Cost Of Living in Bahamas 2024

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Bahamas

Whether you're living in Bahamas or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.

Average Monthly Expenditure

2,300 BSD

per month
$2,300

180 BSD   $180
$23,000   23,000 BSD

Single

1,600 BSD

per month
$1,600

540 BSD   $540
$11,000   11,000 BSD

Couple

2,700 BSD

per month
$2,700

900 BSD   $900
$14,000   14,000 BSD

Family

3,600 BSD

per month
$3,600

1,300 BSD   $1,300
$20,000   20,000 BSD

Student

1,100 BSD

per month
$1,100

450 BSD   $450
$2,000   2,000 BSD
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Bahamas is 1,600 BSD. Expenses can range from 540 BSD at the minimum level to 11,000 BSD at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Bahamas is 2,700 BSD. Expenditure can range from 900 BSD to 14,000 BSD per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Bahamas is 3,600 BSD per month. Families spend anywhere from 1,300 BSD to 20,000 BSD.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Bahamas is 1,100 BSD. Students spend from 450 BSD to 2,000 BSD per month.


Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.

Prices and cost of goods and services in Bahamas


Dining, food, and beverages costs


Large bottle of water
0.29 BSD 0.33 BSD 0.39 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.29 $0.33 $0.39
Fast food combo meal
2.5 BSD 5 BSD 8.3 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.5 $5 $8.3
Restaurant meal for one
8.3 BSD 13 BSD 25 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.3 $13 $25
Fine dining meal for one
17 BSD 25 BSD 100 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $25 $100
Soda or Soft Drink
0.36 BSD 0.42 BSD 0.50 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.36 $0.42 $0.50
Cappuccino or latte
2.1 BSD 3.3 BSD 5 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.1 $3.3 $5

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle
1.7 BSD 2 BSD 2.5 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.7 $2 $2.5
Loaf of bread
0.30 BSD 0.34 BSD 0.40 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.30 $0.34 $0.40
12 eggs
1.3 BSD 1.7 BSD 2.5 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.3 $1.7 $2.5
Fresh whole chicken
2.8 BSD 3.7 BSD 5.2 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.8 $3.7 $5.2
Beef 1 kg or 1 lb
3.3 BSD 5 BSD 10 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.3 $5 $10
Rice 1 kg or 1 lb
1.3 BSD 1.8 BSD 2.6 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.3 $1.8 $2.6
Tomato 1 kg or 1 lb
0.50 BSD 0.67 BSD 1.3 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.50 $0.67 $1.3
Apples 1 kg or 1 lb
0.89 BSD 1.2 BSD 1.9 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.89 $1.2 $1.9

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride
2.1 BSD 2.5 BSD 5 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.1 $2.5 $5
Average car full tank
13 BSD 17 BSD 33 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $17 $33
Average car 1-day rental
13 BSD 17 BSD 25 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $17 $25
Average car price
6,300 BSD 13,000 BSD 17,000 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6,300 $13,000 $17,000
Bus ticket one way
0.42 BSD 0.63 BSD 1.3 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.42 $0.63 $1.3
Car Service
17 BSD 25 BSD 50 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $25 $50

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual
33 BSD 98 BSD 650 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$33 $98 $650
Utility Bill - Couple
45 BSD 140 BSD 720 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$45 $140 $720
Utility Bill - Family
38 BSD 110 BSD 600 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$38 $110 $600
Internet and cable
13 BSD 25 BSD 33 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $25 $33
Mobile phone charges
10 BSD 17 BSD 50 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$10 $17 $50

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket
6.3 BSD 8.3 BSD 13 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.3 $8.3 $13
One month gym membership
20 BSD 25 BSD 50 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $25 $50

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants
15 BSD 21 BSD 31 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $21 $31
Woman dress
14 BSD 19 BSD 63 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$14 $19 $63
Woman shoes
13 BSD 18 BSD 42 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $18 $42
Men's shoes
11 BSD 14 BSD 28 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $14 $28
Men suit
13 BSD 16 BSD 83 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $16 $83
Regular t-shirt
6.3 BSD 8.3 BSD 25 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.3 $8.3 $25

