Cost of Living in Saint-Joseph - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $1,551 monthly including rent, or $844 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $2,195 with rent, or $1,427 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,840 including rent, or $2,010 for daily expenses alone.

Saint-Joseph sits 1โ€“15% above the global median across household types. Within Africa, costs are 53% above average โ€“ among the most expensive in the region.

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๐Ÿฝ Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$11.63 โ‚ฌ9.90
-
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$57.2 โ‚ฌ48.63
-
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$10.47 โ‚ฌ8.91
-
Cappuccino
$2.33 โ‚ฌ1.98
-
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.42 โ‚ฌ2.91
-
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.27 โ‚ฌ1.93
-
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.52 โ‚ฌ2.99
-
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.59 โ‚ฌ3.90
-
๐Ÿ›’ Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.86 โ‚ฌ1.58
-
White Bread (500g)
$1.43 โ‚ฌ1.22
-
Eggs
$5.93 โ‚ฌ5.05
-
Local Cheese (1kg)
$5.73 โ‚ฌ4.88
-
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$9.21 โ‚ฌ7.84
-
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$17.30 โ‚ฌ14.72
-
Onion (1kg)
$3.42 โ‚ฌ2.91
-
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$2.28 โ‚ฌ1.94
-
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$17.48 โ‚ฌ14.87
-
Wine (Bottle)
$9.54 โ‚ฌ8.12
-
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.25 โ‚ฌ1.91
-
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.42 โ‚ฌ2.91
-
๐ŸšŒ Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$2.36 โ‚ฌ2.01
-
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$41.27 โ‚ฌ35.12
-
Gasoline (1 liter)
$2.36 โ‚ฌ2.01
-
๐Ÿงพ Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$228 โ‚ฌ194
-
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$45.50 โ‚ฌ38.72
-
๐ŸŽ‰ Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$22.89 โ‚ฌ19.48
-
Cinema Ticket
$11.76 โ‚ฌ10.01
-
๐Ÿ‘•๐Ÿ‘Ÿ Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$69.9 โ‚ฌ59.5
-
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$22.74 โ‚ฌ19.35
-
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$92.7 โ‚ฌ78.9
-
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$173 โ‚ฌ148
-
๐Ÿ  Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$705 โ‚ฌ600
-
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$568 โ‚ฌ483
-
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,034 โ‚ฌ880
-
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$802 โ‚ฌ682
-
๐Ÿ’ต Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,427 โ‚ฌ1,215
-

CityCost data is based on AI and user input โ€“ minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: April 12, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $705 for a central one-bedroom, or $568 outside the center. At around 49% of the average salary ($1,427), rent noticeably above the typical 30% rent-to-income guideline.

Average take-home pay sits at $1,427, while typical expenses reach $1,551. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $243 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $57 for two โ€“ above the African average of $42.

Public transport is priced at around $41 per month โ€“ above the African average of $29.

Cost Highlights

Saint-Joseph has the 4th most expensive gasoline in Africa

Saint-Joseph has the 4th most expensive eggs in Africa

Imported beer is more expensive than 98% of cities in Africa

Saint-Joseph Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

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Latency
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Fixed Broadband

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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 Saint-Joseph - Frequently Asked Questions
How would you rate affordability for travelers and expats in Saint-Joseph, Reunion, and how does it compare to other island towns?
Saint-Joseph tends to offer a balanced value for travelers, expats, and digital nomads exploring Rรฉunion. The Cost of Living in Saint-Joseph, Reunion is generally moderate compared with busier coastal towns and tourist hubs, thanks to local markets, affordable produce, and a mix of housing options. You'll find apartment rentals in quieter neighborhoods with easy access to groceries, cafรฉs, and bus routes. Seasonal rains and agricultural cycles can influence prices and availability in markets, so shop mid-week for fresher deals. For daily budgeting, favor public transport or car-sharing options, and prioritize neighborhoods with nearby services to reduce trips. Tip: set a weekly routine that centers errands around one core area to save time and transport costs.
What should you expect for daily life in Saint-Joseph, including housing search, food options, transport, and coworking?
Finding a place to call home starts with calm neighborhoods near markets and bus lines. In Saint-Joseph, you'll notice a mix of hillside apartments and ground-floor duplexes, with rents often influenced by proximity to schools, centers, and coast access. For daily life, groceries come from markets and small shops; you can mix cheaper staples with occasional meals out at bistros. Public transport is practical for longer trips, and car-sharing or bikes work well for shorter hops. Co-working spaces or cafes with reliable Wi-Fi provide flexible work options for digital nomads. Saint-Joseph, Reunion living cost varies by district, so compare a few neighborhoods before committing. Tip: Reserve a few hours to visit different areas and test Wi-Fi at a cafe before deciding.
How can you plan for quality of life here, including budgeting frameworks, seasonal considerations, and neighborhood fit?
Quality of life in Saint-Joseph blends outdoor access with a relaxed pace. To budget well, categorize expenses into housing, food, transport, and activities, then track spending for a few weeks to see patterns. Save by cooking at home, buying from markets, and choosing public transit or shared rides. Seasonal variations affect produce choices and leisure options, so adjust dinners and outings accordingly. If youโ€™re settling, pick a neighborhood that fits your days: closer to beaches for walks, or higher ground for cooler air and views. Tip: set a flexible vacation and work schedule to match local events and climate windows, which can enhance your everyday experience.
How expensive is daily life in Saint-Joseph?
Everyday life in Saint-Joseph is moderately priced at about $1,551 per month, rent included. Groceries and transport stay reasonable, though dining out and entertainment can feel a bit pricier than in budget destinations.
How much of a salary does housing take in Saint-Joseph?
With 49% of the average paycheck going to rent, Saint-Joseph is on the expensive side for housing. Many locals cope by sharing apartments, moving to outer neighborhoods, or downsizing to keep things manageable.
How much should you earn to live well in Saint-Joseph?
Earning $2,326 monthly in Saint-Joseph means you're living well โ€“ a one-bedroom, regular groceries, transport, and some entertainment without stress. That's the threshold where most residents feel genuinely comfortable rather than just getting by.
What is the price of renting a flat in Saint-Joseph?
Rents for a 1-bedroom flat in Saint-Joseph range from $568 to $705, depending on location and condition. Central apartments sit at the top of that range; outer neighborhoods and suburbs deliver noticeably better value per square meter.
What does commuting cost in Saint-Joseph?
A monthly transit pass in Saint-Joseph goes for roughly $41.27, which is one of the lighter items on a monthly budget. Coverage across residential and business areas is solid, and most residents without a car rely on it daily.
How much should I budget for food per month in Saint-Joseph?
Expect to spend around $243 per month on groceries in Saint-Joseph. Neither cheap nor expensive by global standards โ€“ everyday items are fairly priced, though imported or specialty products cost more.
Is $1,000 a month enough for Saint-Joseph?
Living on $1,000 in Saint-Joseph means careful planning, since monthly costs average $1,551. It works with a cheap apartment and disciplined spending, but expect trade-offs on where you live, how often you eat out, and entertainment.
How welcoming is Saint-Joseph to foreigners?
Expats in Saint-Joseph benefit from fast internet, clean air, coastal lifestyle, and the infrastructure supports international residents well. Housing, healthcare, and social life are all within reach at about $1,551 per month. A bit of research before arriving goes a long way.
Is it possible to save on a local salary in Saint-Joseph?
Monthly expenses in Saint-Joseph run around $1,551, so putting money aside takes more than $2,326 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.

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