We are often asked about the costs involved with the children’s home and school.
There are many cases where the cost of goods is less expensive but because of it being an island nation with manufacturing and distribution very localized for other products, they are often more expensive.
Some examples; food that is locally produced is generally less expensive than in the USA. In our area, milk is very expensive and only powdered milk is available for an affordable price. Last time I bought some for the children, I paid around $20.00 USD for a large can of powdered milk that would make around 3-4 gallons. I’m not sure what it costs now but it is a treat.
Beef is also very expensive and of low quality. Fish is the most affordable meat, followed by chicken, pork and then beef in ascending order.
Propane for the camp stove that Inday uses to cook for the children is about 1/3rd more expensive than in the USA.
Electric is both expensive and unreliable.
Building materials are at least as expensive as in the USA and often the quality is less. A similar quality is often significantly higher.
Gasoline was more than double the amount here in the states.
Less expensive items include many different medications, medical testing when available and similar items.
The biggest difference is in labor. Labor is far less. When we had the roof put on, the head contractor was paid $5.00 per day and the helpers $3.00 per day.
I think my friend Bob Martin has said it best so let me paraphrase him. “If you want to live like an American, your expenses will be as much as living in America. If you eat native type foods instead of imported and don’t need every room air conditioned, you will be able to live well for far less.”
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