Cost Of Living For a Student in Haiti 2025

Average monthly spending for students in Haiti

How much money does a student need in a month to survive in Haiti?

Students in Haiti spend around 35,000 HTG per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a student can survive with a monthly budget as low as 5,300 HTG or as high as 230,000 HTG. Location is a very important factor and has a huge influence on expenditure and budget.

How do students spend their money in Haiti?

We asked thousands of students about their spending habits and expenditure break down.

Housing and accomodation expenditure for students

Students in Haiti typically spend from 12% to 23% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 17% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 8,400 HTG with expenditure ranging from 1,300 HTG to 56,000 HTG. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.

Electricity, utilities, energy, water, internet, and mobile expenditure for students

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Haiti ranges from 5% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average for most students. The average monthly cost of utilities is 1,400 HTG with 210 HTG and 9,400 HTG being the upper and lower limits for a student of four.

Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for students

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a student resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a student would expect to spend from 370 HTG to 16,000 HTG in a month on commuting with 2,500 HTG being the norm for most students. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 4% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 10%.

Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for students

The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical student in a month in Haiti is 7,000 HTG. The cost of groceries can range between 1,100 HTG to 47,000 HTG. Students spend on average about 23% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 17% and 27% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for students

Students in Haiti allocate 6% to 12% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending on medical services and clinic visits is around 9%. The range of medical expenses range from 320 HTG to 14,000 HTG with 2,100 HTG being the norm for most students.

Leisure and shopping expenditure for students

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 260 HTG to 12,000 HTG with 1,800 HTG being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 6% of total expenses with an average of 2% for most students.

Education and schooling expenditure for students

Spending on education can vary drastically between different students. On average, education constitutes 18% of the monthly expenditure of students with 11% and 23% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 6,700 HTG per month with 1,000 HTG being the minimum spent amount and 44,000 HTG being the maximum.

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

• 50% for needs and financial obligations

  This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

• 30% for wants and discretionary spending

  This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

• 20% for savings and emergency fund

  This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

Affordable living in Haiti

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked students one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Haiti?

Around 49% of surveyed students think that living in Haiti is affordable with proper budgeting while 51% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Haiti

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked students how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options55%

Few low-cost options45%

Based on the survey, 55% of the students living in Haiti have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 45% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds For Students

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked students of Haiti whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes47%

No53%

Based on the survey, 53% of the students living in Haiti said that they don't have an emergency fund while 47% said that they do.

Financial Literacy in Haiti

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy44%

We asked student guardians and parents in Haiti whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 56% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 44% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.

Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether students of Haiti have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 52% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 48% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance52%

Easily manages finances48%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Haiti

Rent Cost in Haiti

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

5,700 HTG

8,600 HTG

23,000 HTG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$43

$65

$170

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

8,600 HTG

14,000 HTG

34,000 HTG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$65

$100

$260

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

11,000 HTG

17,000 HTG

46,000 HTG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$86

$130

$340

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

14,000 HTG

23,000 HTG

62,000 HTG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$100

$170

$470

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

27,000 HTG

69,000 HTG

140,000 HTG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$210

$520

$1,000

Townhouse monthly rent cost

23,000 HTG

34,000 HTG

98,000 HTG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$170

$260

$740

House monthly rent cost

27,000 HTG

69,000 HTG

140,000 HTG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$210

$520

$1,000

Villa monthly rent cost

34,000 HTG

86,000 HTG

140,000 HTG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$260

$650

$1,000

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Haiti ranges between 5,700 HTG and 23,000 HTG, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 8,600 HTG to 34,000 HTG. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 11,000 HTG and 46,000 HTG per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 14,000 HTG to 62,000 HTG. The average rent of a townhouse in Haiti is around 34,000 HTG while house rental costs can be as high as 69,000 HTG per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 34,000 HTG to 140,000 HTG per month.

Apartment and house prices in Haiti

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

1.1M HTG

1.7M HTG

3.4M HTG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$8,600

$13,000

$26,000

1-bedroom apartment price

1.4M HTG

2.3M HTG

8.6M HTG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$10,000

$17,000

$65,000

2-bedroom apartment price

2.3M HTG

6.9M HTG

14M HTG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$17,000

$52,000

$100,000

3-bedroom apartment price

7.6M HTG

11M HTG

34M HTG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$57,000

$86,000

$260,000

Townhouse price

9.8M HTG

23M HTG

86M HTG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$74,000

$170,000

$650,000

House price

11M HTG

69M HTG

98M HTG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$86,000

$520,000

$740,000

Villa price

14M HTG

76M HTG

110M HTG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$100,000

$570,000

$860,000

The average price of a studio apartment in Haiti can range from 1.1M HTG to 3.4M HTG depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 1.4M HTG to 8.6M HTG. A villa can cost you 76M HTG on average with prices ranging from 14M HTG to 110M HTG.

House / apartment prices to income ratio

Property prices in Haiti can be x82 to x189 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x82 multiples of the average monthly salary in Haiti.

Rent to income ratio

The average rent-to-income ratio in Haiti is around 28%. This means that people pay 28% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 18% to 38% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Haiti

Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Haiti

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Student

210 HTG

1,400 HTG

9,400 HTG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.6

$11

$71

Internet and cable cost

340 HTG

690 HTG

910 HTG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$2.6

$5.2

$6.9

Mobile phone bill and charges

270 HTG

460 HTG

1,400 HTG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$2.1

$3.4

$10

The average monthly energy and water consumption of students is around 1,400 HTG. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 340 HTG to 910 HTG with 690 HTG being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 460 HTG but can range between 270 HTG and 1,400 HTG depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.

Energy / Utility expense to income ratio

The average utility-to-income ratio in Haiti is around 7%. This means that people pay 7% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 4% to 11% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Haiti

Prices and cost of goods and services in Haiti

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

69 HTG

140 HTG

230 HTG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.52

$1

$1.7

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Haiti is approximatly 140 HTG with meal cost ranging from 69 HTG to 230 HTG. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

230 HTG

340 HTG

690 HTG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.7

$2.6

$5.2

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 230 HTG and 690 HTG with 340 HTG being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Haiti.

Fine dining meal for one price

460 HTG

690 HTG

2,700 HTG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$3.4

$5.2

$21

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 460 HTG to 2,700 HTG with the average cost being 690 HTG for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Haiti.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

57 HTG

91 HTG

140 HTG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.43

$0.69

$1

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Haiti is around 91 HTG. Price ranges between 57 HTG and 140 HTG depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.

Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

46 HTG

55 HTG

69 HTG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.34

$0.41

$0.52

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Haiti is 55 HTG. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 69 HTG and the minimum being 46 HTG depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

34 HTG

46 HTG

69 HTG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.26

$0.34

$0.52

A dozen eggs costs around 46 HTG on average with 34 HTG and 69 HTG being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

78 HTG

100 HTG

140 HTG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.59

$0.76

$1.1

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Haiti is between 78 HTG and 140 HTG depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 100 HTG.

Pack of beef price

91 HTG

140 HTG

270 HTG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.69

$1

$2.1

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 140 HTG. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

37 HTG

50 HTG

71 HTG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.28

$0.38

$0.54

A bag of rice in Haiti costs around 50 HTG on average with prices rangeing between 37 HTG and 71 HTG depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

14 HTG

18 HTG

34 HTG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.10

$0.14

$0.26

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 14 HTG to 34 HTG. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

25 HTG

32 HTG

53 HTG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.18

$0.24

$0.40

A bag of apples costs 32 HTG on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Haiti is around 27%. This means that students spend 27% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 19% to 33% depending on salary and location.

Expenditure on food and grocery for students