New Providence, the most populous island in the Bahamas, is a vibrant hub of culture and commerce. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering a move or planning an extended stay.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you budget effectively for life in this tropical paradise.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $28.5 on average, with a range between $6 and $75.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $120, with prices ranging from $115.45 to $150.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $9.75, with a range between $9.5 and $10.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3.5 to $15, imported beer $4.5 to $5, cappuccino $4 to $9, and Coke/Pepsi $1.75 to $6.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced at $3.85 per liter.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $4 and $4.41, with an average price of $4.2.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs are consistently priced at $3.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.48 to $3.95 per kg, while oranges range from $1.96 to $3.95 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $2.18 and $4.39 per kg, and lettuce costs $2.15 to $2.99 per head.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $1.25 and $2.5.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced at $1.12 per liter.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares for one hour of waiting are priced at $60.

Housing Costs

  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment outside the centre is $4500.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost $330.
  • Internet - Internet services average $52.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 6 user contributions, as of the most recent update in September, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$28.50
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$120.00
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$9.75
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.50
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.75
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.75
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.12
Cappuccino (regular)
$6.82
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$3.85
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$4.20
Eggs (regular) (12)
$3.00
Local Cheese (1kg)
$9.03
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$2.00
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$27.50
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$3.57
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.50
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$8.99
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$12.08
Apples (1kg)
$2.71
Oranges (1kg)
$2.95
Potato (1kg)
$3.28
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.57
Rice (white), (1kg)
$6.06
Tomato (1kg)
$3.28
Banana (1kg)
$2.74
Onion (1kg)
$3.15
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$13.12
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$1.88
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.12
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$60.00
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$4,500.00
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$330.00
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$52.00
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,029.00
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
6.5%
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$350.00
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$3,800.00
New Providence Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

New Providence offers a diverse range of dining options, with prices varying significantly based on the type of restaurant.

Grocery prices are relatively high, reflecting the island's reliance on imports.

Transportation costs are moderate, with affordable public transport and reasonable fuel prices.

Housing is a significant expense, particularly for larger apartments outside the city centre.

Utilities and internet services are moderately priced, contributing to the overall cost of living.

Conclusion

Living in New Providence, Bahamas, presents a unique blend of tropical lifestyle and modern amenities. While some costs, such as dining and groceries, can be high, the island offers a range of options to suit different budgets.

Understanding these expenses is key to managing your finances effectively and enjoying all that New Providence has to offer.