Cost of Living: Barbados vs France

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Barbados and France.

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Barbados is 11.2% cheaper than France. The biggest difference is in Mobile and Internet, where costs are 81.6% higher. This means that for every $100 you spend in France, you would spend about $89 in Barbados for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Salaries And Financing 55.7%

Barbados is 55.7% cheaper

Other Expenses 40.7%

Barbados is 40.7% cheaper

Childcare 38.0%

Barbados is 38.0% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 11.2%

Barbados is 11.2% cheaper than France

Most Expensive Categories

  • Mobile and Internet +81.6%
  • Sports And Leisure +42.5%
  • Restaurants +23.6%

Is Barbados cheaper than France?

Yes, Barbados is cheaper than France

Overall, living costs in Barbados are 11.2% lower than in France.

Where Barbados is cheaper:

  • Salaries And Financing 55.7% cheaper
  • Other Expenses 40.7% cheaper
  • Childcare 38.0% cheaper

Where Barbados is more expensive:

  • Mobile and Internet 81.6% more expensive
  • Sports And Leisure 42.5% more expensive
  • Restaurants 23.6% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Barbados: 20.00 $ France: 17.07 $
17.2% more expensive in Barbados

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Barbados: 673.64 $ France: 875.36 $
23.0% cheaper in Barbados

Monthly public transport pass

Barbados: 26.00 $ France: 70.58 $
63.2% cheaper in Barbados

1 liter of milk

Barbados: 3.53 $ France: 1.31 $
169.5% more expensive in Barbados

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Barbados is indeed cheaper than France. You would save approximately 11.2% on living expenses by choosing Barbados over France. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

