Cost of Living In Barbados- Caribbean Sea, Surf, Fun, and Sun For $2500

04/10

MINUTE READING TIME

QUICK SUMMARY- Cost of Living In Barbados 

  • Monthly budget in Barbados for a single person = ~$2,500 per Person <jump to budget details>.
  • Cost of living is 20% less than a medium-cost city in the US
  • Fun-filled days to hike, snorkel, dive, swim, or just chill out at the beach
  • Surf + Social life = High Quality of Life

The Caribbean island of Barbados is quickly becoming a hotspot for digital nomads with a new remote work visa, fast Wi-Fi, and Caribbean island weather.

I've been living in Barbados for the last three months as a digital nomad. I was looking for a safe place to escape the lockdowns and winter season in Canada and had a friend living in Barbados who raved about the nightlife, golden beaches, and Caribbean country atmosphere. Tropical island dreams easily persuaded me to book a one-way ticket from Toronto to Bridgetown.

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young expat woman enjoying the cost of living in Barbados

This collaboration with Lora describes her quality of life and budget in Barbados.

I never expected to work remotely on a Caribbean island, but Barbados quickly became one of my favorite countries. It's easy to make friends, stay active, and enjoy a high standard of living for a reasonable cost. Not to mention the gorgeous weather and beaches! Before coming here, I lived in Toronto, where the cost of living is about 25% lower.

The local currency is the Bajan Dollar (BBD), although US Dollar (USD) is widely accepted. At the time of this writing, the exchange rate is 1 USD to 2 BBD, and 1 BBD converts to 0.42 Euros.

What Is The Cost Of Living In Barbados In US Dollars?

Rent a catamaran with a group of friends for 140 BBD/70 USD per person.

$2500- COST OF LIVING IN BARBADOS DETAILS [CLICK TO EXPAND]

Total Monthly Expense$2497
COST PER MONTH
Rent- Furnished one-bedroom apartment south coast1050
Water/Sewer/Management/Electricity/High Speed InternetINCLUDED
Maid Service 1 time per WeekINCLUDED
Cell Phone- 7 GB Internet Per Month35
Total Housing Expense1085
Home Cooked Meals 15 times per week325
Budget Meal- Roti 2 times per Week57
Beachside Takeout 2 times per Week109
Mid-Priced Restaurant 4 times per Week152
Total Food Expense642
Yoga 2 times per Week109
Water Sports (surfing, diving, excursions)200
Night Out Drinks With Friends- 5 times per Week252
Total Entertainment560
Bus - Everyday150
Total Transportation Expense150
Travel Health Insurance40
Health Care Expense40
Personal Care (Shampoo, etc.) & Household Items (Soap, etc.)20
Total Personal Care and Misc Expense20
Exchange Rate to $1 USD to Bajan Dollar (BBD)2.0

My Budget In The Wealthiest Country In The Caribbean

My living costs in Barbados is cheaper than I thought it would be. While it's known for its high-end luxury beach resorts, there are plenty of ways to visit Barbados on a budget - especially if you stay long term.

Although I came here as a solo traveler, I quickly made friends and have a very active social life. I go out with my friends almost every night, whether it's out for dinner at a restaurant or a bar for live music. I eat out 4-6 times a week.

I spend most of my time by the water, whether that's swimming, snorkeling, diving, surfing, or just relaxing by the beach. I often go on day trips with my friends around the island, but you can drive the whole thing in about 3 hours, so overnight stays aren't common!

On average, I spend 5000 BBD/2500 USD per month living here in a one-bedroom apartment, enjoying a very active social life. There are people I know who spend that on housing costs alone, but if you don't need to live in a private villa, it's easy to keep costs low.

What Kind of Lifestyle Can I Afford On $2500 Per Month?


Caribbean countries do not have the low-cost reputation of the PhilippinesVietnam, or Mexico. Expats are unlikely to be drawn to the cost of living in Barbados. But the quality of life in this island paradise is worth the trade-off.

