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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Abaco Islands 2024
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Cost of Living in Abaco Islands

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Atlantis Bahamas
Atlantis Bahamas

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

Category Details
Apartment Rentals
  • 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: $800 - $1,200 per month
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: $600 - $1,000 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment in the city center: $1,500 - $2,500 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside the city center: $1,200 - $2,000 per month
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square meter in the city center: $2,000 - $3,500
  • Price per square meter outside the city center: $1,500 - $2,500
Transportation
  • One-way local transport ticket: $2.50
  • Monthly local transport pass: $60 - $80
  • Taxi starting tariff: $3.50, plus $2.50 per km
  • Gasoline (1 liter): $1.20 - $1.50
  • Car rental (economy class) per day: $60 - $80
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): $1.50 - $2.00
  • Bread (500g): $2.50 - $4.00
  • Rice (1kg): $2.00 - $3.50
  • Eggs (12): $2.50 - $4.00
  • Chicken breasts (1kg): $8.00 - $12.00
  • Beef round (1kg): $10.00 - $15.00
  • Apples (1kg): $3.00 - $5.00
  • Oranges (1kg): $2.50 - $4.00
  • Tomatoes (1kg): $2.50 - $4.00
  • Potatoes (1kg): $2.00 - $3.50
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): $1.00 - $2.00
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter bottle): $1.50 - $2.50
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): $2.00 - $3.50
  • Cigarettes (Marlboro): $6.00 - $8.00
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $10.00 - $20.00
  • Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant (three courses): $50.00 - $80.00
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): $3.00 - $5.00
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): $4.00 - $6.00
  • Cappuccino: $3.00 - $5.00
  • Coca-Cola (0.33-liter bottle): $1.50 - $2.50
  • Water (0.33-liter bottle): $1.00 - $2.00
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment: $150 - $300 per month
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): $60 - $100 per month
  • Mobile call rate (per minute, no discounts or plans): $0.20 - $0.50
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool (or kindergarten) tuition per month: $400 - $800
  • Elementary school tuition per year: $4,000 - $8,000
  • Middle school tuition per year: $5,000 - $10,000
  • High school tuition per year: $6,000 - $12,000
Please note that these prices are approximate and can vary depending on the specific location within the Abaco Islands, as well as the current economic situation. It is always a good idea to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Abaco Islands

"The cost of living in the Abaco Islands, is considered to be relatively high compared to many other locations. This is largely due to the fact that most goods need to be imported, which significantly increases their price. Housing can also be quite expensive, especially in desirable areas close to the beach. Utilities such as electricity and water are also higher than in many other places due to the remote location of the islands. Eating out and entertainment can also be quite costly. However, some costs, such as healthcare, are lower than in many other countries. Despite the high cost of living, many people find the beautiful surroundings and relaxed lifestyle to be worth the expense," said one expat living in Abaco Islands.

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

"I've been living in Abaco Islands 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 into neighborhoods like Marsh Harbour, Treasure Cay, or Sandy Point. These areas are more affordable compared to places like Hope Town or Elbow Cay, which are more expensive and touristy.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your utility bills. Electricity can be quite expensive here, so try to conserve energy by using fans instead of air conditioning, and turning off lights when not in use. Water can also be costly, so be conscious of your usage.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be expensive due to import taxes and high gas prices. I suggest using public transportation, like buses or taxis, or even renting a bicycle to get around. This will not only save you money but also allow you to explore the beautiful island at a slower pace.Groceries can be pricey as well, especially for imported goods. To save money, try shopping at local markets and buying fresh produce, fish, and meat. Cooking at home will also help you save on dining out, which can be quite expensive in the more touristy areas.Lastly, you'll need to be mindful of your entertainment expenses. While there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy, like beach days, hiking, and exploring the island, you'll need to limit your spending on things like boat rentals, guided tours, and nights out at bars and restaurants.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Abaco Islands is doable, but you'll need to be conscious of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, conserving utilities, using public transportation, shopping locally, and limiting your entertainment expenses, you can make it work and enjoy the beautiful island life," commented an expat living in Abaco Islands.

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

"I've been living in the Abaco Islands for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to make some adjustments and sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. I'd recommend looking into areas like Marsh Harbour, Treasure Cay, or Hope Town. These areas are more budget-friendly compared to more expensive neighborhoods like Elbow Cay or Guana Cay.One of the sacrifices you'll have to make is adjusting to the slower pace of life here. Things don't move as quickly as they do in more modern cities, and you'll need to be patient when it comes to getting things done. Additionally, you might not have access to all the modern amenities you're used to, like high-speed internet or a wide variety of shopping options. You'll need to be prepared to live a more simple, laid-back lifestyle.Another thing to consider is transportation. Owning a car can be expensive here, so you might want to look into using a bicycle or a golf cart to get around. This will not only save you money but also help you adapt to the slower pace of life on the island.When it comes to dining out, you'll need to be mindful of your budget. Eating at local restaurants can be affordable, but if you're used to dining at high-end establishments, you'll need to cut back on that. Cooking at home and buying groceries from local markets can help you save money as well.Overall, living in the Abaco Islands on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be prepared to make some lifestyle adjustments and sacrifices. Embrace the island life, and you'll find that it's a beautiful and rewarding experience," said one expat living in Abaco Islands.

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

"I've been living in the Abaco Islands 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 are some sacrifices you might have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll want to consider where you're going to live. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods, like Treasure Cay and Elbow Cay, 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 Marsh Harbour or Green Turtle Cay. These areas still offer a great quality of life, but at a more reasonable price.One of the sacrifices you might have to make is in terms of housing. While you can find some beautiful homes in the Abaco Islands, they can be quite expensive. To stay within your budget, you might have to settle for a smaller or older home, or even consider renting instead of buying.Another thing to consider is transportation. Owning a car in the Abaco Islands can be expensive, especially when you factor in the cost of gas and maintenance. Instead, you might want to rely on public transportation, like buses and ferries, or even consider getting a bicycle or scooter for getting around.When it comes to groceries and dining out, you'll find that some items can be quite expensive, especially imported goods. To save money, try to shop at local markets and eat at more affordable restaurants. You might also want to consider cooking at home more often, as this can be a great way to save money while still enjoying delicious meals.Finally, while there are plenty of activities and entertainment options in the Abaco Islands, some can be quite pricey. To stay within your budget, you might have to be more selective about the activities you choose to participate in. For example, instead of going on expensive boat tours or scuba diving trips, you could opt for more affordable activities like hiking, snorkeling, or exploring the many beautiful beaches the islands have to offer.Overall, living in the Abaco Islands on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, but it will require some sacrifices and careful budgeting. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, being mindful of your spending on housing, transportation, groceries, and entertainment, you can enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling life in this beautiful part of the Bahamas," commented an expat living in Abaco Islands.

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.


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