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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Holetown 2024
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Cost of Living in Holetown

By Betsy Burlingame

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

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

Category Cost
Apartment Rentals
  • 1-bedroom apartment in city center: BBD 1,200 - 1,800 per month
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: BBD 800 - 1,200 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment in city center: BBD 2,500 - 4,000 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: BBD 1,800 - 2,800 per month
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square meter in city center: BBD 3,000 - 4,500
  • Price per square meter outside city center: BBD 2,000 - 3,000
Transportation
  • One-way local transport ticket: BBD 3.50
  • Monthly local transport pass: BBD 100 - 150
  • Taxi starting tariff: BBD 5
  • Taxi 1 km tariff: BBD 2.50
  • Gasoline (1 liter): BBD 3.20 - 3.50
  • Volkswagen Golf 1.4 or equivalent new car: BBD 60,000 - 70,000
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): BBD 3.50 - 5.00
  • Bread (500g): BBD 2.50 - 4.00
  • Rice (1 kg): BBD 3.00 - 5.00
  • Eggs (12): BBD 5.00 - 7.00
  • Local cheese (1 kg): BBD 15.00 - 25.00
  • Chicken breast (1 kg): BBD 10.00 - 15.00
  • Beef round (1 kg): BBD 20.00 - 30.00
  • Apples (1 kg): BBD 6.00 - 10.00
  • Bananas (1 kg): BBD 2.50 - 4.00
  • Oranges (1 kg): BBD 4.00 - 6.00
  • Tomatoes (1 kg): BBD 4.00 - 6.00
  • Potatoes (1 kg): BBD 3.00 - 5.00
  • Onions (1 kg): BBD 3.00 - 5.00
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): BBD 2.00 - 3.00
  • Bottle of wine (mid-range): BBD 20.00 - 30.00
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter bottle): BBD 3.50 - 5.00
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): BBD 4.00 - 6.00
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: BBD 20.00 - 30.00
  • Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant (three courses): BBD 100.00 - 150.00
  • McMeal at McDonald's or equivalent: BBD 15.00 - 20.00
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): BBD 4.00 - 6.00
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): BBD 5.00 - 7.00
  • Cappuccino: BBD 4.00 - 6.00
  • Coke/Pepsi (0.33-liter bottle): BBD 2.00 - 3.00
  • Water (0.33-liter bottle): BBD 1.50 - 2.50
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment: BBD 200.00 - 400.00 per month
  • 1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans): BBD 0.40 - 0.60
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): BBD 100.00 - 150.00 per month
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool (or kindergarten) tuition: BBD 4,000 - 6,000 per year
  • Monthly Budget for Retirees in Holetown

    "The cost of living in Holetown is considered to be relatively high compared to other Caribbean islands. This is largely due to the fact that most goods have to be imported, which increases their price. Housing can be quite expensive, especially for properties located near the beach or in upscale neighborhoods. Utilities such as electricity and water are also quite costly, as is the price of gasoline. Groceries are also more expensive than in many other countries, with imported goods being particularly pricey. Dining out, especially in tourist areas, can be quite costly as well. However, local food stalls and markets offer more affordable options. Public transportation in Holetown is relatively affordable, but owning and maintaining a car can be expensive due to high import taxes on vehicles and the high cost of gasoline. Healthcare in Barbados is of a high standard, but it can be expensive if you are not covered by insurance. Private healthcare is particularly costly. Despite the high cost of living, many people find that the quality of life in Holetown, with its beautiful beaches and relaxed lifestyle, makes it worth the expense," said one expat living in Holetown.

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

    "I've been living in Holetown 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 a more affordable neighborhood to live in. The upscale neighborhoods like Sandy Lane and Westmoreland are definitely out of the question, as the rent prices there can be quite high. Instead, consider looking for a place in neighborhoods like Jamestown Park or Sunset Crest, where you can find more reasonably priced apartments or houses.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your utility bills. Electricity and water can be quite expensive here, so try to conserve energy and water as much as possible. Also, consider using public transportation or carpooling instead of owning a car, as gas prices and car maintenance can add up quickly.Eating out can also be quite expensive in Holetown, especially in the more touristy areas. To save money, try cooking at home more often and shopping at local markets for fresh produce. When you do eat out, look for more affordable local spots rather than the high-end restaurants.Finally, you'll need to be selective about your entertainment and leisure activities. Going out to bars and clubs can be pricey, so consider having more low-key nights in with friends or exploring the beautiful beaches and natural attractions that Barbados has to offer.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Holetown is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing, transportation, and entertainment," commented an expat living in Holetown.

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

    "I've been living in Holetown for a while 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 a more affordable neighborhood to live in. The upscale neighborhoods like Sandy Lane and Westmoreland are beautiful, but they're also quite expensive. Instead, consider looking for a place in Sunset Crest or Jamestown Park, which are more budget-friendly.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to import taxes and high gas prices. I'd recommend using public transportation, like the local buses or ZR vans, which are quite affordable and can get you around the island easily. Alternatively, you could also consider renting a scooter or bicycle for shorter distances.Eating out can also be pricey, especially in the more touristy areas. To save money, I usually cook at home and shop at local markets for fresh produce and fish. There are also some more affordable local eateries, like Just Grillin' and the food stalls at Oistins Fish Fry, where you can enjoy delicious Bajan cuisine without breaking the bank.Another sacrifice you might have to make is cutting back on entertainment and leisure activities. While there are plenty of free or low-cost things to do, like going to the beach or exploring the island's natural beauty, some activities like golfing, fine dining, and water sports can be quite expensive. To make the most of your budget, I'd recommend looking for deals and discounts on activities and attractions, or simply enjoying the laid-back island lifestyle.In terms of healthcare, the public healthcare system in Barbados is quite good, but it can be slow and crowded. If you prefer private healthcare, you'll need to factor in the cost of insurance and out-of-pocket expenses, which can add up quickly.Overall, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Holetown is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing, transportation, and leisure activities. By finding a more affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, cooking at home, and enjoying low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work and enjoy the beautiful island of Barbados," said one expat living in Holetown.

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

    "I've been living in Holetown 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 upscale areas, like Sandy Lane and Westmoreland, can be quite expensive, so you might want to avoid those if you're trying to stick to a budget. Instead, consider looking for a place in neighborhoods like Jamestown Park, Sunset Crest, or Porters, which are more affordable but still offer a good quality of life.When it comes to housing, you'll find a mix of options, from apartments to houses. If you're willing to live in a smaller space, you can find some decent one or two-bedroom apartments for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month. If you prefer a larger space, you might have to spend a bit more, but you can still find some nice houses for around $2,000 to $3,000 a month.As for transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to import taxes and high gas prices. To save money, you might want to consider using public transportation, which is quite reliable and affordable. Buses and minibuses run frequently and cover most of the island, so getting around shouldn't be a problem.Groceries can also be a bit pricey, especially if you're looking for imported goods. To save money, try shopping at local markets and buying local produce, which is usually cheaper and fresher. You can also save by cooking at home more often and limiting how often you eat out at restaurants.In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy, like going to the beach, hiking, or exploring the island's natural beauty. However, if you're into nightlife and fine dining, you might have to cut back a bit, as those can be quite expensive.Overall, living in Holetown on a $5,000 a month budget is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in certain areas. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, and being conscious of your grocery and entertainment expenses, you should be able to live comfortably and enjoy all that Barbados has to offer," commented an expat living in Holetown.

    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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