Lucaya, Bahamas

Lucaya, Bahamas is a tourist-driven suburb of Freeport, built around resorts and dive charters. The economy leans heavily on visitors, which means prices skew higher than you'd expect for a small island city. Groceries and utilities are imported, adding to the cost. The upside? Proximity to Florida makes it easy to hop over for supplies or a change of scenery.

Daily life revolves around Port Lucaya, where expats and tourists mingle at Count Basie Square. The area feels safe, but petty theft can be an issue in crowded spots. UNEXSO, the world's first dive charter business, offers unique experiences like shark feeding dives, but these activities cater more to short-term visitors than long-term residents. The weather is tropical, meaning hurricanes are a real concern.

Lucaya works best for retirees who want a laid-back island lifestyle with easy access to the U.S. It's less ideal for digital nomads or FIRE seekers looking to stretch their budgets.