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Cost of Living in Paramaribo

Paramaribo, Paramaribo, Suriname · Population 223,757 · National capital

▲ +24% vs Suriname average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$20,779 ($594)
Couple, monthly$37,006 ($1,057)
Family of four, monthly$47,980 ($1,371)

Estimated Prices in Paramaribo

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$218 ($6.24)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$874 ($24.96)per meal
Cappuccino$65.52 ($1.87)each
Monthly groceries (single person)$4,950 ($141)per month
Monthly public transport pass$801 ($22.88)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$2,111 ($60.32)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$612 ($17.47)per month
Fitness club membership$612 ($17.47)per month
Cinema ticket$160 ($4.58)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$8,940 ($255)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$6,219 ($178)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$18,656 ($533)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Paramaribo is $20,475 ($585) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $20,779 ($594) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $27,012 ($772) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($6,219 ($178)) represents about 30% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Paramaribo

Paramaribo vs CotticaParamaribo vs KoewarasanParamaribo vs LelydorpParamaribo vs Nieuw NickerieParamaribo vs MeerzorgParamaribo vs Moengo

Nearby Cities

Meerzorg

7 km away · Commewijne

Nieuw Amsterdam

9 km away · Commewijne

Koewarasan

18 km away · Wanica

Lelydorp

20 km away · Wanica

Onverwacht

31 km away · Para

Groningen

34 km away · Saramacca

Moengo

89 km away · Marowijne

Brokopondo

92 km away · Brokopondo

Living in Paramaribo

Paramaribo is the capital and one of the key cities in Suriname. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $20,779 ($594), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $6,219 ($178) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $47,980 ($1,371) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $37,006 ($1,057) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Paramaribo is $20,475 ($585). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $27,012 ($772) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Paramaribo expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $20,779 ($594) per month in Paramaribo including rent outside the city centre. That is 24% more than the national average for Suriname.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Paramaribo?
A net salary of around $27,012 ($772) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Paramaribo with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Paramaribo is $20,475 ($585).
How much is rent in Paramaribo?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $8,940 ($255) per month in the city centre and $6,219 ($178) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $18,656 ($533).
Is Paramaribo cheaper than Suriname on average?
No — Paramaribo is estimated to be about 24% more expensive than the Suriname average, mainly due to housing demand as the national capital.
What is the cost of groceries in Paramaribo?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $4,950 ($141) in Paramaribo. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $218 ($6) and a cappuccino runs around $66 ($2).
How do transport costs in Paramaribo compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Paramaribo is estimated at $801 ($23). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Paramaribo are estimates based on Suriname national averages adjusted for city size (population 223,757) and capital-city premium. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.