Saint Lucia flagEconomy Guide · Saint Lucia

Economy Guide in Saint Lucia

Economic overview, job market trends, income levels, and financial landscape for expats

Economic Overview

GDP

$2.07B

Total economic output of the country

HDI

0.71

High human development

Quality of Life

N/A

Composite score based on cost of living, safety, healthcare & climate

Purchasing Power

N/A

How much your salary buys after living costs

Comparison data legendCompare:
Country
Continent Avg

Cost of Living Index

0510
Moderate

Exact CPI data is unavailable; however, based on a very low Rent Index (10.76), moderate Restaurant Price Index (46.65), and relatively high Groceries Index (75.20), the overall cost of living is estimated to be moderate.

Housing Market

0510
Excellent

The property price to income ratio is very low at 0.98 years, indicating a highly affordable housing market. The Rent Index is also very low at 10.76.

Average Income Levels

0510
Moderate

Purchasing power index is unavailable. However, with a GDP (PPP) per capita of $17,840 in 2024, and considering the estimated moderate cost of living and very affordable housing, purchasing power is assessed as moderate.

Tax System

0510
Good

Saint Lucia has a progressive income tax system with rates ranging from 10% to 30% on income over EC$18,400. The standard VAT rate is 12.5%, with reduced rates for tourism. Residential property tax is 0.25% of assessed value. There are no capital gains, wealth, or inheritance taxes.

Business Environment

0510
Moderate

Saint Lucia was ranked 93rd out of 190 economies in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business (2019 data). The government is actively working to improve the business climate, offering incentives for foreign investment and streamlining regulations.

Social Security

0510
Good

The National Insurance Scheme (NIS) provides old-age, disability, and survivors' pensions, as well as sickness, maternity, and employment injury benefits. Contributions also finance medical benefits.

Banking & Financial Safety

0510
Good

Deposits are protected up to EC$100,000 (approximately USD 37,037) per depositor under the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) guarantee scheme. The banking sector is stable and regulated by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) and the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), adhering to international standards like FATF and Basel III.

Deposit Protection: up to $37,037 USD (see sources)