George Town vs Freeport: Which City Wins for Expats in 2026?
Freeport costs roughly 71% less than George Town. George Town scores significantly higher on safety — worth weighing against the cost gap. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
George Town is approximately 94% less expensive than Freeport based on cost of living including rent. This makes George Town a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.
George Town has a FIRE Score of 36/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The city's safety index is 85, which is relatively safe.
Recommended profile: George Town is well-suited for retirees seeking a balanced lifestyle.
About George Town
George Town, Bahamas, is a tiny, sleepy outpost with a population of just 2,000 and a cost of living that is 17 percent higher than New York City. While rent is cheap -- a one-bedroom in the city center averages $513 a month -- the average local salary of $1,092 is barely enough to cover the $1,200 in monthly expenses excluding rent. The safety index is high at 85, but the small expat community and fair healthcare quality make it a niche choice for digital nomads on the Bahamas BEATS visa rather than a mainstream relocation hub.
About Bahamas
Best for retirees via the Permanent Residence pathway, anchored by no language requirement and direct flights. Living costs are high—$1,752 monthly plus $1,196 rent—but its Safety Index of 42.6 and medium expat safety rating are solid for the region. Main trade-off: no minimum income requirement and no personal income tax could complicate budgeting.
$2,339/mo
Cost of Living (Without Rent)
Rent Per Month
Attractiveness
City Details
About Freeport
Freeport is a small, safe, beach-focused base where a single adult can live on a budget tier of $2,783/mo, though the average monthly net salary of $1,559/mo means most expats need outside income. Rents are reasonable for the Caribbean at $993/mo city centre for a one-bedroom, but everyday costs bite: an inexpensive restaurant meal runs $48 and utilities $273/mo. The large, active expat community in Lucaya and Fortune Bay plus a digital nomad score of 69/100 make it workable for remote workers, but the FIRE score of 50/100 and retiree score of 53/100 signal it is no bargain. Hurricane season from June to September is a real annual threat, so come for the winter, not the whole year.
About Bahamas
Best for retirees via the Permanent Residence pathway, anchored by no language requirement and direct flights. Living costs are high—$1,752 monthly plus $1,196 rent—but its Safety Index of 42.6 and medium expat safety rating are solid for the region. Main trade-off: no minimum income requirement and no personal income tax could complicate budgeting.
$-500/mo
Cost of Living (Without Rent)
Rent Per Month
Attractiveness
City Details
Battle of Lifestyles
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| Metric | George Town | Freeport |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $512.88 | $993.33 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $372.25 | $924 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $930.64 | $2246.33 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $663.85 | $1986.67 |
| Safety Index | 85 | 75 |
| Internet Speed | 49Mbps | 56.3Mbps |
| Walkability Score | N/A | N/A |
Monthly cost by categoryOne person, computed from each city's own average prices
| Category | George Town | Freeport |
|---|---|---|
| Total (rent included) | $702/mo | $2,272/mo |
| Excluding rent | $330/mo | $1,348/mo |
| Rent | $372/mo | $924/mo |
| Groceries | $121/mo | $298/mo |
| Dining out | $36.00/mo | $475/mo |
| Entertainment & lifestyle | $85.00/mo | $172/mo |
| Utilities & connectivity | $77.00/mo | $403/mo |
| Transport | $11.00/mo | N/A |
Usage-based estimates from this city's own average prices. A row marked N/A means that city is missing data, so no figure is shown instead of a stale one.
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George Town vs Freeport -- Frequently Asked Questions
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