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Cost of Living in Barbados | Expat Exchange
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Bottom Bay, Barbados

Cost of Living in Barbados

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Dec 23, 2023

Summary: The cost of living in Barbados is generally considered to be high. A nice one bedroom apartment in Barbados can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 USD per month, while a nice two bedroom apartment can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 USD per month. The cost of dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Barbados is usually around $30 USD per person.

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Is the cost of living in Barbados high?

We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Barbados, they wrote:

"The cost of living in Barbados is generally considered to be high, with prices for basic goods and services being comparable to those in the United States. Rent and utilities can be expensive, and the cost of food and transportation can also be quite high. However, the cost of living in Barbados is offset by the country's low income tax rate and the availability of affordable housing," remarked one in Barbados.

"This is a tricky question as it depends a lot on how much quality of life you are accustomed to. If you are the type that goes out and eats out often you will need considerably more then someone who prefers home cooked meals and having card nights with friends. I would suggest that you could live quite comfortably on $60,000 a year but that is very dependent on the person," explained one expat.

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Will I save money living in Barbados?

"Living in Barbados can be more affordable than living in the United States in some ways. The cost of living in Barbados is generally lower than in the United States, with lower prices for food, housing, and transportation. Additionally, Barbados has no income tax, which can help to reduce overall living expenses. However, the cost of imported goods and services can be higher in Barbados than in the United States, so it is important to consider all costs when deciding whether to move to Barbados," remarked one in Barbados.

"As I hinted at before it has been expensive for traveling in and out of Barbados as well as the cost of living being more then alternative retirement locations. However we also manage to live here on a semi-modest budget and have found ways to save money here and there. Eating local food and not what you are use to in your home country will make a big difference in your cost of living here. Also the housing market changes dramatically depending on which ever you are looking at," explained one expat.

What is the average cost of housing in Barbados?

If you are thinking about moving to Barbados, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"The cost of housing in Barbados varies depending on the location and type of property. Generally, the average cost of a two-bedroom apartment in Barbados is around $1,000 per month, while a three-bedroom house can cost up to $2,500 per month. Prices for luxury villas and beachfront properties can be significantly higher," explained one expat living in Barbados.

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What are typical rental prices for expats in Barbados?

"The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Barbados can range from around $1,000 to $2,000 per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment can range from around $1,500 to $3,000 per month," remarked one expat living in Barbados.

What appliances are typically included in a rental?

We asked foreigners in Barbados what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:

"Rental properties in Barbados typically include a refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer. Additionally, some properties may include air conditioning units, ceiling fans, and other amenities," said one expat.

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.

Bottom Bay, Barbados

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