You can live modestly in Suriname for roughly $270–$470 a month depending on housing and lifestyle, since average net pay is about $285. Rent ranges from ~$217 outside city center to ~$470 for a one-bedroom downtown, while groceries and cheap meals are far below U.S. prices. Utilities and internet are inexpensive and transport is cheap aside from a higher monthly pass. Budget carefully, watch exchange rates, and keep essentials covered for three months to learn more.
Overview of Living Expenses and Average Monthly Budget
Although Suriname’s overall cost of living is about 39.8% lower than in the United States, you’ll still need a clear monthly budget because local wages are far lower. You’ll see tangible savings—rent for a one-bedroom in the city center averages $470.4 versus $1,742 in the U.S., a 73% reduction—so your lodging line item can shrink if you plan. Utilities for an 85m² apartment run about $39.2 monthly, compared to $207.9 stateside, cutting essential-service costs dramatically. Groceries follow: a loaf of bread at $1.20 versus $3.60 in the U.S. lowers food expenses by roughly 65.8%. Yet the average monthly salary after tax is only $284.7, covering about 0.3 months of typical expenses, so you’ll need external income or savings. Build a budget that prioritizes housing and food, monitors utilities, and allocates contingency funds—this lets you reclaim financial freedom while respecting Suriname’s cost of living.
Housing and Rental Prices in Paramaribo and Beyond
When you’re budgeting for housing in Suriname, Paramaribo offers clear cost advantages: a one-bedroom in the city center averages $470.40 monthly (about 73% less than U.S. city-center rents), while the same unit outside the center runs roughly $217.10 (an 84.9% reduction), and a three-bedroom in the center goes for about $1,070; combined with monthly utilities near $39.20 for an 85 m² apartment, these figures let you model total monthly housing costs precisely against the average after-tax local salary of $284.70 to assess affordability and required outside income. Use these numbers to plan freedom: if you earn locally, rent will consume a large share of income; if you have remote earnings, you’ll gain significant purchasing power. Prioritize location versus space—one-bed outside center maximizes savings, three-bed in center suits family needs. Include utilities, factor in occasional maintenance or HOA fees, and calculate net disposable income. This data-driven approach clarifies realistic options and empowers cost-conscious relocation decisions within costs in Suriname.
Food, Groceries, and Dining Out Costs
Because food and dining costs in Suriname are markedly lower than in the U.S., you can plan a tight monthly food budget with precision: cheap restaurant meals run about $6.70 (66% cheaper than the U.S. average of $20), mid-range three-course meals for two average $55 (about 27% less than $75 in the U.S.), and a 0.5 L local beer is roughly $2 (two-thirds the U.S. price). You’ll stretch income by choosing local markets and occasional restaurants; groceries and dining out costs both favor saving. A loaf of fresh bread is about $1.20 (vs. $3.60 U.S.), and chicken fillets cost $5.30/kg (vs. $12.10 U.S.), so meal-prep lowers monthly expense dramatically. Use the table below to compare typical items and percent savings, then set a disciplined weekly shopping plan to maximize freedom and reduce reliance on pricey imports.
| Item | Suriname Price | % Lower vs U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Cheap meal | $6.70 | 66.3% |
| Mid-range (2) | $55 | 26.7% |
| Bread | $1.20 | 65.8% |
Transportation, Fuel, and Local Travel Expenses
While urban fares are low, overall travel costs in Suriname show a mixed picture you should plan for: a one-way local transportation ticket runs about $0.50, an 81.1% saving versus the U.S. average of $2.50, so short trips are cheap and empower daily mobility. If you rely on transit, note the monthly pass is $90—38.5% higher than the U.S. $65—so commuting every day narrows that advantage. Taxis start at roughly $3, about 20% cheaper than U.S. starting fares, but per-kilometer taxi rates average $2.50, 43.7% higher than the U.S. $1.70, which raises costs on longer rides. Fuel is about $1.10 per litre, 19.6% above the U.S. $0.90, so driving frequently inflates your budget. For budget-minded people seeking freedom, combine local transportation for routine trips with selective taxi use; track monthly pass break-evens and fuel consumption to minimize wasted spending and maximize mobility.
Utilities, Internet, and Mobile Phone Prices
For an 85m² apartment you’ll typically pay about $39.20 monthly for utilities, a figure that’s 81.1% below the U.S. average and reflects local market and policy influences. Expect unlimited home internet (60 Mbps+) around $29.20 and mobile contracts with 10GB+ data for about $25.90, both substantially cheaper than U.S. equivalents. Note gasoline runs about $1.10/L — roughly 19.6% higher than the U.S. price — which can affect transport-related utility use and budgeting.
Typical Monthly Utility Bills
Several key monthly bills in Suriname are notably cheaper than in the U.S., and you can realistically expect substantial savings when budgeting. For an 85m² apartment your average utility bills run about $39.20 monthly versus $207.90 in the U.S. — an 81.1% reduction driven by government policy and local market dynamics. Mobile contracts with calls and 10GB+ data average $25.90, saving you 54.6% compared to $57.10 stateside. Home internet plans offering 60 Mbps+ and unlimited data cost roughly $29.20, about 59.1% cheaper than U.S. equivalents. When you plan relocation or financial freedom, factor these persistent savings into your monthly expenditure model — they materially lower the income needed to live comfortably.
