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

By Joshua Wood, LPC

William Russell
William Russell

Summary: If you're moving to Oistins, understanding the the cost of living in Oistins 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
  • 1-bedroom apartment in city center: BBD 1,000 - 1,500 per month
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: BBD 800 - 1,200 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment in city center: BBD 2,000 - 3,000 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: BBD 1,500 - 2,500 per month
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square meter in city center: BBD 2,500 - 4,000
  • Price per square meter outside city center: BBD 1,500 - 2,500
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 3.50
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): BBD 3.50 - 5
  • Bread (500g): BBD 2.50 - 4
  • Rice (1 kg): BBD 3 - 5
  • Eggs (12): BBD 5 - 7
  • Chicken breasts (1 kg): BBD 15 - 20
  • Beef round (1 kg): BBD 20 - 30
  • Apples (1 kg): BBD 6 - 10
  • Oranges (1 kg): BBD 4 - 6
  • Tomatoes (1 kg): BBD 4 - 6
  • Potatoes (1 kg): BBD 3 - 5
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): BBD 2 - 3
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: BBD 20 - 30
  • Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: BBD 80 - 150
  • McMeal at McDonald's: BBD 15 - 20
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): BBD 5 - 8
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): BBD 6 - 10
  • Cappuccino: BBD 5 - 8
  • Coke/Pepsi (0.33-liter bottle): BBD 2 - 3
  • Water (0.33-liter bottle): BBD 1.50 - 2.50
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment: BBD 200 - 400 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 - 150 per month
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool (or Kindergarten) tuition: BBD 3,000 - 6,000 per year
  • Elementary school tuition: BBD 6,000 - 12,000 per year
  • Middle school tuition: BBD 8,000 - 15,000 per year
  • High school tuition: BBD 10,000 - 20,000 per year
Please note that the costs provided are approximate and may vary depending on various factors such as location, time of the year, and individual preferences. It is always recommended to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Oistins

"The cost of living in Oistins can be considered moderate to high, depending on the lifestyle one chooses to lead. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite expensive, while outside the city center, it is somewhat more affordable. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is also relatively high. Groceries in Oistins can be pricey, with items such as milk, bread, rice, eggs, cheese, chicken, beef, fruits, and vegetables costing more than in many other countries. Eating out at restaurants can also be costly, especially at mid-range to high-end establishments. Fast food and street food are more affordable options.Transportation costs in Oistins are reasonable, with public transportation being quite affordable. However, owning and maintaining a car can be expensive due to the high cost of gasoline and car maintenance services. Healthcare in Oistins is of good quality but can be expensive, especially for non-residents. It is advisable to have a good health insurance plan to cover potential medical expenses. Leisure activities such as going to the cinema, gym, or participating in sports can add to the cost of living. The cost of clothing, personal care items, and household goods is also relatively high in Oistins. In summary, while the cost of living in Oistins, Barbados can be high, it is comparable to that in many popular tourist destinations. It is possible to live more affordably by choosing less expensive housing options, eating at home more often, and using public transportation," said one expat living in Oistins.

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

"I've been living in Oistins for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably 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 for a rental in neighborhoods like Gall Hill, Silver Hill, or Wotton, as they tend to be more budget-friendly. You might have to settle for a smaller apartment or a shared living situation to keep your housing costs low.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your utility bills. Electricity and water can be quite expensive here, 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 overall consumption.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Public transportation is relatively affordable, and you can get around easily using the local buses and vans. Owning a car can be expensive, so I'd recommend relying on public transportation and walking whenever possible.As for groceries and eating out, you'll need to be budget-conscious as well. Shopping at local markets and cooking at home can help you save money on food. When you do eat out, stick to more affordable local spots rather than the more expensive tourist-oriented restaurants.Finally, you'll need to be mindful of your entertainment and leisure expenses. There are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Oistins, like going to the beach, exploring local parks, or attending community events. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive hobbies or outings, like frequent trips to high-end bars or clubs.Overall, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Oistins is doable, but you'll need to be disciplined with your spending and make some sacrifices. It's important to prioritize your expenses and focus on what's most important to you in order to make it work," commented an expat living in Oistins.

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

"I've been living in Oistins 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 sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. I'd recommend looking into areas like Silver Sands, Maxwell, or Atlantic Shores. These neighborhoods are still close to the beach and have a good mix of locals and expats, but the cost of living is more reasonable compared to more expensive areas like St. Lawrence Gap or Dover.When it comes to housing, you'll probably have to settle for a smaller apartment or a shared living situation to keep your rent within budget. You can find one-bedroom apartments in the more affordable neighborhoods for around $800 to $1,200 a month, but if you're willing to share a place with roommates, you can cut that cost in half.As for transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive on the island due to import taxes and high gas prices. I'd recommend using public transportation, which is pretty reliable and affordable. A bus ride costs around $1.75, and you can get a monthly pass for around $60. If you need a car occasionally, you can always rent one for a day or two.Eating out can also be pricey, especially in touristy areas. To save money, I'd suggest cooking at home more often and shopping at local markets for fresh produce and fish. When you do eat out, try to stick to local spots rather than fancy restaurants. You can find delicious Bajan food at affordable prices if you know where to look.Finally, you'll need to be mindful of your entertainment and leisure expenses. Going out for drinks or participating in tourist activities can add up quickly. Instead, take advantage of the beautiful beaches and natural attractions that are free or low-cost. There are plenty of hiking trails, parks, and beaches to explore without breaking the bank.Overall, living in Oistins on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be budget-conscious and willing to make some sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, cutting back on dining out, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can enjoy a comfortable life in Barbados without breaking the bank," said one expat living in Oistins.

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

"I've been living in Oistins 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 area you choose to live in. Some neighborhoods in Oistins can be quite expensive, so you'll want to avoid those if you're trying to stick to your budget. For example, areas like Atlantic Shores and Maxwell Beach are known for their high-end properties and might not be the best choice if you're looking for something more affordable. Instead, consider neighborhoods like Silver Sands, Enterprise, or even the outskirts of Oistins town itself. These areas tend to have more reasonably priced housing options while still offering a good quality of life.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive in Barbados due to high import taxes and insurance costs. To save money, you might want to consider using public transportation or even renting a car when needed. The bus system in Oistins is quite reliable and can get you to most places on the island without too much hassle.As for groceries and dining out, you'll find that some items can be quite expensive, especially imported goods. To save money, try shopping at local markets and buying fresh produce, as well as sticking to local cuisine when dining out. There are plenty of affordable restaurants and food stands in Oistins that offer delicious Bajan dishes at reasonable prices.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, you might have to cut back on some of the more expensive options, like golfing or high-end spa treatments. However, there are still plenty of affordable activities to enjoy, such as exploring the beautiful beaches, hiking, and attending local events and festivals.Overall, living in Oistins on a $5,000 a month budget is definitely doable, but it will require some adjustments and sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, and being mindful of your spending on groceries and entertainment, you can enjoy a comfortable life in this beautiful Caribbean paradise," commented an expat living in Oistins.

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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William Russell

William Russell
William Russell

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William Russell

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