Cost Of Living in Trinidad and Tobago 2025
Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Trinidad and Tobago
Whether you're living in Trinidad and Tobago 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
Currency: TTD
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Single
Currency: TTD
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Couple
Currency: TTD
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Family
Currency: TTD
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Student
Currency: TTD
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 whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.
Yes54%
No46%
Based on the survey, 46% of the people living in Trinidad and Tobago said that they don't have an emergency fund while 54% said that they do.
How do people spend their money in Trinidad and Tobago?
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 Expenditure26%
26% of total expenses on average (15% to 34%)
| LOW | $23 150 TTD |
| AVERAGE | $290 2,000 TTD |
| HIGH | $2,900 20,000 TTD |
| Per Month |
People living in Trinidad and Tobago typically spend from 15% to 34% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 26% being the average. The average spend on housing is 2,000 TTD with expenditure ranging from 150 TTD to 20,000 TTD. 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, Water, Internet, Mobile7%
7% of total expenses on average (4% to 11%)
| LOW | $3.8 26 TTD |
| AVERAGE | $49 330 TTD |
| HIGH | $490 3,300 TTD |
| Per Month |
Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Trinidad and Tobago ranges from 4% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 330 TTD with 26 TTD and 3,300 TTD being the upper and lower limits.
Transport, Fuel, Commute8%
8% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)
| LOW | $7.5 51 TTD |
| AVERAGE | $98 660 TTD |
| HIGH | $980 6,600 TTD |
| 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 51 TTD to 6,600 TTD on commuting with 660 TTD being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 8% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 12%.
Food and Groceries Cost27%
27% of total expenses on average (19% to 33%)
| LOW | $19 130 TTD |
| AVERAGE | $240 1,700 TTD |
| HIGH | $2,400 17,000 TTD |
| Per Month |
The average outlay on groceries in a month in Trinidad and Tobago is 1,700 TTD. The cost of groceries can range between 130 TTD to 17,000 TTD. People spend on average about 27% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 19% and 33% respectively.
Healthcare and Medical Services9%
9% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)
| LOW | $5.3 36 TTD |
| AVERAGE | $68 460 TTD |
| HIGH | $680 4,600 TTD |
| Per Month |
People in Trinidad and Tobago allocate 4% to 12% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 9%. The range of medical expenses range from 36 TTD to 4,600 TTD with 460 TTD being the norm.
Leisure and Shopping5%
5% of total expenses on average (3% to 9%)
| LOW | $3 20 TTD |
| AVERAGE | $39 270 TTD |
| HIGH | $390 2,700 TTD |
| 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 20 TTD to 2,700 TTD with 270 TTD being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 9% of total expenses with an average of 5% for most residents.
Education and Schooling6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)
| LOW | $4.5 31 TTD |
| AVERAGE | $59 400 TTD |
| HIGH | $590 4,000 TTD |
| 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 6% of the monthly expenditure with 4% and 12% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 400 TTD per month with 31 TTD being the minimum spent amount and 4,000 TTD being the maximum.
Other Expenses12%
12% of total expenses on average (7% to 19%)
| LOW | $9.8 66 TTD |
| AVERAGE | $130 860 TTD |
| HIGH | $1,300 8,600 TTD |
| Per Month |
StudentCost of living and expenses break down for students living in Trinidad and Tobago
Housing costs for Student20%
20% of total expenses on average (15% to 26%)
| LOW | $18 120 TTD |
| AVERAGE | $120 810 TTD |
| HIGH | $790 5,400 TTD |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, and Mobile Expenses6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)
| LOW | $3 20 TTD |
| AVERAGE | $20 130 TTD |
| HIGH | $130 900 TTD |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost5%
5% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)
| LOW | $5.3 36 TTD |
| AVERAGE | $35 240 TTD |
| HIGH | $230 1,600 TTD |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Expenditure22%
22% of total expenses on average (16% to 26%)
| LOW | $15 100 TTD |
| AVERAGE | $99 670 TTD |
| HIGH | $660 4,500 TTD |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost8%
8% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)
| LOW | $4.5 31 TTD |
| AVERAGE | $30 200 TTD |
| HIGH | $200 1,300 TTD |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Cost3%
3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)
| LOW | $3.8 26 TTD |
| AVERAGE | $25 170 TTD |
| HIGH | $170 1,100 TTD |
| Per Month |
Education Cost19%
19% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)
| LOW | $14 97 TTD |
| AVERAGE | $94 640 TTD |
| HIGH | $630 4,300 TTD |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses17%
17% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)
| LOW | $11 77 TTD |
| AVERAGE | $74 500 TTD |
| HIGH | $500 3,400 TTD |
| Per Month |
Debt, loans, and mortgages in Trinidad and Tobago
Percentage of people who are in debt
According to the survey, 31% of the people in Trinidad and Tobago have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 69% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.
