Barbados vs Bahamas
Barbados costs roughly 22% less than Bahamas. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
Barbados is approximately 22% less expensive than Bahamas based on cost of living including rent. This makes Barbados a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.
Barbados has a FIRE Score of 39/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The country's safety index is 54.3, suggesting moderate safety levels.
Recommended profile: Barbados is best suited for digital nomads who prioritize experience over savings.
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.
$787/mo
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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.
$-69/mo
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Living Costs (excl. rent)
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Country Details →Battle of Lifestyles
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| Metric | Barbados | Bahamas |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Advisory | Level 1: Normal Precautions | Level 2: Increased Caution |
| Quality of Life Index | 130.5 | 133.7 +3.2 |
| Healthcare Index | 59.8 +1.5 | 58.3 |
| Safety Index | 54.3 +11.7 | 42.6 |
| Cost of Living Index | 70 +15.6 | 85.6 |
| Living Costs (Single, excl. rent) | $1,330 +422 | $1,752 |
| Living Costs (Family, excl. rent) | $2,500 +3,887.6 | $6,387.6 |
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $883.33 +434.17 | $1,317.5 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $757.14 +438.42 | $1,195.56 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $1,833.33 +2,162.38 | $3,995.71 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $1,825 +1,910 | $3,735 |
| Avg Internet Speed | 49.99 Mbps +50.0 | 0 Mbps |
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