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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Nassau 2024
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Nassau, Bahamas


Cost of Living in Nassau

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Atlantis Bahamas
Atlantis Bahamas

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Nassau 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 Nassau
Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from $1,000 to $2,000 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from $2,500 to $3,500 per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center can range from $800 to $1,500 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center can range from $2,000 to $2,500 per month.
Apartment Purchases The cost of purchasing an apartment in Nassau can range from $150,000 to $500,000, depending on the size and location.
Transportation The cost of public transportation in Nassau is relatively inexpensive. A one-way bus ticket costs $1.50. A one-way taxi ride costs $3.00.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Nassau is relatively inexpensive. A loaf of bread costs $2.00. A liter of milk costs $2.50. A dozen eggs costs $3.00. A kilogram of chicken costs $7.00.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Nassau is relatively inexpensive. A meal at a fast food restaurant costs $7.00. A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs $20.00. A meal at a high-end restaurant costs $50.00.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Nassau is relatively inexpensive. The average monthly cost for electricity is $50.00. The average monthly cost for water is $20.00. The average monthly cost for internet is $50.00.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Nassau varies depending on the school. The average annual tuition for preschool is $3,000. The average annual tuition for elementary school is $5,000. The average annual tuition for middle school is $7,000. The average annual tuition for high school is $10,000.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Nassau

"Housing costs vary greatly but the last time I checked you needed to spend $500,000 USD as a minimum on the home in order to qualify for a permanence residence. This number may have risen in the last couple of years as they have talked about changing it to 750,000 or 1 million dollars. Besides that expect to spend at least $800 a month in groceries for a couple that eats well. Restaurants can run fairly expensive at about $50 for dinner for a couple up to thousands of dollars in the fancy places," said one expat living in Coral Harbour.

"The cost of living in Nassau is generally higher than in other parts of the Caribbean. Prices for basic necessities such as food, housing, and transportation are higher than in many other Caribbean countries. Eating out can be expensive, and the cost of imported goods is also higher than in other countries. However, the cost of living in Nassau is still lower than in many other parts of the world," wrote a member in Nassau.

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

"I've been living in Nassau 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. Some of the more affordable neighborhoods are Carmichael, Fox Hill, and Stapledon Gardens. These areas are not as upscale as some of the more expensive neighborhoods like Cable Beach, Lyford Cay, or Old Fort Bay, but they're still safe and have decent amenities.You'll also need to be mindful of your utility bills, as electricity and water can be quite expensive here. Try to conserve energy by using fans instead of air conditioning, and be conscious of your water usage. Groceries can also be pricey, so you'll want to shop at local markets and buy in-season produce to save money. Eating out can add up quickly, so try to cook at home as much as possible.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Public transportation is relatively cheap, and you can get around the island using buses or jitneys. Owning a car can be expensive due to the cost of gas and maintenance, so consider using public transportation or even biking if possible.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Nassau. You can spend time at the beautiful beaches, visit local parks, or attend community events. There are also some affordable bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a night out without breaking the bank.In conclusion, living on $1,500 a month in Nassau is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being conscious of your utility usage, cooking at home, and utilizing public transportation, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Nassau.

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

"I've been living in Nassau for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll need to make some sacrifices and be smart about your spending. The cost of living here can be quite high, especially when it comes to housing and utilities. To make it work, you'll need to find an affordable neighborhood to live in. I'd recommend looking into areas like Carmichael Road, Soldier Road, or even Fox Hill. These neighborhoods are more budget-friendly and still offer decent amenities. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Cable Beach, Lyford Cay, or Old Fort Bay, as the cost of living there can be significantly higher.When it comes to utilities, be prepared to pay more than you're used to, especially for electricity. The cost of electricity in the Bahamas is quite high, so you'll need to be mindful of your usage. Try to use energy-efficient appliances and be conscious of turning off lights and electronics when not in use. Also, keep in mind that the cost of groceries can be higher here as well, since most items are imported. To save on groceries, try shopping at local markets and buying in-season produce.Another sacrifice you might have to make is cutting back on dining out and entertainment. While there are plenty of great restaurants and activities in Nassau, they can be quite pricey. Instead, try cooking at home more often and look for free or low-cost activities to enjoy, like going to the beach or exploring local parks.Lastly, transportation can be another significant expense. Owning a car in Nassau can be costly due to high import taxes and gas prices. To save on transportation, consider using public transportation like buses or jitneys, or even carpooling with coworkers.Overall, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Nassau is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being conscious of your utility usage, cutting back on dining out and entertainment, and finding cost-effective transportation options, you can make it work," said one expat living in Nassau.

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

"I've been living in Nassau for a few years 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.Firstly, you'll want to consider the neighborhood you choose to live in. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods, like Paradise Island, Lyford Cay, and Old Fort Bay, might be out of your budget if you're trying to stick to $5,000 a month. Instead, I'd recommend looking into more affordable areas like Cable Beach, Coral Harbour, or even some parts of Eastern New Providence. These neighborhoods still offer modern amenities and a comfortable lifestyle, but at a more affordable price.One of the biggest expenses you'll face in Nassau is housing. To stay within your budget, you might have to opt for a smaller apartment or house, or even consider sharing a place with a roommate. Utilities can also be quite expensive, so be prepared to be mindful of your energy consumption.Groceries and dining out can also add up quickly, especially if you're used to shopping at high-end supermarkets or eating at fancy restaurants. To save money, consider shopping at local markets and eating at more affordable local spots. You'll still be able to enjoy delicious Bahamian cuisine without breaking the bank.Transportation is another expense to consider. Owning a car in Nassau can be quite costly, especially when you factor in insurance, maintenance, and gas prices. Instead, you might want to rely on public transportation or even consider biking or walking to get around.Lastly, while there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Nassau, you might have to cut back on some of the more expensive entertainment options, like frequent trips to the casino or high-end shopping sprees.Overall, it's definitely possible to live comfortably in Nassau on $5,000 a month, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in certain areas. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, being conscious of your utility usage, and finding ways to save on groceries, dining, and entertainment, you'll be able to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in this beautiful island paradise," commented an expat living in Nassau.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


Atlantis Bahamas
Atlantis Bahamas

Atlantis Bahamas
Atlantis Bahamas

Nassau, Bahamas

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SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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