Check out the cost of living comparison of this island nation to a medium-cost city (Portland) in the US. Even living on an "expensive" Caribbean island, you still find several geoarbitrage opportunities

The Top 4 essential living expenses in the US are housing, food, transportation, and healthcare. These 4 expenses make up 68% of the average costs in larger cities.

Major Expenses

US-

Portland

BB-

Barbados

HOUSING

$962

$1,085

FOOD

$313

$642

TRANSPORTATION

$862

$150

HEALTHCARE

$353

$40

Total Average Per Month

$2,490

$1,932

Save 22% on Major Monthly Expenses

 EDITOR'S NOTE : Less Expensive Caribbean Islands- Looking to save even more money on living expenses, check out the cost of living in the Dominican Republic and Cartagena

Quality of Life On An Island Country

Expat life in Barbados has so many possibilities. Most digital nomads work during the weekday mornings into the early afternoon. Co-working is popular. There are several beautiful beachfront cafes and restaurants where you can set up your office and enjoy the sunshine.

One of the best parts about Barbados is how easy it is to live an active lifestyle here. The best waves in the Caribbean draw a massive surf community here. If you've got a flexible schedule, you can incorporate a couple of hours of surf into your workday every day! Yoga is another popular activity here, with group classes for all levels happening regularly. To enhance your zen, you can attend classes by the beach overlooking the ocean waves.

Always make time to watch the magnificent sunsets in Barbados at the end of the day. Happy hour drink specials are a tradition, and most nomads meet up after the workday to enjoy a drink while the sun goes down. Even on weekdays, there is usually live music happening at one of the bars. Weekends are even busier on the island, with multiple events at the various bars and nightclubs around the island.

You can join tons of group activities, whether it's a hiking group, a dive club, or a cricket game. Beach clubs are a popular place to spend the weekend, and many people rent out catamarans to spend the day on the turquoise water!

Barbados is a small island, so you will quickly get to know the other foreigners living here as well as the locals. After a few weeks, you'll start to run into people you know, making Barbados quickly feel like home.



What are Rental Prices Like In Barbados?

Housing Costs

$1,085

I live in a one-bedroom apartment in Oistins, a popular neighborhood on the south coast of Barbados. It's a suite under a house with a solarium, a small kitchen, a bedroom with a king-sized bed, and a massive bathroom with double sinks. It's on a quiet cul-de-sac about 5 minutes from the main road where I can get the bus anywhere, and 15 minutes to Dover beach. It's fully furnished and comes with all utilities included as well as a weekly cleaning service. My rent is 2100 BBD/1,050 USD.

What Is The Best Area To Live For Expats?

Oistins is one of the best areas to live for expats looking for nightlife. The town, located on the south coast of the country, is home to beautiful beaches, surfable waves, and a lively bar and restaurant scene.

Other popular neighborhoods to live on the south coast are Worthing, Silver Sands, and Hastings. The price range for a one-bedroom apartment on the south coast is between 1600-3200 BBD/800-1600 USD per month.

The west coast is another popular area to live, but has the highest cost housing, and fewest nightlife options. However, the stunning beaches and luxury villas, Holetown and Speightstown, are hard to beat.

Hardcore surfers swear the best surf in Barbados is on the more isolated east coast of the country. The quiet town of Bathsheba attracts wave hunters or retirees looking for a slower pace of life. The landscapes and views are stunning on the east coast, but you'll need a car to escape the seclusion.

Best Way To Find Housing

I found my apartment by posting in a Barbados Expat Facebook group. There are also specific housing groups on Facebook you can browse. Many people first find their apartment on Airbnb, then negotiate with the owner directly for a decent cost reduction. You can also join Whatsapp groups where expats and digital nomads sometimes post if they are looking for roommates or subletters.

 INSIDER TIP : You can save a lot of money on accommodation if you are renting longer-term, especially if you are willing to sign a lease. Due to Covid-19, many people I know have been getting great deals on luxurious accommodations.

A one-bedroom apartment in the best expat neighborhood rents for less than $1,100 per month

Includes a solarium to enjoy the warm Caribbean sun

What Is The Cost of Food In Barbados?

