Cost of living in Haiti - 2017

Following is what it cost me to live in Haiti. I have lived here for 6 years, first 2 years in Port de Paix and the other 4 years in Delmas 31, Port au Prince. The cost of living has risen over the past 2 years as the gourde declines against the dollar.

> How much does it cost to rent an apartment/house in Haiti?  Delmas 31, Port au Prince, One year contract at $350USD per month, 3 bdrm, 2 bath, kitchen, dining room, living room, small cement yard with gated wall barrier, underground water basin

> How much do you pay for your public transport tickets (bus, subway, train, tram)? taptap 25gdes, moto 150gdes, bus from PauP to PdeP 500gdes, bus from PauP to CapHatien 800gdes

> Staple food: what do people eat and how much do they pay for basic food like bread, rice or pasta? I buy all of my foods at the local markets. Bread 25gdes for 2 loaves unsliced, rice 1300gdes for a 50kg sack, pasta 100gdes for a 1.5kg bag, vegetables, beans and potatoes are very very cheap but vary according to the season.

>What is your monthly grocery budget? 30,000gdes to 40,000gdes  - family of 4

> How much does it cost to see a physician/doctor/specialist in Haiti ? 1,000-1,500gdes

> What is your children's schooling monthly budget? 2 children, 1 preschool and 1 kindergarten 1,300gdes plus supplies

> How much does it cost to fill up your car’s fuel tank? 189gdes a liter gasoline, 149gdes a liter diesel - I ride a motorcycle

> How much do you pay for electricity/gas/water etc.? Electricity 156gdes a month, propane 550gdes every 3 weeks, drinking water 100gdes per 5 gallon bottle, other water 1,750gdes every 8 weeks

> How much do you pay for your Internet/phone subscription? Internet 1,400gdes per month 10gb, telephone 1,000gdes every 2 weeks

> How much do you pay for your lunch pack on weekdays? 100gdes

> How much do you pay for an espresso coffee? NA, Do not drink coffee

> How much do you pay for a cinema ticket? NA, I watch Netflix

> How much does a gym membership cost in Haiti?  NA, with all of the running around I do at work, I do not need a gym

My last two deployments Ihave rented in an acceptable complex with a  security guard at the gate, water and hot water, electricity and a pool in the 1000 for 2 bedrooms 2 bath apartment;

Lady to clean, cook and wash 125 a month;

Cooking gas, about 25 a month;

Potable water, 20;

Internet, 25 for a hot spot with unlimited use from access Haiti;

Phone, 30 a month because of heavy international use for work;

Gas, 100 a month for 2 full tanks;

Car wash, 10 a month once a week;

Food and drink, 500 a month buying meats, condiments (mustard, olive oil, etc.) from Giant, liquor, wine andbeer fromTag or other market but rice, fruits and vegetables via cleaning lady on street in downtown Port au Prince or Petion Ville.

Leaving alone added significantly to costs because I often invited friend over or went to restaurants even when food was already cooked at home to avoid eating alone and simply hear and see people after a day of work.

I think costs can be significantly reduced if one is confortable residing with family or a roommate.  My biggest concern is security becuase I amoften absent for days at a time so I always rent apartment with on site guards, gate and restricted access.  Renting a house might be less expensive in the long term but then you have to deal with electricity, water, security, etc.