Cost Of Living in Barbados 2024
Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Barbados
Whether you're living in Barbados 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 Expenditure2,200 BBD
per month$1,100170 BBD $84
$11,000 22,000 BBD
Single1,500 BBD
per month$760510 BBD $250
$5,100 10,000 BBD
Couple2,500 BBD
per month$1,300840 BBD $420
$6,800 14,000 BBD
Family3,400 BBD
per month$1,7001,200 BBD $590
$9,300 19,000 BBD
Student1,000 BBD
per month$510410 BBD $200
$920 1,800 BBD
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.
Singles
The average monthly expense for a single person living in Barbados is 1,500 BBD. Expenses can range from 510 BBD at the minimum level to 10,000 BBD at the highest end.
Couples
The average monthly spending of couples in Barbados is 2,500 BBD. Expenditure can range from 840 BBD to 14,000 BBD per month.
Families
The average cost of living for families in Barbados is 3,400 BBD per month. Families spend anywhere from 1,200 BBD to 19,000 BBD.
Students
The average monthly expenditure for students in Barbados is 1,000 BBD. Students spend from 410 BBD to 1,800 BBD 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 Barbados
Dining, food, and beverages costs
Large bottle of water | 0.27 BBD | 0.30 BBD | 0.35 BBD |
Fast food combo meal
Restaurant meal for one
Fine dining meal for one
Soda or Soft Drink | 0.32 BBD | 0.38 BBD | 0.45 BBD |
Cappuccino or latte Grocery and market costs
Milk large bottle
Loaf of bread | 0.27 BBD | 0.31 BBD | 0.36 BBD |
12 eggs
Fresh whole chicken
Beef 1 kg or 1 lb
Rice 1 kg or 1 lb
Tomato 1 kg or 1 lb | 0.45 BBD | 0.61 BBD | 1.1 BBD |
Apples 1 kg or 1 lb Commute, travel, and transportation costs
20 minutes taxi ride
Average car full tank
Average car 1-day rental
Average car price | 5,700 BBD | 11,000 BBD | 15,000 BBD |
Bus ticket one way | 0.38 BBD | 0.57 BBD | 1.1 BBD |
Car Service Utility cost (monthly)
Utility Bill - Individual
Utility Bill - Couple
Utility Bill - Family
Internet and cable
Mobile phone charges Leisure and activities costs
Movie ticket
One month gym membership Cloths and accessories costs
Pair of jeans or pants
Woman dress
Woman shoes
Men's shoes
Men suit
Regular t-shirt Housing costs / monthly rent
Studio apartment
1-bedroom apartment | 280 BBD | 450 BBD | 1,100 BBD |
2-bedroom apartment | 380 BBD | 570 BBD | 1,500 BBD |
Housing costs / Buying
Studio apartment | 38,000 BBD | 57,000 BBD | 110,000 BBD |
1-bedroom apartment | 45,000 BBD | 76,000 BBD | 280,000 BBD |
2-bedroom apartment | 76,000 BBD | 230,000 BBD | 450,000 BBD |
| $38,000 | $110,000 | $230,000 |
Furniture Costs
King Size Bed
Double Bed
Single Bed
Living Room | 250 BBD | 320 BBD | 1,100 BBD |
Dining Table
Sofa or Couch Electronics and House Appliance Costs
TV Set
Fridge or Freezer
Washing Machine
Stove or Cooker
Mobile Phone
Laptop or Computer Expenditure to Income Ratio in Barbados
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
84%
76% 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 Barbados is 84%
This means that on average, people spend around 84% 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
76%
Spending-Income-Ratio
68%
84%
Couple
80%
Spending-Income-Ratio
72%
88%
Family
88%
Spending-Income-Ratio
80%
98%
How do people spend their money in Barbados?
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 Expenditure26%
26% of total expenses on average (15% to 34%)
| LOW | $25 51 BBD |
| AVERAGE | $330 660 BBD |
| HIGH | $3,300 6,600 BBD |
| Per Month |
People living in Barbados typically spend from 15% to 34% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 26% being the average. The average spend on housing is 660 BBD with expenditure ranging from 51 BBD to 6,600 BBD. 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 | $4.2 8.4 BBD |
| AVERAGE | $55 110 BBD |
| HIGH | $550 1,100 BBD |
| Per Month |
Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Barbados ranges from 3% to 10% of total expenses with 6% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 110 BBD with 8.4 BBD and 1,100 BBD being the upper and lower limits.
