Cost of Living in Paramaribo - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $999 per month with rent, or $826 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $1,716 per month with rent, or $1,359 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $2,433 per month with rent, or $1,892 without housing.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$8.27 SRD 310
$6.36 SRD 238
$13.20 SRD 495
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$42.85 SRD 1,606
$32.67 SRD 1,225
$401 SRD 15.0K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$10.58 SRD 397
$9.27 SRD 348
$11.56 SRD 433
Cappuccino
$2.70 SRD 101
$1.39 SRD 52.2
$4.19 SRD 157
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.24 SRD 46.36
$0.87 SRD 32.57
$2.04 SRD 76.6
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.83 SRD 31.04
$0.45 SRD 16.68
$1.69 SRD 63.3
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.07 SRD 115
$1.38 SRD 51.9
$4.07 SRD 153
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.01 SRD 150
$1.98 SRD 74.3
$4.95 SRD 186
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.72 SRD 64.6
$0.97 SRD 36.51
$3.43 SRD 129
White Bread (500g)
$1.28 SRD 47.88
$0.81 SRD 30.43
$1.98 SRD 74.2
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.67 SRD 62.6
$1.16 SRD 43.41
$2.05 SRD 76.8
Eggs
$3.50 SRD 131
$2.47 SRD 92.5
$4.27 SRD 160
Local Cheese (1kg)
$12.35 SRD 463
$4.95 SRD 186
$22.56 SRD 846
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$5.55 SRD 208
$2.28 SRD 85.3
$9.98 SRD 374
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$9.84 SRD 369
$6.61 SRD 248
$12.11 SRD 454
Apples (1kg)
$4.44 SRD 167
$2.85 SRD 107
$6.02 SRD 226
Banana (1kg)
$2.04 SRD 76.6
$1.02 SRD 38.11
$4.07 SRD 152
Oranges (1kg)
$3.13 SRD 117
$1.47 SRD 55.1
$4.90 SRD 184
Tomato (1kg)
$5.39 SRD 202
$1.49 SRD 55.9
$9.95 SRD 373
Potato (1kg)
$1.28 SRD 48.16
$0.74 SRD 27.78
$1.98 SRD 74.1
Onion (1kg)
$2.08 SRD 78.1
$1.02 SRD 38.12
$5.72 SRD 215
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.84 SRD 69.0
$0.97 SRD 36.49
$4.38 SRD 164
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.48 SRD 55.6
$1.03 SRD 38.51
$1.98 SRD 74.1
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$5.58 SRD 209
$2.78 SRD 104
$9.88 SRD 371
Wine (Bottle)
$7.92 SRD 297
$4.62 SRD 173
$10.56 SRD 396
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.28 SRD 85.3
$1.62 SRD 60.7
$3.03 SRD 114
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.32 SRD 124
$1.35 SRD 50.5
$5.66 SRD 212
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.46 SRD 17.19
$0.42 SRD 15.63
$1.04 SRD 39.07
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$89.4 SRD 3,352
-
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.98 SRD 112
$1.34 SRD 50.2
$2.98 SRD 112
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$2.54 SRD 95.3
$2.03 SRD 76.3
$3.05 SRD 114
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$10.07 SRD 377
$7.05 SRD 264
$15.10 SRD 566
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.10 SRD 41.23
$1.02 SRD 38.29
$1.28 SRD 47.86
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$24.6K SRD 920.9K
$24.6K SRD 920.9K
$24.6K SRD 920.9K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$25.3K SRD 947.6K
$25.3K SRD 947.6K
$25.3K SRD 947.6K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$39.43 SRD 1,478
$23.78 SRD 892
$80.4 SRD 3,015
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$26.19 SRD 982
$25.24 SRD 946
$28.74 SRD 1,077
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$29.06 SRD 1,089
$19.94 SRD 748
$37.83 SRD 1,418
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$12.67 SRD 475
$8.57 SRD 321
$15.05 SRD 564
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$19.82 SRD 743
-
Cinema Ticket
$4.58 SRD 172
$3.98 SRD 149
$6.92 SRD 259
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$61.8 SRD 2,317
$24.51 SRD 919
$98.0 SRD 3,675
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$1,950 SRD 73.1K
$347 SRD 13.0K
$4,997 SRD 187.3K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$36.10 SRD 1,353
$9.94 SRD 373
$99.4 SRD 3,728
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$28.89 SRD 1,083
$10.85 SRD 407
$50.8 SRD 1,904
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$75.3 SRD 2,822
$39.97 SRD 1,499
$150 SRD 5,613
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$110 SRD 4,133
$49.86 SRD 1,869
$199 SRD 7,477
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$503 SRD 18.9K
$295 SRD 11.0K
$1,247 SRD 46.7K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$217 SRD 8,128
$118 SRD 4,429
$300 SRD 11.2K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,091 SRD 40.9K
$600 SRD 22.5K
$2,538 SRD 95.1K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$568 SRD 21.3K
$397 SRD 14.9K
$1,987 SRD 74.5K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$465 SRD 17.4K
$149 SRD 5,586
$949 SRD 35.6K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$407 SRD 15.2K
$102 SRD 3,814
$864 SRD 32.4K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$276 SRD 10.3K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
16
7
18

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: July 13, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $503, dropping to $217 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 182% of the average salary ($276) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $276 – below monthly costs of $999. Most locals rely on shared housing or dual incomes. Remote workers earning abroad will find stronger purchasing power.

