Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Hacks & How-to's
  3. News

You can buy a whole Caribbean island for less than some homes in the U.S.

Imagine waking up on this private island every morning?

By
Add as a preferred source on Google

Whether you’ve been in the market for a new home or not, you know house prices have been soaring in the U.S. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, the median home sales price is $428,700, an increase of nearly $60,000 from just a year ago. The mean sale price of homes in the U.S. is even higher: $507,800.

The pandemic began the shift, dropping mortgage rates to the point where many first-time homebuyers entered the market. Our homes became our oasis. But soon after, houses became nearly impossible to find, and with that short supply, demand was at a fever pitch. While recovery began in 2022, increased mortgage rates began to price people out of the market for home ownership. So, what to do if you can’t afford to buy in the U.S? How about purchasing a Caribbean island instead?

Iguana Island

Home prices in the U.S. increased by 30% from 2020 to 2022, and if you didn’t get in when mortgage rates were at an all-time low, you may be wondering when you can own a home of your own. But all it takes is a little imagination (and a job that truly allows you to work from anywhere), and you could own an entire island for the cost of a home.

Related

This private island in the Caribbean Sea is listed for just $475k, and it looks as divine as it sounds. “The 5 acre island has cell service, internet, and TV available with a main house that offers 3 beds & 2 baths,” according to the listing on Instagram. Iguana Island is located just 12 miles off the coast of Nicaragua, the largest country in Central America, situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The area is known for its vast array of lakes, volcanoes, and gorgeous sandy beaches.

Just scroll through the pictures and imagine yourself lounging on the colorful porch, taking in the ocean breeze and being surrounded by nature on all sides. This property was even showcased on an episode of the HGTV series “Island Hunters,” geared toward those looking to live life off the grid and maximize adventure.

In terms of the U.S. market, there are obviously big swings in average home prices. You can buy a home in Alabama for $204,965 (48% of the typical U.S. price), while choosing a state like California, you’d be shelling out an average of $816,804. While the uncertainty of inflation and tomorrow’s housing market lingers, perhaps it’s worth exploring options you may not have thought possible.

Of course, with any move of this size, there are a lot of considerations, including access to the mainland for food and resources, unexpected expenses, and weather, but the thought of spending your hard-earned money on an entire island versus a house in America may sound just enticing enough to overcome any potential downsides.

Julie Scagell
Julie Scagell
Former Author
Topics

Editors’ Recommendations

The Easiest Way to Set the Table
Cutlery, Fork, Spoon

Have you ever wondered why the fork sits on the left and the knife on the right? Or why Europeans eat “Continental style,” holding the fork in their left hand and the knife in their right, while Americans cut, switch hands, and then eat? It turns out there’s a reason for all of it, and once you understand the history, setting the table suddenly feels far less mysterious. Before beautifully layered place settings and Pinterest-worthy tablescapes, dining was far more practical. Medieval feasts were less about etiquette and more about survival. Plates were often shared, forks were nonexistent, and eating with your hands was the normal standard. Tables were filled with trenchers (pieces of bread used as plates), and the idea of “proper placement” simply didn’t exist.

By the mid-to-late 1800s (around 1860–1870), European dining evolved again as meals began to be served in courses. This shift introduced what became known as the Russian style of dining, where utensils were laid out intentionally and used from the outside in. The fork stayed in the left hand, the knife in the right, and the table itself began to reflect structure, rhythm, and order. This approach eventually became the “Continental style” still used across much of Europe today.

Read more
5 tips to de-clutter your kitchen for the holidays
kitchen holiday

'Tis the season for holiday gatherings, which means your kitchen needs to be organized to avoid unnecessary stress. Here are some handy tips to follow.

1. Refresh your fridge and freezer

Read more
Color Drenching: The bold hue movement that is sticking around in 2026
Green living room walls with velvet green sofas

What is color drenching?Color drenching is an interior design trend where a single color is used on every surface in a room. This includes walls, trim, doors, and even the ceiling, creating a cohesive and immersive atmosphere. The technique can make a small room feel larger or a spacious room feel cozier, and it often extends to furniture, radiators, and cabinetry for a bold, unified effect.

While the term color drenching is relatively new, the concept has deep roots in design history. The look can be traced to historic European interiors where monochromatic schemes added depth and luxury. Even in the Victorian era, richly saturated jewel tones were often used in grand spaces such as libraries and parlors. It reappeared during the 1960's and 1970's as well. Designers have long understood that a single, enveloping hue can create a striking sense of mood and continuity.

Read more