Transport, Fuel, Commute8%
8% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)
| LOW | $8.4 17 BBD |
| AVERAGE | $110 220 BBD |
| HIGH | $1,100 2,200 BBD |
| 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 17 BBD to 2,200 BBD on commuting with 220 BBD 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 | $21 42 BBD |
| AVERAGE | $270 550 BBD |
| HIGH | $2,700 5,500 BBD |
| Per Month |
The average outlay on groceries in a month in Barbados is 550 BBD. The cost of groceries can range between 42 BBD to 5,500 BBD. 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 | $5.9 12 BBD |
| AVERAGE | $77 150 BBD |
| HIGH | $770 1,500 BBD |
| Per Month |
People in Barbados 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 12 BBD to 1,500 BBD with 150 BBD being the norm.
Leisure and Shopping6%
6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)
| LOW | $3.4 6.8 BBD |
| AVERAGE | $44 88 BBD |
| HIGH | $440 880 BBD |
| 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 6.8 BBD to 880 BBD with 88 BBD 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 | $5.1 10 BBD |
| AVERAGE | $66 130 BBD |
| HIGH | $660 1,300 BBD |
| 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 130 BBD per month with 10 BBD being the minimum spent amount and 1,300 BBD being the maximum.
Other Expenses12%
12% of total expenses on average (7% to 19%)
| LOW | $11 22 BBD |
| AVERAGE | $140 290 BBD |
| HIGH | $1,400 2,900 BBD |
| Per Month |
How much money can you save in Barbados 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 Barbados manage to save money from their income every month?
Almost 58% of the surveyed people in Barbados said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 42% said that aren't saving anything.
Percentage of people saving money by population group in Barbados
| Group | Savers | Non Savers |
|---|
| Singles | 64% | 36% |
| Couples | 59% | 41% |
| Families | 54% | 46% |
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
Average Monthly Saved Amount
58 BBD
$29 | 750 BBD
$380 | 7,500 BBD
$3,800 |
For most people, 12% to 32% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 20% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 750 BBD on average with savings ranging from 58 BBD to 7,500 BBD.
64% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 59% of couples said the same. 54% of families confirmed their ability to save money.
How much money do people actually save in Barbados?
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
Average Monthly Saved Amount
170 BBD
$87 | 520 BBD
$260 | 3,500 BBD
$1,700 |
Savings to income distribution levels for singles
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Singles |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 29% |
| 10% - 20% | 23% |
| 20% - 30% | 16% |
| 30% - 40% | 16% |
| 40% - 50% | 12% |
| > 50% | 4% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 15% to 34% of their monthly income to savings, with 24% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 520 BBD with 170 BBD and 3,500 BBD being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Couples
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
290 BBD
$140 | 870 BBD
$430 | 4,600 BBD
$2,300 |
Savings to income distribution levels for couples
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Couples |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 33% |
| 10% - 20% | 25% |
| 20% - 30% | 19% |
| 30% - 40% | 11% |
| 40% - 50% | 9% |
| > 50% | 3% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 13% to 33% of their monthly income, with 22% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 870 BBD with 290 BBD and 4,600 BBD being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Families
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
410 BBD
$200 | 1,200 BBD
$580 | 6,400 BBD
$3,200 |
Savings to income distribution levels for families
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Families |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 36% |
| 10% - 20% | 28% |
| 20% - 30% | 20% |
| 30% - 40% | 8% |
| 40% - 50% | 6% |
| > 50% | 2% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Families in Barbados can save anywhere between 11% to 29% of their monthly income, with 19% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 1,200 BBD with 410 BBD and 6,400 BBD 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 Barbados
Income and cost of living compatibility
We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.
Is it affordable or economical to live in Barbados?
Around 60% of surveyed residents think that living in Barbados is affordable with proper budgeting while 40% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.
Low-cost alternatives in Barbados
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 options56%
Few low-cost options44%
Based on the survey, 56% of the people living in Barbados have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 44% 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 Barbados whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.
