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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Smith's 2024
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Cost of Living in Smith's

By Betsy Burlingame

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Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Smith's 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: $2,000 - $2,500 per month
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: $1,500 - $2,000 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment in city center: $3,500 - $4,500 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: $2,500 - $3,500 per month
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square meter in city center: $5,000 - $7,000
  • Price per square meter outside city center: $3,500 - $5,000
Transportation
  • One-way ticket on local transport: $4.50
  • Monthly public transport pass: $69
  • Taxi starting tariff: $5.15
  • Taxi 1km tariff: $2.75
  • Gasoline (1 liter): $2.00 - $2.20
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): $2.50 - $3.50
  • Bread (500g): $3.00 - $5.00
  • Rice (1kg): $3.00 - $5.00
  • Eggs (12): $3.50 - $5.00
  • Cheese (1kg): $12.00 - $18.00
  • Chicken breast (1kg): $10.00 - $15.00
  • Beef round (1kg): $15.00 - $20.00
  • Apples (1kg): $4.00 - $6.00
  • Bananas (1kg): $1.50 - $3.00
  • Oranges (1kg): $3.00 - $5.00
  • Tomatoes (1kg): $3.00 - $5.00
  • Potatoes (1kg): $2.00 - $4.00
  • Onions (1kg): $2.00 - $4.00
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): $1.50 - $2.50
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $15 - $25
  • Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: $80 - $120
  • Combo meal at a fast-food restaurant: $8 - $12
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): $7 - $9
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): $7 - $9
  • Cappuccino: $4.00 - $6.00
  • Soft drink (0.33-liter bottle): $2.00 - $3.00
  • Water (0.33-liter bottle): $1.50 - $2.50
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment: $200 - $350 per month
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): $100 - $150 per month
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool: $8,000 - $12,000 per year
  • Elementary School: $15,000 - $25,000 per year
  • Middle School: $18,000 - $28,000 per year
  • High School: $20,000 - $30,000 per year
Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on the specific area within Smith's, and individual preferences. It's always a good idea to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Smith's

"Living in Smith's is considered to be quite expensive. The cost of housing is high, with both rental and purchase prices significantly above average, particularly for properties with ocean views or access. Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet are also costly due to the island's remote location. Groceries and dining out can also be expensive in Smith's, Bermuda. Imported goods, which make up a large portion of available products, carry high price tags due to shipping and import taxes. Fresh produce, dairy, and meat are particularly pricey. Transportation costs can add up as well, with high prices for both public transportation and private vehicles. Gasoline is expensive, and there are also costs associated with vehicle licensing and insurance. Healthcare in Smith's, Bermuda is of a high standard but comes with a high price. Both public and private healthcare services are available, but health insurance is recommended due to the high cost of medical procedures and treatments. Despite the high cost of living, many residents feel that the benefits of living in Smith's, Bermuda, such as the beautiful scenery, pleasant climate, and high quality of life, make the expense worthwhile," said one expat living in Smith's.

Can I live in Smith's on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Smith's 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 place to live that's affordable. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods in Smith's, like Knapton Hill and Devil's Hole, are probably out of your budget. Instead, you might want to consider areas like Flatts Village or Jennings Land, where you can find more affordable housing options.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. Owning a car in Bermuda can be quite expensive, so you might want to consider using public transportation or getting a scooter to get around. This will save you a lot of money on gas and insurance.When it comes to groceries and eating out, you'll need to be budget-conscious as well. Bermuda can be quite expensive when it comes to food, so you'll want to shop at more affordable grocery stores like Supermart or Lindo's, and cook at home as much as possible. Eating out can be a treat, but try to stick to more budget-friendly options like local food stands or cafes.You'll also need to be mindful of your entertainment and leisure expenses. Going out for drinks or participating in activities like golf or scuba diving can add up quickly. Instead, try to find more affordable or free activities like going to the beach, hiking, or exploring the island's many parks and nature reserves.Lastly, you'll need to be prepared for the high cost of utilities in Bermuda. Electricity, water, and internet can be quite expensive, so you'll need to be conscious of your usage and try to conserve as much as possible.Overall, living in Smith's, Bermuda on $1,500 a month is doable, but you'll need to be prepared to make some sacrifices and be mindful of your spending. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, being conscious of your transportation, food, and entertainment expenses, and conserving utilities, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Smith's.

Can I live in Smith's on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Smith's 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. Smith's Parish is a beautiful area, but it can be quite expensive. I'd recommend looking into areas like Flatts Village or Harrington Hundreds, which are more affordable and still offer a good quality of life.Housing will be your biggest expense, so you'll need to be prepared to live in a smaller space or share an apartment with roommates. Utilities can also be quite expensive, so you'll need to be mindful of your energy consumption. You might also need to cut back on dining out, as restaurants in Bermuda can be pricey. Instead, try cooking at home more often and shopping at local markets for fresh produce.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Owning a car in Bermuda is expensive, so I'd recommend using public transportation or investing in a scooter for getting around. This will not only save you money on gas and maintenance but also help you avoid the high cost of parking.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Bermuda. You can spend your weekends exploring the beautiful beaches, parks, and nature reserves, or take advantage of the many cultural events and festivals that take place throughout the year.In terms of expensive neighborhoods to avoid, I'd steer clear of areas like Tucker's Town and Knapton Hill, as these are some of the most exclusive and pricey parts of the island.Overall, living in Smith's, Bermuda on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be prepared to make some sacrifices and be mindful of your spending. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, cutting back on dining out, and using public transportation, you can enjoy a comfortable life in this beautiful island paradise," said one expat living in Smith's.

Can I live in Smith's on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Smith's for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, but you'll need to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. Smith's Parish is a beautiful area, but it can be quite expensive. I'd recommend looking into areas like Flatts Village or Harrington Hundreds, which are still close to the main amenities but tend to have more affordable housing options. You might also want to consider sharing a house or apartment with roommates to cut down on rent costs.As for transportation, owning a car in Bermuda can be quite expensive due to high import duties and limited parking spaces. I'd recommend using public transportation, like buses and ferries, or getting a scooter, which is a popular and more affordable option for getting around the island.Eating out can also be pricey in Bermuda, so you'll want to cook at home more often to save money. Groceries can be expensive too, but shopping at local markets and buying in-season produce can help you save some cash. You might also want to cut back on imported goods, as they tend to be more expensive.When it comes to entertainment and leisure activities, you'll need to be mindful of your budget. Bermuda has plenty of free or low-cost activities, like going to the beach, hiking, or exploring the island's parks and nature reserves. However, you might need to cut back on more expensive activities like golfing, dining at high-end restaurants, or attending events and concerts.In summary, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Smith's, Bermuda is possible, but you'll need to make some sacrifices and be mindful of your spending. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, cooking at home, and enjoying low-cost leisure activities, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Smith's.

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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