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

By Betsy Burlingame

Atlantis Bahamas
Atlantis Bahamas

Summary: If you're moving to Bimini, understanding the the cost of living in Bimini 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: $1,000 - $1,500 per month
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: $800 - $1,200 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment in city center: $2,000 - $3,000 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: $1,500 - $2,500 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 local transportation ticket: $2.50
  • Monthly public transportation pass: $60 - $80
  • Taxi starting tariff: $4.00
  • Taxi 1km tariff: $2.00
  • Gasoline (1 liter): $1.20 - $1.50
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): $1.50 - $2.00
  • Bread (500g): $2.00 - $3.00
  • Rice (1kg): $2.00 - $3.00
  • Eggs (12): $2.50 - $3.50
  • Cheese (1kg): $8.00 - $12.00
  • Chicken breasts (1kg): $8.00 - $12.00
  • Beef round (1kg): $10.00 - $15.00
  • Apples (1kg): $3.00 - $5.00
  • Bananas (1kg): $1.00 - $2.00
  • Oranges (1kg): $2.00 - $4.00
  • Tomatoes (1kg): $2.00 - $4.00
  • Potatoes (1kg): $1.50 - $3.00
  • Onions (1kg): $1.00 - $2.00
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): $1.00 - $2.00
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $10.00 - $20.00
  • Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: $50.00 - $80.00
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): $3.00 - $5.00
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): $4.00 - $6.00
  • Cappuccino: $3.00 - $5.00
  • Coke/Pepsi (0.33-liter bottle): $1.00 - $2.00
  • Water (0.33-liter bottle): $1.00 - $2.00
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (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 - $0.50
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): $60 - $100 per month
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool (or Kindergarten) tuition: $3,000 - $6,000 per year
  • Elementary school tuition: $6,000 - $12,000 per year
  • Middle school tuition: $8,000 - $15,000 per year
  • High school tuition: $10,000 - $20,000 per year
Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on various factors such as location, time of year, and individual preferences. It is always recommended to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Bimini

"The cost of living in Bimini is considered to be relatively high compared to other places. This is largely due to the fact that most goods and services have to be imported, which increases their cost. Housing is one of the most significant expenses, with rental prices being quite high, especially for properties close to the beach or in popular tourist areas. Utilities such as electricity and water are also quite expensive, as are internet and cable services. Food and groceries are another major expense, with prices being significantly higher than in many other countries due to import costs. Eating out at restaurants can also be quite costly, especially at high-end establishments.Transportation costs can vary, depending on the mode of transport. Owning a car can be expensive due to the cost of importing vehicles and high fuel prices. However, many residents choose to get around by boat, which can also be costly due to maintenance and fuel costs.Healthcare is another significant expense, with private healthcare services being quite costly. However, the government provides some healthcare services for free or at a reduced cost. Despite the high cost of living, many people choose to live in Bimini for its beautiful beaches, relaxed lifestyle, and friendly community," said one expat living in Bimini.

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

"I've been living in Bimini 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 affordable housing. I recommend looking into neighborhoods like Bailey Town or Porgy Bay, where you can find more reasonably priced rentals. Avoid areas like North Bimini or the Resorts World Bimini, as they tend to be more expensive.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your utility costs. Electricity can be quite expensive here, so try to conserve energy by using fans instead of air conditioning, and turning off lights and appliances when not in use. Water can also be pricey, so be conscious of your usage.When it comes to food, eating out can be costly, so I suggest cooking at home as much as possible. Local grocery stores can be a bit more expensive than what you're used to, but you can save money by shopping at the local fish markets and buying fresh produce from roadside stands.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Owning a car can be expensive due to import taxes and high gas prices, so consider using a bicycle or walking for short distances. For longer trips, you can use the local ferry service or rent a golf cart.Lastly, entertainment and leisure activities can add up quickly. To save money, take advantage of the beautiful beaches and natural attractions that Bimini has to offer. There are plenty of free or low-cost activities like snorkeling, hiking, and exploring the island's history.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Bimini is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing affordable housing, being conscious of utility costs, cooking at home, using alternative transportation, and enjoying low-cost leisure activities, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Bimini.

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

"I've been living in Bimini 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. I'd recommend looking into Alice Town or Bailey Town, as they tend to have more reasonably priced housing options compared to the more expensive neighborhoods like Resorts World Bimini or North Bimini.In terms of transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive here due to import taxes and high gas prices. I'd suggest using a golf cart or a bicycle to get around the island, as it's small enough to navigate easily. Public transportation is also an option, but it's not as reliable as it is in more developed countries.Groceries can be a bit pricey, especially if you're used to shopping at large supermarkets with a wide variety of products. I've found that shopping at local markets and buying fresh produce can help save money. You might also need to adjust your diet and eat more local foods, as imported goods can be quite expensive.Eating out can also be costly, so I'd recommend cooking at home as much as possible. There are some affordable local restaurants, but they might not offer the same variety of cuisine you're used to.As for entertainment, you'll need to be creative and find low-cost or free activities to enjoy. Bimini has beautiful beaches and natural attractions, so spending time outdoors is a great way to save money. There are also some local events and festivals throughout the year that can be fun to attend.Overall, living in Bimini on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some lifestyle adjustments. It's a beautiful place to live, and the slower pace of life can be a nice change from the hustle and bustle of a big city," said one expat living in Bimini.

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

"I've been living in Bimini 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 are some sacrifices you might have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll need to be mindful of your housing choices. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods, like North Bimini and the Resorts World Bimini area, might be out of your budget if you're looking to save money. Instead, consider looking for a place in Alice Town or Bailey Town, where you can find more affordable housing options without sacrificing too much in terms of comfort and amenities.Another thing to consider is transportation. Owning a car in Bimini can be quite expensive, so you might want to rely on public transportation, bicycles, or even walking to get around. This will not only save you money but also give you a chance to explore the island and enjoy its natural beauty.When it comes to groceries and dining out, you'll find that prices can be a bit higher than what you're used to, mainly due to the fact that most goods are imported. To save money, try shopping at local markets and cooking at home more often. When you do dine out, opt for local eateries instead of high-end restaurants, as they tend to be more affordable and offer a more authentic Bahamian experience.Lastly, be mindful of your entertainment and leisure expenses. While there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Bimini, such as beach days, snorkeling, and exploring the island's natural attractions, you might need to cut back on more expensive pursuits like boating, fishing trips, or frequent visits to the casino.Overall, living in Bimini on a $5,000 a month budget is doable, but it requires some adjustments and smart choices. By being mindful of your expenses and prioritizing what's important to you, you can enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling life on this beautiful island," commented an expat living in Bimini.

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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