How Much Does It Cost To Move to The Bahamas From the US?
Fact Checked by: Here’s the quick answer: It will cost you between $10,500 and $25,000 to move to The Bahamas from the US. This price range includes shipping costs, initial living expenses, airfare to the country and more. Note that your cost of living will be higher in The Bahamas than in the states. You should plan and budget accordingly.
Here’s how the costs break down:
- Moving expenses: With all add-ons and shipping costs totaled, you’ll pay between $4,800 and $19,000 for most moves to The Bahamas. Note that you’ll have to discuss duty fee obligations with the country’s customs agency, and that these fees are not included in that rate.
- Duty fees: Duty fees range up to 35% of declared item value for many household goods. For this reason, we highly recommend downsizing your move. For example, Bahamas’ customs agency’s required import cost on a $10,000 personal vehicle would total $8,901.
- Living expenses: According to Numbeo, monthly costs for a single person total $1,518.60, while a family of four will have $5,445.90 without rent included.
- Housing rental: A one-bedroom apartment in a city center will cost $1,318.75 each month. With your security deposit included, an initial payment to a landlord could total $3,956.25.
- Additional expenses: Your airfare and residence permit are two of the final necessary expenses you’ll incur. Both temporary and permanent residence permits require an application fee of $200. A single economy plane ticket should range in cost from $200 to $400 in most cases.
We recommend that you contract one of our picks for the best international moving companies to assist you with your upcoming relocation. Given The Bahamas’ cheap but sometimes-unreliable public transit, you may also want to consider booking with a vehicle shipping company. Having your own vehicle with you can help to make life in your new home easier if import and duty fees aren’t too daunting.
|
|
|
|
rating
Average cost of moving to the Bahamas from the US
Including ocean and air freight rates, we estimate that your simple shipping costs will range between $2,454 and $2,954 for a relocation between the US and The Bahamas. Note that ocean shipments cost less per kilogram, but have longer transit times.
If you break your shipment up to include a smaller air freight parcel with essential items while the majority of your home gets shipped via overseas transit, you can ensure the best rate for your move without compromising convenience.
Sea freight costs from the US to the Bahamas
Shipping between the US and The Bahamas will come with shorter transit times than any transatlantic route. One- to two-week shipment times are typical from most points in the states, so you won’t be without your goods for long.
| From | To | Container Cost* | Delivery Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | Nassau | $2,432 | 5–7 days |
| Los Angeles | Nassau | $2,000–$2,500 | 7–14 days |
| New York | George Town | $2,432 | 5–7 days |
| Los Angeles | George Town | $2,000–$2,500 | 7–14 days |
*Source: iContainers and Freightos quoted rates for 20-foot shipping containers.
Air freight costs from the US to the Bahamas
Air freight is the most direct way to ship household goods. However, with the similarity in transit times between this option and ocean freight for a move to The Bahamas, it may not be necessary. The rates below show the typical rate for a 100-kg shipment.
| From | To | Container Cost | Delivery Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | Nassau | ~$454 | 1–3 days |
| Los Angeles | Nassau | ~$454 | 1–3 days |
| New York | George Town | ~$454 | 1–3 days |
| Los Angeles | George Town | ~$454 | 1–3 days |
*Source: Shipnex.com’s average air freight rate per kilogram for shipments from the US to The Bahamas.
How much does it cost to live in the Bahamas?
The overall cost of living in The Bahamas is 24.7% higher than in the US when rent is included, according to Numbeo data from current residents. Without rent costs, a single person will pay $1,518.60 per month in other expenses. A family of four can expect $5,445.90 in expenses.
The Bahamian dollar is the official currency, but the US dollar is just as widely accepted by retailers and other businesses. The exchange rate is 1:1 between these two forms of currency. Note that, when all expenses are tallied, local purchasing power is 62.2% lower than in the states.
Housing costs in the Bahamas
When comparing rent prices between the US and The Bahamas, we noted that one-bedroom rates are more affordable than in the US, while three-bedroom rent is far more expensive. If you’re moving to The Bahamas as a single person, renting a smaller home and potentially downsizing is worth considering.
| Apartment | Norfolk, VA | Nassau | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR rental | $2,066.67 | $1,862.50 | -9.9% |
| 3BR rental | $2,630 | $3,700 | +40.7% |
| Price per sq. ft. (for purchase) | $189 | $389.35 | +106% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Nassau and Norfolk (March 2025)
After you’ve obtained your permit to reside in The Bahamas through its Department of Immigration, you’ll be able to rent or own property. We recommend that you contract the services of a well-regarded real estate or rental agent to assist you here. Online forums like Facebook Marketplace can be useful for leads, but having a professional to individually vet each of your options is always a better choice.
Bahamian landlords will often require an additional one or two months’ rent as a security deposit, separate from your first month of rent, when you sign a lease. There is currently no legal limit on security deposit requirements, however.
Here are a few top options for American expats in The Bahamas here:
- Nassau: The Bahamas’ capital city is a popular tourist destination and locale for expats. Living here provides residents with easier access to public transit and healthcare, along with other amenities. This is a relatively safe country, but Nassau does have some instances of petty theft; we recommend that you exercise a standard amount of caution when making your way around the city.
- Freeport: Freeport’s distance from Florida makes it a popular destination for American expats. This proximity means you’ll have lower shipping costs as well. If you want to live in a bigger city with reduced tourism, this is a good option.
- Harbour Island: Harbour Island’s beaches and smaller population offer a more peaceful luxury atmosphere. If you can afford housing and living expenses here, you’ll also have quick access to Eleuthera Airport.
