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

By Betsy Burlingame

William Russell
William Russell

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Southampton 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: $2,500 - $3,500 per month
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: $1,800 - $2,500 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment in city center: $4,500 - $6,000 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: $3,000 - $4,500 per month
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square meter in city center: $6,000 - $8,000
  • Price per square meter outside city center: $4,000 - $6,000
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): $2.10
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): $2.50
  • Bread (500g): $4.00
  • Rice (1kg): $4.50
  • Eggs (12): $4.00
  • Cheese (1kg): $15.00
  • Chicken breasts (1kg): $12.00
  • Beef round (1kg): $15.00
  • Apples (1kg): $5.00
  • Bananas (1kg): $2.00
  • Oranges (1kg): $4.00
  • Tomato (1kg): $4.00
  • Potato (1kg): $3.00
  • Onion (1kg): $3.00
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): $2.00
  • Bottle of wine (mid-range): $15.00
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter bottle): $2.50
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): $3.00
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $20 - $30
  • Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: $100 - $150
  • Combo meal at a fast-food restaurant: $10 - $12
  • Cappuccino: $4.50
  • Soft drink (0.33-liter bottle): $2.00
  • Water (0.33-liter bottle): $1.50
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment: $250 - $350 per month
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): $100 - $150 per month
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool (or kindergarten) tuition: $8,000 - $12,000 per year
  • Elementary school tuition: $15,000 - $20,000 per year
  • Middle school tuition: $20,000 - $25,000 per year
  • High school tuition: $25,000 - $30,000 per year
Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on various factors such as location, personal preferences, and lifestyle. It is always recommended to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Southampton

"Living in Southampton is considered to be quite expensive. The cost of housing is high, with both rentals and property prices being significantly more than in many other countries. 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 as most food items are imported. The cost of transportation is also high, whether you're buying a car, using public transportation, or taking taxis. Healthcare is of a high standard in Bermuda, but it is also costly. Private health insurance is recommended to help cover these costs. Despite the high cost of living, many people choose to live in Southampton for its beautiful beaches, pleasant climate, and friendly community. However, it's important to be financially prepared for the high expenses associated with living in this part of Bermuda," said one expat living in Southampton.

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

"I've been living in Southampton 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. In Southampton, the more expensive neighborhoods are near the beaches and golf courses, like Port Royal and Riddell's Bay. I'd recommend looking for a place in the more inland areas, like Rockaway or Heron Bay, 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 expensive, so I'd recommend using public transportation, like buses and ferries, which are quite reliable and affordable. You can also consider getting a scooter, which is a popular and cost-effective mode of transportation on the island.When it comes to groceries and dining out, you'll need to be budget-conscious. Groceries can be expensive in Bermuda, so I'd recommend shopping at discount stores like The MarketPlace or Supermart, and cooking at home as much as possible. Dining out can also be pricey, so try to limit eating out to special occasions or look for more affordable local eateries.Another area where you can save money is entertainment. While there are plenty of activities and attractions in Southampton, many of them can be expensive. Instead, take advantage of the beautiful beaches and parks, which are free to enjoy. You can also look for free or low-cost community events and activities.In summary, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Southampton, Bermuda is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your housing, transportation, food, and entertainment expenses. By making some sacrifices and being budget-conscious, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Southampton.

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

"I've been living in Southampton 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 areas like Rockaway or Port Royal, as they tend to have more reasonably priced housing options compared to the more expensive neighborhoods like Horseshoe Bay or Gibbs Hill.One of the sacrifices you'll have to make is cutting back on dining out, as eating at restaurants in Bermuda can be quite expensive. Instead, try cooking at home more often and shopping at local grocery stores like The MarketPlace or Lindo's. You can also save money by taking advantage of the island's beautiful beaches and parks for free entertainment and outdoor activities.Another thing to consider is transportation. Owning a car in Bermuda can be costly, so I'd recommend using public transportation like buses and ferries, or even investing in a scooter to get around the island. This will not only save you money on gas and maintenance, but also help you avoid the island's often congested traffic.Lastly, you'll need to be mindful of your utility usage, as electricity and water can be quite expensive in Bermuda. Try to conserve energy by turning off lights and appliances when not in use, and be conscious of your water usage, especially during the drier months.Overall, living in Southampton on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be budget-conscious and willing to make some sacrifices in order to make it work," said one expat living in Southampton.

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

"I've been living in Southampton for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. The cost of living here is quite high, especially when it comes to housing and groceries. First, let's talk about housing. If you want to live in an affordable neighborhood, I'd recommend looking into Rockaway or the western part of Southampton Parish. These areas are more reasonably priced compared to the more expensive neighborhoods like Tucker's Town or the eastern part of the parish. You can find a decent one or two-bedroom apartment in these areas for around $2,000 to $3,000 a month. Keep in mind that utilities can be quite expensive, so make sure to factor that into your budget.As for groceries, you'll find that they're more expensive here than what you're used to. To save money, I'd recommend shopping at local markets and buying in-season produce. You can also save by cooking at home more often and limiting how often you eat out. Restaurants can be quite pricey, especially in the more touristy areas.Transportation is another expense to consider. Owning a car in Bermuda can be costly due to high import taxes and limited parking. Most people opt for scooters or public transportation, which is more affordable. A monthly bus pass will cost you around $70.Lastly, you'll need to budget for health insurance, as it's mandatory in Bermuda. Depending on your coverage, this can cost anywhere from $200 to $500 a month.In conclusion, living in Southampton, Bermuda on $5,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, cooking at home, and using public transportation, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Southampton.

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.


William Russell
William Russell

William Russell
William Russell

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