Barbados vs. Cayman Islands: Cost of Living Compared (2025)

🏝️ Barbados vs. Cayman Islands: Which Is More Affordable?

Dreaming of white-sand beaches and island living, but unsure where your budget fits best? Both Barbados and the Cayman Islands offer stunning Caribbean lifestyles, but their costs vary dramatically.

This 2025 cost-of-living breakdown covers:
✔ Housing (rent vs. buy)
✔ Groceries & dining
✔ Transportation
✔ Taxes & healthcare
✔ Which island is better for expats?

Let’s settle the Barbados vs. Cayman debate once and for all!

💰 Cost of Living Comparison (2025)

Verdict: Barbados is 30-50% cheaper than the Cayman Islands for daily living.

🏡 Housing: Rent & Real Estate

🇧🇧 Barbados

• Rent: A furnished 2-bed apartment costs 1,500−1,500−2,500/month.
• Buying: Beachfront villas start at **500k∗∗(vs.500k∗∗(vs.1.5M+ in Cayman).
• Best Areas for Expats: Holetown, Christ Church

🇰🇾 Cayman Islands

• Rent: A basic 1-bedroom condo starts at $2,500/month.
• Buying: Luxury homes average **1.2M+∗∗(evensmallcondoscost1.2M+∗∗(evensmallcondoscost600k).
• Best Areas for Expats: Seven Mile Beach, Camana Bay

Winner: Barbados (far more affordable housing).

🛒 Food & Groceries

🇧🇧 Barbados

• Local markets sell fresh produce cheaply (e.g., $1 for a pineapple).
• Eating out: A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs $25 per person.

🇰🇾 Cayman Islands

• Imported goods dominate—expect $8 for a loaf of bread.
• Dining out: A casual dinner runs $40+ per person.

Winner: Barbados (local food is much cheaper).

🚗 Transportation

🇧🇧 Barbados

• Public buses: $1 per ride (but unreliable).
• Used cars: From $8,000 (Toyotas popular).

🇰🇾 Cayman Islands

• No public transport—everyone needs a car.
• Used cars: Start at $15,000 (due to import taxes).

Winner: Barbados (better public transport & cheaper cars).

💸 Taxes & Residency Costs

🇧🇧 Barbados

• Income tax: Up to 28.5% (but retirees can get tax breaks).
• Property tax: 0.1-0.75% of home value.

🇰🇾 Cayman Islands

• No income tax (big perk for high earners).
• Property tax: Zero (but high purchase fees).

Winner: Cayman (if you earn big, taxes are better).

🏥 Healthcare Comparison

🇧🇧 Barbados

• Public healthcare: Free for residents (but long waits).
• Private insurance: $150/month.

🇰🇾 Cayman Islands

• Mandatory private insurance (from $300/month).
• World-class hospitals (but expensive).

Winner: Barbados (cheaper healthcare).

🤔 Which Is Better for Expats?

Choose Barbados if…

✔ You want affordable island living
✔ You prefer a mix of local culture & expat communities
✔ You don’t mind higher income taxes

Choose Cayman Islands if…

✔ You earn a high salary (no income tax!)
✔ You want luxury amenities & safety
✔ You can afford $5,000+/month budgets

🏝️ Final Verdict: Barbados vs. Cayman?

✅ Barbados wins for budget-friendly living.
✅ Cayman wins for tax-free wealth & luxury.

📌 Planning a move? Check our Caribbean relocation guides for more tips!

💬 Which island suits your budget? Comment below!