The island of Bermuda is an incredibly popular tourist destination, and many people who fall in love with the island while vacationing wonder what it would be like to live there permanently.
Living in Bermuda has both pros and cons, though, and it’s best to consider them before you decide to make a move.
Key takeaways
- Bermuda receives warm tropical weather but is known for severe storms.
- The cost of living including rent and property ownership is very high.
- Although many jobs are high paying, it is difficult to find work.
- There is no income tax in Bermuda.
- Bermuda is safe and is known for its friendly people.
- There is not much for entertainment in Bermuda.
- It is very difficult to become a citizen of Bermuda.
- Health insurance is very expensive.
- Only 1 car per household is allowed in Bermuda.
Weather
Many people love Bermuda because of its year-round warm weather. Summer temperatures reach into the mid-80s, with nighttime temperatures in the high 70s.
Temperatures are a little colder in the winter, but they only decrease by about 15 degrees and hover in the mid to low 70s. Nighttime temperatures are often in the 60s, even in December and January.
Bermuda does see a fair amount of rain, but the wet weather gives the island its tropical, green appearance.
However, although the weather in Bermuda is mild and pleasant for the most part, the area is also prone to tropical storms.
Storms and even hurricanes can strike the island with devastating force. These storms can cause thousands of dollars in damage, and they can also sometimes be life-threatening.
Because the country is an island, there are few options for evacuating unless you can get a flight out.
Beaches and Scenery
Since it’s an island, Bermuda offers many opportunities to head to the beach. There are dozens of lovely beach locations, and living in Bermuda also means that you’ll be able to enjoy the tropical scenery, view beautiful sunrises and sunsets, or enjoy some time in the warm waters around the island.
Cost of Living
Because it’s small and popular, Bermuda has one of the highest costs of living in the world. Most items must also be imported to the island, which further raises prices.
Not including rent, a single person will need to make about $1,900 per month to cover basic expenses. A family of four will need just less than $7,000 per month.
On average, the cost of living in Bermuda is about 98% higher than in most places in the U.S.
The cost of rent or a mortgage in Bermuda is also very high. Ex-pats often have a hard time purchasing a home, as many people will only sell to native Bermudans.
If you do purchase a home in Bermuda, you’ll most likely need to purchase it from another ex-pat, and this can cost you tens of thousands of dollars more than the average price for a home.
Rent in Bermuda is about 104% higher than in the U.S. For example, A 900-square-foot apartment will cost, on average, $3,000 per month.
If you do end up purchasing a home, you can expect to spend, on average, about $615,000 for a one-bedroom condo.
Job Opportunities
Job opportunities are both good and bad in Bermuda for ex-pats. If you have skills in a specialized or in-demand field, you can often make a very good living in Bermuda, and pay is often higher than it would be in the U.S.
However, native Bermudans are often prioritized over ex-pats, and most Bermudans have two or three jobs. This can make finding a job very difficult, especially if you don’t have any special skills.
When you move to Bermuda, you’ll need to get a work visa, and your employer will need to pay the associated fees for renewals.
Because of this, many people are let go in favor of Bermudans when their visas are due to be renewed. You’ll also only be able to work one job for the first two years you live in Bermuda.
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No Income Tax
Although finding a job can sometimes be challenging, and the cost of living can be high, these issues are somewhat offset by the fact that Bermuda has no income tax.
Safety and Friendliness
The people of Bermuda are generally very friendly. The island is also well-known for its safety and low crime rates.
You’ll be able to stroll through the city’s streets or spend time out after dark without having to worry about being in a bad area or protecting yourself.
Racial Tensions
People of many races live in Bermuda, and tourists are frequent. Despite this, and although the country is not segregated, many people self-segregate.
Some areas, particularly private neighborhoods, can see racial tensions, and you may experience mild to harsh racism as either a white person or a person of color, depending on where you live.
The cost of living in Bermuda is about 98% higher than in most places in the U.S.
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Religion
Many native Bermudans are quite religious. If you’re not a church-goer, you may sometimes be looked down on. This can also cause some issues if you don’t act in a way that’s considered appropriate by the church.
Lack of Entertainment
Bermuda is only about 21 square miles in size. Although it’s beautiful, if you become bored of going to the beach or eating delicious foods, you may find that the area offers a lack of entertainment.
There are few shopping areas, movie theaters, fast food restaurants, or other normal city comforts or entertainment options.
Citizenship Opportunities
Becoming a citizen of Bermuda is incredibly difficult. Most ex-pats will never have the opportunity to become citizens. The only way to become a citizen is to marry a Bermudan citizen.
Only after 10 years with your Bermudan spouse will you have the option of citizenship.
Health Insurance
If you’re not a Bermudan citizen, you’ll need to purchase health insurance to receive any type of healthcare. Like most things in Bermuda, this health insurance can be incredibly expensive.
Driving
Only a driver’s license issued in Bermuda is recognized on the island, so you’ll need to retest and get a new license if you want to drive. Bermuda also only allows one car per household, no matter how many people live in that household.