One of the most frequently asked question I get, “Is it expensive to live on St. Maarten?” The broad answer, is no. Yes, you have to pay attention to power and water consumption but so far, our power bill has not been as high as it was in Charlotte. You’ve seen me talk about the paradigm shift from “one stop shopping” in the US to shopping in several stores on the island to get the best prices. I’ve quickly learned where prices are the best for any given item and of course, I watch the sales every week. Here are a few examples of some of the sale prices at my favorite grocery store, Carrefour. The entire island is only 37 sq miles so it’s not like driving “to the other side” is painful. We typically combine grocery shopping for French-side items with our beach trips there so it’s very convenient. We are continually reminded that this was the best decision we ever made 🥰
St. Maarten Move 
What are your favorite stores on the French side? It would be great to check them out on our trip out later this month.
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Super U has the very best wine prices we’ve been able to find on the island. They will occasionally run 1:1 sales (€ to $) if you pay cash making them a great bargain. They also have a good selection of French cheeses and other French specialties. L’Express in Hope Estates has the best baguettes I have ever put in my mouth and we’ve been all over France! Note, you can get their baguettes at the Cadisco on the left just before Orient Bay too! Leader Price also has a good selection of cheeses and other French specialty items. For “everyday items” I’ve not found better prices than Carrefour. We buy toilet paper, paper towels and other paper goods in bulk at Cost-U-Less just on the other side of Carrefour.
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Thanks so much for the information. Hoping Jeff Burger has one of his relocation seminars while we are there for 2 weeks this month. Would love to do what you are doing and experience the beauty of the island as a resident and not a tourist.
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His seminars are for people buying on the island. We rent. If you want info other than what you read here about a non permanent move, feel free to message me. Our move has nothing to do with residency or any other red tape 🙂
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