Can I live in Bermuda on $79,000 Salary?

[vader]

Hi All.

I am a Canadian and have just been offered a job in Bermuda. It pays $79,000 BMD per year. At first I was very excited at the offer and was ready to jump at the chance.

But then I started researching the astronomical cost of living on the island. Now I'm very VERY concerned that the job wouldn't allow me more than basic living expenses.

The job doesn't provide money towards apartment rental, so I'm on my own as far as paying for any accommodations. My big concern is the cost of renting a 1 bedroom apartment, with all the utilities, plus the routine expenses of Bermuda will make this job the equivalent of say a job in Canada paying about $40,000. I don't consider that to be good because I need to save.

I really need some help crunching the numbers and deciding what is best for me. And I'll need to make a decision FAST!

Thanks

[Steven]

Seems to pretty much cover the subject: http://www.bermuda-online.org/costoflivingguide.htm

The problem with a lot of these islands are the import duties which are sky-high in many instances. Personal effects are usually exempt but are much more limited than if you move, say to the US. I.e. you must have owned them for longer and you must import them immediately usually.

What I suggest you do is look up the tariff rates on things you like to buy and see what they are.