Debt-to-income ratio in Trinidad and Tobago
Debt to income ratio
29%
21% to 39%
( 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 29% of the people's monthly income in Trinidad and Tobago goes to debt settlement.
Debt levelsMonthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income
| Debt-to-income ratio | % People |
|---|
| > 60% | 3% |
| 50% - 60% | 13% |
| 40% - 50% | 12% |
| 30% - 40% | 14% |
| 20% - 30% | 14% |
| 10% - 20% | 17% |
| 0% - 10% | 27% |
According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Trinidad and Tobago pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 13% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 12% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 14% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 14% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.
Distribution by type of debt in Trinidad and Tobago
| Debt | % People |
|---|
| Real Estate Mortgage | 12% |
| Auto Loan | 21% |
| Student Loan | 3% |
| Credit Card | 26% |
| Personal Loan | 38% |
12% of debtors in Trinidad and Tobago confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 26% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 21% of people and personal loans rose at 38%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Trinidad and Tobago.
About credit score and debt managementManaging 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 Trinidad and Tobago
Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents 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 |
|---|
| Never | 54% |
| Once a year | 22% |
| Twice a year | 12% |
| Three times a year | 8% |
| Four times a year | 4% |
Prices and cost of goods and services in Trinidad and Tobago
Dining, food, and beverages costs
Fast food combo meal
Restaurant meal for one
Fine dining meal for one
Cappuccino or latte
Grocery and market costs
Milk large bottle
12 eggs
Fresh whole chicken
Pack of beef
Medium bag of rice
Bag of tomatos
Bag of apples
Commute, travel, and transportation costs
20 minutes taxi ride
Average car full tank
Average car 1-day rental
Average car price
| 17,000 TTD | 34,000 TTD | 45,000 TTD |
Bus ticket one way
Car Service
Utility cost (monthly)
Utility Bill - Individual
Utility Bill - Couple
| 100 TTD | 340 TTD | 2,200 TTD |
Utility Bill - Family
| 180 TTD | 510 TTD | 3,300 TTD |
Internet and cable
Mobile phone charges
Leisure and activities costs
Movie ticket
One month gym membership
Cloths and accessories costs
Pair of jeans or pants
Woman dress
Woman shoes
Men's shoes
Men suit
Regular t-shirt
Housing costs / monthly rent
Studio apartment
| 570 TTD | 850 TTD | 2,300 TTD |
1-bedroom apartment
| 850 TTD | 1,400 TTD | 3,400 TTD |
2-bedroom apartment
| 1,100 TTD | 1,700 TTD | 4,500 TTD |
Housing costs / Buying
Studio apartment
| 110,000 TTD | 170,000 TTD | 340,000 TTD |
1-bedroom apartment
| 140,000 TTD | 230,000 TTD | 850,000 TTD |
2-bedroom apartment
| 230,000 TTD | 680,000 TTD | 1.4M TTD |
| $33,000 | $100,000 | $200,000 |
Furniture Costs
King Size Bed
| 680 TTD | 850 TTD | 1,100 TTD |
Double Bed
Single Bed
Living Room
| 760 TTD | 970 TTD | 3,400 TTD |
Dining Table
Sofa or Couch
| 450 TTD | 620 TTD | 1,400 TTD |
Electronics and House Appliance Costs
TV Set
| 450 TTD | 680 TTD | 1,400 TTD |
Fridge or Freezer
Washing Machine
| 520 TTD | 760 TTD | 1,400 TTD |
Stove or Cooker
Mobile Phone
Laptop or Computer
| 620 TTD | 760 TTD | 1,400 TTD |
Financial goals of people in Trinidad and Tobago
In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Trinidad and Tobago, 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 Fund | 7% |
| Debt Reduction | 35% |
| Retirement Savings | 8% |
| Education Funding | 8% |
| Homeownership | 17% |
| Investing | 8% |
| Travel or Lifestyle | 10% |
| Healthcare Expenses | 10% |
| Financial Independence | 8% |
Around 7% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 35% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 8% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 8% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 17% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 8% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 10% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 10% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.