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment
210 BSD 310 BSD 830 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$210 $310 $830
1-bedroom apartment
310 BSD 500 BSD 1,300 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$310 $500 $1,300
2-bedroom apartment
420 BSD 630 BSD 1,700 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$420 $630 $1,700

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment
42,000 BSD 63,000 BSD 130,000 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$42,000 $63,000 $130,000
1-bedroom apartment
50,000 BSD 83,000 BSD 310,000 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$50,000 $83,000 $310,000
2-bedroom apartment
83,000 BSD 250,000 BSD 500,000 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$83,000 $250,000 $500,000

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed
250 BSD 310 BSD 420 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$250 $310 $420
Double Bed
170 BSD 250 BSD 310 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170 $250 $310
Single Bed
150 BSD 190 BSD 250 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150 $190 $250
Living Room
280 BSD 360 BSD 1,300 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$280 $360 $1,300
Dining Table
130 BSD 170 BSD 310 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130 $170 $310
Sofa or Couch
170 BSD 230 BSD 500 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170 $230 $500

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set
170 BSD 250 BSD 500 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170 $250 $500
Fridge or Freezer
150 BSD 230 BSD 310 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150 $230 $310
Washing Machine
190 BSD 280 BSD 500 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$190 $280 $500
Stove or Cooker
180 BSD 230 BSD 310 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$180 $230 $310
Mobile Phone
210 BSD 250 BSD 360 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$210 $250 $360
Laptop or Computer
230 BSD 280 BSD 500 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$230 $280 $500

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Bahamas

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.


Spending to Income Ratio

83%

75% to 93%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%6%
50% - 60%11%
60% - 70%18%
70% - 80%26%
80% - 90%16%
90% - 100%9%
100% - 110%5%
110% - 120%3%
120% - 130%2%
130% - 140%2%
> 140%1%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Bahamas is 83% This means that on average, people spend around 83% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 18% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.


How can spending be more than income?

A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.



Individual
75%
Spending-Income-Ratio
68%
84%

Couple
79%
Spending-Income-Ratio
71%
88%

Family
87%
Spending-Income-Ratio
79%
98%

How do people spend their money in Bahamas?

We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.

The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing Expenditure27%

27% of total expenses on average (16% to 35%)

LOW$54   54 BSD
AVERAGE$700   700 BSD
HIGH$7,000   7,000 BSD
Per Month

People living in Bahamas typically spend from 16% to 35% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 27% being the average. The average spend on housing is 700 BSD with expenditure ranging from 54 BSD to 7,000 BSD. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.

Utilities, Electricity, Water6%

6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)

LOW$9   9 BSD
AVERAGE$120   120 BSD
HIGH$1,200   1,200 BSD
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Bahamas ranges from 3% to 10% of total expenses with 6% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 120 BSD with 9 BSD and 1,200 BSD being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$18   18 BSD
AVERAGE$230   230 BSD
HIGH$2,300   2,300 BSD
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 18 BSD to 2,300 BSD on commuting with 230 BSD being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 8% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 12%.

Food and Groceries Cost27%

27% of total expenses on average (19% to 33%)

LOW$45   45 BSD
AVERAGE$590   590 BSD
HIGH$5,900   5,900 BSD
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Bahamas is 590 BSD. The cost of groceries can range between 45 BSD to 5,900 BSD. People spend on average about 27% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 19% and 33% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services9%

9% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$13   13 BSD
AVERAGE$160   160 BSD
HIGH$1,600   1,600 BSD
Per Month

People in Bahamas allocate 4% to 12% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 9%. The range of medical expenses range from 13 BSD to 1,600 BSD with 160 BSD being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping6%

6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)

LOW$7.2   7.2 BSD
AVERAGE$94   94 BSD
HIGH$940   940 BSD
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 7.2 BSD to 940 BSD with 94 BSD being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 10% of total expenses with an average of 6% for most residents.

