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Cost of living in the Bahamas
Overview
As with
other tax-free islands, compared
to the US or Canada, the cost of food, cars and some items of clothing can
initially seem
comparatively expensive in Nassau because of freight and customs duties.
However, this is more than compensated for by the savings
made through savings on your tax bill.
Residents are billed monthly for
electricity charges and quarterly for water charges. The
average deposit for
electrical service varies with home size and location, with about $200
as average. Telephone
rental is on a monthly basis. Telephone deposits range from $50-$500 for
landlords, and $150-$500
for tenants.
Accommodation
Virtually all homes
and apartments for rent or sale are basically furnished. Rents vary according to
location and season. Summer is the best time for apartment hunting. In general,
an efficiency apartment rents monthly on a one-year lease for $300-$500; a one
bedroom, $450 and up; two bedrooms will be from $700; a two-bedroom detached
house can rent from $1,200;
a three-bed detached house or condo rents from $2,500 upwards per month
depending upon location. Short-term leases usually include utilities.
Examples of costs
New Providence has
well-stocked supermarkets carrying US brands as well as a range of name brands
from other countries.
Examples of New Providence prices (2005 rates):
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