The Caribbean sea provides a daily supply of fresh eats to grill. Photo Credit

Food Costs

$642

My monthly costs for food runs about 400 BBD/700 USD living in Barbados. I eat at least three meals a day and often snack in-between! I'm a pescatarian and eat out 4-6 times a week. I usually make breakfast and lunch at home but often eat out while working in cafes or going out to dinner with friends.

Food prices when eating out varies a lot depending on where you go. You can get a delicious roti for a budget meal for just 13 BBD/6.50 USD at De Roti Shop. A basic meal from an inexpensive restaurant by the beach will cost you 20-30 BBD/10-15 USD. Oistins fish fry is one of the most popular places to eat out, especially on Fridays, so you can expect to pay 30-40 BBD/15-20 USD.

For a meal at a mid-range restaurant by the beach, you'll pay 40-50 BBD/20-25 USD. There are some very high-end restaurants in Barbados, but I generally avoid high-priced meals. My most expensive meal was a 3-course special for 160 BBD/80 USD.

Barbados imports a lot of its food and has high import taxes, so you have to be very careful and look at the food prices when you're grocery shopping. For example, imported ice cream might be 10 BBD/20 USD, while a local supermarket brand might be 10 BBD/5 USD!

You can find reasonable prices for locally grown fruit and veggies shopping at a local market. A local bag of lettuce will only set you back about 2 BBD/1 USD. A week's worth of groceries for myself is about 150 BBD/75 USD.

Tapas restaurant $20- Fresh caught local fish entree

Baby Doll $12-  Eggs and smoked salmon on bread

Animal Flower Cave Restaurant $18- Breadfruit tacos and  curry

What Is Your Monthly Entertainment Budget?


Entertainment and Sports

$560

My total entertainment budget per month is 1120 BBD/560 USD, but I have a very active social life. 

  • Beach Club $22- For fun in the day, I surf, hike, snorkel, dive, swim, or just chill out at the beach or a beach club. Entrance to Boatyard beach club is 45 BBD/22.50 USD which includes a snorkel trip to see turtles and shipwrecks, and you get 40 BBD back as a credit to use at the bar.
  • Yoga Classes $12.50- I spend 25 BBD/12.50 USD on yoga classes and go twice a week.
  • Water Sports $40 - $60- Occasionally, I take surf lessons for 120 BBD/60 USD, and I am part of a dive club that costs 80 BBD/40 USD per dive. I don't bother with a gym membership since it's so easy to stay active here doing other activities. Plus, who wants to be inside when it's so lovely out!
  • Nightclub or Bar Night Out $20- I go out 4-5 times a week at night to restaurants/bars with live music or nightclubs. There isn't usually cover for bars or nightclubs. A beer at an average bar costs 4 BBD/2 USD and 6-8 BBD/3-4 USD at an upscale place. Cocktails are more expensive, around 12-16 BBD/ 6-8 USD, so I save those for 2-1 happy hour specials. When I go out, I walk, take public transit, or catch a ride with friends, so I rarely use taxis. Going out at night does usually not cost me more than 20-40 BBD/10-20 USD in total.
  • Barbados Attractions $15 -  There are many attractions you can visit in Barbados that are reasonably priced. A ticket to the Barbados Wildlife Reserve is 30 BBD/15 USD, and the entrance to Animal flower cave is 25 BBD/12.50 USD.

Enjoy a $25 rum tasting tour at the distillery where Mount Gay has crafted rum for 300+ years  Photo Credit

Weekends mean Oistins Fish Fry. Locals and expats flock for local food and island music. Photo Credit

What Does Transportation Cost?

Buses pass roughly every 5 minutes and cost $1.75 Photo Credit

Transportation

$53

Barbados is walkable, but high temperatures and limited sidewalks mean that at some point, you'll probably opt for another form of transport.

I get around the south coast of Barbados by walking or taking public busses. The busses only cost 3.50 BBD/1.75 USD per ride and pass by every 5 minutes on the main road where most businesses are. There are also larger busses that go to the west coast that cost the same. I often catch rides with friends who have cars. Because so many expats and digital nomads live near each other, carpooling is very common.

