Cost Of Living in Suriname 2024

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Suriname

Whether you're living in Suriname or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.

Average Monthly Expenditure

5,200 SRD

per month
$150

400 SRD   $11
$1,500   52,000 SRD

Single

3,600 SRD

per month
$100

1,200 SRD   $34
$680   24,000 SRD

Couple

6,000 SRD

per month
$170

2,000 SRD   $57
$910   32,000 SRD

Family

8,100 SRD

per month
$230

2,800 SRD   $80
$1,300   44,000 SRD

Student

2,300 SRD

per month
$66

930 SRD   $26
$120   4,200 SRD
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Suriname is 3,600 SRD. Expenses can range from 1,200 SRD at the minimum level to 24,000 SRD at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Suriname is 6,000 SRD. Expenditure can range from 2,000 SRD to 32,000 SRD per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Suriname is 8,100 SRD per month. Families spend anywhere from 2,800 SRD to 44,000 SRD.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Suriname is 2,300 SRD. Students spend from 930 SRD to 4,200 SRD per month.


Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.

Prices and cost of goods and services in Suriname


Dining, food, and beverages costs


Large bottle of water
0.61 SRD 0.69 SRD 0.79 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.02 $0.02 $0.02
Fast food combo meal
5.2 SRD 10 SRD 17 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.15 $0.29 $0.49
Restaurant meal for one
17 SRD 26 SRD 52 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.49 $0.73 $1.5
Fine dining meal for one
34 SRD 52 SRD 210 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.97 $1.5 $5.8
Soda or Soft Drink
0.74 SRD 0.86 SRD 1 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.02 $0.02 $0.03
Cappuccino or latte
4.3 SRD 6.9 SRD 10 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.12 $0.19 $0.29

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle
3.4 SRD 4.1 SRD 5.2 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.10 $0.12 $0.15
Loaf of bread
0.62 SRD 0.71 SRD 0.82 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.02 $0.02 $0.02
12 eggs
2.6 SRD 3.4 SRD 5.2 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.07 $0.10 $0.15
Fresh whole chicken
5.9 SRD 7.6 SRD 11 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.17 $0.21 $0.30
Beef 1 kg or 1 lb
6.9 SRD 10 SRD 21 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.19 $0.29 $0.58
Rice 1 kg or 1 lb
2.8 SRD 3.8 SRD 5.4 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.08 $0.11 $0.15
Tomato 1 kg or 1 lb
1 SRD 1.4 SRD 2.6 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.03 $0.04 $0.07
Apples 1 kg or 1 lb
1.8 SRD 2.4 SRD 4 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.05 $0.07 $0.11

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride
4.3 SRD 5.2 SRD 10 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.12 $0.15 $0.29
Average car full tank
26 SRD 34 SRD 69 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.73 $0.97 $1.9
Average car 1-day rental
26 SRD 34 SRD 52 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.73 $0.97 $1.5
Average car price
13,000 SRD 26,000 SRD 34,000 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$370 $730 $970
Bus ticket one way
0.86 SRD 1.3 SRD 2.6 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.02 $0.04 $0.07
Car Service
34 SRD 52 SRD 100 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.97 $1.5 $2.9

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual
73 SRD 220 SRD 1,500 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.1 $6.2 $41
Utility Bill - Couple
100 SRD 300 SRD 1,600 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.9 $8.6 $46
Utility Bill - Family
85 SRD 240 SRD 1,300 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.4 $6.8 $38
Internet and cable
26 SRD 52 SRD 69 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.73 $1.5 $1.9
Mobile phone charges
21 SRD 34 SRD 100 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.58 $0.97 $2.9

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket
13 SRD 17 SRD 26 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.37 $0.49 $0.73
One month gym membership
41 SRD 52 SRD 100 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.5 $2.9

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants
30 SRD 43 SRD 64 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.86 $1.2 $1.8
Woman dress
29 SRD 40 SRD 130 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.81 $1.1 $3.7
Woman shoes
27 SRD 37 SRD 86 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.77 $1 $2.4
Men's shoes
23 SRD 29 SRD 57 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.66 $0.81 $1.6
Men suit
26 SRD 32 SRD 170 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.73 $0.91 $4.9
Regular t-shirt
13 SRD 17 SRD 52 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.37 $0.49 $1.5

