Is the Bahamas Expensive Compared to the US?

In case you’ve acquired your coronary heart set on a luxury vacation in an incredible Caribbean vacation spot, the Bahamas simply is perhaps at the prime of your listing. That doesn’t imply nevertheless that the islands of this coral-based archipelago don’t cater to guests desirous of a extra funds aware vacation expertise; if you’d like to spend much less and nonetheless take pleasure in a vacation in the Bahamas, you’ll simply want to do a bit extra planning to keep away from spending greater than you supposed.

Image: A beachfront view of Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau, Bahamas. Cannot you simply image your self beachside, sipping on countless cocktails?

Earlier than setting off to the Bahamas, know that it’s the third most costly nation in the world to stay in, in accordance to a survey by Numbeo. In case you’re not staying at an all-inclusive resort, anticipate to be paying up to 10 USD for a beer and 18 USD for a cocktail.

On this article, we’ll talk about what the excessive price of dwelling in the Bahamas means to guests to this territory, how the Bahamas is in contrast to different Caribbean islands, and what you are able to do to get monetary savings in your Bahamas trip.

On this article on the Sandals Weblog:

How expensive is the Bahamas?
How expensive is the Bahamas compared to the US?
How expensive is the Bahamas compared to other Caribbean destinations?
How to keep down expenditures while in the Bahamas?

How costly is the Bahamas?

Most Caribbean islands have a tendency to be costlier than the United States for issues like buying, eating, lodging, and extra. Many guests to the area take into account holidays to this a part of the world a as soon as in a lifetime alternative, or a from time to time endeavor, with experiences to be gained that aren’t seemingly to be forgotten anytime quickly. You’re in paradise in spite of everything!

In case you select to trip in the Bahamas, you’ll seemingly discover immediately how way more costly it’s to eat out, and even to decide up choose objects from the retailer. That is precisely why many guests who trip in the Bahamas select to go on an all-inclusive trip, which incorporates limitless meals and (alcoholic) drinks as a part of your reserving. Sandals Resorts for example, supply {couples} in search of a romantic getaway in the Bahamas limitless smooth drinks, beers, wonderful wines, unique cocktails and premium liquors. Even the mini fridge in the room is stocked and free to use! Contemplating the truth, you’ll be able to anticipate to pay as a lot as 10 USD for a beer and 18 USD for a cocktail at common resorts/motels in the Bahamas, going all-inclusive may not be such a foul deal in spite of everything! Even connoisseur breakfast, lunch, dinner and in-between snacks are all included at the eating places on-property (Sandals Royal Bahamian options 10 eating places, Sandals Emerald Bay in Exuma options 11 eating places).

How costly is the Bahamas in contrast to the US?

The upper price of dwelling in the Bahamas are due to the proven fact that most items want to be imported, and all of this stuff are taxed, once they arrive and clear customs. In contrast to the US, there isn’t any earnings tax in the Bahamas. As an alternative the authorities makes its cash by taxing imported items, in addition to charging worth added tax (VAT) for items and providers when they’re bought by distributors.

Consuming out for instance, tends to be no less than 20-25% costlier in the Bahamas than in the US. In truth, the costs for respectable breakfast and lunch choices could shock you; in some situations, you might pay double for the similar type of meal you’d discover for breakfast or lunch in the US. As well as, most eating places cost 15% gratuity (mechanically by regulation), making all of those good causes to enterprise out on an all-inclusive vacation in the Bahamas. Choose for your self:

Love to drink a beer on the seaside or at the swimming pool? Take pleasure in a neighborhood Kalik or Sands beer or strive the Pirate Republic craft beer. You’re unlikely to be disenchanted!

How costly is the Bahamas in contrast to different Caribbean locations?

The Bahamas supply a tropical paradise that’s exhausting to match. The islands boast incredible white sand beaches, tropical palm bushes and turquoise waters. Snorkeling and scuba diving are wonderful, and you’ll anticipate quite a lot of tropical fish and turtles to go your path. Searching for another Caribbean paradise with a decrease price of dwelling?

Occurring a tropical getaway in Jamaica will be up to 40-50% cheaper than in the Bahamas. For that purpose, Jamaica is a superb various for vacationers who like to spend a bit much less whereas touring. The Bahamas beats out Jamaica for its closeness to the United States (45 minutes from Miami), however take into accout Montego Bay in Jamaica is only one hour and half-hour away from US shores.

