Juan Manuel Galvez International Airport in Roatan is the only international airport in the Bay Islands. For expats averse to traffic, driving in Lagos will not be fun. Cost of living for expat. Flippered enthusiasts from across the globe, flock to Roatan for its nearly perfect diving conditions. Just because you are on a small island in the middle of the Caribbean doesnt mean that you wont be able to look after yourself. Although the West End runs along the sea its beach cant compare to that of the West Bay. The prices are reasonable, starting around $110 for a four-hour session supervised by a certified instructor. Should you decide to continue your learning, you can sign up for a certification class that will cost you around $400. In communities like West End and West Bay, beach bars line the water, offering tasty cocktails and cold beers with views of the Caribbean. Animal rescue is another opportunity, as is working in a health clinic that provides low-cost care for those in need. 5. U.S. citizens can travel with a passport without the need to apply for a special visa. You will need to fill up some required papers by the state. We paid $130,000 for the property in 2014. The first way to get your Honduran residency is through a Rentista application. An international airport, with direct flights every day to multiple destinations in the U.S. and Canada, means getting to and from home (or having visitors come down) is easy. Visit Santa Helena and enjoy a meal of fresh seafood, caught mere hours before it is served. A retired couple can expect to spend about $2,000 to $2,500 a month for all their needs on Roatn. Having just returned from an exploratory trip of Roatan, that didnt surprise me. Learn from our R&D playbook and meet like-minded people at our annual event. $1,904 / month. Cerulean waters, white sand, and gorgeous reefs make Roatan, Honduras, a scuba divers paradise. No matter what you decide, Roatan is an incredible island paradise with something for everyone. However, that's 17% lower than Manhattan, New York. But we spoke with an expat couple, who live outside of French Harbour in the home they own, who spend less than $1,200 a month. The Honduras Bay Islands, a fellow boater said. Think back to your worst moments. Long-term monthly rents start at $600 a month. The Philippines doesn't disappoint, and most expats can live comfortably on about $800 to $1,200 a month. Whats the catch? In Roatan, there was little air conditioning anywhere. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. In the event that youre coming from another part of Honduras or Latin America and are looking to transport more significant items like a car, a ferry might be your best bet. So let's jump into the negatives. For kidney infection medication, people have paid as low as $15! People from all over the world come to the island to call it their new home. Youll have most of the basics, and for the rest, youll need to learn just to wing it. However, becoming a resident isnt too difficult. One of the biggest perks for retirees and other expats from North America is the fact that as an English protectorate, English is widely spoken, even as mainland Hondurans come for work and bring their native tongue. Getting active is also a great way to pass the time on the island. BJ herself has a colorful past and some juicy stories to share. Now, this may sound just too good to be true: a beautiful, safe island that has affordable housing and perfect weather. London is generally a more affordable route; some travelers have even found round trip tickets for as low at 500 GBP. Youll have to plan ahead to make sure youre not left in the dark or without a stove to cook with. Air Canada and Cayman Airlines also regularly serve Juan Manuel Galvez International. Those interested can find more information at www.roatanclearwater.com. But a growing number are settling in French Harbour, or the East Side, which are both on the south side of the island. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. I suggest anyone join Facebook group 'Ask Anything - Roatan'," explained one expat living in Roatan, Honduras. Advantages Of Living In Arkansas Cheap cost of living Reasonable property taxes Excellent state universities Pleasant 4 season weather Abundant outdoor activities Choose from small towns There are lots of fishermen around, and one of them may be your neighbor. But that first breath of sea air is going to cost you. Roatn is the place many envision when they hear Jimmy Buffet singing about one of his tropical paradises. John worked as an automobile and marine mechanic. We create and implement bespoke, holistic strategies for successful investors and entrepreneurs to legally reduce their tax bills, diversify and protect their assets, become global citizens and maximize their freedom. Fresh snapper and lobster are grilled and served with rice and plantains. Little Roatn has its share of visitors. You can find out a bit more about Honduras residency program here. Take advantage of the untouched nature and explore the jungle with a zip line tour. Most expats would recommend that you get your own private insurance to keep you covered during your time on the island. Others join the local gym or take yoga classes. There are so many pros and cons of moving to Scotland. A spacious parking lot