Education and Schooling6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$11   11 BSD
AVERAGE$140   140 BSD
HIGH$1,400   1,400 BSD
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 6% of the monthly expenditure with 4% and 12% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 140 BSD per month with 11 BSD being the minimum spent amount and 1,400 BSD being the maximum.

Other Expenses12%

12% of total expenses on average (7% to 19%)

LOW$23   23 BSD
AVERAGE$310   310 BSD
HIGH$3,100   3,100 BSD
Per Month

How much money can you save in Bahamas every month?

We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.


What percentage of people in Bahamas manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
64%
Not Saving
36%

Almost 64% of the surveyed people in Bahamas said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 36% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Bahamas

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles70%30%
Couples65%35%
Families60%40%

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


Saving to Income Ratio

11% 18% of income 31%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

69 BSD
$69
900 BSD
$900
9,000 BSD
$9,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 11% to 31% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 18% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 900 BSD on average with savings ranging from 69 BSD to 9,000 BSD.

70% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 65% of couples said the same. 60% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Bahamas?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.


Singles

Saving to Income Ratio

14% 22% of income 33%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

210 BSD
$210
620 BSD
$620
4,200 BSD
$4,200
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%30%
10% - 20%24%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%15%
40% - 50%11%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 14% to 33% of their monthly income to savings, with 22% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 620 BSD with 210 BSD and 4,200 BSD being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

12% 20% of income 32%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

350 BSD
$350
1,000 BSD
$1,000
5,600 BSD
$5,600
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%34%
10% - 20%26%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%10%
40% - 50%8%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 12% to 32% of their monthly income, with 20% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 1,000 BSD with 350 BSD and 5,600 BSD being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

10% 17% of income 28%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

490 BSD
$490
1,400 BSD
$1,400
7,600 BSD
$7,600
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%37%
10% - 20%29%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%7%
40% - 50%5%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Bahamas can save anywhere between 10% to 28% of their monthly income, with 17% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 1,400 BSD with 490 BSD and 7,600 BSD being the minimum and maximum respectively.

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Affordable living in Bahamas

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Bahamas?


Yes
71%
No
29%

Around 71% of surveyed residents think that living in Bahamas is affordable with proper budgeting while 29% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Bahamas

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options59%

Few low-cost options41%


Based on the survey, 59% of the people living in Bahamas have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 41% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents of Bahamas whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes68%

No32%


Based on the survey, 32% of the people living in Bahamas said that they don't have an emergency fund while 68% said that they do.

Financial Literacy in Bahamas

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy66%


We asked residents of Bahamas whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 34% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 66% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether residents of Bahamas have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so asked the people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 32% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 68% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance32%

Easily manages finances68%

Financial goals of people in Bahamas

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Bahamas, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund7%
Debt Reduction33%
Retirement Savings8%
Education Funding8%
Homeownership17%
Investing9%
Travel or Lifestyle11%
Healthcare Expenses9%
Financial Independence8%

Around 7% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 33% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 8% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 8% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 17% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 9% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 11% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 9% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Saving Challenges in Bahamas

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Bahamas. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income6%
High Expenses9%
Debt and Loans18%
Lack of Budgeting Skills10%
Impulsive Spending9%
Financial Emergencies6%
Living the moment7%
Will do it later17%
Inflation11%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability3%

Around 6% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 9% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 18% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 10% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 9% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 7% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 17% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 11% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or societal expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Typical saving choices for people in Bahamas

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds11%
Gold10%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts11%
Cash Savings16%
Real Estate10%
Investment6%
Stocks6%
Bonds6%
Mutual Funds3%
Certificates of Deposit3%

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Bahamas

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Bahamas and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in Bahamas is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.

Retirement planning and savings

There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.