Yes57%
No43%
Based on the survey, 43% of the people living in Barbados said that they don't have an emergency fund while 57% said that they do.
Financial Literacy in Barbados
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 Leteracy55%
We asked residents of Barbados whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 45% 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 55% 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 Barbados have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so asked the people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 44% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 56% said that they have everything under control.
Struggles with finance44%
Easily manages finances56%
Financial goals of people in Barbados
In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Barbados, 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 Fund | 7% |
| Debt Reduction | 34% |
| Retirement Savings | 8% |
| Education Funding | 8% |
| Homeownership | 17% |
| Investing | 8% |
| Travel or Lifestyle | 10% |
| Healthcare Expenses | 9% |
| Financial Independence | 8% |
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 34% 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. 8% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 10% 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 Barbados
Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money
We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Barbados. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.
| Reason | % People |
|---|
| Low Income | 6% |
| High Expenses | 9% |
| Debt and Loans | 18% |
| Lack of Budgeting Skills | 10% |
| Impulsive Spending | 10% |
| Financial Emergencies | 6% |
| Living the moment | 7% |
| Will do it later | 17% |
| Inflation | 11% |
| Social Pressure | 3% |
| Market Instability | 3% |
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. 10% 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 Barbados
Where do people choose to put their savings?
| Saving Type | % People |
|---|
| Emergency Funds | 11% |
| Gold | 10% |
| Savings Accounts | 17% |
| Retirement Accounts | 11% |
| Cash Savings | 16% |
| Real Estate | 10% |
| Investment | 6% |
| Stocks | 6% |
| Bonds | 6% |
| Mutual Funds | 3% |
| Certificates of Deposit | 3% |
Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Barbados
What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Barbados and how much retirement savings are required?
Retirement age
The retirement age for most employees in Barbados 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:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 5x monthly salary at age 25 |
| 30 | 10x monthly salary at age 30 |
| 35 | 15x monthly salary at age 35 |
| 40 | 25x monthly salary at age 40 |
| 45 | 32x monthly salary at age 45 |
| 50 | 48x monthly salary at age 50 |
| 55 | 56x monthly salary at age 55 |
| 60 | 64x monthly salary at age 60 |
| 65 | 78x monthly salary at age 65 |
The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Barbados:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 5,900 BBD |
| 30 | 12,000 BBD |
| 35 | 21,000 BBD |
| 40 | 29,000 BBD |
| 45 | 44,000 BBD |
| 50 | 62,000 BBD |
| 55 | 74,000 BBD |
| 60 | 91,000 BBD |
| 65 | 110,000 BBD |
Retirement Income Distribution
We asked residents of Barbados about their retirement income sources and below are the results.
| Source | % People |
|---|
| Pensions | 13% |
| Savings | 22% |
| Investments | 13% |
| Social Security | 8% |
| Annuities | 8% |
| Part-time Job | 10% |
| Real Estate | 17% |
| Dividends and Interest | 8% |
Retirement Monthly Expenses in Barbados 370 BBD
$190 | 1,100 BBD
$560 | 7,400 BBD
$3,700 |
Debt, loans, and mortgages in Barbados
Percentage of people who are in debt
According to the survey, 31% of the people in Barbados have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 69% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.
Debt-to-income ratio in Barbados
Debt to income ratio
29%
20% 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 29% of the people's monthly income in Barbados goes to debt settlement.
Debt levelsMonthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income
| Debt-to-income ratio | % People |
|---|
| > 60% | 3% |
| 50% - 60% | 12% |
| 40% - 50% | 12% |
| 30% - 40% | 14% |
| 20% - 30% | 15% |
| 10% - 20% | 18% |
| 0% - 10% | 27% |
According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Barbados pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 12% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 12% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 14% 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 Barbados
| Debt | % People |
|---|
| Real Estate Mortgage | 13% |
| Auto Loan | 22% |
| Student Loan | 3% |
| Credit Card | 25% |
| Personal Loan | 37% |
13% of debtors in Barbados 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 22% of people and personal loans rose at 37%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Barbados.