Groceries cost around $286 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $43.00.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $89.4.

Cost Highlights

Paramaribo has the 2nd most expensive public transport monthly pass in South America

Paramaribo has the 3rd cheapest gym membership in South America

3-bedroom apartment, city center is more expensive than 97% of cities in South America

Paramaribo Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Paramaribo - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paramaribo affordable for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who tends to get good value there?
People often find Cost of Living in Paramaribo reasonable for a balanced lifestyle, especially if you mix local options with comfortable pace. The city offers affordable street food, markets with fresh produce, and modest housing options compared with larger hubs in the region. You’ll notice value in transit, utilities, and everyday services when you choose practical layouts and neighborhoods that fit your work and social life. Tip: start with a few weeks in a short-term rental to calibrate your budget and pace.
What does day-to-day life look like in Paramaribo, including housing search, food options, transport, and coworking spaces?
On a day-to-day basis, you’ll balance a mix of affordable meals, local markets, and errands that fit a flexible schedule. Start housing searches in central districts near the Waterkant for walkability, then widen to leafy residential blocks for quieter mornings. Food runs range from busy markets to casual eateries with reliable value and seasonal produce. For getting around, buses are common, rideshares exist, and many places are walkable or bike-friendly in dry periods. Co-working spaces and caffeinated hubs support remote work. Understanding the Paramaribo living cost helps you tailor your day-to-day choices. Tip: keep a list of preferred neighborhoods and test them across a week.
What budgeting approach and neighborhood choices help you maintain a high quality of life in Paramaribo, considering seasonality and savings?
To maximize value over time, adopt a lightweight budgeting framework: track fixed costs (housing, utilities), flexible expenses (food, transport), and occasional costs (leisure, gear). Seasonality in markets and rain can shift choices toward local produce or indoor activities; use that to your advantage by buying in season and exploring neighborhood hubs for different vibes. For lifestyle, look for neighborhoods that combine safety, access to groceries, and efficient transit. Tip: set a monthly cap on discretionary spends and rotate favorite neighborhoods to keep routines fresh.
Is Paramaribo worth the cost of living?
Paramaribo is mid-range – monthly costs with rent reach about $999. For most residents, that's a fair trade: urban amenities, services, and job access without major-hub prices.
Is Paramaribo expensive to live in?
Paramaribo sits squarely in the middle of the price spectrum – not cheap, not expensive. Monthly costs with rent tend to hover around $999, which most working professionals can handle without feeling financially squeezed.
Can you save money on an average salary in Paramaribo?
The average net salary in Paramaribo is about $276, while comfortable living starts around $1,499. With total costs hitting $999 monthly, saving is possible if you earn above average – but it takes intentional budgeting.
How much is rent in Paramaribo?
A central one-bedroom apartment in Paramaribo runs about $503 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $217. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.
Is food expensive in Paramaribo?
Grocery spending in Paramaribo lands around $286 per month for one person – not cheap, not expensive. Local produce and staples are fairly priced, though imported goods and specialty items cost more. Overall, food is a manageable part of the budget.
How much is public transport in Paramaribo?
Getting around Paramaribo by public transport costs about $89.4 per month. A monthly pass generally covers buses, trams, and metro – much cheaper than owning a car for the daily commute.
Can a person live on $1,000 monthly in Paramaribo?
$1,000 is below the $999 average in Paramaribo, so it's tight but not impossible. You'll need to keep rent low – sharing an apartment, cooking at home, and sticking to public transport are the main levers.
Is Paramaribo good for expats?
Paramaribo works well for expats – there's a solid range of international services, diverse housing, and established communities of foreigners. English-language options for healthcare, banking, and real estate are increasingly available, making the transition fairly smooth.
How affordable is Paramaribo?
Paramaribo is neither cheap nor expensive – it sits comfortably in the middle. Monthly costs with rent run about $999, a figure most working professionals can handle without major financial stress.
Is Paramaribo good for backpackers?
Paramaribo is doable for backpackers, though it takes more planning than cheaper destinations. Monthly costs average $999, so daily spending is moderate. Hostels, local food, and public transport keep things in check, but attractions and nightlife can push costs up.

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