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


Cost of Living in Eleuthera

By Betsy Burlingame

Atlantis Bahamas
Atlantis Bahamas

Summary: If you're moving to Eleuthera, understanding the the cost of living in Eleuthera helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Category Cost
Apartment Rentals Rental prices in Eleuthera can vary greatly depending on the location and size of the property. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost around $800 to $1,200 per month, while a three-bedroom apartment can range from $1,500 to $2,500 per month.
Apartment Purchases Buying an apartment in Eleuthera can be quite expensive. The price for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can start from $200,000 and can go up to $500,000 or more for larger properties. The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city center is around $2,500.
Transportation Public transportation is not widely available in Eleuthera, so most residents rely on private vehicles. The cost of gasoline is around $1.20 per liter. Taxis are available, with fares starting at around $5. Car rentals are also available, with prices starting at around $60 per day.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Eleuthera is relatively high due to the fact that most goods are imported. A liter of milk costs around $2.50, a loaf of bread is around $3.50, and a dozen eggs is around $3. A kilogram of local cheese is around $15, and a kilogram of chicken breasts is around $11.
Restaurants A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Eleuthera can cost around $15 per person, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant can cost around $70. A regular cappuccino costs around $4.50.
Utilities Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, can cost around $200 per month. Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) costs around $80 per month.
Private School Tuition Private school tuition can vary greatly depending on the school. Preschool or kindergarten can cost around $5,000 per year. Elementary school can cost around $6,000 per year, while middle school and high school can cost around $7,000 per year.
Please note that these are average prices and actual costs may vary. The cost of living in Eleuthera, like many island destinations, can be higher than in many mainland locations due to the cost of importing goods and services. It's also important to note that while the cost of living can be high, the quality of life is also considered to be very high, with beautiful beaches, a relaxed lifestyle, and a close-knit community.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Eleuthera

"The cost of living in Eleuthera is considered to be relatively high compared to many other locations. This is largely due to the fact that most goods have to be imported, which significantly increases their price. Housing can also be quite expensive, especially for properties that are close to the beach or have ocean views. Utilities such as electricity and water can also be costly, as can internet and cable services. Eating out at restaurants and buying groceries can also be more expensive than in other places, especially for items that are not locally produced. Transportation, particularly owning and maintaining a car, can also add to the cost of living. Despite these costs, many people find that the beauty and relaxed lifestyle of Eleuthera make it worth the expense," said one expat living in Eleuthera.

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

"I've been living in Eleuthera for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $1,500 a month is possible, but it does require some sacrifices and careful budgeting. The cost of living here is higher than you might expect, especially when it comes to groceries and utilities. Imported goods are expensive, so you'll need to adapt to local products and seasonal produce. You'll also need to be mindful of your electricity usage, as power is quite expensive. As for housing, you'll want to look at more affordable neighborhoods like Governor's Harbour or Rock Sound. These areas offer more reasonably priced rentals, typically ranging from $500 to $800 a month. You can find a decent one-bedroom or a small two-bedroom within this range. However, you'll need to steer clear of more upscale neighborhoods like Harbour Island or Windermere Island. The rentals in these areas are typically geared towards tourists and can easily run over $2,000 a month.Transportation is another factor to consider. Owning a car in Eleuthera can be costly due to high import taxes on vehicles and the cost of gas. Many locals and expats get around this by using bicycles or scooters, which are much more affordable and practical given the island's size.Eating out can also eat into your budget quickly. While there are affordable local eateries, most of the restaurants cater to tourists and can be quite pricey. Cooking at home and enjoying the local seafood and produce is a more budget-friendly option.Lastly, you'll need to factor in health insurance. The local healthcare facilities are adequate for minor issues, but for anything serious, you'd likely need to go to Nassau or even the U.S. Having a good health insurance plan is crucial.In terms of entertainment, there's plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy, like swimming, snorkeling, hiking, and exploring the many beautiful beaches. However, if you're used to a lifestyle with a lot of shopping, dining out, or high-end entertainment, you might find Eleuthera a bit lacking.All in all, living in Eleuthera on $1,500 a month is doable, but it requires a simpler lifestyle and careful budgeting. It's a trade-off, but in return, you get to live in one of the most beautiful places in the world," commented an expat living in Eleuthera.

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

"I've been living in Eleuthera for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $3,000 a month is possible, but it does require some careful budgeting and lifestyle adjustments. The cost of living here is higher than you might expect, especially when it comes to groceries and utilities. Imported goods are expensive, so you'll need to adapt to local products and seasonal produce. Electricity is also pricey due to the island's remote location. As for housing, it varies greatly depending on the area. Governor's Harbour, the island's capital, is a bit more expensive. A small house or apartment can cost around $1,000 to $1,500 per month. However, if you move to the southern part of the island, like Tarpum Bay or Rock Sound, you can find cheaper options, around $700 to $1,000 per month. Transportation is another factor to consider. Owning a car can be costly due to high import taxes, but it's almost a necessity given the island's length and lack of public transportation. You could consider buying a used car to save some money. Eating out can be expensive too, especially in touristy areas. But if you stick to local eateries and cook at home most of the time, you can keep your food expenses under control. Healthcare is decent but basic. For serious medical issues, you might need to go to Nassau or even to the U.S., which can be expensive. So, it's important to have a good health insurance plan. In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities like swimming, snorkeling, hiking, and exploring the island's beautiful beaches and parks. So, while it's possible to live on $3,000 a month in Eleuthera, it does require some sacrifices and adjustments. You'll need to live more like a local and less like a tourist, but in return, you'll get to enjoy the island's laid-back lifestyle and stunning natural beauty," said one expat living in Eleuthera.

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

"I've been living in Eleuthera for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is definitely possible, but it does require some careful budgeting and lifestyle adjustments. The cost of living here is higher than in many places due to the fact that most goods are imported. For instance, groceries can be quite expensive, so I've learned to eat more local produce and seafood, which is not only cheaper but also fresher and tastier. I've also cut down on eating out, as restaurant prices can be steep. As for housing, it varies greatly depending on the area. The more touristy areas like Harbour Island and Spanish Wells are pricier. I'd recommend looking at places in Governor's Harbour or Rock Sound, which are more affordable and still offer a great quality of life. You can find a decent house or apartment to rent for around $1,000 to $2,000 a month. Utilities can also be a bit high, especially electricity because of the air conditioning. I've found that using fans and natural ventilation as much as possible helps to keep the costs down. Internet and cable TV are also more expensive than what you might be used to, but there are packages available that can fit into your budget. Transportation is another factor to consider. Owning a car can be expensive due to high import taxes, so I've opted to rent a car when necessary and use local transportation, which is quite reliable and much cheaper. Healthcare is decent here, but for serious conditions, you might need to go to Nassau or even the U.S. I've found it beneficial to have a good health insurance plan that covers international treatment. Despite these challenges, I've found that the benefits of living in Eleuthera far outweigh the costs. The beautiful beaches, friendly locals, and laid-back lifestyle are truly priceless. Plus, there are ways to live comfortably without breaking the bank. It's all about adjusting your lifestyle and expectations, and embracing the local way of life," commented an expat living in Eleuthera.

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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Atlantis Bahamas

Atlantis Bahamas
Atlantis Bahamas

Eleuthera, Bahamas

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