Cost of Living in Cat Island

Betsy Burlingame

If you're moving to Cat Island, understanding the the cost of living in Cat Island helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Category	Cost
Apartment Rentals	1-bedroom apartment in city center: $800 – $1,200 per month 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: $600 – $1,000 per month 3-bedroom apartment in city center: $1,500 – $2,500 per month 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: $1,200 – $2,000 per month
Apartment Purchases	Price per square meter in city center: $1,500 – $2,500 Price per square meter outside city center: $1,000 – $1,800
Transportation	One-way local transport ticket: $2.50 Monthly local transport pass: $50 – $70 Taxi starting tariff: $3.50 Taxi 1km tariff: $2.00 Gasoline (1 liter): $1.20 – $1.50
Groceries	Milk (1 liter): $1.50 – $2.00 Bread (500g): $2.00 – $3.00 Rice (1kg): $2.00 – $3.00 Eggs (12): $2.50 – $3.50 Cheese (1kg): $8.00 – $12.00 Chicken breasts (1kg): $6.00 – $8.00 Beef round (1kg): $8.00 – $12.00 Apples (1kg): $3.00 – $4.00 Bananas (1kg): $1.00 – $2.00 Oranges (1kg): $2.00 – $3.00 Tomatoes (1kg): $2.00 – $3.00 Potatoes (1kg): $1.50 – $2.50 Onions (1kg): $1.00 – $2.00 Water (1.5-liter bottle): $1.00 – $1.50
Restaurants	Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $10 – $15 Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: $40 – $60 Combo meal at a fast-food restaurant: $6 – $8 Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): $3.00 – $4.00 Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): $4.00 – $5.00 Cappuccino: $3.00 – $4.00 Soft drink (0.33-liter bottle): $1.00 – $1.50 Water (0.33-liter bottle): $0.50 – $1.00
Utilities	Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment: $150 – $250 per month 1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans): $0.20 – $0.30 Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): $60 – $80 per month
Private School Tuition	Preschool (or Kindergarten) tuition: $3,000 – $5,000 per year Elementary school tuition: $5,000 – $8,000 per year Middle school tuition: $6,000 – $10,000 per year High school tuition: $8,000 – $12,000 per year

Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on the specific location within Cat Island, as well as individual preferences and lifestyle choices. It’s always a good idea to research and compare prices in the area you plan to live in to get a more accurate understanding of the cost of living.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Cat Island

“The cost of living in Cat Island is considered to be relatively high, especially when compared to some other locations. This is largely due to the fact that most goods need to be imported, which can significantly increase their price. Housing can also be quite expensive, particularly for larger properties or those with sea views. Utilities such as electricity and water can also be costly, as can internet and cable services. Eating out and entertainment options can also be quite pricey, especially in tourist areas. However, local produce and seafood can be quite affordable. Transportation costs can vary, with private vehicles and taxis being more expensive than public transportation. Overall, while the cost of living can be high, many residents feel that the island’s natural beauty and relaxed lifestyle make it worth the expense,” said one expat living in Cat Island.

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

“I’ve been living on Cat Island for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you’ll have to make some sacrifices. First, you’ll need to find a place to live that’s affordable. I recommend looking for a rental in the more rural areas of the island, like Old Bight or Arthur’s Town, where you can find a small house or apartment for around $500-$700 a month. The more expensive neighborhoods, like Bennett’s Harbour or Port Howe, are probably out of your budget.Next, you’ll need to adjust your expectations when it comes to modern amenities. While you can find some places with air conditioning, it’s not as common as you might be used to, and electricity can be expensive. You’ll also need to be prepared for slower internet speeds and limited cell phone coverage in some areas. I’ve found that it’s best to embrace the laid-back island lifestyle and not rely too heavily on technology.Groceries can be a bit more expensive on Cat Island compared to what you might be used to, as many items are imported. I recommend shopping at the local markets for fresh produce and seafood, which are usually more affordable and better quality than what you’ll find at the grocery stores. You’ll also want to cut back on eating out, as restaurants can be pricey. Cooking at home and enjoying the local cuisine is a great way to save money and immerse yourself in the island culture.Transportation is another area where you’ll need to make some sacrifices. While there are some taxis and buses available, they can be expensive and unreliable. I recommend getting a bicycle or scooter for getting around the island, as it’s a more affordable and convenient option. Plus, it’s a great way to explore the beautiful scenery and beaches that Cat Island has to offer.Finally, you’ll need to be mindful of your entertainment and leisure expenses. While there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy on the island, like hiking, snorkeling, and beachcombing, you’ll want to avoid more expensive pursuits like boat rentals or guided tours. Instead, take advantage of the natural beauty and friendly local community to create your own adventures.Overall, living on Cat Island on a budget of $1,500 a month is doable, but it requires some adjustments and sacrifices. By embracing the island lifestyle and being mindful of your expenses, you can enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling life in this beautiful corner of the Bahamas,” commented an expat living in Cat Island.

