Christchurch, a vibrant city in Barbados, offers a unique blend of cultural richness and modern amenities. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both residents and potential newcomers.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Christchurch, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $50 on average, with a range between $8 and $60.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $137.5, with prices ranging from $100 to $175.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $12.5.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer is priced at $2.5, imported beer ranges from $2.5 to $4.5, cappuccino costs between $4 and $6, and Coke/Pepsi is priced between $1.65 and $2.5.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced at $3.48 per liter.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.25 and $3, with an average price of $2.63.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $3.6 to $6, averaging $4.9.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $3.05 per kg, while oranges are priced at $8 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced at $6 per kg, and lettuce costs between $2 and $3 per head.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $1.75 and $2.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced at $2.05 per liter.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $12.5, with a cost of $2 to $2.5 per km.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $550 to $1100, averaging $825.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $400 to $1000, averaging $700.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2300 to $3500, averaging $2900.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $2750.

Utilities

  • Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $60, with an average cost of $55.
  • Mobile Phone Plan - A mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data averages $50.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 8 user contributions, as of the most recent update in October, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$50.00
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$137.50
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$12.50
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.50
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.00
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.97
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.54
Cappuccino (regular)
$5.00
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$3.48
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$2.63
Eggs (regular) (12)
$4.90
Local Cheese (1kg)
$7.99
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$2.05
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$22.50
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.75
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.25
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$8.10
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$18.00
Apples (1kg)
$3.05
Oranges (1kg)
$8.00
Potato (1kg)
$6.00
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.50
Rice (white), (1kg)
$7.50
Tomato (1kg)
$8.35
Banana (1kg)
$2.75
Onion (1kg)
$5.00
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$11.00
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$1.75
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$0.00
Gasoline (1 liter)
$2.05
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$12.50
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$2.25
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$825.00
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$700.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$2,900.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$2,750.00
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$55.00
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$50.00
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$57.50
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$100.00
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$62.50
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$445.00
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$6,000.00
Christchurch Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Christchurch offers a diverse range of dining options, with prices varying significantly between casual and upscale restaurants.

Grocery prices in Christchurch are relatively high, particularly for imported goods.

Transportation costs are moderate, with affordable public transport and higher taxi fares.

Housing in Christchurch is varied, with more affordable options available outside the city centre.

Utilities, including internet and mobile plans, are reasonably priced, contributing to the overall cost of living.

Conclusion

The cost of living in Christchurch, Barbados, reflects its status as a vibrant and culturally rich city. While some expenses, such as dining and groceries, can be high, there are opportunities to find affordable housing and transportation options.

Potential residents should consider their lifestyle preferences and budget carefully to make the most of living in this beautiful city.