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment
430 SRD 640 SRD 1,700 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12 $18 $49
1-bedroom apartment
640 SRD 1,000 SRD 2,600 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $29 $73
2-bedroom apartment
860 SRD 1,300 SRD 3,400 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$24 $37 $97

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment
86,000 SRD 130,000 SRD 260,000 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,400 $3,700 $7,300
1-bedroom apartment
100,000 SRD 170,000 SRD 640,000 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,900 $4,900 $18,000
2-bedroom apartment
170,000 SRD 520,000 SRD 1M SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4,900 $15,000 $29,000

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed
520 SRD 640 SRD 860 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $18 $24
Double Bed
340 SRD 520 SRD 640 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.7 $15 $18
Single Bed
300 SRD 400 SRD 520 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.6 $11 $15
Living Room
570 SRD 740 SRD 2,600 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $21 $73
Dining Table
260 SRD 340 SRD 640 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.3 $9.7 $18
Sofa or Couch
340 SRD 470 SRD 1,000 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.7 $13 $29

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set
340 SRD 520 SRD 1,000 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.7 $15 $29
Fridge or Freezer
300 SRD 470 SRD 640 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.6 $13 $18
Washing Machine
400 SRD 570 SRD 1,000 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $16 $29
Stove or Cooker
370 SRD 470 SRD 640 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$10 $13 $18
Mobile Phone
430 SRD 520 SRD 740 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12 $15 $21
Laptop or Computer
470 SRD 570 SRD 1,000 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $16 $29

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Suriname

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.


Spending to Income Ratio

88%

82% to 97%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%3%
50% - 60%8%
60% - 70%14%
70% - 80%24%
80% - 90%22%
90% - 100%12%
100% - 110%6%
110% - 120%4%
120% - 130%3%
130% - 140%3%
> 140%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Suriname is 88% This means that on average, people spend around 88% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 14% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.


How can spending be more than income?

A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.



Individual
79%
Spending-Income-Ratio
74%
87%

Couple
84%
Spending-Income-Ratio
78%
92%

Family
92%
Spending-Income-Ratio
86%
100%

How do people spend their money in Suriname?

We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.

The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing Expenditure22%

22% of total expenses on average (11% to 30%)

LOW$3.4   120 SRD
AVERAGE$44   1,600 SRD
HIGH$440   16,000 SRD
Per Month

People living in Suriname typically spend from 11% to 30% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 22% being the average. The average spend on housing is 1,600 SRD with expenditure ranging from 120 SRD to 16,000 SRD. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.

Utilities, Electricity, Water8%

8% of total expenses on average (5% to 12%)

LOW$0.57   20 SRD
AVERAGE$7.4   260 SRD
HIGH$74   2,600 SRD
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Suriname ranges from 5% to 12% of total expenses with 8% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 260 SRD with 20 SRD and 2,600 SRD being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute6%

6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)

LOW$1.1   40 SRD
AVERAGE$15   520 SRD
HIGH$150   5,200 SRD
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 40 SRD to 5,200 SRD on commuting with 520 SRD being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 6% of total spending on average but can go as low as 3% or as high as 10%.

Food and Groceries Cost29%

29% of total expenses on average (21% to 35%)

LOW$2.9   100 SRD
AVERAGE$37   1,300 SRD
HIGH$370   13,000 SRD
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Suriname is 1,300 SRD. The cost of groceries can range between 100 SRD to 13,000 SRD. People spend on average about 29% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 21% and 35% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services11%

11% of total expenses on average (6% to 14%)

LOW$0.80   28 SRD
AVERAGE$10   370 SRD
HIGH$100   3,700 SRD
Per Month

People in Suriname allocate 6% to 14% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 11%. The range of medical expenses range from 28 SRD to 3,700 SRD with 370 SRD being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$0.46   16 SRD
AVERAGE$5.9   210 SRD
HIGH$59   2,100 SRD
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 16 SRD to 2,100 SRD with 210 SRD being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 8% of total expenses with an average of 4% for most residents.

Education and Schooling5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$0.68   24 SRD
AVERAGE$8.9   310 SRD
HIGH$89   3,100 SRD
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 5% of the monthly expenditure with 3% and 11% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 310 SRD per month with 24 SRD being the minimum spent amount and 3,100 SRD being the maximum.

