Paramaribo Cost of Living, Rent Prices, Salaries & Quality of Life (2026)
Suriname · South America
$1,050
Monthly Cost
avg/person
38
Cost Index
NYC=100
32
Rent Index
NYC=100
56
Quality of Life
Moderate
44
Safety Index
Below Average
0.24M
Population
SRD
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated: July 2026
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $5 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $18 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $5 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $2 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $3.5 |
| Cappuccino | $2 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $1 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.6 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1.5 |
| Bread (500g) | $1.2 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.9 |
| Eggs (12) | $2.5 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $4 |
| Beef (1kg) | $7 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2.5 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $1.2 |
| Potato (1kg) | $1 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.6 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.4 |
| Monthly Pass | $18 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.6 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $26000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $21000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $80 |
| Mobile Plan | $14 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $32 |
| Fitness Club/month | $28 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $480/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $300/mo |
| 3BR Center | $1,100/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $660/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $1,800/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $1,100/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $600 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 14% |
Cost of Living in Paramaribo — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Paramaribo, Suriname is approximately $1,050 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Paramaribo has a cost index of 38, making it around 62% more affordable. Individuals and couples should budget higher depending on housing size and lifestyle choices, while students and solo remote workers often spend near the lower end of this range.
Rent and Housing Costs
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside major population centers in Paramaribo costs around $300/month, while a one-bedroom in a central area is approximately $480/month. A three-bedroom apartment in a central area averages $1,100/month. The rent index for Paramaribo is 32 compared to New York City (NYC = 100).
Food, Groceries & Dining Out
Everyday grocery costs and restaurant prices in Paramaribo play a major role in the overall monthly budget. Prices vary between local markets, mid-range restaurants, and imported goods, so residents who cook at home and shop at local markets typically spend noticeably less than those who eat out often. See the Restaurants and Markets & Groceries tables above for a full item-by-item price breakdown.
Transportation Costs
Public transport, taxis, fuel, and vehicle costs in Paramaribo are detailed in the Transportation table above. A traffic and commute score of 32/100 indicates how easy day-to-day travel around the country generally is, which matters when comparing regions before relocating.
Quality of Life and Safety
Paramaribo scores 56/100 on the quality of life index and 44/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 55/100. The climate index is 68/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors, and are updated regularly to reflect current conditions.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Paramaribo is approximately $600/month. With a purchasing power index of 42/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is SRD, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Utilities & Monthly Bills
Electricity, water, heating/cooling, and internet costs are broken down in the Utilities & Services table above. Combined with rent, these fixed monthly costs form the core of any relocation budget for Paramaribo.
Is Paramaribo Good for Digital Nomads?
Remote workers evaluating Paramaribo should weigh the 38 cost index against the 56/100 quality of life score and 44/100 safety rating. Combined with reliable internet infrastructure (see Utilities above), these numbers help determine whether Paramaribo fits a remote-work budget and lifestyle.
Monthly Budget Breakdown in Paramaribo
| Expense | Estimated Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Rent — 1BR Outside Center | $300 |
| Rent — 1BR City Center | $480 |
| Rent — 3BR City Center | $1,100 |
| Average Net Salary | $600 |
| Total Avg. Monthly Cost (single person, all-inclusive) | $1,050 |
See the Restaurants, Markets & Groceries, Transportation, and Utilities tables above for a full itemized breakdown.
Cost of Living for Families in Paramaribo
Families relocating to Paramaribo typically need a larger home, higher grocery spend, and budget for schooling and healthcare. A 3-bedroom apartment in a central area runs around $1,100/month, and with a healthcare index of 55/100 and safety index of 44/100, Paramaribo is worth researching neighborhood-by-neighborhood before committing to a family move. Total household budgets usually run well above the single-person average of $1,050/month once housing size, schooling, and childcare are factored in.
Student Living Costs in Paramaribo
Students in Paramaribo generally spend less than the citywide single-person average by sharing accommodation, using public transport, and cooking at home. With a cost index of 38 (NYC = 100) and a rent index of 32, budget-conscious students can often keep total monthly spend meaningfully below the $1,050 average, especially if renting outside the city center at roughly $300/month or splitting that cost with roommates.
Quick Summary
The average cost of living in Paramaribo is $1,050 per month for a single person. Housing costs average $300for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center. The country scores 56/100 for quality of life and 44/100 for safety. Compared with New York City, Paramaribo has a cost index of 38, making itmore affordable.
Pros and Cons of Living in Paramaribo
Pros
- Affordable overall cost of living (index 38, NYC = 100)
- Favorable climate year-round (68/100)
Cons
- Safety score is below average (44/100) — research neighborhoods carefully
- Healthcare index is on the lower side (55/100)
- Purchasing power is limited relative to local prices (42/100)
- Traffic and commute can be a challenge (32/100)
How does Paramaribo compare to other countries?
Paramaribo is located in South America with a population of approximately 0.24M. At a cost index of 38 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable countries in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Paramaribo stacks up against any other city or country worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paramaribo
What is the cost of living in Paramaribo?
The average cost of living in Paramaribo, Suriname is approximately $1,050 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 38 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Paramaribo?
Rent in Paramaribo varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 32 (NYC=100). A 1-bedroom apartment outside the center averages around $300/month, while a 1-bedroom in the center runs closer to $480/month.
Is Paramaribo expensive to live in?
Paramaribo has a cost index of 38 compared to New York City (100). At 38, Paramaribo is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper places globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $1,050.
What is the quality of life in Paramaribo?
Paramaribo has a quality of life index of 56/100 and a safety index of 44/100. Located in South America, it offers a moderate quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
What is the average salary in Paramaribo?
The average net salary in Paramaribo is approximately $600/month, with a purchasing power index of 42/100.
Is Paramaribo good for digital nomads and remote workers?
Paramaribo has a cost index of 38 and a quality of life score of 56/100, making it worth evaluating against your specific budget and lifestyle needs. Check current rent, transport, and utility costs above before planning a move.
What is the best city to live in Paramaribo?
Check the individual city pages for Paramaribo to compare quality of life, safety, and cost data across locations.
How does the cost of living in Paramaribo compare to other countries?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Paramaribo with any city or country worldwide. Paramaribo's cost index is 38 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side at https://worldlivingcost.com/compare