| Category | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment Rentals | 1-bedroom apartment in city center | $1,000 – $1,500 per month |
| 1-bedroom apartment outside city center | $800 – $1,200 per month | |
| Apartment Purchases | Price per square meter in city center | $2,500 – $3,500 |
| Price per square meter outside city center | $1,800 – $2,500 | |
| Transportation | One-way local transport ticket | $2.50 |
| Monthly local transport pass | $60 – $80 | |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | $1.20 – $1.50 | |
| Taxi (1 km) | $2.50 – $3.00 | |
| Groceries | Milk (1 liter) | $1.50 – $2.00 |
| Bread (500g) | $2.00 – $3.00 | |
| Rice (1 kg) | $3.00 – $4.00 | |
| Chicken breasts (1 kg) | $8.00 – $12.00 | |
| Restaurants | Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | $12.00 – $20.00 |
| Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | $60.00 – $100.00 | |
| Fast food meal | $7.00 – $10.00 | |
| Utilities | Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment | $200.00 – $300.00 per month |
| Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) | $80.00 – $120.00 per month | |
| Mobile call (1 minute, no discounts or plans) | $0.30 – $0.50 | |
| Private School Tuition | Preschool (or Kindergarten) | $4,000 – $6,000 per year |
| Elementary School | $6,000 – $10,000 per year | |
| Middle School | $8,000 – $12,000 per year | |
| High School | $10,000 – $15,000 per year |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Exuma
“The cost of living in Exuma is considered to be relatively high compared to other places. This is largely due to the fact that most goods have to be imported, which increases their price. Housing is also quite expensive, especially in areas that are popular with tourists or offer beachfront views. Utilities such as electricity and water can also be quite costly, particularly during the hotter months when air conditioning is often needed. Groceries are also more expensive than in many other countries, with prices for items such as fresh produce, meat, and dairy products being particularly high. Eating out at restaurants can also be quite costly, especially at higher-end establishments. Transportation costs can vary, with owning a car being quite expensive due to the high cost of imported vehicles and fuel. However, public transportation options such as buses and taxis are available and are generally more affordable. Healthcare in Exuma is also quite expensive, particularly for specialized treatment or in emergency situations where evacuation to a larger hospital may be necessary. Despite the high cost of living, many people find that the natural beauty and relaxed lifestyle of Exuma make it worth the expense,” said one expat living in Exuma.
Can I live in Exuma on $1,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Exuma 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 and adjustments to your lifestyle. First, you’ll need to find affordable housing. I recommend looking into neighborhoods like George Town, which is more budget-friendly compared to more expensive areas like February Point or Emerald Bay. Renting a small apartment or sharing a house with roommates can help you save on housing costs.Next, you’ll need to be mindful of your utility bills. Electricity can be quite expensive here, so you’ll want to be conservative with your usage. Turn off lights when you’re not using them, unplug electronics when they’re not in use, and try to use fans instead of air conditioning whenever possible.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Owning a car can be expensive due to import taxes and high gas prices. Instead, consider using public transportation, biking, or walking to get around. If you do need a car, consider buying a used one to save on costs.Groceries can also be pricey, especially if you’re used to buying imported goods. To save money, try to shop at local markets and buy fresh produce, fish, and meat. You’ll also want to cook at home more often, as eating out can quickly add up.As for entertainment, you’ll need to be creative and find low-cost or free activities. Enjoy the beautiful beaches, go for hikes, or join local community events. You might also want to cut back on expensive hobbies or memberships, like gym memberships or golf club fees.In summary, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Exuma is possible, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By finding affordable housing, being conservative with utilities, using public transportation, shopping locally, and finding low-cost entertainment, you can make it work,” commented an expat living in Exuma.
Can I live in Exuma on $3,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Exuma 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. I’d recommend looking into areas like George Town, Moss Town, or Farmer’s Hill. These neighborhoods are more budget-friendly and still offer a decent quality of life. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like February Point, Hoopers Bay, or Tar Bay, as the cost of living there can be significantly higher.One of the sacrifices you’ll have to make is cutting back on dining out at fancy restaurants. While there are some great dining options in Exuma, they can be quite pricey. Instead, you can try cooking at home more often and exploring local markets for fresh produce and seafood. This will not only save you money but also give you a more authentic Bahamian experience.Another thing to consider is transportation. Owning a car in Exuma can be expensive due to import taxes and high gas prices. Instead, you can rely on public transportation or even rent a scooter or bicycle to get around. This will not only save you money but also allow you to explore the island at a more leisurely pace.You might also have to cut back on some of the modern amenities you’re used to. While Exuma does have some modern conveniences like high-speed internet and cable TV, they can be quite expensive. You might want to consider downgrading your internet plan or cutting the cable and relying on streaming services instead.Lastly, you’ll need to be mindful of your utility usage. Electricity and water can be quite expensive in Exuma, so you’ll want to be conscious of your consumption. This might mean using energy-efficient appliances, turning off lights when not in use, and being mindful of your water usage.Overall, living in Exuma on $3,000 a month is doable, but you’ll need to make some sacrifices and be mindful of your spending. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, cutting back on dining out, relying on public transportation, and being conscious of your utility usage, you can make it work and enjoy the beautiful island life,” said one expat living in Exuma.
Can I live in Exuma on $5,000 a month?
“I’ve been living in Exuma 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 might have to make to ensure you stay within your budget. For instance, you might have to cut back on dining out at high-end restaurants or limit your shopping sprees.When it comes to finding an affordable neighborhood, I’d recommend looking into areas like George Town, which is the main town on the island. It has a good mix of local shops, restaurants, and amenities, and you can find some reasonably priced rental properties there. Another option is to look for a place in one of the smaller settlements like Rolleville or Farmer’s Hill, where the cost of living is generally lower.On the other hand, you might want to avoid neighborhoods like February Point or Emerald Bay, as these are more upscale areas with higher-priced properties. These areas are known for their luxury homes and amenities, so they might not be the best fit if you’re trying to stick to a $5,000 a month budget.In terms of transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to import taxes and high gas prices. So, you might want to consider using a scooter or a bicycle as your primary mode of transportation, which will not only save you money but also allow you to enjoy the beautiful island scenery.Another way to save money is by shopping at local markets for fresh produce and seafood, rather than relying on imported goods from grocery stores. This will not only help you cut down on your grocery bill but also allow you to enjoy some of the freshest and most delicious food the island has to offer.Overall, living in Exuma on a $5,000 a month budget is doable, but it requires some adjustments and sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being mindful of your spending, and embracing the local lifestyle, you can enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling life in this beautiful island paradise,” commented an expat living in Exuma.
