St. Lucia is generally considered one of the more expensive islands in the Caribbean, primarily because it positions itself as a luxury, "once-in-a-lifetime" destination for honeymoons and high-end eco-tourism. The cost of accommodation is the biggest factor; the island is famous for "open-wall" luxury resorts like Jade Mountain or Sugar Beach, where rooms can exceed $1,000 per night. Dining at these resorts is also pricey, with dinner for two often costing upwards of $150. However, it is possible to visit St. Lucia on a more moderate budget if you stay in the Rodney Bay area, which offers a variety of guest houses, standard hotels, and local eateries that are much more affordable than the secluded resorts near the Pitons. Groceries and imported goods are expensive due to the island's geography, but local produce, rum, and street food (like "oil down" or fresh fish) are relatively cheap. Transportation can also be a high cost, as taxis are expensive and the terrain is difficult for casual driving. While it isn't a "budget" destination in the same vein as the Dominican Republic, with careful planning, it can be comparable to a high-end European vacation rather than an unattainable luxury.