Last updated on April 3, 2023 by Wandering our World
We’ve all had that moment at work when our mind starts daydreaming of being on a beach, cocktail in hand, in a paradise halfway across the world.
But what if we told you it doesn’t have to be a pipe dream. That’s because the Caribbean can be an affordable destination…. if you know which islands to visit that is.
Because we want to share one of our favorite regions of the world, here’s our collection of the five cheapest Caribbean islands to visit on vacation.
The 5 Cheapest Caribbean Islands: Sun, Sea & Sand On A Budget
1. Jamaica
Jamaica is a tropical island paradise that has it all. Brimming with culture and a coastline made of gorgeous white sand beaches and turquoise water, this Caribbean island should be on your vacation list whether you are on a budget or not.
This paradise is one of the cheapest Caribbean islands because of it’s large local population – which means there’s accommodation and food options to suit all budgets. Plus there’s cheap public infrastructure and transport too.
One of the best ways to test the cost of a vacation destination is to find out the cost of a beer. So how much does one cost in Jamaica?
Expect to pay around 2 USD for a beer. In a popular Caribbean hotspot like the Bahamas, that cost would be double.
2. Dominican Republic
What we love about the Dominican Republic – as we’ve written about before – is that this nation not only has pristine beaches, but it also has a lush mountainous interior which is great for jungle-trekking and hiking.
It’s the perfect destination for a sun-seeker who also likes to be active.
It’s also exceptionally cheap if you don’t stay in the high-end beach resorts.
Although if you do want an all-inclusive beach resort experience, the prices here are some of the cheapest in the region, if not the cheapest in the Caribbean.
How does it fare in the beer test? Expect to pay around 2-2.50 USD.
3. Curaçao & Bonaire
These two little-known islands, that make up part of the Netherlands Antilles, are often grouped with the better-known Aruba.
However Aruba can be pricey, while these two are cheaper and have less tourists. In fact in Bonaire – population around 20,000 – you will struggle to find any hotel resorts at all! That is a rarity in the Caribbean.
What that means is local prices for tourists. Expect good food and decent accommodation that isn’t going to cost you a fortune.
Curaçao is more tourist-orientated, but has better beaches. Bonaire has decent beaches, but arguably the best snorkeling in the Caribbean – as we’ve mentioned before when comparing these islands.
So how much will a beer cost in each? Around 2.50 USD in Curaçao, and 3 USD in Bonaire.
4. Trinidad & Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago not only has spectacular beaches and a laid-back welcoming vibe, it’s also a wildlife lovers paradise – as we’ve written about previously. (Recommended: The Best Caribbean Islands for Beaches).
It’s the whole deal, and with a large local population there’s many cheap accommodation, food and transport options for the budget traveler.
All of that makes it easily one of the cheapest Caribbean islands to visit.
How does that translate in our beer test? Expect to pay just 1.50 USD!
5. Barbados
Barbados is a traditional Caribbean destination, visited by honeymooners and yacht owners for decades.
But we wanted to include it, as despite being a popular vacation spot, it is relatively cheap in comparison to the other holiday island big hitters.
This island is perfect for tourists looking for sun, sea, and sand, with some of the Caribbean’s best beaches.
You can relax on the beach here with a beer costing around 2.50 USD – for an island with comparable beaches like Bermuda, that could cost upwards of 8 USD!
Recommended For Your Trip To The Caribbean
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