Nassau on New Providence, Bahamas

Cost of Living in Bahamas

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Jan 03, 2025

Summary:

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Is the cost of living in Bahamas high?

We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Bahamas, they wrote:

"This is of course a loaded question as it depends on your personal level of comfort. As mentioned above there are billionaires living here and so they live a much higher living standard then your average retired couple. We also have teacher friends that are living here on their salaries in 1/12 apartments but living well and going out with friends so if you have enough income to get a permit to reside you can find a way to live here within that means," said one expat in New Providence.

"The cost of living in the Bahamas can vary depending on where you choose to live. Generally, prices for food and utilities are on the higher side but other expenses, such as accommodation and transportation, are relatively affordable. Rent is typically high in larger cities and areas popular with tourists, but other areas are more affordable. In general, living in the Bahamas is more expensive than living in the US, but the country offers a unique lifestyle and a beautiful natural environment to enjoy," remarked one in Bahamas.

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Will I save money living in Bahamas?

"New Providence, Bahamas is not a place that you will retire to with plans to extend your nest egg. The cost of living here is rather high and if you are looking for a place that will allow you to stretch your dollars then look at one of the family islands or another destination. The banking system is quite difficult for foreigners so be prepared to show a lot of paperwork to prove your money is legit and not from criminal activity. The attraction of New Providence for us was the ease of travel, proximity to the USA, English speaking language and favorable tax laws," explained one expat.

"Living in the Bahamas can be significantly more expensive than in the United States. The cost of living in the Bahamas is considerably higher than in the US, so it is unlikely that you would be able to save money living in the Bahamas. Prices for food, housing, and other basic necessities are much higher than in the US, and taxes and insurance costs tend to be higher as well. Additionally, wages and salaries tend to be lower in the Bahamas, which may make it difficult to generate any savings," said one person in Bahamas.

What is the average cost of housing in Bahamas?

If you are thinking about moving to Bahamas, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"The average cost of housing in the Bahamas is generally high compared to other countries in the Caribbean. Property prices in Nassau, the largest city in the Bahamas, tend to be above the average cost of housing in the rest of the country. Prices vary widely based on location, property type, and amenities," explained one expat.

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BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions (BCBS) offers global health plans for international assignments or trips lasting 6 months or longer. With access to over 1.7M medical providers in 190 countries around the world, BCBS provides members with solutions and industry-leading digital services - ensuring top-quality coverage to people who live, work, study and travel internationally.

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What are typical rental prices for expats in Bahamas?

"The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in the Bahamas can be quite expensive, with prices often reaching thousands of US Dollars per month. The price of a nice 2 bedroom apartment in the Bahamas can also be quite expensive, often being higher than the cost of a 1 bedroom apartment," said one expat living in Bahamas.

" All on Paradise Island: Smallest one bedroom: 1500-1800, Well furnished one bedroom in nicer area: 1800-2000. Two bedroom: 2000-3500 depending on venue, amenities and furnishings. Three bedroom: 2800-5000. Almost all available units are condo type properties. Some townhome styles and few stand alones. 7000-10000 will get you into ocean club estates condos," mentioned one expat in Nassau.

What appliances are typically included in a rental?

We asked foreigners in Bahamas what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:

"Most rentals are completely furnished with all the main appliances necessary to live. It was hard to find a rental property where we could put our children's room set. Many of the properties are set up for vacationers so much of the furniture is whicker and cheap. A well furnished home is out there, but must be looked for," said an expat in Nassau.

"A rental property in the Bahamas typically includes a refrigerator, a washing machine, an oven, and a range. Other appliances such as a dishwasher, a microwave, and a dryer may also be supplied depending on the property. High-end rental homes may come with air conditioning units, additional storage, and larger appliances like a wine cooler," commented one expat living in Bahamas.

About the Author

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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