If I were to rent a car, it would add a lot to my budget. Many of my friends rent cars and say it is about 1100 BBD/550 USD per month. Some days, I rent a car for 100 BBD/50 USD per day to explore around the island. Parking is free almost everywhere on the island. Gas is around 3.50 BBD/1.75 USD per liter but lasts a long time as the distances are short.

Barbados does not have Uber or Grab, but taxis commonplace. I've only gotten a taxi a handful of times which cost around 40 BBD/20 USD for a 15-minute ride. Since I rely on public transport and don't rent a car, my transportation budget is only about 300 BBD/150 USD a month.

International Flights

The Grantley Adams International airport, also known as Bridgetown Airport (BGI), has non-stop flights to 14 countries for traveling abroad.

Airport Pick Up-  Avoid the stress and hassle of finding a taxi in a strange country. Get a safe airport pickup with no hidden costs.

Other Miscellaneous Costs


Since roaming is so expensive using a Canadian SIM, I purchased a local one for 20 BBD/10 USD. I top it up with a monthly 7GB plan for 70 BBD/35 USD.

Cleaning maids are relatively common and affordable in Barbados. My apartment rent includes the price of one weekly cleaning.

It's common for groups of friends to rent out villas and split the cost between them, making them affordable. The villas here are often luxurious and come with outdoor pools and hot tubs. I have friends who are sharing a gorgeous villa for just 2200 BBD /1100 USD each.

Massages, spa services, and similar luxuries cost the same as the US.

 INSIDER TIP : Customs, Duties, and Import Taxes- Barbados has very high import taxes on most things, especially electronic items, and cars. If you were to buy a new iPhone and send it here, you would pay almost the same in import fees as the phone cost! I recommend buying everything you need before moving to the country and avoid importing things.

Important Information About Moving To Barbados


Living In Barbados

While relatively new, the digital nomad community in Barbados is strong and growing every day. If you are new to the island, you can join several Facebook groups and WhatsApp groups to find out what's going on. The Bajan Nomad Social group also runs regular meetups.

Another great way to meet people is through outdoor activities - I made my first few friends during a surf lesson. Connecting with locals is easy as Bajans are so friendly. Just head to the beach or a bar, and I'm sure you'll find someone to talk to - everyone is very laid-back in Barbados!

Barbados has a wet and dry season, which coincides with the low and high seasons for tourists. Most visitors book their holidays in the cool, drier months that run from December to May – so this when prices for accommodation and flights will be highest. If you can visit during the low-season from May to October, you'll find much better deals.

As a retirement destination, 3-6 months is ideal for Barbados to save money. You won't have to worry about paying for the welcome stamp but can enjoy discounts on accommodation by signing a longer-term lease vs. paying month-to-month.

Managing Health Care in Barbados

Healthcare

$40

Although universal healthcare is free to residents here, it's expensive for foreigners. Expats should purchase private health insurance to cover emergency medical care and private hospital visits. I caught dengue fever and had to have a home doctor come to see me several times, which cost almost 2000 BBD/1000 USD in total! Thankfully I had travel health insurance coverage to reimburse me. I use SafetyWing, which is a private insurance provider for digital nomads that works on a subscription basis. It costs 80 BBD/40 USD a month.

Will My Home Country Health Insurance Cover Me?

Most likely no. Most health insurance will not cover you for any injuries sustained outside your home country. To get protection while living abroad, there are two options:

  • Travel Health Insurance- This will cover you for unexpected medical issues while overseas. However, the coverage requires you to maintain insurance in the United States or your respective home country. I pay roughly $50 per month for complete coverage with no deductible.
  • Expat Medical Insurance- If you retire abroad, expat health insurance is a more complete option. Expat Medical Insurance is the "normal" insurance you are familiar with from home. Coverage is built for people who live in a country versus traveling. While more expensive than Travel Medical Insurance, premiums are still cheaper than in the US. 

Will I Have To Pay Income Taxes Living In Barbados?