About credit score and debt managementManaging 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 Barbados
Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Barbados 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 |
|---|
| Never | 55% |
| Once a year | 22% |
| Twice a year | 11% |
| Three times a year | 8% |
| Four times a year | 4% |
Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Barbados
Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Rent Cost in Barbados
Monthly Rent Prices
Studio apartment
1-bedroom apartment | 280 BBD | 450 BBD | 1,100 BBD |
2-bedroom apartment | 380 BBD | 570 BBD | 1,500 BBD |
3-bedroom apartment | 450 BBD | 760 BBD | 2,100 BBD |
Furnished apartment | 910 BBD | 2,300 BBD | 4,500 BBD |
Townhouse | 760 BBD | 1,100 BBD | 3,200 BBD |
House | 910 BBD | 2,300 BBD | 4,500 BBD |
Villa | 1,100 BBD | 2,800 BBD | 4,500 BBD |
The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Barbados ranges between 190 BBD and 760 BBD, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 280 BBD to 1,100 BBD. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 380 BBD and 1,500 BBD per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 450 BBD to 2,100 BBD. The average rent of a townhouse in Barbados is around 1,100 BBD while house rental costs can be as high as 2,300 BBD per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 1,100 BBD to 4,500 BBD per month.
Apartment and house prices in Barbados
Cost of buying a property
Studio apartment | 38,000 BBD | 57,000 BBD | 110,000 BBD |
1-bedroom apartment | 45,000 BBD | 76,000 BBD | 280,000 BBD |
2-bedroom apartment | 76,000 BBD | 230,000 BBD | 450,000 BBD |
| $38,000 | $110,000 | $230,000 |
3-bedroom apartment | 250,000 BBD | 380,000 BBD | 1.1M BBD |
| $130,000 | $190,000 | $570,000 |
Townhouse | 320,000 BBD | 760,000 BBD | 2.8M BBD |
House | 380,000 BBD | 2.3M BBD | 3.2M BBD |
Villa | 450,000 BBD | 2.5M BBD | 3.8M BBD |
The average price of a studio apartment in Barbados can range from 38,000 BBD to 110,000 BBD depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 45,000 BBD to 280,000 BBD. A villa can cost you 2.5M BBD on average with prices ranging from 450,000 BBD to 3.8M BBD.
If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Barbados 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
| 39 | x113 monthly income | 208 |
Property prices in Barbados can be x113 to x208 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x113 multiples of the average monthly salary in Barbados.
Rent to income ratio
Rent to income ratio( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100
The average rent-to-income ratio in Barbados is around 31%. This means that people pay 31% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 21% to 41% 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
29% 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.
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.
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.
SingleSpending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Barbados
Housing32%
32% of total expenses on average (20% to 44%)
| LOW | $91 180 BBD |
| AVERAGE | $270 550 BBD |
| HIGH | $1,800 3,600 BBD |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water7%
7% of total expenses on average (3% to 12%)
| LOW | $15 30 BBD |
| AVERAGE | $46 91 BBD |
| HIGH | $300 610 BBD |
| Per Month |
Transport, Fuel6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)
| LOW | $20 41 BBD |
| AVERAGE | $61 120 BBD |
| HIGH | $410 810 BBD |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries18%
18% of total expenses on average (12% to 23%)
| LOW | $41 81 BBD |
| AVERAGE | $120 240 BBD |
| HIGH | $810 1,600 BBD |
| Per Month |
Healthcare11%
11% of total expenses on average (5% to 15%)
| LOW | $23 46 BBD |
| AVERAGE | $68 140 BBD |
| HIGH | $460 910 BBD |
| Per Month |
Leisure, Shopping4%
4% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)
| LOW | $13 25 BBD |
| AVERAGE | $38 76 BBD |
| HIGH | $250 510 BBD |
| Per Month |
Education2%
2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)
| LOW | $5.1 10 BBD |
| AVERAGE | $15 30 BBD |
