 5th on the 6th.How are the kids doing?

Christie