If you are considered both resident and domiciled in Barbados, the country taxes your worldwide income. Barbados may consider you a tax resident if:

  • You stay in Barbados more than 182 days in a calendar year or
  • If you have permanent accommodation in the country and let the Revenue Commissioner know of your intent to live in Barbados for at least two consecutive years.

Domicile is a question of intent, and long-term residence does not necessarily determine domicile.

Personal income tax rates are between 12.5% and 28.5%.

Barbados has no capital gains tax. Barbados has a double taxation treaty with the US. To understand how to minimize your expat tax liability, speak with a tax accountant for details. 

What Is Not Included In The Monthly Budget?

Expat Taxes

If you stay longer than 183 days, many countries will consider you a tax resident. Being an expat may help you save money on your taxes. Talk to a tax professional to see how tax residency applies to you. I partnered with a firm specializing in expat taxes to secure a special deal for Nomadic FIRE readers.


Use the promotion code "Nomadic25Consultation" for $25 off a tax consultation to get you started. 


Even better, use their experts to prepare your tax return, and the entire consultation is FREE.

Moving Costs

Save Up To 40% On Your Moving Costs. Between customs, freight, packing costs, and ground transportation, figuring out how to move your stuff overseas can get expensive. EmbarkEx is Nomadic FIRE's new service to save you money on packing, trucking, and shipping overseas moves for expats who want to live and retire abroad.

I have partnered with 10,000+ pre-screened global moving companies to save you time and money. Fill out our 60-second form and get 5 quotes from accredited moving companies competing for your business. Compare and save by clicking the button below.

What Are The Visa Requirements For Barbados?


Citizens from Caribbean countries (CARICOM), the UK, Canadians, and the United States can stay in Barbados for six months on a regular tourist visa for no fee (you will have to extend at the immigration office after 3-months).

Visitors from other countries can check the visa requirements here.

If you want to stay longer in Barbados than a regular tourist visa allows, you can apply for the 'Barbados Welcome Stamp.' Remote workers with incomes over $50,000 per year can apply for the welcome stamp, colloquially dubbed the Digital Nomad Visa, to live and work on the island for up 12 months.

The Barbados Welcome Stamp has a simplified application that does not need an immigration attorney to submit. The visa costs 4,000 BBD/2,000 USD for a single person or 6,000 BBD/3,000 USD for families and takes less than 10 minutes to apply on the website. Your visa application starts processing in 48 hours, and you should hear a decision in roughly five business days.

 EDITOR'S NOTE : Special Entry and Reside Permit (SERP) - Barbados is not just for digital nomads. Retirees have options to become potential residents, as well. 


Passive Income Program- Early Retirees over 50 years old who purchase real estate in the country worth at least $150,000 and have "sufficient means" to support themselves can apply for Immigrant Status. Sufficient means does not have a published amount, but you need to prove you will not need government aid.

Investment Program- If you can invest at least $2,000,000 into the country

High Net Worth Program- If you have a net worth over $5,000,000, first, we need to become friends; second, you qualify for a lifetime permit for Barbados.

My net worth is only short by about four million, so the passive income program seems a little more doable for me. Anyone else interested in the Permanent Residence programs should contact the Barbados Immigration Department for details. Immigration administers the Special Entry and Reside Program, while Invest Barbados can guide you through the application process.

Compare Cost Of Living In BARBADOS

Still researching the best cities for retirement? Check out our extensive Cost of Living collection for the best expat destinations. Get insider information and real examples of expat life from people who have spent years living abroad. I've compiled all the information you need: cost breakdowns, insider tips to save money, and detailed examples of the quality of lifestyle you can enjoy. 

Want more insights on Living Abroad? Sign up below.

Final Thoughts: Living in Barbados

I absolutely love island life in Barbados. It's a beautiful island with white-sand beaches and colorful coral reefs, what's not to LOVE! There was an immediate improvement in my mental health and quality of life moving here.

Living in a tropical paradise, meeting like-minded people, and being outdoors in the sunshine every day will make anyone happier.

