Key Cost of Living Data
Bridgetown 2026 · NYC baseline = 100
| Category | Value | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CoL Index | N/A | NYC baseline = 100 · global avg 87.2 | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| Rent Index | N/A | Avg rent vs NYC | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| 1-BR City Centre | $600 | Monthly rent, USD | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| 1-BR Outside Centre | $390 | Monthly rent, USD | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| Cheap Restaurant Meal | $7 | Per person, USD | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| Monthly Groceries | $420 | Single person, USD | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| Monthly Transport | $82 | Transit pass, USD | GlobalCostData 2026 |
Affordability snapshot
Rent / Salary ratio
30%
Share of average net salary absorbed by 1-bed city-centre rent. Lower = more disposable income.
Country context · Barbados
Avg net salary
$1,988
Food basket /mo
N/A
Avg rent /mo
$600
Internet speed
94 Mbps
Safety index
2.9
HDI
0.809
Life expectancy
74.6 yrs
Purchasing power
55.2
Housing & Rent
USD per month · 2026
| Type | USD / month | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed, city centre | $600 | Capital city avg. |
| 1-bed, outside centre | $390 | Suburbs avg. |
| Country avg rent | $600 | Barbados (national) |
Food & Dining
Per-item prices in USD
| Item | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cheap restaurant meal | $7 | Per person |
| Mid-range restaurant (2p) | $20 | 3-course |
| Monthly groceries (single) | $420 | Single person estimate |
| Country food basket | N/A | Barbados (national avg) |
Transport
Monthly costs in USD
| Type | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly transit pass | $82 | Public transport avg. |
City Insight
In Bridgetown, a 1-bedroom city-centre apartment ($600/mo) absorbs approximately 30% of the average net salary ($1,988/mo). This leaves solid disposable income.
Country profile
Full cost of living guide for Barbados
Related · TaxRatesByCountry.com
Tax Rates in Barbados for Expats 2026
Income tax, corporate rates, capital gains & special regimes
Read guide →
Free resource
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Monthly Budget Estimates
Bridgetown · 2026 · Single person
| Lifestyle | Monthly Budget (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Frugal | $500 | Shared room, basic lifestyle |
| Comfortable | $800 | 1-bed apt, normal expat lifestyle |
| Western expat | $1,300 | Private apt, regular travel |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Bridgetown cost of living
Is Bridgetown cheap to live in?
Bridgetown is moderately affordable with a CoL Index of 68.0. It is cheaper than most Western cities, making it popular with digital nomads and expats. A comfortable single-person lifestyle typically costs $680–$952/month.
What is the average rent in Bridgetown?
A 1-bedroom apartment in the centre of Bridgetown costs approximately $600/month, while outside the city centre it averages $390/month. Prices vary significantly by neighbourhood and property quality.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Bridgetown?
A comfortable single-person lifestyle in Bridgetown requires approximately $659/month, covering rent, food, transport, and leisure. On a tight budget (shared housing, cooking at home), $369/month is feasible. A Western expat lifestyle with private accommodation costs $1,126+/month.
Is Bridgetown, the capital, more expensive than other cities in Barbados?
As the capital of Barbados, Bridgetown tends to command a premium over smaller regional cities. Its CoL Index of 68.0 (NYC=100) reflects the concentration of government, business, and international institutions that typically drive up housing and service costs. Secondary cities in Barbados are often 20–40% cheaper for rent.
What is the average salary in Bridgetown?
The average net monthly salary in Bridgetown is approximately $1,988, equivalent to around $23,856/year after taxes. Technology, finance, and international companies typically pay above average. Expat packages often include housing allowances on top of the base salary.
Cities With Similar Cost of Living
Comparable CoL Index (+/- 10 points) to Bridgetown
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Similar cost cities are computed from the CoL Index.Featured in these rankings
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Sources: World Bank Open Data 2026 · GlobalCostData Research 2026. Data verified April 2026. Not financial or legal advice.
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and vary by neighbourhood and individual lifestyle. Verify with local sources before relocating.