Other Expenses15%

15% of total expenses on average (10% to 22%)

LOW$1.5   52 SRD
AVERAGE$19   680 SRD
HIGH$190   6,800 SRD
Per Month

How much money can you save in Suriname every month?

We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.


What percentage of people in Suriname manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
51%
Not Saving
49%

Almost 51% of the surveyed people in Suriname said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 49% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Suriname

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles55%45%
Couples50%50%
Families45%55%

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


Saving to Income Ratio

7% 13% of income 27%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

110 SRD
$3.2
1,500 SRD
$42
15,000 SRD
$420
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 7% to 27% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 13% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 1,500 SRD on average with savings ranging from 110 SRD to 15,000 SRD.

55% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 50% of couples said the same. 45% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Suriname?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.


Singles

Saving to Income Ratio

10% 17% of income 29%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

340 SRD
$9.6
1,000 SRD
$29
6,800 SRD
$190
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%34%
10% - 20%26%
20% - 30%17%
30% - 40%11%
40% - 50%9%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 10% to 29% of their monthly income to savings, with 17% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 1,000 SRD with 340 SRD and 6,800 SRD being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

8% 15% of income 28%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

560 SRD
$16
1,700 SRD
$48
9,000 SRD
$260
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%38%
10% - 20%28%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%6%
40% - 50%6%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 8% to 28% of their monthly income, with 15% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 1,700 SRD with 560 SRD and 9,000 SRD being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

7% 13% of income 26%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

790 SRD
$22
2,300 SRD
$64
12,000 SRD
$350
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%41%
10% - 20%31%
20% - 30%21%
30% - 40%3%
40% - 50%3%
> 50%1%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Suriname can save anywhere between 7% to 26% of their monthly income, with 13% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 2,300 SRD with 790 SRD and 12,000 SRD being the minimum and maximum respectively.

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

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Affordable living in Suriname

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Suriname?


Yes
43%
No
57%

Around 43% of surveyed residents think that living in Suriname is affordable with proper budgeting while 57% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Suriname

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 residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options53%

Few low-cost options47%


Based on the survey, 53% of the people living in Suriname have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 47% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds

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 residents of Suriname whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes41%

No59%


Based on the survey, 59% of the people living in Suriname said that they don't have an emergency fund while 41% said that they do.

Financial Literacy in Suriname

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 Leteracy38%


We asked residents of Suriname whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 62% 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 38% 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 residents of Suriname have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so asked the people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 58% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 42% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance58%

Easily manages finances42%

Financial goals of people in Suriname

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Suriname, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund9%
Debt Reduction46%
Retirement Savings11%
Education Funding6%
Homeownership19%
Investing6%
Travel or Lifestyle5%
Healthcare Expenses16%
Financial Independence3%

Around 9% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 46% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 11% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 6% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 19% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 6% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 5% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 16% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Saving Challenges in Suriname

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Suriname. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income4%
High Expenses7%
Debt and Loans11%
Lack of Budgeting Skills12%
Impulsive Spending12%
Financial Emergencies7%
Living the moment5%
Will do it later22%
Inflation14%
Social Pressure2%
Market Instability2%

Around 4% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 7% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 11% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 12% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 12% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 7% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 5% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 22% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 14% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 2% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or societal expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 2% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Typical saving choices for people in Suriname

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds13%
Gold14%
Savings Accounts16%
Retirement Accounts9%
Cash Savings23%
Real Estate9%
Investment5%
Stocks3%
Bonds4%
Mutual Funds2%
Certificates of Deposit2%

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Suriname

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Suriname and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in Suriname is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.

Retirement planning and savings

There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.


The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Suriname:
AgeAmount
2513,000 SRD
3027,000 SRD
3547,000 SRD
4067,000 SRD
45100,000 SRD
50140,000 SRD
55170,000 SRD
60210,000 SRD
65250,000 SRD

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of Suriname about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions11%
Savings24%
Investments11%
Social Security6%
Annuities6%
Part-time Job17%
Real Estate19%
Dividends and Interest6%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Suriname

900 SRD
$25
2,700 SRD
$76
18,000 SRD
$510
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Suriname


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
32%
Debt Free
68%

According to the survey, 32% of the people in Suriname have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 68% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Debt-to-income ratio in Suriname