How much money can you save in Trinidad and Tobago 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 Trinidad and Tobago manage to save money from their income every month?
Almost 57% of the surveyed people in Trinidad and Tobago said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 43% said that aren't saving anything.
Percentage of people saving money by population group in Trinidad and Tobago
| Group | Savers | Non Savers |
|---|
| Singles | 63% | 37% |
| Couples | 58% | 42% |
| Families | 53% | 47% |
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
Average Monthly Saved Amount
170 TTD
$25 | 2,200 TTD
$330 | 22,000 TTD
$3,300 |
For most people, 11% to 31% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 20% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 2,200 TTD on average with savings ranging from 170 TTD to 22,000 TTD.
63% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 58% of couples said the same. 53% of families confirmed their ability to save money.
How much money do people actually save in Trinidad and Tobago?
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
Average Monthly Saved Amount
170 TTD
$25 | 1,500 TTD
$230 | 10,000 TTD
$1,500 |
Savings to income distribution levels for singles
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Singles |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 29% |
| 10% - 20% | 23% |
| 20% - 30% | 16% |
| 30% - 40% | 16% |
| 40% - 50% | 12% |
| > 50% | 4% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 14% to 33% of their monthly income to savings, with 24% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 1,500 TTD with 170 TTD and 10,000 TTD being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Couples
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
850 TTD
$130 | 2,600 TTD
$380 | 14,000 TTD
$2,000 |
Savings to income distribution levels for couples
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Couples |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 33% |
| 10% - 20% | 25% |
| 20% - 30% | 19% |
| 30% - 40% | 11% |
| 40% - 50% | 9% |
| > 50% | 3% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 12% to 32% of their monthly income, with 22% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 2,600 TTD with 850 TTD and 14,000 TTD being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Families
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
1,200 TTD
$180 | 3,400 TTD
$500 | 22,000 TTD
$3,300 |
Savings to income distribution levels for families
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Families |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 36% |
| 10% - 20% | 28% |
| 20% - 30% | 20% |
| 30% - 40% | 8% |
| 40% - 50% | 6% |
| > 50% | 2% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Families in Trinidad and Tobago can save anywhere between 11% to 29% of their monthly income, with 18% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 3,400 TTD with 1,200 TTD and 22,000 TTD being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Financial Literacy in
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 Leteracy52%
We asked residents of whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 48% 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 52% 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 have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 47% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 53% said that they have everything under control.
Struggles with finance47%
Easily manages finances53%
Affordable living in Trinidad and Tobago
Income and cost of living compatibility
We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.
Is it affordable or economical to live in Trinidad and Tobago?
Around 57% of surveyed residents think that living in Trinidad and Tobago is affordable with proper budgeting while 43% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.
Typical saving choices for people in Trinidad and Tobago
Where do people choose to put their savings?
| Saving Type | % People |
|---|
| Emergency Funds | 11% |
| Gold | 11% |
| Savings Accounts | 17% |
| Retirement Accounts | 11% |
| Cash Savings | 17% |
| Real Estate | 10% |
| Investment | 6% |
| Stocks | 6% |
| Bonds | 6% |
| Mutual Funds | 3% |
| Certificates of Deposit | 3% |
Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Trinidad and Tobago
What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Trinidad and Tobago and how much retirement savings are required?
Retirement age
The retirement age for most employees in 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:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 5x monthly salary at age 25 |
| 30 | 10x monthly salary at age 30 |
| 35 | 15x monthly salary at age 35 |
| 40 | 25x monthly salary at age 40 |
| 45 | 32x monthly salary at age 45 |
| 50 | 48x monthly salary at age 50 |
| 55 | 56x monthly salary at age 55 |
| 60 | 64x monthly salary at age 60 |
| 65 | 78x monthly salary at age 65 |
The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Trinidad and Tobago:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 18,000 TTD |
| 30 | 35,000 TTD |
| 35 | 62,000 TTD |
| 40 | 88,000 TTD |
| 45 | 130,000 TTD |
| 50 | 190,000 TTD |
| 55 | 220,000 TTD |
| 60 | 270,000 TTD |
| 65 | 330,000 TTD |
Retirement Income Distribution
We asked residents about their retirement income sources and below are the results.
| Source | % People |
|---|
| Pensions | 13% |
| Savings | 22% |
| Investments | 13% |
| Social Security | 8% |
| Annuities | 8% |
| Part-time Job | 11% |
| Real Estate | 17% |
| Dividends and Interest | 8% |
Retirement Monthly Expenses in Trinidad and Tobago 370 TTD
$55 | 3,400 TTD
$500 | 22,000 TTD
$3,300 |
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.
