Holetown vs Nassau: Which City Wins for Expats in 2026?
Holetown costs roughly 39% less than Nassau. Nassau has significantly faster average internet speeds (60 Mbps vs 35 Mbps). Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
Nassau is approximately 21% less expensive than Holetown based on cost of living including rent. This makes Nassau a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.
Nassau has a FIRE Score of 43/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The city's safety index is 65, which is relatively safe.
Recommended profile: Nassau is well-suited for retirees seeking a balanced lifestyle.
About Holetown
Holetown is a tiny, expensive beach town that offers little value for the money. With a one-bedroom rent outside the center costing $1,400/mo and a total monthly budget of $3,000 for a single person, you are paying resort prices without the resort amenities. The low expat score of 56/100 reflects the high cost of living and limited infrastructure, though the safety index of 70/100 and good healthcare are positives. Unless you have a specific reason to be in Holetown, you will get far more for your money elsewhere in Barbados.
About Barbados
Budget retirees should skip this one: COL sits at 70 versus NYC, with rent near $883/mo for a 1BR, undercutting any cheap-living pitch. It works for remote workers earning USD 4,167+/mo under the Welcome Stamp/Global Talent Welcome Stamp who want English-speaking, low-crime stability with clear citizenship pathways, not for those chasing rock-bottom costs.
$-1,200/mo
Cost of Living (Without Rent)
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About Nassau
Nassau is a pricey island capital where the numbers rarely behave: a one-bedroom outside the centre costs $2,000/mo while the same flat downtown runs $1,490/mo, and a three-bedroom flips the script at $4,750/mo versus $3,920/mo. With an average monthly net salary of $3,356/mo, a comfortable single life at $3,710/mo leaves little slack, and a family of four burns $4,700/mo before rent even enters the picture. Come for the large, active expat community, the good healthcare, and the 6 km hop from NAS, but bring a remote salary or a serious cushion, because local wages and island prices are not on speaking terms.
About Bahamas
Best for retirees via the Permanent Residence pathway, anchored by no language requirement and direct flights. Living costs are high—$1,752 monthly plus $1,196 rent—but its Safety Index of 42.6 and medium expat safety rating are solid for the region. Main trade-off: no minimum income requirement and no personal income tax could complicate budgeting.
$-770/mo
Cost of Living (Without Rent)
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| Metric | Holetown | Nassau |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $1800 | $1490 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $1400 | $2000 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $2800 | $4750 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $2200 | $3920 |
| Safety Index | 70 | 65 |
| Internet Speed | 35Mbps | 60Mbps |
| Walkability Score | N/A | N/A |
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Holetown vs Nassau -- Frequently Asked Questions
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