Debt to income ratio

33%

26% to 42%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 33% of the people's monthly income in Suriname goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%4%
50% - 60%20%
40% - 50%16%
30% - 40%18%
20% - 30%8%
10% - 20%10%
0% - 10%25%

According to our data, 4% of the debtors in Suriname pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 20% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 16% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 18% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 8% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Suriname

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage6%
Auto Loan12%
Student Loan4%
Credit Card32%
Personal Loan45%

6% of debtors in Suriname confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 32% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 12% of people and personal loans rose at 45%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 4% of debtors in Suriname.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Suriname

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Suriname how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never48%
Once a year25%
Twice a year13%
Three times a year9%
Four times a year5%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Suriname

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Suriname

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment
430 SRD 640 SRD 1,700 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12 $18 $49
1-bedroom apartment
640 SRD 1,000 SRD 2,600 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $29 $73
2-bedroom apartment
860 SRD 1,300 SRD 3,400 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$24 $37 $97
3-bedroom apartment
1,000 SRD 1,700 SRD 4,700 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$29 $49 $130
Furnished apartment
2,100 SRD 5,200 SRD 10,000 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$58 $150 $290
Townhouse
1,700 SRD 2,600 SRD 7,400 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$49 $73 $210
House
2,100 SRD 5,200 SRD 10,000 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$58 $150 $290
Villa
2,600 SRD 6,400 SRD 10,000 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$73 $180 $290

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Suriname ranges between 430 SRD and 1,700 SRD, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 640 SRD to 2,600 SRD. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 860 SRD and 3,400 SRD per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 1,000 SRD to 4,700 SRD. The average rent of a townhouse in Suriname is around 2,600 SRD while house rental costs can be as high as 5,200 SRD per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 2,600 SRD to 10,000 SRD per month.



Apartment and house prices in Suriname

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment
86,000 SRD 130,000 SRD 260,000 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,400 $3,700 $7,300
1-bedroom apartment
100,000 SRD 170,000 SRD 640,000 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,900 $4,900 $18,000
2-bedroom apartment
170,000 SRD 520,000 SRD 1M SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4,900 $15,000 $29,000
3-bedroom apartment
570,000 SRD 860,000 SRD 2.6M SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16,000 $24,000 $73,000
Townhouse
740,000 SRD 1.7M SRD 6.4M SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21,000 $49,000 $180,000
House
860,000 SRD 5.2M SRD 7.4M SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$24,000 $150,000 $210,000
Villa
1M SRD 5.7M SRD 8.6M SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$29,000 $160,000 $240,000

The average price of a studio apartment in Suriname can range from 86,000 SRD to 260,000 SRD depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 100,000 SRD to 640,000 SRD. A villa can cost you 5.7M SRD on average with prices ranging from 1M SRD to 8.6M SRD.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Suriname will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


27 x73 monthly income 184
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Suriname can be x73 to x184 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x73 multiples of the average monthly salary in Suriname.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


17% 27% of income 37%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Suriname is around 27%. This means that people pay 27% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 17% to 37% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

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.

Housing Affordability Index
25%

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.


FROM
1.7%
AVERAGE
2.7%
TO
3.7%

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.


8.1 SRD 100 SRD 1,000 SRD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

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.


Single
Spending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Suriname

Housing28%

28% of total expenses on average (16% to 40%)

LOW$12   440 SRD
AVERAGE$37   1,300 SRD
HIGH$250   8,700 SRD
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water9%

9% of total expenses on average (5% to 14%)

LOW$2.1   73 SRD
AVERAGE$6.2   220 SRD
HIGH$41   1,500 SRD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 10%)

LOW$2.7   97 SRD
AVERAGE$8.2   290 SRD
HIGH$55   1,900 SRD
Per Month

Food and Groceries20%

20% of total expenses on average (14% to 25%)

LOW$5.5   190 SRD
AVERAGE$16   580 SRD
HIGH$110   3,900 SRD
Per Month

Healthcare13%

13% of total expenses on average (7% to 17%)

LOW$3.1   110 SRD
AVERAGE$9.2   330 SRD
HIGH$62   2,200 SRD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping2%

2% of total expenses on average (2% to 5%)

LOW$1.7   60 SRD
AVERAGE$5.1   180 SRD
HIGH$34   1,200 SRD
Per Month

Education1%

1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)