Expenditure to Income Ratio in Trinidad and Tobago
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
84%
77% to 94%
( expenditure / income ) x 100
Expense to income distribution levels
| Spending To Income Ratio | % People |
|---|
| < 50% | 6% |
| 50% - 60% | 11% |
| 60% - 70% | 17% |
| 70% - 80% | 26% |
| 80% - 90% | 17% |
| 90% - 100% | 9% |
| 100% - 110% | 5% |
| 110% - 120% | 3% |
| 120% - 130% | 2% |
| 130% - 140% | 2% |
| > 140% | 1% |
Interpretation and Analysis
The average spending-to-salary ratio in Trinidad and Tobago is 84%
This means that on average, people spend around 84% of their income for living.
According to the distribution table, 17% 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
76%
Spending-Income-Ratio
69%
85%
Couple
80%
Spending-Income-Ratio
73%
89%
Family
88%
Spending-Income-Ratio
81%
99%
Saving Challenges in Trinidad and Tobago
Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money
We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Trinidad and Tobago. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.
| Reason | % People |
|---|
| Low Income | 6% |
| High Expenses | 9% |
| Debt and Loans | 17% |
| Lack of Budgeting Skills | 11% |
| Impulsive Spending | 10% |
| Financial Emergencies | 6% |
| Living the moment | 6% |
| Will do it later | 18% |
| Inflation | 11% |
| Social Pressure | 3% |
| Market Instability | 3% |
Around 6% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 9% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 17% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 11% 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. 10% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 6% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 18% 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. 11% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.
Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Trinidad and Tobago
Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Rent Cost in Trinidad and Tobago
Monthly Rent Prices
Studio apartment monthly rent cost
| 570 TTD | 850 TTD | 2,300 TTD |
1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 850 TTD | 1,400 TTD | 3,400 TTD |
2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 1,100 TTD | 1,700 TTD | 4,500 TTD |
3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 1,400 TTD | 2,300 TTD | 6,200 TTD |
Furnished apartment monthly rent cost
| 2,700 TTD | 6,800 TTD | 14,000 TTD |
Townhouse monthly rent cost
| 2,300 TTD | 3,400 TTD | 9,700 TTD |
House monthly rent cost
| 2,700 TTD | 6,800 TTD | 14,000 TTD |
Villa monthly rent cost
| 3,400 TTD | 8,500 TTD | 14,000 TTD |
The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Trinidad and Tobago ranges between 570 TTD and 2,300 TTD, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 850 TTD to 3,400 TTD. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 1,100 TTD and 4,500 TTD per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 1,400 TTD to 6,200 TTD. The average rent of a townhouse in Trinidad and Tobago is around 3,400 TTD while house rental costs can be as high as 6,800 TTD per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 3,400 TTD to 14,000 TTD per month.
Apartment and house prices in Trinidad and Tobago
Cost of buying a property
Studio apartment price
| 110,000 TTD | 170,000 TTD | 340,000 TTD |
1-bedroom apartment price
| 140,000 TTD | 230,000 TTD | 850,000 TTD |
2-bedroom apartment price
| 230,000 TTD | 680,000 TTD | 1.4M TTD |
| $33,000 | $100,000 | $200,000 |
3-bedroom apartment price
| 760,000 TTD | 1.1M TTD | 3.4M TTD |
| $110,000 | $170,000 | $500,000 |
Townhouse price
| 970,000 TTD | 2.3M TTD | 8.5M TTD |
House price
| 1.1M TTD | 6.8M TTD | 9.7M TTD |
Villa price
| 1.4M TTD | 7.6M TTD | 11M TTD |
The average price of a studio apartment in Trinidad and Tobago can range from 110,000 TTD to 340,000 TTD depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 140,000 TTD to 850,000 TTD. A villa can cost you 7.6M TTD on average with prices ranging from 1.4M TTD to 11M TTD.
If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Trinidad and Tobago 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
| 38 | x109 monthly income | 206 |
Property prices in Trinidad and Tobago can be x109 to x206 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x109 multiples of the average monthly salary in Trinidad and Tobago.