Utilities costs in the Bahamas
Basic housing utilities and all similar amenities will incur higher costs in The Bahamas than in the US. Electricity, water use and garbage disposal are more than double the cost in this Caribbean location.
| Utility | Norfolk, VA | Nassau | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| *Basic housing utilities | $126.92 | $301.11 | +137.2% |
| Internet | $71.15 | $103.62 | +45.6% |
| Monthly cell phone plan | $44.10 | $71.49 | +62.1% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Nassau and Norfolk (March 2025)
*Based on the combined cost of electricity, water/sewer, and trash for a 915 square foot apartment (March 2025)
Food costs in the Bahamas
Be prepared to pay higher rates for eating out at restaurants and grocery shopping after you move. Fast food is only marginally more expensive, but mid-range to higher-end restaurants are more than double the cost in The Bahamas.
| Food | Norfolk, VA | Nassau | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast food meal | $10 | $11 | +10% |
| 3-course meal at a mid-range restaurant | $70 | $200 | +185.7% |
| Gallon of milk | $4.71 | $19.64 | +317% |
| 1 dozen eggs | $4.31 | $7.29 | +69.1% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Nassau and Norfolk (March 2025)
Transportation costs in the Bahamas
As mentioned, public transportation in The Bahamas is affordable, but can be unreliable. Many of the inhabited islands are small enough to make this a non-issue. However, the cost of purchasing a vehicle, along with high import duties for cars make private vehicle ownership a costly options as well.
| Transportation Mode | Norfolk, VA | Nassau | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-way public transit ticket | $2 | $1.25 | -37.5% |
| Monthly public transit pass | $102.50 | $45 | -56.1% |
| Cost of one gallon of gas | $3.19 | $5.37 | +68.5% |
| *Cost to buy a new car | $25,022.24 | $42,875 | +71.3% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Nassau and Norfolk (March 2025)
*Based on the cost of Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort or equivalent new vehicle (March 2025)
Education costs in the Bahamas
Younger education and international schooling are both far more affordable in The Bahamas than in the states. If you’re raising children here, note that English is the official language. Your acclimation process should be shorter when you move here.
| Type of Education | Norfolk, VA | Nassau | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-day private preschool/kindergarten (monthly) | $1,000 | $716.66 | -28.3% |
| International primary school (annual) | $36,066.67 | $15,071.43 | -58.2% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Nassau and Norfolk (March 2025)
The Bahamas’s visa & immigration requirements
You’ll have to apply for a work and residence permit annually when you move here. This requires a non-refundable $200 processing fee paid to the Department of Immigration. You’ll also need the following for this initial application:
- Active passport
- Clean bill of health or medical certificate
- Police certificate confirming your criminal record or lack thereof
- Two passport photos
- Letter of sponsorship from your prospective employer
You can get assistance with any of these components of your application by contacting the Department before submitting. The Bahamas has lengthy permanent residency requirements. You’ll have to have a standard work permit continuously for at least 20 years to apply. Nurses and teachers have a 10-year requirement. If your application hinges upon marriage to a Bahamian citizen, you’ll have to be married to and cohabitating with them for at least five years. This application also costs $200.
Moving to the Bahamas from the US
As is the case with nearly any country, we recommend that you secure employment before you begin the relocation process. This will make securing temporary residence far easier, as an employment sponsorship is needed for work-related residency applications.
After you’ve received a letter of employment and have an apartment lease signed, you should coordinate your actual move with a professional relocation provider.
Top international moving companies
Booking your move through a top moving company will be necessary to help coordinate your shipment and navigate The Bahamas’ customs regulations and duty fee requirements. Your international moving costs could total between $4,800 and $19,000 or more, depending on home size, move distance and add-ons.
To get a more comprehensive picture of what your moving costs should be, get at least three quotes from the movers here. Each has a positive reputation and operates in many countries around the world:
|
|
|
|
Shipping your vehicle to the Bahamas
If you’ve decided that you’re going to ship your car overseas to The Bahamas, you’ll likely have a couple of options. Some international movers like International Van Lines offer vehicle shipping. If your mover can’t provide this add-on option, you should contact a top car shipping company. Each of the options below got a high grade on our in-house rating methodology for services, reputation, customer ratings and more.
|
|
|
|
|
Tips for moving to the Bahamas from the US
Despite its close proximity to the states, moving to The Bahamas will still require a great deal of planning. Customs regulations and duties requirements can be tough to navigate, so advance preparation and hiring an international mover are necessary steps.
Your moving checklist should include the following:
- Downsize: The Bahamas has some stringent duties requirements for imports. These range from 5% to 35% in most cases, with only returning residents being eligible for some exemptions. Decluttering will not only save you some money on your initial moving costs, but will lessen the burden of these fees.
- Pack yourself: Packing and decluttering go hand-in-hand. As you go through your home a few months before moving day, begin packing your goods. Start with non-essential goods and pack a couple of boxes per day. Working at a measured pace will help minimize stress on moving day.
- Research customs regulations: Looking up The Bahamas’ list of banned or restricted goods can save you plenty of headaches when your household items reach port in your new country. Plan to get rid of or sell anything that you can’t take with you.
- Consider storage: If this is a temporary move, storing your goods for a few years might be a good idea, even if it’s a costly one.
- Get multiple quotes: We recommend that you get at least a few quotes from professional movers. Booking with the only provider who gives you an estimate is rarely a good idea for such a large purchase, so fully examining your options is always preferred.
FAQ
Where do most Americans live in the Bahamas?
What is the safest island in the Bahamas to live?
What is the downside of living in the Bahamas?
Do I have to pay US taxes if I live in the Bahamas?
What kind of jobs are in the Bahamas?
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