Internet Plans and Speeds
If you’re budgeting for connectivity in Suriname, expect fast, affordable options: mobile contracts with 10GB+ data average about $25.90, and home internet plans offering 50–60+ Mbps with unlimited data run roughly $29.20 monthly, both substantially cheaper than U.S. equivalents. You’ll find the internet market offers clear data points: 60 Mbps+ unlimited at ~$29.20 versus ~$71.50 in the U.S., and 50 Mbps connection fees near $29.19. These figures free you to allocate savings to other goals.
| Service | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Mobile (10GB+) | $25.90 |
| Home internet (50–60+ Mbps) | $29.20 |
| 60+ Mbps vs US | 59.1% cheaper |
| 50 Mbps connection fee | $29.19 |
Use these numbers to plan a liberated, budget-conscious life.
Mobile Plans and Costs
Moving from home internet options, let’s look at mobile plans and how they fit into your monthly budget: a typical Surinamese contract that includes calls and 10GB+ of data runs about $25.90, roughly 54.6% cheaper than a comparable U.S. plan at $57.10, while monthly utilities for an 85 m² apartment average $39.20 versus $207.90 in the U.S. (an 81.1% reduction). You’ll find mobile plans and internet both materially cheaper—60 Mbps+ unlimited service is about $29.20 versus $71.50 in the U.S., a 59.1% saving—so your connectivity and utilities free up discretionary income. Keep in mind local market conditions and policy shape prices, and tailor your budget to actual usage rather than averages to maximize financial freedom.
Salaries, Employment Market, and Purchasing Power
Although salaries in Suriname are much lower than in the United States, you’ll find that reduced living costs partially offset the income gap: the average monthly after-tax salary is about $284.70 versus $4,336.80 in the U.S., but overall living expenses (excluding rent) are 38.2% lower and the country’s cost-of-living rank sits at 113/197, meaning day-to-day essentials—housing, utilities, groceries—are substantially cheaper and change how far a salary stretches. You’ll note salaries remain modest, so employment choices and sector matter: public sector and NGOs often pay near average, while mining and specialized roles command premiums. Rent for a one-bedroom city-center apartment averages $470.40, so housing can exceed typical wages and requires planning. Purchasing power is constrained but practical: with living costs 1.3 times below the world average, disciplined budgeting and targeted job selection let you convert limited income into meaningful autonomy and build upward mobility within local economic realities.
Practical Tips for Managing Money and Currency Exchange
Having seen how modest salaries and lower living costs shape daily life in Suriname, you’ll need a tight, data-driven approach to money management once you arrive. The current rate (1 USD = 38.8002 SRD) is your baseline for converting income and planning essentials against an average net salary of $271. Track daily rates, log expenses in both USD and SRD, and set monthly SRD targets so you never overspend.
Expect modest pay—track exchange rates, log expenses in USD and SRD, and set SRD monthly targets.
- Use conversion tools and set alerts: automate rate checks, convert anticipated bills, and lock exchange amounts when favorable.
- Study historical rates: model worst-case scenarios for remittances, rent, and food to maintain a resilient budget while living in Suriname.
- Build a buffer in SRD and USD: keep three months’ essential-cost coverage, rebalance holdings when rates move beyond your trigger points.
These tactical steps free you from reactive spending and let you pursue financial autonomy with precision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Suriname Expensive to Live?
No, Suriname isn’t expensive to live in; Cost Comparison shows overall living costs about 39.8% lower than the U.S., with cheaper rent, transport, groceries, and dining—so you’ll stretch your budget and gain greater financial freedom.
Can I Move to Suriname?
Like a compass pointing freedom, you can move to Suriname if you meet Visa Requirements, budget carefully for low rent but modest salaries, factor exchange rates and transport costs, and plan income sources to sustain liberated living.
What Is the Average Monthly Income in Suriname?
The average monthly income in Suriname is about $284.7 after tax. You’ll use this Income Levels data to budget tightly, prioritize essentials, seek higher-paying work, and plan liberating steps toward greater financial autonomy.
How Much Does It Cost to Live in Honduras per Month?
A retiree I know lives on $700 monthly in Tegucigalpa; Honduras Expenses like $350 rent, $50 utilities, $15 transit, and cheap groceries let you budget for freedom, saving and local living while staying data-driven and pragmatic.
Conclusion
You’ll find Suriname affordable compared with many capitals, but costs vary by lifestyle: choose modest housing to save, shop local markets to cut grocery bills, and use public transport to limit travel expenses. Track utilities and internet to avoid surprises, negotiate rent where possible, and compare currency exchange rates to protect purchasing power. Live frugally to stretch a modest salary, plan carefully to match your budget, and monitor expenses to keep finances in control.