Rent to income ratio
Rent to income ratio
( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100
The average rent-to-income ratio in Trinidad and Tobago is around 31%. This means that people pay 31% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 21% to 41% 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
29% 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 Trinidad and Tobago
Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.
Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Trinidad and Tobago
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Individual
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple
| 100 TTD | 340 TTD | 2,200 TTD |
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family
| 180 TTD | 510 TTD | 3,300 TTD |
Internet and cable cost
Mobile phone bill and charges
Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.
The average monthly expenditure for individuals on electricty, water, and gas in Trinidad and Tobago ranges between 39 TTD and 1,800 TTD with average being 280 TTD, meanwhile the expenditure of couples is slightly higher at 340 TTD with 100 TTD and 2,200 TTD being the upper and lower limits respectively. As expected, the energy and water consumption of families is the highest among the three groups with an average of 510 TTD. The cost of internet and WiFi is unchanged among the three groups and ranges from 34 TTD to 91 TTD with 68 TTD being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 45 TTD but can range between 27 TTD and 140 TTD depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.
Energy / Utility expense to income ratio
( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100
The average utility-to-income ratio in Trinidad and Tobago is around 6%. This means that people pay 6% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 3% to 10% depending on salary and location.
Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Trinidad and Tobago
Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Trinidad and Tobago
Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.
Fast food combo meal price
The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Trinidad and Tobago is approximatly 14 TTD with meal cost ranging from 6.8 TTD to 23 TTD. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.
Restaurant meal for one price
If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 23 TTD and 68 TTD with 34 TTD being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Trinidad and Tobago.
Fine dining meal for one price
The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 45 TTD to 270 TTD with the average cost being 68 TTD for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Trinidad and Tobago.
Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..
The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Trinidad and Tobago is around 9.1 TTD. Price ranges between 5.7 TTD and 14 TTD depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.
Grocery and market costs
Large bottle of milk price
The average price of a large bottle of milk in Trinidad and Tobago is 5.4 TTD. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 6.8 TTD and the minimum being 4.5 TTD depending on the brand of milk and other properties.
12 eggs price
A dozen eggs costs around 4.5 TTD on average with 3.4 TTD and 6.8 TTD being the lower and upper limits respectively.
Fresh whole chicken price
The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Trinidad and Tobago is between 7.7 TTD and 14 TTD depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 10 TTD.
Pack of beef price
The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 14 TTD. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.
Medium bag of rice price
A bag of rice in Trinidad and Tobago costs around 5 TTD on average with prices rangeing between 3.7 TTD and 7.1 TTD depending on the brand and quality.
Bag of tomatos price
A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 1.4 TTD to 3.4 TTD. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.
Bag of apples price
A bag of apples costs 3.2 TTD on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.
Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio
( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100
The average grocery-to-income ratio in Trinidad and Tobago is around 26%. This means that people spend 26% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 18% to 32% depending on salary and location.
Expenditure on food and grocery for every population group
A single person living alone spends approximately 730 TTD per month on grocery and food with expenditure fluctuating between 100 TTD and 4,900 TTD depending on location and the type of person. The average cost of food and groceries for a couple is around 1,100 TTD per month. That number can be get as low as 360 TTD or a high as 5,700 TTD. Families' spending on grocery ranges from 640 TTD to 12,000 TTD with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.
SingleSpending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Trinidad and Tobago
Housing cost for a single person32%
32% of total expenses on average (20% to 44%)
| LOW | $34 230 TTD |
| AVERAGE | $240 1,700 TTD |
| HIGH | $1,600 11,000 TTD |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile8%
8% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)
| LOW | $5.7 39 TTD |
| AVERAGE | $41 280 TTD |
| HIGH | $270 1,800 TTD |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)
| LOW | $7.6 52 TTD |
| AVERAGE | $54 370 TTD |
| HIGH | $360 2,400 TTD |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Cost18%
18% of total expenses on average (12% to 23%)
| LOW | $15 100 TTD |
| AVERAGE | $110 730 TTD |
| HIGH | $720 4,900 TTD |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost11%
11% of total expenses on average (5% to 15%)
| LOW | $8.6 58 TTD |
| AVERAGE | $61 410 TTD |
| HIGH | $410 2,800 TTD |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Expenditure3%
3% of total expenses on average (3% to 6%)
| LOW | $4.8 32 TTD |
| AVERAGE | $34 230 TTD |
| HIGH | $230 1,500 TTD |
| Per Month |
Education Cost2%
2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)
| LOW | $1.9 13 TTD |
| AVERAGE | $14 92 TTD |
| HIGH | $90 610 TTD |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses20%
20% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)
| LOW | $17 120 TTD |
| AVERAGE | $120 830 TTD |
| HIGH | $810 5,500 TTD |
| Per Month |
Low-cost alternatives in Trinidad and Tobago
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 options56%
Few low-cost options44%
Based on the survey, 56% of the people living in Trinidad and Tobago have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 44% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.