The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Bahamas:
AgeAmount
256,500 BSD
3013,000 BSD
3523,000 BSD
4033,000 BSD
4549,000 BSD
5068,000 BSD
5581,000 BSD
60100,000 BSD
65120,000 BSD

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of Bahamas about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions13%
Savings22%
Investments13%
Social Security8%
Annuities8%
Part-time Job10%
Real Estate17%
Dividends and Interest8%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Bahamas

390 BSD
$390
1,200 BSD
$1,200
7,800 BSD
$7,800
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Bahamas


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
28%
Debt Free
72%

According to the survey, 28% of the people in Bahamas have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 72% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Debt-to-income ratio in Bahamas

Debt to income ratio

28%

19% to 38%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 28% of the people's monthly income in Bahamas goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%11%
40% - 50%11%
30% - 40%13%
20% - 30%15%
10% - 20%19%
0% - 10%28%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Bahamas pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 11% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 11% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 13% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 15% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Bahamas

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage13%
Auto Loan23%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card25%
Personal Loan36%

13% of debtors in Bahamas confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 25% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 23% of people and personal loans rose at 36%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Bahamas.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Bahamas

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Bahamas how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never55%
Once a year22%
Twice a year11%
Three times a year8%
Four times a year4%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Bahamas

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Bahamas

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment
210 BSD 310 BSD 830 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$210 $310 $830
1-bedroom apartment
310 BSD 500 BSD 1,300 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$310 $500 $1,300
2-bedroom apartment
420 BSD 630 BSD 1,700 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$420 $630 $1,700
3-bedroom apartment
500 BSD 830 BSD 2,300 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$500 $830 $2,300
Furnished apartment
1,000 BSD 2,500 BSD 5,000 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,000 $2,500 $5,000
Townhouse
830 BSD 1,300 BSD 3,600 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$830 $1,300 $3,600
House
1,000 BSD 2,500 BSD 5,000 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,000 $2,500 $5,000
Villa
1,300 BSD 3,100 BSD 5,000 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,300 $3,100 $5,000

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Bahamas ranges between 210 BSD and 830 BSD, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 310 BSD to 1,300 BSD. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 420 BSD and 1,700 BSD per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 500 BSD to 2,300 BSD. The average rent of a townhouse in Bahamas is around 1,300 BSD while house rental costs can be as high as 2,500 BSD per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 1,300 BSD to 5,000 BSD per month.



Apartment and house prices in Bahamas

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment
42,000 BSD 63,000 BSD 130,000 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$42,000 $63,000 $130,000
1-bedroom apartment
50,000 BSD 83,000 BSD 310,000 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$50,000 $83,000 $310,000
2-bedroom apartment
83,000 BSD 250,000 BSD 500,000 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$83,000 $250,000 $500,000
3-bedroom apartment
280,000 BSD 420,000 BSD 1.3M BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$280,000 $420,000 $1.3M
Townhouse
360,000 BSD 830,000 BSD 3.1M BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$360,000 $830,000 $3.1M
House
420,000 BSD 2.5M BSD 3.6M BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$420,000 $2.5M $3.6M
Villa
500,000 BSD 2.8M BSD 4.2M BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$500,000 $2.8M $4.2M

The average price of a studio apartment in Bahamas can range from 42,000 BSD to 130,000 BSD depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 50,000 BSD to 310,000 BSD. A villa can cost you 2.8M BSD on average with prices ranging from 500,000 BSD to 4.2M BSD.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Bahamas will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


40 x118 monthly income 211
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Bahamas can be x118 to x211 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x118 multiples of the average monthly salary in Bahamas.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


22% 32% of income 42%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Bahamas is around 32%. This means that people pay 32% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 22% to 42% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
30%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2.2%
AVERAGE
3.2%
TO
4.2%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


3.6 BSD 47 BSD 470 BSD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.


Single
Spending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Bahamas

Housing33%

33% of total expenses on average (21% to 45%)

LOW$200   200 BSD
AVERAGE$590   590 BSD
HIGH$3,900   3,900 BSD
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

7% of total expenses on average (3% to 12%)

LOW$33   33 BSD
AVERAGE$98   98 BSD
HIGH$650   650 BSD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$43   43 BSD
AVERAGE$130   130 BSD
HIGH$870   870 BSD
Per Month

Food and Groceries18%

18% of total expenses on average (12% to 23%)

LOW$87   87 BSD
AVERAGE$260   260 BSD
HIGH$1,700   1,700 BSD
Per Month

Healthcare11%

11% of total expenses on average (5% to 15%)

