Cost of Living in Bahamas

Updated:

NovoExpat

If you've ever considered moving to Bahamas, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Bahamas?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Bahamas and whether the reported $3040 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $1815.06.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries

Bahamas

restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

25.0 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

100.0 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

8.0 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

4.0 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

6.0 $

Cappuccino (regular)

5.11 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

2.52 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

2.06 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

3.53 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

4.1 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

4.18 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

3.78 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

7.33 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

7.52 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

14.03 $

Apples (1 lb)

3.82 $

Banana (1 lb)

2.53 $

Oranges (1 lb)

3.75 $

Tomato (1 lb)

3.81 $

Potato (1 lb)

4.0 $

Onion (1 lb)

3.14 $

Lettuce (1 head)

2.74 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

1.98 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

18.5 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

3.3 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

4.33 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

10.0 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

1.5 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

60.43 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

4.25 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

2.33 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

95.0 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

1.36 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

30000.0 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

37999.38 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

245.61 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

0.32 $

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

79.37 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

88.07 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

70.0 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

15.0 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

329.81 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

8012.73 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

65.5 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

45.0 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

99.0 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

120.56 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

1007.69 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

911.54 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

2403.09 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

2515.38 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

1968.75 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

1348.55 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

1815.06 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

7.52 %

Cost of Living in Bahamas Overview

Welcome! Here’s a guide to understanding the typical costs of living in Bahamas, from dining out and groceries to housing and utilities. Use this overview to help plan your budget and make informed decisions about living expenses.

Dining Out

The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 25.0 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 100.0 USD.

Groceries

Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 3.53 USD, a loaf of bread 4.1 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 3.78 USD.

Transportation

Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 1.5 USD and a monthly pass around 60.43 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.

Utilities

For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 245.61 USD.

Sports and Recreation

For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 88.07 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 70.0 USD.

Childcare and Education

Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 329.81 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 8012.73 USD.

Clothing and Footwear

Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 65.5 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 99.0 USD.

Apartment Rentals

Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 1007.69 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 911.54 USD.

Real Estate for Purchase

If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 1968.75 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 1348.55 USD.

Average Salary and Mortgage Rates

The average monthly net salary here is about 1815.06 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 7.52% annually.

Bahamas

How Safe Is Bahamas for Travel?

Warnings & Dangers in Bahamas

OVERALL RISK: HIGH

The Bahamas aren't too safe to visit with its high murder rate, but if you apply safety and precaution measures, it should minimize the risk of getting hurt.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Be very careful when using public transport. Taxi drivers might try to overcharge you since the cabs in this country are not metered. Remain vigilant on public transport since that's where pickpockets operate.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

Pickpockets are, of course, common, and this country is ridden with both petty and violent crime, though this time, the accent is on violent crime. Still, you should never carry all your money in the same place, and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

When it comes to natural disasters, The Bahamas suffer from hurricanes during the hurricane season that lasts from 1 June to 30 November. Tourists are advised to monitor local and international weather updates.

MUGGING RISK: HIGH

Violent crime is extremely common in the Bahamas. The country is ridden with violent crime, and armed robberies, kidnappings, and murders are extremely common, usually not affecting tourists though violence towards foreigners has been on an increase during the past couple of years.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Even though there haven't been any terrorist attacks in The Bahamas' recent history, they shouldn't be ruled out so remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

Bear in mind that taxi drivers may try to overcharge you, since cabs in The Bahamas are not metered, so always agree on the price before getting in, and avoid getting into unlicensed cabs. Also, some tour guides, including boat operators, may ask for a tip on top of the agreed price upon the completed job.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

The Bahamas aren't the safest destination for solo female travelers. Women have reported catcalls and sexual harassment while walking on the streets of the Bahamas. If you are a female solo traveler, you are advised to reject rides from strangers or taxi drivers who appear unlicensed. Be sure to avoid remote streets, both during day and night, and do not flash your belongings or handle money in public. Stay out of the streets at night and be vigilant for any possible dangers at all times.

Useful Information & Tips

credit_card

Visas

Some countries are required to apply for The Bahamas' visa, while many countries other than the US and Canada are required to present a valid passport which must be current up to your travel period. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.

currency_exchange

Currency

There are two valid currencies in The Bahamas: United States Dollar and the Bahamian dollar. You can find plenty of banks with ATMs in the major tourist centers, and cities, but bear in mind that they can be rare or nonexistent on the Out Islands.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

The climate in The Bahamas is subtropical in the north and fully tropical in the south. The best time to visit the Bahamas is between September and May when the temperature averages 21-24°C. Keep in mind that more northerly islands are around 5° cooler than the southern islands. The rest of the year is a bit warmer, with higher humidity in the summer months when the temperatures vary between 27 and 29° C.

flight_takeoff

Airports

The biggest airports in the country are located in Marsh Harbour, Moore's Island, Sandy Point with a large private airport serving Castaway Cay, also used as an exclusive port for the Disney Cruise Line ships.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to The Bahamas, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Comparison of the Cost Of Living in Bahamas with other countries

Cost of living in countries