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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Freeport 2024
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Lucaya Beach in Freeport, Bahamas


Cost of Living in Freeport

By Betsy Burlingame

Atlantis Bahamas
Atlantis Bahamas

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Freeport helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Cost of Living Freeport
Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages around $1,000 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center averages around $1,500 per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center averages around $800 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center averages around $1,200 per month.
Apartment Purchases The cost of purchasing an apartment in Freeport, Bahamas varies greatly depending on the size and location of the property. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost anywhere from $100,000 to $200,000. A three-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost anywhere from $200,000 to $400,000. A one-bedroom apartment outside the city center can cost anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000. A three-bedroom apartment outside the city center can cost anywhere from $100,000 to $200,000.
Transportation Public transportation in Freeport, Bahamas is limited. Taxis are the most common form of transportation and cost around $2.50 per mile. Car rentals are also available and cost around $50 per day. Gasoline is also relatively expensive, costing around $4.50 per gallon.
Groceries Groceries in Freeport, Bahamas are relatively expensive. A loaf of bread costs around $3.50, a gallon of milk costs around $5.00, and a dozen eggs costs around $4.00. Fruits and vegetables are also relatively expensive, with a pound of apples costing around $3.00 and a pound of potatoes costing around $2.00.
Restaurants Eating out in Freeport, Bahamas can be expensive. A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant can cost around $50. A three-course meal for two at a high-end restaurant can cost around $100. Fast food meals are also relatively expensive, with a hamburger costing around $7.00 and a pizza costing around $15.00.
Utilities Utilities in Freeport, Bahamas are relatively expensive. Basic utilities for a 915 sq. ft. apartment, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, can cost around $200 per month. Internet and cable television can cost around $100 per month.
Private School Tuition Private school tuition in Freeport, Bahamas can be expensive. Preschool tuition can cost around $2,000 per year. Elementary school tuition can cost around $4,000 per year. Middle school tuition can cost around $6,000 per year. High school tuition can cost around $8,000 per year.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Freeport

"The cost of living in Freeport is generally considered to be higher than in other parts of the Bahamas. Prices for basic necessities such as food, housing, and transportation are all higher than in other parts of the country. Additionally, the cost of entertainment and leisure activities can be quite expensive. However, the cost of living in Freeport is still lower than in many other Caribbean countries," said one expat living in Freeport.

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

"I've been living in Freeport 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. First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. I recommend looking for a rental in neighborhoods like Caravel Beach or Bahamia, where you can find a decent apartment for around $600-$800 a month. Avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Fortune Bay or Lucaya, as rents there can easily go over $1,000 a month.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your utility bills. Electricity can be quite expensive here, so try to use energy-efficient appliances and be conscious of your usage. Water is also costly, so be careful not to waste it. You might want to consider getting a prepaid cell phone plan to save on communication costs.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be expensive due to high gas prices and import duties on vehicles. Instead, consider using public transportation or getting a bicycle for shorter distances. If you do need a car, look for a fuel-efficient used one to save on costs.Groceries can also be pricey, especially for imported items. To save money, try to shop at local markets and buy fresh produce, fish, and meat. Avoid shopping at high-end supermarkets, as they tend to be more expensive. Cooking at home instead of eating out will also help you save money, as restaurant prices can be quite high.Finally, you'll need to be mindful of your entertainment expenses. Going out to bars, clubs, or other entertainment venues can quickly eat into your budget. Instead, try to find free or low-cost activities like going to the beach, exploring local parks, or attending community events.In conclusion, living in Freeport, Bahamas on $1,500 a month is possible, but you'll need to be disciplined with your spending and make some sacrifices. By finding an affordable place to live, being mindful of utility costs, using public transportation, shopping smartly for groceries, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Freeport.

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

"I've been living in Freeport 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. The cost of living here is higher than in many other places, mainly due to the fact that most goods are imported, which drives up the prices. One of the first things you'll need to consider is housing. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods, like Fortune Bay and Lucaya, might be out of your budget if you're trying to stick to $3,000 a month. Instead, I'd recommend looking into more affordable areas like Caravel Beach or Bahamia. You can find decent apartments or small houses in these neighborhoods for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month. Another significant expense you'll have to deal with is groceries. Food prices can be quite high here, so you'll need to be smart about your shopping. I've found that sticking to local produce and seafood can help keep costs down, as well as shopping at local markets instead of the more expensive supermarkets. You might also want to consider cutting back on eating out, as restaurant prices can be quite steep.Utilities, such as electricity and water, can also be expensive in Freeport. To save on these costs, you'll want to be mindful of your usage and try to conserve energy and water whenever possible. Transportation is another area where you can save money. While having a car can be convenient, it's also expensive due to high gas prices and import taxes on vehicles. Instead, consider using public transportation or even biking around the island. Lastly, you might have to cut back on some of the more luxurious activities and entertainment options. While it's tempting to spend your weekends at the beach clubs or enjoying water sports, these activities can quickly eat into your budget. Instead, try to find more affordable ways to enjoy your time in Freeport, like exploring the island's natural beauty or attending local events and festivals.Overall, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Freeport is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, being smart about your grocery shopping, and finding cost-effective ways to enjoy your time on the island, you can make it work," said one expat living in Freeport.

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

"I've been living in Freeport 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 might be some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll want to consider the neighborhood you choose to live in. Some of the more affordable neighborhoods in Freeport include Caravel Beach, Bahamia, and Lucaya. These areas offer a good mix of local culture and modern amenities, and you can find decent housing options within your budget. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Fortune Bay, Old Bahama Bay, and Coral Beach, as the cost of living in these areas can be significantly higher.One sacrifice you might have to make is in terms of your housing options. While you can find modern and comfortable homes in the affordable neighborhoods, they might not be as luxurious or spacious as the ones in the more expensive areas. You might also have to compromise on certain amenities like a private pool or a large backyard.Another aspect to consider is transportation. Owning a car in Freeport can be quite expensive, so you might want to rely on public transportation or even consider getting a bicycle to get around. This will not only help you save money but also give you a chance to explore the island and interact with the locals.When it comes to dining and entertainment, you might have to be more selective about where you go and how often you indulge in these activities. There are plenty of affordable local restaurants and bars where you can enjoy delicious Bahamian cuisine and drinks without breaking the bank. However, you might have to limit your visits to more upscale establishments or touristy areas, as they can be quite pricey.In terms of groceries and household expenses, shopping at local markets and stores can help you save money. Imported goods can be expensive, so try to stick to local produce and products whenever possible.Overall, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Freeport is achievable, but it requires some adjustments and compromises. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being mindful of your spending on housing, transportation, and entertainment, and embracing the local culture and lifestyle, you can make it work and enjoy your time in this beautiful island paradise," commented an expat living in Freeport.

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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Lucaya Beach in Freeport, Bahamas

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