| HIGH | $100 200 BBD |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses20%
20% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)
| LOW | $46 91 BBD |
| AVERAGE | $140 270 BBD |
| HIGH | $910 1,800 BBD |
| Per Month |
CoupleAverage monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Barbados
Housing29%
29% of total expenses on average (22% to 39%)
| LOW | $140 280 BBD |
| AVERAGE | $420 840 BBD |
| HIGH | $2,200 4,500 BBD |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)
| LOW | $21 42 BBD |
| AVERAGE | $63 130 BBD |
| HIGH | $340 680 BBD |
| Per Month |
Transport, Fuel10%
10% of total expenses on average (4% to 15%)
| LOW | $51 100 BBD |
| AVERAGE | $150 300 BBD |
| HIGH | $810 1,600 BBD |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries16%
16% of total expenses on average (11% to 21%)
| LOW | $59 120 BBD |
| AVERAGE | $180 350 BBD |
| HIGH | $950 1,900 BBD |
| Per Month |
Healthcare13%
13% of total expenses on average (7% to 17%)
| LOW | $46 93 BBD |
| AVERAGE | $140 280 BBD |
| HIGH | $740 1,500 BBD |
| Per Month |
Leisure, Shopping5%
5% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)
| LOW | $25 51 BBD |
| AVERAGE | $76 150 BBD |
| HIGH | $410 810 BBD |
| Per Month |
Education2%
2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)
| LOW | $8.4 17 BBD |
| AVERAGE | $25 51 BBD |
| HIGH | $140 270 BBD |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses19%
19% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)
| LOW | $72 140 BBD |
| AVERAGE | $220 430 BBD |
| HIGH | $1,100 2,300 BBD |
| Per Month |
FamilyAverage monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Barbados
Housing28%
28% of total expenses on average (23% to 38%)
| LOW | $190 380 BBD |
| AVERAGE | $540 1,100 BBD |
| HIGH | $3,000 5,900 BBD |
| Per Month |
Transport, Fuel6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 8%)
| LOW | $47 95 BBD |
| AVERAGE | $140 270 BBD |
| HIGH | $740 1,500 BBD |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries20%
20% of total expenses on average (13% to 26%)
| LOW | $110 210 BBD |
| AVERAGE | $300 610 BBD |
| HIGH | $1,700 3,300 BBD |
| Per Month |
Healthcare10%
10% of total expenses on average (6% to 15%)
| LOW | $47 95 BBD |
| AVERAGE | $140 270 BBD |
| HIGH | $740 1,500 BBD |
| Per Month |
Leisure, Shopping4%
4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)
| LOW | $30 59 BBD |
| AVERAGE | $84 170 BBD |
| HIGH | $460 930 BBD |
| Per Month |
Education14%
14% of total expenses on average (7% to 22%)
| LOW | $83 170 BBD |
| AVERAGE | $240 470 BBD |
| HIGH | $1,300 2,600 BBD |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses14%
14% of total expenses on average (7% to 19%)
| LOW | $71 140 BBD |
| AVERAGE | $200 410 BBD |
| HIGH | $1,100 2,200 BBD |
| Per Month |
StudentCost of living and expenses break down for students living in Barbados
Housing20%
20% of total expenses on average (15% to 26%)
| LOW | $49 98 BBD |
| AVERAGE | $120 240 BBD |
| HIGH | $220 440 BBD |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water5%
5% of total expenses on average (3% to 9%)
| LOW | $8.2 16 BBD |
| AVERAGE | $20 41 BBD |
| HIGH | $37 73 BBD |
| Per Month |
Transport, Fuel5%
5% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)
| LOW | $14 29 BBD |
| AVERAGE | $36 71 BBD |
| HIGH | $64 130 BBD |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries22%
22% of total expenses on average (16% to 26%)
| LOW | $41 82 BBD |
| AVERAGE | $100 200 BBD |
| HIGH | $180 370 BBD |
| Per Month |
Healthcare8%
8% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)
| LOW | $12 24 BBD |
| AVERAGE | $31 61 BBD |
| HIGH | $55 110 BBD |
| Per Month |
Leisure, Shopping4%
4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)
| LOW | $10 20 BBD |
| AVERAGE | $26 51 BBD |
| HIGH | $46 92 BBD |
| Per Month |
Education19%
19% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)
| LOW | $39 78 BBD |
| AVERAGE | $97 190 BBD |
| HIGH | $170 350 BBD |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses17%
17% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)
| LOW | $31 61 BBD |
| AVERAGE | $77 150 BBD |
| HIGH | $140 280 BBD |
| Per Month |