LOW$49   49 BSD
AVERAGE$150   150 BSD
HIGH$980   980 BSD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)

LOW$27   27 BSD
AVERAGE$81   81 BSD
HIGH$540   540 BSD
Per Month

Education2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$11   11 BSD
AVERAGE$33   33 BSD
HIGH$220   220 BSD
Per Month

Other Expenses20%

20% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$98   98 BSD
AVERAGE$290   290 BSD
HIGH$2,000   2,000 BSD
Per Month


Couple
Average monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Bahamas

Housing30%

30% of total expenses on average (23% to 40%)

LOW$300   300 BSD
AVERAGE$890   890 BSD
HIGH$4,800   4,800 BSD
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$45   45 BSD
AVERAGE$140   140 BSD
HIGH$720   720 BSD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel10%

10% of total expenses on average (4% to 15%)

LOW$110   110 BSD
AVERAGE$330   330 BSD
HIGH$1,700   1,700 BSD
Per Month

Food and Groceries16%

16% of total expenses on average (11% to 21%)

LOW$130   130 BSD
AVERAGE$380   380 BSD
HIGH$2,000   2,000 BSD
Per Month

Healthcare13%

13% of total expenses on average (7% to 17%)

LOW$99   99 BSD
AVERAGE$300   300 BSD
HIGH$1,600   1,600 BSD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping5%

5% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$54   54 BSD
AVERAGE$160   160 BSD
HIGH$870   870 BSD
Per Month

Education2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$18   18 BSD
AVERAGE$54   54 BSD
HIGH$290   290 BSD
Per Month

Other Expenses19%

19% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)

LOW$150   150 BSD
AVERAGE$460   460 BSD
HIGH$2,500   2,500 BSD
Per Month


Family
Average monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Bahamas

Housing29%

29% of total expenses on average (24% to 39%)

LOW$400   400 BSD
AVERAGE$1,200   1,200 BSD
HIGH$6,400   6,400 BSD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 8%)

LOW$100   100 BSD
AVERAGE$290   290 BSD
HIGH$1,600   1,600 BSD
Per Month

Food and Groceries20%

20% of total expenses on average (13% to 26%)

LOW$230   230 BSD
AVERAGE$650   650 BSD
HIGH$3,600   3,600 BSD
Per Month

Healthcare10%

10% of total expenses on average (6% to 15%)

LOW$100   100 BSD
AVERAGE$290   290 BSD
HIGH$1,600   1,600 BSD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$63   63 BSD
AVERAGE$180   180 BSD
HIGH$990   990 BSD
Per Month

Education14%

14% of total expenses on average (7% to 22%)

LOW$180   180 BSD
AVERAGE$510   510 BSD
HIGH$2,800   2,800 BSD
Per Month

Other Expenses14%

14% of total expenses on average (7% to 19%)

LOW$150   150 BSD
AVERAGE$430   430 BSD
HIGH$2,400   2,400 BSD
Per Month


Student
Cost of living and expenses break down for students living in Bahamas

Housing21%

21% of total expenses on average (16% to 27%)

LOW$110   110 BSD
AVERAGE$270   270 BSD
HIGH$490   490 BSD
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 9%)

LOW$18   18 BSD
AVERAGE$45   45 BSD
HIGH$81   81 BSD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel5%

5% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$32   32 BSD
AVERAGE$79   79 BSD
HIGH$140   140 BSD
Per Month

Food and Groceries22%

22% of total expenses on average (16% to 26%)

LOW$90   90 BSD
AVERAGE$230   230 BSD
HIGH$410   410 BSD
Per Month

Healthcare8%

8% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$27   27 BSD
AVERAGE$68   68 BSD
HIGH$120   120 BSD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$23   23 BSD
AVERAGE$56   56 BSD
HIGH$100   100 BSD
Per Month

Education19%

19% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$86   86 BSD
AVERAGE$210   210 BSD
HIGH$380   380 BSD
Per Month

Other Expenses17%

17% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)

LOW$68   68 BSD
AVERAGE$170   170 BSD
HIGH$300   300 BSD
Per Month
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