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Cost of Living in Paradise Island

Understanding the the cost of living in Paradise Island helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
|-Cost of Living in Paradise Island

Cost of Living Paradise Island
Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages around $1,500 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center averages around $2,500 per month.
Apartment Purchases The cost of purchasing an apartment in Paradise Island varies greatly depending on the size and location. Prices range from $200,000 for a one-bedroom apartment to $1 million for a three-bedroom apartment.
Transportation Public transportation is available on the island, with bus fares costing around $2 per ride. Taxis are also available, with fares starting at $5. Car rentals are available, with prices starting at $50 per day.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Paradise Island is comparable to the cost of groceries in the United States. A loaf of bread costs around $3, a gallon of milk costs around $4, and a dozen eggs costs around $3.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Paradise Island varies greatly depending on the type of restaurant. A meal at a fast food restaurant costs around $10, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around $30.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Paradise Island is comparable to the cost of utilities in the United States. The average cost of electricity is around $100 per month, while the average cost of water is around $50 per month.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Paradise Island varies depending on the school. Preschool tuition averages around $2,000 per year, elementary school tuition averages around $4,000 per year, middle school tuition averages around $6,000 per year, and high school tuition averages around $8,000 per year.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Paradise Island

“The cost of living in Paradise Island varies depending on the individual’s lifestyle. Generally speaking, it can be costly compared to other locations in the world, although the cost of living is not prohibitively high,” said one expat living in Paradise Island.

“The cost of living in Paradise Island is relatively high compared to other locations. This is due to its status as a popular tourist destination and its proximity to the capital city of Nassau. Housing and rental prices are quite expensive, especially in upscale neighborhoods and beachfront properties. Groceries and dining out can also be pricey, as many items are imported and subject to import taxes. Utilities, such as electricity and water, are also costly due to the island’s reliance on imported fuel for power generation. Transportation costs, including taxis and car rentals, can add up quickly, especially for those who frequently travel between Paradise Island and Nassau. Overall, living in Paradise Island can be quite expensive, particularly for those who wish to maintain a high standard of living,” wrote a member in Paradise Island.

Can I live in Paradise Island on $1,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Paradise Island for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s possible to live on $1,500 a month, but you’ll have to make some sacrifices. First, you’ll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. Paradise Island itself is quite expensive, so you might want to consider living in nearby areas like Nassau or Cable Beach. These areas are more budget-friendly and still offer a good quality of life.In terms of housing, you’ll likely need to rent a smaller apartment or share a place with roommates to keep costs down. Utilities can also be quite expensive here, so be prepared to cut back on your usage of electricity and water to save money. Eating out can be pricey too, so you’ll want to cook at home more often and shop at local markets for fresh produce.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Public transportation is relatively cheap, and you can also consider walking or biking to get around. Owning a car can be expensive due to the high cost of gas and maintenance.You’ll also need to cut back on entertainment and leisure activities. While there are plenty of free or low-cost things to do in the Bahamas, you’ll need to be selective about which activities you choose to participate in. For example, you might have to skip the more expensive attractions like the Atlantis Resort and instead opt for more budget-friendly options like visiting public beaches or exploring local parks.In summary, living on $1,500 a month in Paradise Island, Bahamas is possible, but you’ll need to make some sacrifices and be mindful of your spending. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, cutting back on utilities, cooking at home, and being selective about your leisure activities, you can make it work,” commented an expat living in Paradise Island.

Can I live in Paradise Island on $3,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Paradise Island for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you’ll have to make some sacrifices. First, you’ll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. Paradise Island is known for its luxury resorts and upscale living, so you might want to consider living in a more budget-friendly area like Nassau or Cable Beach. These areas are still close to the beautiful beaches and attractions, but the cost of living is significantly lower.In terms of housing, you’ll likely need to rent a smaller apartment or share a place with roommates to keep costs down. Utilities can also be quite expensive, so be prepared to cut back on your usage of air conditioning and other energy-consuming appliances. Eating out can be pricey as well, so you’ll want to cook at home more often and take advantage of the local markets for fresh produce and seafood.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Owning a car in the Bahamas can be expensive due to import taxes and high gas prices. Instead, consider using public transportation or renting a scooter to get around. This will not only save you money but also allow you to experience the island like a local.As for entertainment and activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options to enjoy. The beautiful beaches are always a great option for relaxation and fun, and there are numerous parks and nature reserves to explore. You can also find affordable activities like snorkeling, fishing, and hiking if you’re willing to do some research and plan ahead.Overall, living in Paradise Island on $3,000 a month is doable, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, cutting back on utilities and eating out, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can enjoy a comfortable life in this beautiful island paradise,” said one expat living in Paradise Island.

Can I live in Paradise Island on $5,000 a month?

“I’ve been living in Paradise Island for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, but you’ll need to make some adjustments and sacrifices. First, you’ll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. Paradise Island is known for its luxury resorts and upscale living, so you might want to consider living in a more budget-friendly area like Nassau or Cable Beach. These areas are still close to the beautiful beaches and amenities that Paradise Island has to offer, but the cost of living is significantly lower.When it comes to housing, you’ll need to be prepared to downsize or live in a more modest home. You can find decent apartments or condos in Nassau or Cable Beach for around $1,500 to $2,000 a month, which will leave you with enough money for other expenses. Keep in mind that utilities can be quite expensive in the Bahamas, so you’ll want to budget for that as well.As for transportation, owning a car can be quite costly due to high import taxes and gas prices. Instead, consider using public transportation or renting a scooter to get around. This will not only save you money but also allow you to experience the local culture more authentically.Groceries and dining out can also be expensive in the Bahamas, especially on Paradise Island. To save money, try shopping at local markets and cooking at home more often. When you do dine out, opt for more casual, local restaurants rather than the high-end establishments that cater to tourists.Finally, you’ll need to be mindful of your entertainment and leisure expenses. While it’s tempting to indulge in all the luxurious activities and attractions that Paradise Island has to offer, you’ll need to prioritize and budget accordingly. Focus on enjoying the natural beauty of the Bahamas, like the beaches and parks, which are often free or low-cost.In conclusion, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Paradise Island, Bahamas is possible, but you’ll need to make some sacrifices and adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, downsizing your living space, using public transportation, cooking at home, and prioritizing low-cost leisure activities, you can make it work and still enjoy the beautiful island life,” commented an expat living in Paradise Island.

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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