leanneli

Hi

I am hoping for some advice from people who have lived or are living in Bermuda. I have recently been offered USD 65,000. Initially, I thought that was alot of money but then I realised that rent on its own was at least USD 2,500!

So, can anyone please tell me if I can survive on a gross salary of 65,000?

Also, woudl it be possible to walk/ take public transport to save on cost?

Thank you

JAJ

Living costs in Bermuda are high:
http://bermuda-online.org/

Presumably you're aware of the deal with visas - basically you can't expect to establish a long term home in Bermuda, even if you're a British citizen.

HUFC1908

You will also need to pay health insurance from your salary and pension contributions. With the dollar losing strength, you get less for your money.

Bermuda is an expensive place to live. Roughly you will end up with around $4500 - $5000 a month, take off rent and bills (internet, electric, phone - $400 a month, and thats keeping the aircon off for the majority of the time)

You may need to share a house to keep the costs down.

Walking is difficult as there are few footpaths. Public transport is possible although most people opt for a scooter.

If you do decide to head here then don't bring anything you really appreciate, the humidity will ruin any expensive clothes, jackets, shoes in no time.

On a positive note, the temperature is pretty consistent all year round, it has nice beaches and once you get into it, island life is not too bad.

leanneli

Hi There

Thanks for all your replies.

I do not intend to settle down in Bermuda. I am actually a Malaysian female.
How is the dating scene in Bermuda if you don't mind me asking for a young chinese female?

Incidentally, I have looked at Bermuda's accomodation websites and all teh rent have starting prices of2,000 USD. I am slightly worried as I don't think my salary fo 65,00 USD will bode me any luxuries and I am thinking I may have to struggle to make ends meet!!!

For any of those currently living on teh island, any comments/advice? I intedn to live in Hamilton, can I get a shared place for a rent price of less than 2,000 USD/month inclusive?

Thanks

Errol

Unless there have been changes, Bermuda doesn't levy any income taxes. There could be capital gains taxes and some employee/r mandated health insurance premiums, but check it out, you could find you are taking home almost the gross salary

HUFC1908

Hamilton is very expensive. Also the Island is very small so even living out of Hamilton will not be too much trouble. Not really sure on the dating scene as I'm married, but the social life is good. You can get some cheaper houses to rent but these tend to be via word of mouth and are rarely advertised. Have a look on emoo for shared, and empty properites for rent. This may help give you an idea. also keep in mind the general costs, food is more expensive than the UK and US, as is eating out and socialisng. It is generally the first 6 months that are a hassle, after that things settle down and become more manageable.

leanneli

Thank you for all your kind replies.

I am actually going to Bermuda on my own.

I am 25.

It is a bit nerve wrecking to think that I will have to rely on a scooter to get round the island and I don't even know how one of these things work!

Is there anyone who was/is in a simialr situation as myself? Can you please let me know how much you are able to save every month?

What scares me is that I may not be able to afford the flight back home as it is too expensive. At least 5000 USD.

Thanks again

warric

Hey leanelli,

ive got a similar dilemma to you at the moment, a possible job offer in bermuda, $75,000, and im a 24 year old aussie/english male. nice to see im not the only one stressing about the living costs!

fyi, the gentlemen i would be working for (a very trustworthy fellow) has said that the above would be enough to 'REALLY enjoy myself and save a little if i want'.

however, it is no simple thing to just drop everything and fly to the otherside of the world. its the rent costs that are really bothering me at the moment, as a lot of what ive read estimated 2000+/month for rent. i had a look at http://www.e-moo.com and found a few share places for 1000-1500ish. another suggestion ive heard was to buy a boat and live on it, apparently its relatively common for some single guys to do it (and yes i know your not a guy, i just thought i would point it out as an option).

warric

leanellia, did you end up getting the job? maybe your already there?

warric

as it turns out i got the job i went for, and will arrive in bermuda around mid march.

B-13

Hi Leanneli

You enjoying life in Bermuda? I'm in a similar situation to what you was in back in December. I'm expecting a job offer in Bermuda about $70,000-$75,000, and i'm a 28 year old english girl. I'm really worried that I'll be struggling financially if I take the job. Are you surviving with your salary? Are you living in Hamilton? Was it easy for you to find reasonable accomadation? Any advice you can give me would be much appreciated. Thanks x

warric

Hi B-13,

Well, i for one, arrived in the country about 3 weeks ago. First impressions are good, most of the people are realy friendly, and the beaches are unbelievable! Though im still only new here i do have a couple of recommendations, check out www.e-moo.com, its good to get an idea of rental costs as they do vary quite alot, depending on where you are and if you are sharing etc. Im earning in the same pay scale, but i work in the hospital so they are providing accomodation for the first few months (in Hamilton). I would suggest talking to your would-be employer and seeing what their position is on organising accom or housing allowance or if they at least help you find a place. Rent seems to be the biggest expense, www.bermuda-online.org is also a good site to look at (excerpt from cost of living guide - Newcomers are advised not to pay any more than 28% of their salary on accommodation if they do not receive a partially compensatory housing allowance. - http://www.bermuda-online.org/costoflivingguide.htm). Basically, look at the offered salary and possible housing allowance, check out some rents on e-moo and see what you think. From all the people ive met so far it is enough to live well enough (and prob save a bit as well) depending of course on what sort of lifestyle you want to lead, its just that its painful to pay so much on rent when your used to rent elsehwhere in the world.

Hope this helps, i was in the same position as you so feel free to ask more questions if you like

B-13

Hi Warric

Thank you for your response. It has been a great help. I am feeling more positive about the moving to Bermuda. It is so scary moving to the other part of the world where you don't know anyone. I get my offer letter this week so I'll check out what the employer is giving me in terms of housing allowance etc. I will definitely contact you again if I have more questions, which most likely I will. Thanks again. Ps what is the weather like?

bermybhoy

Hi B-13. To be honest I wouldn't get your hopes up about receiving a housing allowance. As is so often the case, you get better benefits the higher your wages. What I would say is try and avoid coming with any debt remaining at home, with the fx rates and bank charges, it's expensive to wire money home on a regular basis.

If you're fairly sociable you'll meet people really easily, especially if your employer puts you in guest accomodation to start with (which they often do)....remember that there are a lot of people in the same boat, or who have been recently, therefore people are pretty welcoming. There are also plenty of clubs etc to get involved in.

Oh and the weather....been hammering down all day....23 degrees though

Ringo232

good to read everyone's comments on this. i'm also in the same situation and maybe offered a job working in the bemudan police on just under 60,000, can anyone offer their thoughts if this is enough to live on for a single person ?