11.2%

Barbados is 11.2% cheaper than France

Restaurants

23.6%

Barbados is 23.6% more expensive than France in this category

Markets

34.4%

Barbados is 34.4% cheaper than France in this category

Other Expenses

40.7%

Barbados is 40.7% cheaper than France in this category

Transportation

11.6%

Barbados is 11.6% more expensive than France in this category

Household Utilities

37.8%

Barbados is 37.8% cheaper than France in this category

Mobile and Internet

81.6%

Barbados is 81.6% more expensive than France in this category

Sports And Leisure

42.5%

Barbados is 42.5% more expensive than France in this category

Childcare

38.0%

Barbados is 38.0% cheaper than France in this category

Clothing And Shoes

6.1%

Barbados is 6.1% cheaper than France in this category

Rent Per Month

6.7%

Barbados is 6.7% cheaper than France in this category

Property Prices

35.8%

Barbados is 35.8% cheaper than France in this category

Salaries And Financing

55.7%

Barbados is 55.7% cheaper than France in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Barbados France Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 20.00 $ 17.07 $ 17.2%
Barbados is 17.2% more expensive
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 100.00 $ 68.30 $ 46.4%
Barbados is 46.4% more expensive
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 10.00 $ 12.52 $ 20.1%
Barbados is 20.1% cheaper
Regular Cappuccino 4.85 $ 3.63 $ 33.6%
Barbados is 33.6% more expensive
Soft Drink (330ml) 1.81 $ 3.19 $ 43.3%
Barbados is 43.3% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 1.38 $ 2.21 $ 37.6%
Barbados is 37.6% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 2.36 $ 0.78 $ 202.6%
Barbados is 202.6% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml) 5.12 $ ? N/A
Imported Beer (330ml) 2.87 $ 3.33 $ 13.8%
Barbados is 13.8% cheaper
Mid-Range Wine 7.97 $ 11.38 $ 30.0%
Barbados is 30.0% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 1.95 $ ? N/A
Milk (1L) 3.53 $ 1.31 $ 169.5%
Barbados is 169.5% more expensive
Fresh Bread (500g) 2.63 $ 2.04 $ 28.9%
Barbados is 28.9% more expensive
White Rice (1kg) 4.11 $ 2.59 $ 58.7%
Barbados is 58.7% more expensive
Eggs (12 pack) 5.39 $ 4.29 $ 25.6%
Barbados is 25.6% more expensive
Local Cheese (1kg) 9.08 $ 20.08 $ 54.8%
Barbados is 54.8% cheaper
Chicken Breast (1kg) 11.11 $ 13.86 $ 19.8%
Barbados is 19.8% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 12.00 $ 21.30 $ 43.7%
Barbados is 43.7% cheaper
Apples (1kg) 4.59 $ 3.12 $ 47.1%
Barbados is 47.1% more expensive
Bananas (1kg) 3.11 $ 2.33 $ 33.5%
Barbados is 33.5% more expensive
Oranges (1kg) 5.04 $ 3.10 $ 62.6%
Barbados is 62.6% more expensive
Tomatoes (1kg) 4.85 $ 3.63 $ 33.6%
Barbados is 33.6% more expensive
Potatoes (1kg) 3.88 $ 2.35 $ 65.1%
Barbados is 65.1% more expensive
Onions (1kg) 3.46 $ 2.45 $ 41.2%
Barbados is 41.2% more expensive
Lettuce (1 head) 2.66 $ 1.57 $ 69.4%
Barbados is 69.4% more expensive
Monthly Transit Pass 26.00 $ 70.58 $ 63.2%
Barbados is 63.2% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 8.10 $ 13.66 $ 40.7%
Barbados is 40.7% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 1.75 $ 2.16 $ 19.0%
Barbados is 19.0% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 12.50 $ 5.46 $ 128.9%
Barbados is 128.9% more expensive
Taxi per Kilometer 2.50 $ 2.28 $ 9.6%
Barbados is 9.6% more expensive
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 40.00 $ 37.22 $ 7.5%
Barbados is 7.5% more expensive
Gasoline (1L) 2.04 $ 2.04 $ 0.0%
Barbados is 0.0% more expensive
New Economy Car 42,500.00 $ 36,876.07 $ 15.3%
Barbados is 15.3% more expensive
New Mid-Range Car 39,000.00 $ 36,162.84 $ 7.8%
Barbados is 7.8% more expensive
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 131.25 $ 210.87 $ 37.8%
Barbados is 37.8% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 49.72 $ 25.59 $ 94.3%
Barbados is 94.3% more expensive
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 58.86 $ 34.21 $ 72.1%
Barbados is 72.1% more expensive
Gym Membership 74.58 $ 37.20 $ 100.5%
Barbados is 100.5% more expensive
Tennis Court (Weekend) 14.17 $ 18.42 $ 23.1%
Barbados is 23.1% cheaper
Movie Ticket 10.00 $ 13.66 $ 26.8%
Barbados is 26.8% cheaper
Private Preschool (Full Day) 265.00 $ 800.37 $ 66.9%
Barbados is 66.9% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 7,416.67 $ 11,595.44 $ 36.0%
Barbados is 36.0% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 64.32 $ 102.59 $ 37.3%
Barbados is 37.3% cheaper
1 Summer Dress 47.50 $ 43.82 $ 8.4%
Barbados is 8.4% more expensive
1 Pair of Running Shoes 139.58 $ 104.20 $ 34.0%
Barbados is 34.0% more expensive
1 Pair of Business Shoes 113.93 $ 138.28 $ 17.6%
Barbados is 17.6% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 673.64 $ 875.36 $ 23.0%
Barbados is 23.0% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 543.75 $ 692.40 $ 21.5%
Barbados is 21.5% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,760.49 $ 1,634.03 $ 7.7%
Barbados is 7.7% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 1,211.11 $ 1,289.02 $ 6.0%
Barbados is 6.0% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 3,500.00 $ 6,484.72 $ 46.0%
Barbados is 46.0% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 3,500.00 $ 4,425.62 $ 20.9%
Barbados is 20.9% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 1,186.06 $ 2,687.45 $ 55.9%
Barbados is 55.9% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 5.62 3.66 53.6%
Barbados is 53.6% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to France. Enter your monthly expenses in Barbados to see the equivalent costs.

Housing

Food & Dining

Transportation

Other Expenses

Our Methodology

Our cost of living comparisons are based on a robust methodology that combines multiple data sources and regular updates to ensure accuracy:

Data Collection

  • Regular price surveys conducted in major cities
  • Official government statistics and economic indicators
  • User-contributed data from expatriates and local residents
  • Real estate market reports and rental price indices
  • Consumer price indices and inflation data

Calculation Methods

  • Prices are normalized to USD for consistent comparison
  • Exchange rates are updated monthly
  • Regional price variations are weighted by population
  • Seasonal fluctuations are accounted for in the averages
  • Quality of life factors are considered in the overall assessment

Quality Assurance

  • Data is verified by local experts
  • Regular cross-checking with multiple sources
  • User feedback is incorporated into updates
  • Statistical outliers are identified and reviewed
  • Methodology is reviewed quarterly

Note: While we strive for accuracy, cost of living data can vary significantly within countries and cities. These comparisons should be used as a general guide, and we recommend conducting additional research for specific locations.

Lifestyle Impact

Understanding the cost of living differences between Barbados and France goes beyond just numbers. Here's how these differences might affect your daily life:

Daily Living

  • Grocery shopping habits and meal planning
  • Public transportation usage vs. car ownership
  • Frequency of dining out and entertainment
  • Healthcare access and insurance coverage
  • Housing choices and neighborhood selection

Long-term Planning

  • Savings and investment strategies
  • Retirement planning considerations
  • Education costs for children
  • Property ownership opportunities
  • Business and career development

Quality of Life Considerations

While cost of living is important, it's just one aspect of quality of life. Consider also:

  • Healthcare system quality and accessibility
  • Education system standards
  • Public safety and security
  • Environmental quality
  • Cultural and recreational opportunities
  • Work-life balance norms

Making the Most of Your Budget

Tips for adapting to cost of living differences:

  • Research local shopping habits and markets
  • Learn about public transportation options
  • Understand local tax systems and benefits
  • Explore community resources and discounts
  • Network with locals for insider tips

Local Insights for Barbados vs France

While both countries have similar overall costs, there are nuanced differences in how money is spent on daily necessities.

Cultural Cost Differences

Barbados

  • Basic groceries tend to be more expensive, suggesting different shopping patterns.

France

Seasonal Cost Variations

Both countries experience moderate seasonal variations in living costs, with prices typically higher during peak tourist seasons and major holidays.

Explore more

Cost of living in Barbados Cost of living in France

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