accommodates vehicles owned by those island residents whose homes are water-only access in points east such as Calabash Bight, Port Royal, and St. Helene. Simply enter your email address below and we'll send you a FREE HONDURAS REPORT: Island-living at an Affordable Price in Honduras. In fact, the commonly used phrase, come back tomorrow, can be interpreted in a variety of ways depending on the speaker and the context. West Bay/West End West Bay and West End are the main tourist areas in Roatan. Although it may be tempting to save some coin and get a flight to Honduras and then jump on a connecting flight to Roatan, its not recommended. Are you going to the islands for the winter?. With deep water beyond the reef so close to shore, you need not travel far to fish for wahoo, mahi-mahi, tuna, blue marlin, yellow-fin tuna, white marlin, sailfish, and barracuda. The Pros and Cons of Living in Florida Here are 2 different pros and con lists of what it's really like to live in Florida full-time. Not to mention, it is also home to acres upon acres of untouched nature and wild jungles that will make you feel like youre in an Indiana Jones movie. Beachfront condosone- and two-bedroomscan be found for under $200,000, while hilltop homes with panoramic views of the surrounding jungle-covered hills and Caribbean start from $150,000. Living in Roatan is a dream come true for those who love the ocean and the outdoors. Medical care is good and affordable. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. If iguana is not your cup of tea, theres always their world-renowned snail soup that went so far as have to a song written about it in the early 1990s. Then theres Coxen Hole, the capital, where most hospitals and offices can be found. You will usually board a small boat for the ride to the nearby reef where you will follow an anchored line up and down a few times, getting more comfortable. However, it is advisable not to do so in Roatan. I was chatting with a friend at BJs Backyard, a small restaurant/ bar on the water. Average yearly expenses for a single person (excluding rent) come in under 10,000, even in cities like Rome and Milan. With its stunning beaches and lush jungles, Roatan is the perfect place to explore and enjoy life. Oftentimes, locals think that newcomers to the island are taking away jobs and taking food out of Roatanian mouths. Dont forget to update your Netflix subscription while youre at it! The cost of living in Houston is lower than the national average, overall. A big favorite among expats and visitors alike is Franks Cigar Bar. Alabama has a plethora of white sandy beaches. I have been coming to Thailand since 1998. If youre concerned about the environmental repercussions of the diesel-powered generators, you can always incorporate some sustainable energy options into your home. You can either take the modern, jet-set option and fly into Roatans tiny airport. Some homes are even boat access onlythe ultimate in privacy. Dublin is a great place for people who come to Ireland to work, as well as being home to Ireland's top 2 universities Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin. Pros & Cons of Living in Massachusetts (Post Summary) In sum, here's a quick roundup of the pros and cons of living in Massachusetts. Their favorite watering hole is BJs, in Oakridge, for the Friday afternoon jam session. This includes food, board and lodging with personal maid and driver and dining out occasionally. Keep driving and on the south side of the island youll come to the port town of French Harbour, another expat favorite. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Great public education: 2. The roads seem to always be in need of repair, and there can be power outages. Its affordability coupled with its undeniable beauty could be the reason why its become home to so many expats. Also, good luck finding deodorant! Know that most buses stop at 6 pm right when taxi prices go up. Rents start at about $500 a month for an apartment or condo within walking distance of the beach. However, you shouldnt come to the island expecting the locals to be great timekeepers. One silver lining is that you can get fresh fish or lobster for a fraction of North American prices. I had major surgery in Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras. And eventually, lack of safety can create greater issues. Above all, there is a great sense of community here. Living-Learning Communities are built upon the idea of grouping college students within similar studies or with shared passions into a residential living community on campus. 1. What is Living in Roatan Like? Buying a house in Roatan is much cheaper than buying a home in the majority of North America. The permit process with the municipality was laidback and inexpensive. The island, at 48 miles long and 5 miles across (at its widest point), has a variety of towns and regions to choose from, and each appeals to a different type of lifestyle. 