LOW$0.68   24 SRD
AVERAGE$2.1   73 SRD
HIGH$14   480 SRD
Per Month

Other Expenses23%

23% of total expenses on average (15% to 27%)

LOW$6.2   220 SRD
AVERAGE$18   650 SRD
HIGH$120   4,400 SRD
Per Month


Couple
Average monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Suriname

Housing25%

25% of total expenses on average (18% to 35%)

LOW$19   660 SRD
AVERAGE$56   2,000 SRD
HIGH$300   11,000 SRD
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water8%

8% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)

LOW$2.9   100 SRD
AVERAGE$8.6   300 SRD
HIGH$46   1,600 SRD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel8%

8% of total expenses on average (2% to 13%)

LOW$6.8   240 SRD
AVERAGE$21   730 SRD
HIGH$110   3,900 SRD
Per Month

Food and Groceries18%

18% of total expenses on average (13% to 23%)

LOW$8   280 SRD
AVERAGE$24   850 SRD
HIGH$130   4,500 SRD
Per Month

Healthcare15%

15% of total expenses on average (9% to 19%)

LOW$6.3   220 SRD
AVERAGE$19   660 SRD
HIGH$100   3,500 SRD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)

LOW$3.4   120 SRD
AVERAGE$10   360 SRD
HIGH$55   1,900 SRD
Per Month

Education1%

1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)

LOW$1.1   40 SRD
AVERAGE$3.4   120 SRD
HIGH$18   640 SRD
Per Month

Other Expenses22%

22% of total expenses on average (16% to 28%)

LOW$9.7   340 SRD
AVERAGE$29   1,000 SRD
HIGH$160   5,500 SRD
Per Month


Family
Average monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Suriname

Housing24%

24% of total expenses on average (19% to 34%)

LOW$26   900 SRD
AVERAGE$73   2,600 SRD
HIGH$400   14,000 SRD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 6%)

LOW$6.4   230 SRD
AVERAGE$18   640 SRD
HIGH$100   3,500 SRD
Per Month

Food and Groceries22%

22% of total expenses on average (15% to 28%)

LOW$14   510 SRD
AVERAGE$41   1,500 SRD
HIGH$230   8,000 SRD
Per Month

Healthcare12%

12% of total expenses on average (8% to 17%)

LOW$6.4   230 SRD
AVERAGE$18   640 SRD
HIGH$100   3,500 SRD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)

LOW$4   140 SRD
AVERAGE$11   400 SRD
HIGH$63   2,200 SRD
Per Month

Education13%

13% of total expenses on average (6% to 21%)

LOW$11   390 SRD
AVERAGE$32   1,100 SRD
HIGH$180   6,200 SRD
Per Month

Other Expenses17%

17% of total expenses on average (10% to 22%)

LOW$9.6   340 SRD
AVERAGE$27   970 SRD
HIGH$150   5,300 SRD
Per Month


Student
Cost of living and expenses break down for students living in Suriname

Housing16%

16% of total expenses on average (11% to 22%)

LOW$6.3   220 SRD
AVERAGE$16   560 SRD
HIGH$28   1,000 SRD
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$1.1   37 SRD
AVERAGE$2.6   93 SRD
HIGH$4.7   170 SRD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel3%

3% of total expenses on average (4% to 9%)

LOW$1.8   65 SRD
AVERAGE$4.6   160 SRD
HIGH$8.3   290 SRD
Per Month

Food and Groceries24%

24% of total expenses on average (18% to 28%)

LOW$5.3   190 SRD
AVERAGE$13   460 SRD
HIGH$24   840 SRD
Per Month

Healthcare10%

10% of total expenses on average (7% to 13%)

LOW$1.6   56 SRD
AVERAGE$3.9   140 SRD
HIGH$7.1   250 SRD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)

LOW$1.3   46 SRD
AVERAGE$3.3   120 SRD
HIGH$5.9   210 SRD
Per Month

Education18%

18% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)

LOW$5   180 SRD
AVERAGE$12   440 SRD
HIGH$22   790 SRD
Per Month

Other Expenses20%

20% of total expenses on average (14% to 26%)

LOW$3.9   140 SRD
AVERAGE$9.9   350 SRD
HIGH$18   630 SRD
Per Month
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