Cost of Living in Christ Church
Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Christ Church helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
Category | Details | Cost |
---|---|---|
Apartment Rentals | 1-bedroom apartment in city center | $800 - $1,200 per month |
1-bedroom apartment outside city center | $600 - $900 per month | |
Apartment Purchases | Price per square meter in city center | $2,500 - $4,000 |
Price per square meter outside city center | $1,500 - $2,500 | |
Transportation | One-way ticket (local transport) | $1.00 |
Monthly pass (regular price) | $50 - $60 | |
Gasoline (1 liter) | $1.20 - $1.40 | |
Taxi start (normal tariff) | $3.50 - $5.00 | |
Groceries | Milk (1 liter) | $1.50 - $2.00 |
Loaf of fresh white bread (500g) | $1.50 - $2.50 | |
Rice (1kg) | $2.00 - $3.00 | |
Chicken breasts (1kg) | $8.00 - $12.00 | |
Restaurants | Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | $15 - $25 |
Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | $60 - $100 | |
Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught) | $3.00 - $5.00 | |
Cappuccino (regular) | $3.00 - $5.00 | |
Utilities | Basic (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment | $150 - $250 per month |
1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | $0.25 - $0.40 | |
Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) | $60 - $100 per month | |
Private School Tuition | Preschool (or Kindergarten), full day, private, monthly for 1 child | $400 - $800 |
Primary school, yearly for 1 child | $3,000 - $6,000 | |
Middle school, yearly for 1 child | $4,000 - $8,000 | |
High school, yearly for 1 child | $5,000 - $10,000 |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Christ Church
"The cost of living in Christ Church is considered to be relatively high compared to other Caribbean islands. Housing is one of the most significant expenses, with rental prices for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center being quite steep. Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet are also quite costly, especially during the summer months when air conditioning usage is high. Groceries in Christ Church can be expensive as well, particularly for imported goods. Local produce and seafood are more affordable, but still not cheap. Eating out at restaurants can also be pricey, especially in tourist areas. Transportation costs are moderate, with public buses being the most affordable option. Owning a car can be expensive due to high import taxes on vehicles and the cost of petrol. Healthcare in Barbados is of a high standard, but it can be expensive if you do not have insurance. Private healthcare is particularly costly, but public healthcare is more affordable. Despite the high cost of living, many people find that the quality of life in Christ Church, with its beautiful beaches and friendly community, makes it worth the expense," said one expat living in Christ Church.
Can I live in Christ Church on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Christ Church 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 in Christ Church are Oistins, Silver Sands, and Maxwell. These areas have more modest homes and apartments, but they're still close to the beach and other amenities. You might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Atlantic Shores, Rockley, and Dover, as the cost of living there can be significantly higher.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your utility bills. Electricity and water can be quite expensive in Barbados, so you'll want to conserve energy and water as much as possible. This might mean using fans instead of air conditioning, taking shorter showers, and being conscious of your electricity usage.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Public transportation is relatively cheap in Barbados, and the bus system is quite reliable. You can also consider carpooling with coworkers or friends to save on gas and car maintenance costs.When it comes to groceries and eating out, you'll want to shop at local markets and cook at home as much as possible. Eating out can be expensive, especially in touristy areas. Shopping at local markets will not only save you money but also give you a chance to try fresh, local produce.Finally, you'll need to be mindful of your entertainment expenses. While there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Barbados, such as going to the beach or hiking, you'll want to limit your spending on more expensive activities like dining out, going to bars, or attending events.In summary, living on $1,500 a month in Christ Church, Barbados is possible, but you'll need to be conscious of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, conserving utilities, using public transportation, cooking at home, and being mindful of entertainment expenses, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Christ Church.
Can I live in Christ Church on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Christ Church 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 have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods like Atlantic Shores and Maxwell Beach might be out of your budget, so I'd recommend looking into more affordable areas like Oistins, Silver Sands, or even St. Lawrence Gap. You can find decent apartments or small houses for rent in these areas for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month.As for utilities, you can expect to pay around $200 to $300 a month for electricity, water, and internet. Keep in mind that electricity can be quite expensive here, so you'll want to be mindful of your usage, especially when it comes to air conditioning.When it comes to groceries, you'll find that some items are more expensive than you're used to, especially imported goods. To save money, try to shop at local markets and buy local produce and products whenever possible. You can expect to spend around $400 to $500 a month on groceries if you're careful with your spending.Eating out can also be quite expensive in Barbados, especially in touristy areas. To save money, try to cook at home most of the time and limit eating out to special occasions or when you're craving some local cuisine. When you do eat out, look for more affordable local spots rather than high-end restaurants.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Public transportation is quite affordable, with bus fares costing around $1.75 per ride. If you're planning on getting a car, be prepared for high gas prices and import duties on vehicles. You might want to consider getting a small, fuel-efficient car or even a scooter to save on transportation costs.Overall, living in Christ Church on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, shopping smart for groceries, and being conscious of your utility usage, you can make it work and enjoy your time in beautiful Barbados," said one expat living in Christ Church.
Can I live in Christ Church on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Christ Church 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 expensive neighborhoods in Christ Church, like Atlantic Shores and Durants, 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 neighborhoods like Oistins, Maxwell, or Worthing. These areas still offer a great quality of life, with easy access to amenities like supermarkets, restaurants, and public transportation, but at a more affordable price.When it comes to housing, you might have to sacrifice a bit of space or luxury to stay within your budget. For example, you might need to opt for a smaller apartment or a house without a pool. However, you can still find some great options in the more affordable neighborhoods I mentioned earlier.Another thing to consider is transportation. Owning a car in Barbados can be quite expensive, especially when you factor in the cost of insurance, maintenance, and gas. To save money, you might want to rely on public transportation or even consider renting a car only when you need it.Eating out can also add up quickly, so you might want to cook at home more often to save money. Groceries can be a bit pricey in Barbados, but if you shop at local markets and buy seasonal produce, you can still maintain a healthy diet without breaking the bank.Lastly, you'll want to be mindful of your entertainment and leisure expenses. While there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Christ Church, like going to the beach or exploring the beautiful natural surroundings, you might need to cut back on more expensive outings like dining at high-end restaurants or going on pricey excursions.Overall, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Christ Church, Barbados is definitely achievable, but it will require some careful budgeting and a willingness to make a few sacrifices," commented an expat living in Christ Church.
About the Author
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.