🏝️ 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)
| Expense | Barbados | Cayman Islands | Winner? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) | $1,200/month | $2,500/month | 🇧🇧 Barbados |
| 3-Bedroom Villa (Beachfront) | $3,000/month | $6,000/month | 🇧🇧 Barbados |
| Basic Lunch (Local Restaurant) | $12 | $20 | 🇧🇧 Barbados |
| Groceries (Monthly for 2) | $400 | $800 | 🇧🇧 Barbados |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $1.50 | $1.80 | 🇧🇧 Barbados |
| Internet (Unlimited, Monthly) | $60 | $100 | 🇧🇧 Barbados |
| Healthcare (Private Insurance, Monthly) | $150 | $300 | 🇧🇧 Barbados |
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!