And overall, the cost of living is cheaper than I ever expected it to be living in the Caribbean. The only thing I'd do differently is getting here sooner!

Resources for Working and Living Abroad

Save Up To 40% On Your Moving Costs

EmbarkEx is Nomadic FIRE's new service to save you money on packing, trucking, and shipping overseas moves for expats who want to live and retire abroad.

I have partnered with 10,000+ pre-screened global moving companies to save you time and money. Fill out our 60-second form and get 5 quotes from accredited moving companies competing for your business. Compare and save by clicking the button below.

Protect Your Health While Abroad

Your home health insurance is unlikely to provide coverage for you while overseas. Get premium health insurance designed for expats and digital nomads that protects you anywhere you are in the world, even during a pandemic.

Use A Virtual Mailbox To Keep A Permanent US Address And Receive Important Documents and Packages

Get a US street address you can use while you are overseas. Use a digital mailbox with a REAL physical location to receive mail from USPS, FedEx, and UPS.

A virtual mailbox can receive and forward all your important documents and packages, replace credit cards, maintain state residency, get checks deposited, or file business and tax applications.

Start Speaking A New Language In 30 days

Pimsleur is the best method I have found to get to "Survival-Level" quickly when learning a new language. With Pimsleur, I can ease the stress of arriving in a new country and start speaking with people in my neighborhood. Ordering food, getting directions, haggling prices, and making friends is 10X easier when you can communicate in the local language.

Achieve better results using Pimsleur's short classes and organic learning methodology vs. the mindless repetition, endless verb conjugations, and tedious memorization of other language courses. 

Transfer Money Internationally

For expats and nomads, Wise offers an International Bank account for your money transfers. It's an easier and cheaper alternative for paying your bills while overseas.

Looking to buy property abroad, Wise has a Large Transfer Rate for even bigger savings. 

Get Your US Expat Tax Questions Answered

US Expat taxes are the most complex in the world. However, living abroad comes with potential tax advantages, but mistakes are very easy to make. It is no wonder many expats are frustrated. 

Avoid complications, penalties, and fines, Taxes For Expats is here to help.

Travel Tools and Resources

Skyscanner- My favorite airline search tool to find all the cheapest flights in one place.
Airport Pick-Up Service- Arrive at your destination stress-free with a private car cheaper than most taxis. 

Loctote- My favorite day pack. Secure your belongings while walking around town.

EXPAT INSIGHTS

I have traveled to over 40 countries to give you the best ways to save, invest, and live overseas for less cost than in the US. After five years of traveling, my list of places to live keeps getting longer. To give you more information on the best places to live abroad, I partner with experts from the expat community.

You want insider information from people with feet in the street? I only work with expats with real-life experience living in countries you want to know about. Together you get updated info on the best neighborhoods, detailed Cost of Living examples, money-saving advice, and recommendations on the local places to eat, drink, and see.

Are you a travel blogger with information you can share on living in another country? Contact me, and let's talk about collaborating on a guest post. 

EXPAT CONTRIBUTION BY: Lora

Lora is a solo female adventure travel blogger living nomadically around the world. Raised on a rock in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, she has a deep love for nature and wildlife. Lora has traveled to over 58 countries and is on a quest to visit them all, seeking out the best adventures each one has to offer. For more outdoor adventure travel inspiration, visit her blog at Explore with Lora.



About the author

Hi, That's me. I'm Marco Sison. I am a survivor of the corporate rat race. I started Nomad FIRE to show you an alternative to the stress and grind of 70-hour weeks to pay off a mortgage, student loans, and countless bills. After getting laid off in 2015, I said screw it all and retired early at 41 years old. I have traveled the last eight years to over 50 countries to show you the best ways to save, invest, and live in amazing countries for 70% less cost than the US. I have been featured in: US News & World Reports, HuffPost, MSN Money, USA Today, ABC Network, Yahoo Finance, Association of MBAs, the iTunes documentary Seeking FIRE, and the Amazon Best-Seller, Abroad: Expats That Thrive . [view press...]

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