Is Barbados Expensive? Here’s My Insider Budget Breakdown!

A woman sitting on a rocky cliff overlooking the ocean.

Planning a trip to Barbados but worried about the costs? I get it—I spent a week on the island trying to balance a budget while still having an incredible vacation. Is Barbados expensive? It can be, but with the right approach, you can have an adventurous, relaxing trip without overspending.

In this post, I break down exactly how much I spent on my hotel, transportation, food, and excursions to help you plan your budget. Despite the pricey flight ticket for me and my husband, I found ways to make the trip amazing without breaking the bank. Let me show you how!

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Things to note about this budget

  • This budget is for two people.
  • The total currency added is US dollars
  • The total stay is for 5 days
  • We stayed in a budget hotel

Hotels= $910

I still can’t believe the place we stayed at in Barbados—it had the most incredible room view I’ve ever seen! For just $182 a night, we got a balcony, kitchen, pool, library, and an on-site restaurant. Every day, I’d look out at the view and have to pinch myself—it was that stunning.

The location was also perfect, right in the heart of everything. Bridgetown was just to the north, Oistins to the south, and St. Lawrence Gap was right there with endless restaurants, bars, and shops to explore. It truly felt like paradise!

Where To Stay In Barbados!

The Best Budget Stay With A View: Looking for an affordable Barbados getaway? This hotel offers stunning ocean views, modern rooms with kitchens, and a prime location near lively bars, restaurants, and shops. Perfect for couples seeking relaxation and lively nightlife!

The Best Family Stay With 3 Rooms: Located in Saint Peter, Barbados, is a stunning beachfront property perfect for a relaxing family getaway. Located steps from Mullins Beach and a short walk from Gibbes Beach, this three-bedroom villa offers sea views, king-size beds, a private terrace, and a fully equipped kitchen for comfortable and memorable stays.

The Best Luxury Stay All-Inclusive: This all-inclusive, adults-only resort offers luxury and relaxation. With beachfront rooms, a sparkling pool, spa treatments, and dining at oceanfront venues like the Bajan Rum Bar, it’s the perfect Caribbean escape. Its prime location near Holetown and Bridgetown ensures easy access to Barbados’ top attractions.

Also see: Best Places To Stay In Barbados; Selected For All Styles!

Transportation= $689

I spent $689 on transportation during our trip to Barbados. The majority of this, $650, was for the rental car—a cute red, two-door Toyota Vitz (Yaris). It was the perfect choice for navigating Barbados’ small streets and many roundabouts.

The car had excellent fuel efficiency! We explored the entire island over the week and didn’t need to fill up until returning the car to the airport, which cost around $50. This gas expense came out of our $1,000 spending money, which I’ll break down in a bit.

Additionally, we spent $36 on airport transportation before and after the trip, including tips for our Uber drivers. I mentioned this in my other budget breakdown posts but since we live in the countryside a hack we do is park our car at our mother’s house and Uber to the airport. This saves on airport parking fees.

Also see: Everything You Need To Know About Driving in Barbados!

Excursions= $645

During our amazing trip to Barbados, we got to experience so many incredible activities! We enjoyed a Premium Catamaran Cruise for $270, which was such a relaxing and fun day that included snorkeling with turtles, and stingrays, and the best Bajan lunch!

We visited the stunning Animal Flower Cave which was another highlight and only cost us $40. We also toured the historic St. Nicholas Abbey for $60, to learn about some of the island’s culture. For a bit of adventure, we went jet skiing for $85, which was such a thrill and a new check off my bucket list activities!

On top of that, we had an amazing couple massage for $190, this really helped melt all my street away while on vacation. And remember, all these prices were for both of us—totally worth it for such an unforgettable trip!

Here is a list of PAID activities that you might want to do while in Barbados.

  • Harrison’s Cave
  • Catamaran Cruise
  • Hunte’s Gardens
  • Mount Gay Rum Distillery
  • George Washington’s House
  • Barbados Wildlife Reserve
  • Animal Flower Cave
  • Bridgetown walking tour
  • Andromeda Botanic Gardens
  • Atlantis Submarine tour
  • St. Nicholas Abbey
  • Welchman Hall Gully
  • Barbados Sea Turtle Project
  • Food Tour

Here is a list of FREE activities that you might want to do while in Barbados.

  • All beaches in Barbados are free to visit
  • Oistins Fish Fry
  • St. Lawrence Gap
  • Cherry Tree Hill
  • Rihanna’s childhood house
  • Walk around Holetown
  • Walk around Bridgetown
  • Walk around Speightstown

Also see: 30 Amazing Barbados Bucket List Things To Do On The Island!

Food and Spending Money= $1,000

I took $1,000 in cash with me to spend on food and shopping during my trip, and let me tell you, it was worth every penny. I indulged in so much amazing food, including flying fish, fish cakes, burgers topped with coleslaw, and even some delicious BBQ pigtails.

The flavors were incredible and gave me a real taste of Barbados. If you’re curious about traditional Bajan dishes, check out my list of must-try foods—it’s packed with recommendations and descriptions of what each dish tastes like.

Even though our hotel room had a kitchen, we only cooked breakfast once during the entire trip. We went to a local grocery store and picked up pancake mix, eggs, bacon, and orange juice for a hearty morning meal.

Throughout the trip, we also grabbed snacks from local shops, which kept us fueled for all our adventures. Some of the cash also went toward gas for our rental car, which made exploring the island so much easier.

Surprisingly, we didn’t spend much on shopping. I was excited to find a Payless on the island, but unfortunately, they didn’t have many options in my size. Luckily, we had to rush off to make our massage appointment, so I didn’t spend too much time browsing.

Still, I managed to pick up a few souvenirs: a T-shirt, an art piece, an enamel pin, a shot glass, and a coconut bowl.

Also see: Amazing One-Week Barbados Itinerary For Your Island Vacay!

The Barbados Budget Breakdown!

Hotel =$910

Transportation =$689

Excursions =$645

Food and Spending Money =$1,000

Miscellaneous =$0

Total = $3,244

Also see: These Are The Best Beaches In Barbados You Shouldn’t Miss!

Is Barbados Expensive?

While Barbados can be expensive when it comes to flights and resorts, the island offers countless free activities and breathtaking scenery that make it worth every penny. My husband and I spent an incredible week in Barbados, and our total cost came to around $3,250. It was absolutely worth it!

Would you prioritize the experience and natural beauty of a destination like Barbados? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section!

Happy exploring!

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Read More on Barbados!

What Are My Recommended Resources For Planning A Trip?

When planning my trip, I use my trusted trio of CheapOair, Viator, and Booking.com to provide a comprehensive solution for everything I need.

CheapOair is a go-to resource for affordable flight tickets. With its extensive network of over 600 airlines, it offers a wide array of choices, enabling you to easily compare prices and select the best deal that suits your budget and travel schedule.

Viator on the other hand, is an excellent platform for booking tours and activities. It provides access to thousands of sightseeing tours, attractions, and events in over 1,500 locations worldwide. It ensures you don’t miss out on the unique experiences each destination has to offer.

Booking.com is your reliable partner for accommodations. With over 28 million listings including hotels, apartments, and hostels, you can find the perfect place to stay that fits your budget and preference.

Together, these platforms make trip planning convenient, cost-effective, and fun. They ensure you have everything you need, from flights and accommodations to activities – at your fingertips.

Check Out My Resources Page For All My Recommended Travel Tools!

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