😐Monthly costs for one person with rent: $1,838 in Barbados versus $273 in Alexandra.
😐Estimated couple costs with rent: $4,128 in Barbados versus $449 in Alexandra.
😐Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $6,418 in Barbados versus $625 in Alexandra.
🌍Living in Barbados is roughly 574% more expensive than in Alexandra, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.
📊The two cities straddle the global median: Barbados is 34% above, Alexandra is 80% below.
Currency
🍽 Eating Out
Barbados
Alexandra
Difference
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$24.97BBD 49.93
$29.71BBD 59.4
-15.95%
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$110BBD 221
-
-
Fast Food Meal(McDonalds, etc)
$12.74BBD 25.49
-
-
Cappuccino
$4.64BBD 9.28
-
-
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite(0.33 liter bottle)
$2.21BBD 4.43
-
-
Water(0.33 liter bottle)
$1.73BBD 3.45
-
-
Local Beer(0.5 liter draught)
$2.98BBD 5.95
-
-
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
$4.05BBD 8.10
-
-
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Barbados
Alexandra
Difference
Milk(1 liter)
$3.50BBD 7.01
$3.42BBD 6.85
2.34%
White Bread(500g)
$2.69BBD 5.37
-
-
Rice(white)(1kg)
$4.06BBD 8.13
-
-
Eggs
$5.88BBD 11.76
-
-
Local Cheese(1kg)
$6.72BBD 13.43
-
-
Chicken Fillets(1kg)
$10.36BBD 20.71
-
-
Beef Round Steak(1kg)
$11.28BBD 22.55
-
-
Apples(1kg)
$4.97BBD 9.95
-
-
Banana(1kg)
$4.25BBD 8.49
-
-
Oranges(1kg)
$5.45BBD 10.90
-
-
Tomato(1kg)
$5.72BBD 11.44
-
-
Potato(1kg)
$6.95BBD 13.90
-
-
Onion(1kg)
$4.95BBD 9.90
-
-
Lettuce(1 head)
$2.77BBD 5.53
-
-
Water(1.5 liter bottle)
$2.73BBD 5.47
-
-
Cigarettes 20 Pack(Marlboro, Camel)
$7.07BBD 14.13
-
-
Wine(Bottle)
$16.15BBD 32.30
-
-
Local Beer(0.5 liter bottle)
$1.72BBD 3.45
-
-
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
$2.91BBD 5.82
-
-
🚌 Getting Around
Barbados
Alexandra
Difference
One-way Ticket(Public Transport)
$1.72BBD 3.43
-
-
Taxi Start(Normal Tariff)
$5.08BBD 10.16
-
-
Taxi(Normal Tariff)(1km)
$3.32BBD 6.65
-
-
Gasoline(1 liter)
$1.97BBD 3.95
-
-
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l(Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$49.7KBBD 99.3K
-
-
Compact Sedan 1.6l(Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$39.2KBBD 78.5K
-
-
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Barbados
Alexandra
Difference
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$99.9BBD 200
-
-
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$49.77BBD 99.5
-
-
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$86.4BBD 173
-
-
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Barbados
Alexandra
Difference
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$73.6BBD 147
-
-
Cinema Ticket
$8.99BBD 17.97
-
-
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Barbados
Alexandra
Difference
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$47.14BBD 94.3
-
-
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
$19.93BBD 39.86
-
-
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$60.0BBD 120
-
-
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Barbados
Alexandra
Difference
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$661BBD 1,321
-
-
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$656BBD 1,312
-
-
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$1,831BBD 3,662
-
-
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$3,383BBD 6,766
-
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Barbados
Alexandra
Difference
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$1,350BBD 2,700
-
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate(Annual %)
11
0
-
CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update for Barbados: September 13, 2026
Last update for Alexandra: September 12, 2026
City Median Internet Speeds Comparison (Updated April 2026)
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
Barbados vs Alexandra: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alexandra cheaper than Barbados?
Alexandra is cheaper overall, especially in Groceries & Markets, Eating Out, Monthly Utilities & Internet, Sport & Entertainment, Clothing & Footwear. The 574% gap adds up to real monthly savings that compound significantly over time.
What income do you need for each city?
You'd need roughly $2,757 in Barbados and $409 in Alexandra to live well. The gap comes down to housing and overall price levels. Both cities are liveable on less, but these numbers represent actual comfort.
How do food prices compare in Barbados and in Alexandra?
Supermarket bills run roughly 1155% higher in Barbados. For households that cook at home regularly, that difference adds up over a month.
What are total monthly expenses in Barbados and in Alexandra?
All in, you'll spend $1,838 per month in Barbados versus $273 in Alexandra – a 574% gap that adds up to real savings over time for anyone picking the cheaper option.
Is $1,500 a realistic budget for living in Barbados or in Alexandra?
At $273 in Alexandra versus $1,838 in Barbados, a $1,500 budget is realistic in Alexandra but tight or insufficient in Barbados. The gap between the two cities makes Alexandra the clear choice for anyone on this budget.
Is Barbados or Alexandra more family-friendly?
For families, Alexandra is more practical. Housing and childcare are both notably cheaper than in Barbados, and the savings on those two alone free up budget for education, activities, and family trips.
Which city is safer, Barbados or Alexandra?
Safety-wise, Barbados and Alexandra are on par. Petty crime is typical for cities this size, and most residents feel comfortable going about their daily routines in either place.
Which city is easier to live in as a foreigner?
Expats usually find Alexandra gentler on the wallet – expenses run 574% less than in Barbados. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.