Like to understand how Jamaica matches up with the Bahamas? Learn our ‘Jamaica vs Bahamas’ article for a complete overview!

Islands like Saint Lucia and Grenada are additionally good alternate options the place the Greenback goes an extended manner than in the Bahamas. Saint Lucia and Grenada match Jamaica in having costs which can be about 40-50% decrease than that of the Bahamas, however there’s somewhat extra journey time (and prices) related to these islands. Saint Lucia is 3 hours and 29 minutes away from Miami by airplane, and it takes 3 hours and 34 minutes to get to Grenada.

Do these locations stay up to what the Bahamas has on supply? It’s up to you to determine!

How to maintain down expenditures whereas in the Bahamas?

The Bahamas on a mid-range funds

• Go for an all-inclusive resort which supplies you the most bang on your buck. Whereas the widespread notion is that all-inclusive resorts will be pricey, not a lot while you take note of all the issues which can be included along with your keep! Issues to look out for: Are airport transfers included? What number of eating places and bars can be found on-property? Does the resort embody high-quality premium model liquors? Are water sports activities included? Is golf included? Are snorkeling journeys and scuba diving trips included? Is leisure included in the evenings? Does the resort offer you entry to private offshore islands?

What are you able to anticipate to be included at an all-inclusive resort in the Bahamas? Learn ‘What Does All-Inclusive Mean? Answering All Your Questions.’.

• Use the facilities offered by your lodging and take full benefit of watersports gear use (e.g. stand-up paddle boards, snorkeling gear and kayaks). This may also help you get monetary savings as opposed to looking for the similar issues elsewhere.
• Ask about becoming a member of different teams when heading out on excursions to save on transportation price. The resort employees will seemingly have the opportunity to aid you plan.

The Bahamas on a low funds

• Do your analysis so you discover the finest spots to go to, and don’t waste cash making an attempt ‘hit’ or ‘miss’ points of interest or eating places. There are some respectable takeaway eating places on the islands with decrease costs and good meals. The barbecue eating places like the ones in Arawak Cay in Nassau are additionally a terrific possibility.
• Native buses in the Bahamas are often called jitneys, and you need to use them to get round in the daytime when you’re not heading too far out. This may prevent from spending on a taxi or rental. You too can alternate taxi and jitney, relying on the place you’re headed.

Photograph credit score: Zoe Esteban/Shutterstock.com

The Bahamas on a shoestring funds

• In case you’ve saved up sufficient to make it to the Bahamas (however barely) and wish to stick to your funds, strive to make use of your contacts in the islands if in case you have any. Folks with mates or acquaintances dwelling in the islands could take into account a little bit of ‘Sofa Browsing’. If that isn’t attainable, go for a cost-effective visitor home, ideally one that features no less than one meal a day.
• Go grocery buying and cook dinner your individual meals. Take a look at considered one of the Supervalue supermarkets, the place you’ll have the opportunity to discover most belongings you want. Solomon’s Freshmarket is a little more various than different native grocery shops, nevertheless it’s additionally a bit costlier. Remember although, that irrespective of the place you go, grocery buying in the Bahamas just isn’t low-cost.
• In case you’re a drinker, purchase beers by the pack or purchase a bottle of native rum and chasers, fairly than spending all of your cash at a bar.
• In case you don’t thoughts the occasional unhealthy possibility, decide considered one of the fast-food choices. You’ll discover choices like MacDonald’s, Wendy’s, KFC and others in the Bahamas, providing a less expensive meal than most different eating places.

The Bahamas will be costly, however you’ll have the time of your life!

The Bahamas is perhaps costlier than the US, however contemplating the experiences you’ll be able to achieve on the island throughout your tropical getaway, the price of dwelling there shouldn’t sway you from visiting this slice of paradise. Worst case state of affairs, it can save you a bit extra, and go to later, or journey to various Caribbean islands like Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Grenada, the place issues price rather less. Identical to in the Bahamas, these islands all supply all-inclusive resorts, which can assist guarantee your Caribbean trip is the whole lot you’ve ever imagined, and extra.