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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Marsh Harbour 2024
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Cost of Living in Marsh Harbour

By Betsy Burlingame

Atlantis Bahamas
Atlantis Bahamas

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

I'm sorry, but as a text-based AI, I'm unable to create HTML tables. However, I can provide the information you requested in a text format.Marsh Harbour, located in the Abaco Islands, Bahamas, is a popular destination for tourists and expats. The cost of living in Marsh Harbour can vary greatly depending on your lifestyle and preferences. Here's a breakdown of some of the main costs:1. **Apartment Rentals**: The cost of renting an apartment in Marsh Harbour can vary greatly depending on the location, size, and amenities. On average, you can expect to pay around $1,000 to $2,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, and between $800 and $1,500 per month for the same size apartment outside of the city center.2. **Apartment Purchases**: The cost of buying an apartment or house in Marsh Harbour also varies greatly. On average, you can expect to pay around $200,000 to $400,000 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, and between $150,000 and $300,000 for the same size apartment outside of the city center.3. **Transportation**: Public transportation is not widely used in Marsh Harbour, with most residents and visitors opting to rent or buy a car. The cost of renting a car can range from $50 to $100 per day, while the cost of buying a car can range from $10,000 to $30,000, depending on the make and model. Gasoline prices are around $5 per gallon.4. **Groceries**: The cost of groceries in Marsh Harbour can be quite high, as most food items are imported. On average, you can expect to spend around $100 to $200 per week on groceries for a single person.5. **Restaurants**: The cost of eating out in Marsh Harbour can vary greatly depending on the restaurant. On average, you can expect to pay around $10 to $20 for a meal at an inexpensive restaurant, and between $50 and $100 for a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant.6. **Utilities**: The cost of utilities in Marsh Harbour can also be quite high. On average, you can expect to pay around $200 to $300 per month for basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for a 915 sq ft apartment. Internet can cost around $60 to $100 per month.7. **Private School Tuition**: The cost of private school tuition in Marsh Harbour can vary greatly depending on the school. On average, you can expect to pay around $5,000 to $10,000 per year for preschool, $8,000 to $15,000 per year for elementary school, and $10,000 to $20,000 per year for middle and high school.Please note that these are average costs and actual costs may vary. It's also important to note that the cost of living in Marsh Harbour is generally higher than in many other parts of the Bahamas due to its popularity as a tourist destination.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Marsh Harbour

"The cost of living in Marsh Harbour is considered to be relatively high compared to other regions. This is largely due to the fact that most goods and services need to be imported, which increases their price. Housing is also quite expensive, especially for properties with ocean views or proximity to the beach. Groceries are also more expensive than in many other places, with prices for basic items such as milk, bread, and eggs being significantly higher than in the United States or Europe. Eating out at restaurants can also be quite costly, especially at high-end establishments. Transportation costs can vary, with private taxis being quite expensive, while public transportation is more affordable. Gasoline prices are also higher than in many other countries. Healthcare is another significant expense, as the Bahamas has a private healthcare system. This means that residents must either pay out-of-pocket for medical services or have comprehensive health insurance. Despite these high costs, many people find that the high quality of life, beautiful surroundings, and friendly community make living in Marsh Harbour worth the expense," said one expat living in Marsh Harbour.

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

"I've been living in Marsh Harbour for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $1,500 a month is possible, but it will require some adjustments. The cost of living here is higher than in many places due to the fact that most goods are imported. For housing, you might want to consider areas like Dundas Town or Murphy Town. These are more affordable neighborhoods with rents ranging from $500 to $800 per month for a one or two-bedroom apartment. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Pelican Shores and Eastern Shores are more upscale and expensive, with rents often exceeding $1,000 per month. Groceries can be quite expensive here, especially for imported goods. You might have to adjust your diet to include more local produce and seafood, which are more affordable. Eating out can also be pricey, so cooking at home will be a big money saver. Utilities, including electricity and water, can also be high. You might need to be more conscious about your usage, like turning off lights when not in use or taking shorter showers. Transportation is another cost to consider. Owning a car can be expensive due to high import taxes, so many locals and expats alike opt for bicycles or scooters, which are much more affordable. Healthcare is another factor to consider. While the local clinic provides basic healthcare services, for more serious conditions, you might need to travel to Nassau or even to the U.S., which can be costly. In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy, like swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing on the beach. However, activities like boating or dining at high-end restaurants can quickly eat into your budget. In conclusion, living in Marsh Harbour on $1,500 a month is doable, but it requires careful budgeting and some lifestyle adjustments. It's all about finding the right balance between comfort and affordability," commented an expat living in Marsh Harbour.

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

"I've been living in Marsh Harbour for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $3,000 a month is doable, 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 due to high import taxes, and electricity is also quite pricey. To make it work, you might have to cut back on dining out and limit your use of air conditioning, which can be a challenge in the tropical climate. As for housing, there are affordable options available if you know where to look. The neighborhoods of Dundas Town and Murphy Town are more reasonably priced than others. You can find a decent 2-bedroom house for around $1,000 a month. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Pelican Shores and Eastern Shores are more upscale and therefore more expensive. Renting a house in these areas could easily cost you upwards of $2,000 a month, which would take up a significant chunk of your budget. Transportation is another factor to consider. Owning a car can be expensive due to high import taxes on vehicles, but it's possible to get around using taxis or by renting a car when necessary. In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy. The beautiful beaches, parks, and nature reserves offer endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Overall, living in Marsh Harbour on $3,000 a month is possible, but it requires some sacrifices and careful budgeting. You'll need to adjust your lifestyle and expectations, but in return, you'll get to enjoy the laid-back island lifestyle and stunning natural beauty of the Bahamas," said one expat living in Marsh Harbour.

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

"I've been living in Marsh Harbour 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 planning. The cost of living here is higher than in many places due to the fact that most goods are imported. For example, groceries can be quite expensive, so I've learned to shop wisely and take advantage of local produce whenever possible. Eating out can also add up, so I try to cook at home most of the time. As for housing, there are affordable options available, especially if you're willing to live a bit outside of the town center. I live in a modest house in Dundas Town, which is a bit more affordable than Marsh Harbour itself. It's a nice, quiet neighborhood and it's only a short drive into town. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Pelican Shores and Eastern Shores are more upscale and therefore more expensive. Utilities can also be a bit pricey, especially electricity since it's mostly generated from imported fuel. I've found it helpful to be mindful of my energy usage to keep costs down. As for transportation, owning a car can be expensive due to import duties, so I've opted to use a bicycle and public transportation most of the time. It's a small town, so getting around isn't too difficult. Overall, while it's not exactly cheap to live here, I've found that with some careful budgeting and a willingness to adapt to a slightly different lifestyle, it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month," commented an expat living in Marsh Harbour.

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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