CoupleAverage monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Trinidad and Tobago
Housing cost for a couple29%
29% of total expenses on average (22% to 39%)
| LOW | $130 870 TTD |
| AVERAGE | $380 2,600 TTD |
| HIGH | $2,000 14,000 TTD |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile7%
7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)
| LOW | $15 100 TTD |
| AVERAGE | $51 340 TTD |
| HIGH | $330 2,200 TTD |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost10%
10% of total expenses on average (4% to 15%)
| LOW | $45 310 TTD |
| AVERAGE | $140 920 TTD |
| HIGH | $720 4,900 TTD |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Cost16%
16% of total expenses on average (11% to 21%)
| LOW | $53 360 TTD |
| AVERAGE | $160 1,100 TTD |
| HIGH | $840 5,700 TTD |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost13%
13% of total expenses on average (7% to 17%)
| LOW | $41 280 TTD |
| AVERAGE | $120 840 TTD |
| HIGH | $660 4,500 TTD |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Cost4%
4% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)
| LOW | $23 150 TTD |
| AVERAGE | $68 460 TTD |
| HIGH | $360 2,400 TTD |
| Per Month |
Education Cost2%
2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)
| LOW | $7.5 51 TTD |
| AVERAGE | $23 150 TTD |
| HIGH | $120 820 TTD |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses19%
19% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)
| LOW | $64 430 TTD |
| AVERAGE | $190 1,300 TTD |
| HIGH | $1,000 6,900 TTD |
| Per Month |
FamilyAverage monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Trinidad and Tobago
Housing cost for a family28%
28% of total expenses on average (23% to 38%)
| LOW | $170 1,100 TTD |
| AVERAGE | $480 3,300 TTD |
| HIGH | $3,100 21,000 TTD |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile5%
5% of total expenses on average (3% to 8%)
| LOW | $26 180 TTD |
| AVERAGE | $75 510 TTD |
| HIGH | $490 3,300 TTD |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Expenses6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 8%)
| LOW | $53 360 TTD |
| AVERAGE | $150 1,000 TTD |
| HIGH | $980 6,600 TTD |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Cost20%
20% of total expenses on average (13% to 26%)
| LOW | $95 640 TTD |
| AVERAGE | $270 1,800 TTD |
| HIGH | $1,800 12,000 TTD |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Expenses10%
10% of total expenses on average (6% to 15%)
| LOW | $47 320 TTD |
| AVERAGE | $150 1,000 TTD |
| HIGH | $780 5,300 TTD |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Cost3%
3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)
| LOW | $26 180 TTD |
| AVERAGE | $75 510 TTD |
| HIGH | $490 3,300 TTD |
| Per Month |
Education Cost14%
14% of total expenses on average (7% to 22%)
| LOW | $74 500 TTD |
| AVERAGE | $210 1,400 TTD |
| HIGH | $1,400 9,300 TTD |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses14%
14% of total expenses on average (7% to 19%)
| LOW | $42 290 TTD |
| AVERAGE | $120 820 TTD |
| HIGH | $780 5,300 TTD |
| Per Month |
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.
Singles
The average monthly expense for a single person living in Trinidad and Tobago is 4,600 TTD. Expenses can range from 650 TTD at the minimum level to 31,000 TTD at the highest end.
Couples
The average monthly spending of couples in Trinidad and Tobago is 7,700 TTD. Expenditure can range from 2,600 TTD to 41,000 TTD per month.
Families
The average cost of living for families in Trinidad and Tobago is 10,000 TTD per month. Families spend anywhere from 3,600 TTD to 66,000 TTD.
Students
The average monthly expenditure for students in Trinidad and Tobago is 3,400 TTD. Students spend from 510 TTD to 22,000 TTD per month.
Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.
