Oistins vs New Providence: Which City Wins for Expats in 2026?
Oistins costs roughly 2.3x less than New Providence. The cost gap makes Oistins the stronger pick for financial independence. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
Oistins is approximately 35% less expensive than New Providence based on cost of living including rent. This makes Oistins a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.
Oistins has a FIRE Score of 67/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The city's safety index is 75, which is relatively safe.
Recommended profile: Oistins is well-suited for retirees seeking a balanced lifestyle.
About Oistins
Oistins is a tiny fishing village with a population of just 1,000, not a city, so calling it a city is a stretch. The cost of living is moderate for Barbados, with a single person needing about $2,300 a month on a budget, but the digital nomad visa requires a minimum monthly income of $4,167, which is far above the comfortable tier total of $4,500. The safety index of 75 is decent, and the internet speed of 100 Mbps is solid, but the lack of urban amenities and tiny population make it a quiet, niche choice, not a major expat hub.
About Barbados
Budget retirees should skip this one: COL sits at 70 versus NYC, with rent near $883/mo for a 1BR, undercutting any cheap-living pitch. It works for remote workers earning USD 4,167+/mo under the Welcome Stamp/Global Talent Welcome Stamp who want English-speaking, low-crime stability with clear citizenship pathways, not for those chasing rock-bottom costs.
$-200/mo
Cost of Living (Without Rent)
Rent Per Month
Attractiveness
City Details
About New Providence
New Providence is a brutally expensive place to live, with a one-bedroom in the city center costing $1,490/mo and a mid-range restaurant meal for two hitting $200. The average monthly net salary of $3,356/mo barely covers the comfortable tier total of $3,571/mo, making it a tough sell for anyone not on a fat expat package. While the large and active expat community and widely spoken English are draws, the sky-high cost of living index of 95/100 and mediocre internet speed of 75 Mbps mean you are paying a premium for a tropical lifestyle that does not deliver much value. Skip it unless you have a remote salary from a high-cost city or a retirement visa through the Permanent Residence program.
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.
$-631/mo
Cost of Living (Without Rent)
Rent Per Month
Attractiveness
City Details
Which visa fits your move?
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| Metric | Oistins | New Providence |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $1100 | $1490 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $850 | $2000 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $1800 | $4750 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $1400 | $3920 |
| Safety Index | 75 | 73 |
| Internet Speed | 100Mbps | 75Mbps |
| Walkability Score | N/A | N/A |
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Oistins vs New Providence -- Frequently Asked Questions
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