| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Apartment Rentals | Rental costs in Bridgetown can vary greatly depending on the location and size of the apartment. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost around $800 – $1,200 per month, while the same outside the city center can cost around $600 – $900. A three-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost around $1,500 – $2,500 per month, while the same outside the city center can cost around $1,200 – $2,000. |
| Apartment Purchases | The price of buying an apartment in Bridgetown can also vary greatly. The price per square meter in the city center can range from $2,500 – $4,000, while the same outside the city center can range from $1,500 – $2,500. |
| Transportation | Public transportation in Bridgetown is relatively affordable, with a one-way ticket costing around $1. A monthly pass can cost around $60. Taxis start at around $3, with an additional $2 per km. The cost of gasoline is around $1.20 per liter. If you’re considering buying a car, a new Volkswagen Golf can cost around $30,000. |
| Groceries | The cost of groceries in Bridgetown can vary, but on average, a liter of milk costs around $2, a loaf of bread costs around $2.50, a dozen eggs cost around $3, and a kilogram of local cheese costs around $10. Fruits and vegetables are relatively affordable, with a kilogram of apples costing around $4 and a kilogram of bananas costing around $1.50. |
| Restaurants | A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Bridgetown can cost around $15, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant can cost around $80. A regular cappuccino costs around $4, and a 0.5 liter domestic beer costs around $3.50. |
| Utilities | Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, can cost around $150 – $200 per month. Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) can cost around $60 – $80 per month. |
| Private School Tuition | Private school tuition can vary greatly in Bridgetown. On average, the cost for preschool can range from $500 – $1,000 per term, while the cost for elementary school can range from $1,000 – $2,000 per term. Middle school and high school tuition can range from $2,000 – $4,000 per term. Please note that these costs can vary greatly depending on the school and the specific program. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Bridgetown
“The cost of living in Bridgetown is considered to be relatively high compared to other Caribbean islands. Housing and rental prices are quite steep, especially for properties located near the beach or in the city center. The cost of utilities such as electricity, water, and internet is also high due to the island’s remote location. Groceries and dining out can also be expensive as most food items are imported. However, local produce and seafood are generally affordable. Transportation costs are moderate, with options ranging from public buses to taxis. Healthcare in Bridgetown is of a high standard but can be costly, especially for specialized treatments. Education, particularly international schooling, can also be a significant expense for those with children. Despite these costs, many people find that the high quality of life, beautiful surroundings, and friendly community make living in Bridgetown worth the expense,” said one expat living in Bridgetown.
Can I live in Bridgetown on $1,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Bridgetown for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $1,500 a month is possible, but it does require some sacrifices and careful budgeting. The cost of living here is relatively high compared to other Caribbean islands, but it’s still lower than in many parts of the US or Europe. Firstly, housing will be your biggest expense. If you want to live in a modern apartment with all the amenities in a popular area like Hastings, Rockley, or St. Lawrence Gap, you’re looking at rents of $1,000 a month or more. However, if you’re willing to live a bit further out in a more local neighborhood like Oistins or Silver Sands, you can find a decent place for around $600-$700 a month. Food is another significant expense. Imported goods are quite pricey, so you’ll need to adapt to eating more local produce and products. Shopping at the local markets like Cheapside Market can save you a lot of money compared to the supermarkets. Eating out can also be expensive, especially in the touristy areas, but there are plenty of local food stalls and rum shops where you can get a meal for a few dollars. Utilities like electricity and internet are also more expensive than you might be used to. You can expect to pay around $100-$150 a month for electricity and about the same for internet. However, you can save on electricity by using fans instead of air conditioning and being mindful of your usage. Transportation is relatively cheap. The local buses cost $3.50 BBD per ride and they go all over the island. Taxis can be expensive, so it’s best to use them sparingly. Healthcare is good quality and reasonably priced. You can expect to pay around $50 for a doctor’s visit. In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of free or cheap things to do. The beaches are free and there are lots of hiking trails and historical sites to explore. However, activities like scuba diving, sailing, or dining at high-end restaurants can add up. Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Bridgetown is doable, but it requires a certain level of frugality and adaptability. You’ll need to live like a local rather than a tourist, but in my experience, that’s part of the charm of living here,” commented an expat living in Bridgetown.
Can I live in Bridgetown on $3,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Bridgetown for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $3,000 a month is definitely possible, but it does require some careful budgeting and lifestyle adjustments. The cost of living here is higher than in many other Caribbean countries, but it’s still lower than in many major cities in the U.S. or Europe. The biggest expense is housing. If you want to live in a modern, upscale neighborhood like Sandy Lane or Westmoreland, you’re looking at rents of $2,000 a month or more. But there are more affordable options. I live in a nice, middle-class neighborhood called Rockley. It’s safe, close to amenities, and you can find a decent two-bedroom apartment for around $1,000 a month. Then there’s food. Groceries are more expensive here than in the U.S., especially for imported goods. But if you shop at local markets and eat a lot of local produce, fish, and chicken, you can keep your food budget under $500 a month. Eating out can be pricey, especially at touristy spots, but there are plenty of affordable local eateries where you can get a good meal for under $10. Utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, run me about $200 a month. Public transportation is cheap and reliable, but if you want to own a car, be prepared for high gas prices and import duties on vehicles. Healthcare is another factor to consider. The public healthcare system here is decent and very affordable, but if you prefer private healthcare, you’ll need insurance, which can be pricey. As for entertainment, there’s plenty to do that doesn’t cost a lot. The beaches are free, there are beautiful hiking trails, and local events and festivals are often low-cost or free. So, to sum up, yes, you can live comfortably on $3,000 a month in Bridgetown, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending. You might not be able to afford a luxury condo or eat out at fancy restaurants every night, but you can still enjoy a good quality of life,” said one expat living in Bridgetown.
Can I live in Bridgetown on $5,000 a month?
“I’ve been living in Bridgetown for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is definitely possible, but it does require some careful budgeting and lifestyle adjustments. The cost of living here is higher than in many other Caribbean countries, but it’s still lower than in many major cities in the US or Europe. The biggest expense is housing. If you want to live in a modern, upscale neighborhood like Sandy Lane or Westmoreland, you’re looking at rents of $2,000 to $3,000 a month for a two-bedroom apartment. But there are more affordable options. I live in a nice, middle-class neighborhood called Rockley. It’s close to the beach, has a golf course, and rents are around $1,000 to $1,500 a month for a two-bedroom apartment. Food is another big expense. Imported goods are expensive, so I’ve learned to eat more local produce and seafood, which is cheaper and fresher anyway. Eating out can also be pricey, especially in the touristy areas. But there are plenty of local spots where you can get a good meal for less than $10. Utilities can also add up. Electricity is expensive because it’s all imported, so I’ve learned to be more conscious about turning off lights and not using the air conditioning unless it’s really necessary. Internet and cable TV are also more expensive than in the US, but I’ve found that I don’t really need a lot of channels. I mostly stream shows and movies on Netflix or Amazon Prime, which works out cheaper. Transportation is relatively cheap. I don’t have a car, I use public transportation or taxis, which are affordable. If you do decide to get a car, keep in mind that gas is expensive and so is car insurance. Healthcare is good and reasonably priced. I have a local health insurance plan that costs me about $100 a month and covers most of my medical expenses. Overall, I’d say that living on $5,000 a month in Bridgetown is doable, but it does require some sacrifices. You won’t be able to live in the most upscale neighborhoods or eat out at fancy restaurants every night. But you can live comfortably, enjoy the beautiful beaches, and experience the local culture,” commented an expat living in Bridgetown.