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

“I’ve been living on Cat Island for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you’ll have to make some adjustments to your lifestyle. First, you’ll need to find a place to live that’s within your budget. Some of the more affordable neighborhoods on the island are Bennett’s Harbour, Old Bight, and Arthur’s Town. These areas offer more modest accommodations, but they’re still quite comfortable and close to the beach. I’d avoid the more expensive neighborhoods like Fernandez Bay and Port Howe, as the cost of living there can be significantly higher.One of the sacrifices you’ll have to make is adjusting to the limited availability of certain modern amenities. For example, high-speed internet can be a bit spotty on the island, and you might have to rely on satellite internet, which can be slower and more expensive. Additionally, while there are grocery stores on the island, the selection of products can be limited, and you might have to get creative with your meal planning. Eating out can also be pricey, so you’ll want to cook at home more often to save money.Another thing to consider is transportation. Owning a car on the island can be expensive due to import taxes and the cost of gas. Many locals and expats opt for scooters or bicycles as a more affordable means of transportation. Public transportation is limited, so you’ll need to plan accordingly.Lastly, you’ll need to adjust your expectations when it comes to entertainment and social activities. Cat Island is a beautiful and tranquil place, but it doesn’t offer the same variety of nightlife, shopping, and cultural events that you might be used to in a more urban setting. Instead, you’ll need to embrace the natural beauty of the island and find enjoyment in outdoor activities like swimming, snorkeling, and hiking.Overall, living on Cat Island on a $3,000 a month budget is doable, but it requires some lifestyle adjustments and a willingness to embrace a simpler way of life. If you can do that, you’ll find that the island has a lot to offer in terms of natural beauty, friendly locals, and a relaxed pace of life,” said one expat living in Cat Island.

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

“I’ve been living in Cat Island for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, especially if you’re used to modern amenities. However, there are some sacrifices you’ll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you’ll need to be mindful of where you choose to live. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods, like the ones near the beaches or in the more developed areas, can be quite pricey. I’d recommend looking for a place in a more affordable neighborhood, like Arthur’s Town or Bennett’s Harbour. These areas still offer a good quality of life, but at a more reasonable cost.One of the sacrifices you might have to make is in terms of your housing. You might not be able to afford a large, luxurious home with all the latest amenities, but you can still find a comfortable, well-maintained place to live within your budget. You might also have to compromise on things like a private pool or a large yard, but there are plenty of beautiful public beaches and parks to enjoy on the island.Another thing to consider is transportation. Owning a car can be quite expensive, especially when you factor in the cost of gas and maintenance. I’d recommend using public transportation or renting a bike to get around the island, as it’s a more affordable and eco-friendly option.In terms of groceries and dining out, you’ll need to be mindful of your spending. Imported goods can be quite expensive, so try to stick to local produce and products as much as possible. Eating out can also add up quickly, so consider cooking at home more often and treating yourself to a meal out only occasionally.Finally, you’ll need to be conscious of your entertainment and leisure expenses. While there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy on the island, like hiking, snorkeling, and exploring the beautiful beaches, you might have to cut back on more expensive hobbies or outings.Overall, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Cat Island is definitely achievable, but it will require some adjustments and sacrifices. By being mindful of your spending and prioritizing your needs, you can enjoy a fantastic quality of life in this beautiful island paradise,” commented an expat living in Cat Island.

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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