50 Intense Pros and Cons of Dropping the Atomic Bomb, 20 Intriguing Pros and Cons of Becoming a State National, Pros And Cons Of Higher Education For Police Officers. Below youll find some key points to consider when planning your move to one of the Caribbeans most-loved islands. PRO: Affordability. Roatn is the perfect place for an active retirement in many other ways too. We have a good medical clinic in the town of Oak Ridge, where we can see a doctor without an appointment and obtain most drugs without a prescription. People in urban environments are more likely to suffer from anxiety and mood disorders than people in other locations. Communicating with realtors and property managers will be a breeze, and youll feel more at home on the island when youre able to communicate effectively with locals. The farther you go east, theres less development. There are only 1.07 million people living there being the 4th largest state by area. For many, the appeal of Roatan is evident. Enjoy miles of the sandy, white beach after your ride, with swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking available. Crowded City . Then, a boat will take you to your final diving destination. At this point, I realized that we were not leaving Roatn. It's the perfect place to relax, unwind and make lifelong friends on the most budget-friendly of the Caribbean Islands. Three months became three years. However, there can be some health disadvantages. Expect to see parrotfish, rays, sharks, lobster, tangs, puffers, jacks, eels, conch, damselfish, just to name a few species. Just outside of the busy central village area we viewed several 1,500 square foot townhomes with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, a few blocks off the sea, selling from $150,000 to $200,000 each. We are only making a three-month commitment, John assured me as we fastened our lines to the dock at Oak Ridge Point. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". You can expect to shell out big bucks for rent if you want to live anywhere near a Japan city Centre. Living In Roatan is great! Cost of living in Vietnam is cheap and it is safe 4. While you wait for your ride into town, you can always have a cup of coffee in the main lobby. Hailing a cab from the airport or ferry dock will be relatively easy. Recent one-way flight deals. Once youre feeling merry, you can take a walk over to The Blue Marlin for a bit of karaoke. Many are actively involved in volunteer organizations such as the Humane Society, Rotary Club, or baseball leagues. The first one is the what we think it will be like to live in Florida when we move there for the pros (the perception), usually based on many 1 week vacation visits. There is so much that makes Roatn special. Pros of living in Missoula. Of course, there are still those Caribbean classics like fresh coconut water to quench your thirst and fried plantain, or tostones, to fill your stomach. Teams compete for prizes for both the most and the largest of this invasive species of fish. For expats who enjoy living in a locals neighborhood, there are some exceptional deals in this area. If you are like most and want to continue into the open water certification phase, that usually takes an additional two days and costs about $400 dollars. You can snorkel a reef full of tropical fish right from the beach. Living in Roatan includes great food, Welcoming and friendly people, Low cost of living, natural beauty, and Great weather. This area is less developed, wilder, and has maintained its natural habitat. This is the largest and most populated of the Bay Islands 30 miles off the coast of mainland Honduras. Plenty of entrepreneurs who are searching for a way into the Honduran lifestyle first set up their companies in Honduras and utilize their business as a way to help them get their residency. For a friendly reminder of home, there will be plenty of expats around for you to link up with. Even if you live alone, expect to pay a lot to keep your lights on, and centralized air conditioning may also drive your electric bill up, which is why plenty of islanders only use fans or the sea breeze to keep their homes cool. Whatever you decide to munch on, youll feel revived and ready to explore this small island. Where is the Island of Roatn You will feel like you are in the Venice of the Caribbean as you wind through the picturesque waterways connecting several communities along the south shore. About a million tourists come each year, drawn by the tropical beach fun, world-class scuba diving, and relaxed attitude. "Expats bar and reataurant, downtown La Ceiba, or, . And if youd rather get a lock-and-leave condo in a resort-style community on something like popular West Bay beach, you can get a one-bedroom unit for well under $200,000. Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Many homes offer water access too, whether its a community marina or dock, or even a private dock. But remember that peak season means higher prices and plenty of tourists. Tourists haul their bags from vans, buses, and taxis and load them into boats leaving from BJs. However, getting around the island isnt too hard since its so compact. The Galaxy Wave, a recommended ferry company, shuttles passengers back and forth in a charming catamaran. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. There is another one, farther up in Port Royal, across from Fort Morgan Cay. The bus fare has to be paid in Lempira, so make sure youve got the right money for the ride. I bet you could get it at a good price.. Roatan is famous for its iguana and coconut stew. With great cocktails and decent specials, you may end up spending the rest of the night toasting with friends at Booty.