The Cost of Living in Antigua and Barbuda in 2025

Famous for its exclusive lifestyle and stunning beauty, Antigua and Barbuda is attractive to many. If you are looking to invest in the country, relocate, or retire there, you might be wondering about the cost of living in Antigua and Barbuda.

With living costs being considered relatively high in Antigua, particularly for food, housing, and activities, it’s essential to know average prices and how they vary depending on your lifestyle and spending habits. This guide provides detailed information about living costs in Antigua and tips for reducing them.

• Antigua and Barbuda cost of living overview
• Transport costs in Antigua and Barbuda
• Antigua and Barbuda healthcare costs
• Living costs in Antigua versus the USA
• Real estate costs in Antigua
• Tips for reduce Antigua living expenses

Overview of the Antigua Cost of Living

Antigua and Barbuda is a highly sought-after Caribbean island. Tourists, international families, and expats desire to relocate to its shores and live an island life. This is understandable considering its beauty, luxury services, and high quality of life.

Because of the country’s high standing, the cost of living is considered more expensive than in the majority of the Caribbean islands. Having said that, the cost of living in Antigua is about 20 percent cheaper than in the US and the UK.

According to the living cost database Numbeo, the estimated monthly costs for a single person are around $1,100, excluding rent. A family of four would have an estimated monthly cost of $3,900, without accommodation.

Some facts about Antigua and Barbuda:

• The Antigua currency is the East Caribbean Dollar (XCD or EC), with 2.70 XCD fixed to a rate of 1 United States Dollar
• English is the official language
• Antigua and Barbuda is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary government
• Antigua and Barbuda has 365 beaches

Is Antigua and Barbuda expensive?

Antigua and Barbuda can be expensive to live in or visit. Here are some expense considerations when planning a trip to Antigua:

• Eating out: A meal at a low-cost restaurant is about $10, whereas a mid-range restaurant costs around $92 for two people.
• Drinks: Domestic beers at a restaurant are reasonable at $3.70 on average. A beach resort cocktail is more expensive, at about $10 to $15.
• Activities: Zip-lining, snorkeling, and horseback riding cost between $20 and $50 per person.
• Flights: A return from New York to Antigua is $400 in the low season.
• Accommodation: The prices of the best hotels in Antigua and Barbuda can be as low as $60 per night. A well-rated all-inclusive hotel will cost about $150 to over $1,000 per night.
• Cost comparison with Saint Lucia: Saint Lucia is generally considered to be less expensive than Antigua, with a trip to Saint Lucia being about 40 percent cheaper when comparing the cost of meals, drinks, activities, and accommodation.

Cost of Eating Out in Antigua and Barbuda

If you enjoy eating out, you’ll find a variety of restaurants to go to in Antigua and Barbuda. The food here is rich and delicious, with plenty of fresh fish, seafood, and locally grown vegetables.

A basic meal in an inexpensive restaurant costs around $10, while a three-course meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant costs $92. In Antigua and Barbuda, you can buy low-cost street food like fungee and pepperpot for just a few dollars. For those who enjoy cafes and bars, a cappuccino costs around $5, while domestic beers costs $3.70 and imported beers amount to $4.44.

Understanding the Antigua and Barbuda visa requirements is essential for a smooth citizenship application process.

Antigua and Barbuda Transport Costs

With the range of things to do in Antigua and Barbuda, including sights to see like Dickenson Bay and adventures to experience, like kayaking through Codrington Lagoon, you’ll want to ensure you can easily navigate the area. Fortunately, there are diverse means of transportation in Antigua and Barbuda. The most common being private taxis.

If you’d rather have a car, it is possible to import your own — a gallon of gas costs around $5. Like most imported goods, importing vehicles to Antigua and Barbuda is subject to high Antigua and Barbuda taxes.

Imported vehicles are subject to a 15 percent value-added tax (VAT) and a customs duty of around 60 percent, depending on the vehicle’s cost, insurance, and freight (CIF). Vehicle importers must also pay an Environmental Level of $1,000 for vehicles up to one year old or $4,000 for vehicles older than one year.

For local transportation costs, you’ll also find public buses offering one-way rides for $1.40. A monthly pass for public transport costs $33. If you’re more of a sporty person, biking is very popular in Antigua and Barbuda. Indeed, with a great network of roads, you can quickly cycle anywhere.

For international transportation costs from Europe, Canada, or the US to VC Bird International Airport in St John’s, the prices are reasonable. According to Google Flights, you can purchase a direct flight to New York’s JFK International Airport for around $400 with American Airlines. You’ll find daily flights to the rest of the world in Antigua and Barbuda. The cost of Antigua and Barbuda visa requirements for certain travelers may include visa fee.

Healthcare Costs in Antigua and Barbuda

There are 25 health centers and two main hospitals in Antigua and Barbuda —  Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (formally Mount St John’s Medical Hospital) and the Adelin private clinic. The Antigua and Barbuda healthcare system is primarily free thanks to the Medical Benefits Scheme. However, it is always advisable to have private health insurance for enhanced medical services when moving or traveling to Antigua and Barbuda.

It is also important to note that while Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre and the Adelin Clinic offer a wide range of high-quality medical services, evacuation to another country will be necessary for some conditions and treatments. Therefore, it’s recommended to have private health insurance to cover emergency evacuation costs.

Regarding the cost of Antigua healthcare, Expatistan listed the average price for a short doctor’s visit in St Johns at around $70. Based on quotes from Sagicor Life and MSH International, two of Antigua’s key health insurance providers, typical expenses regarding monthly healthcare costs for a private health insurance policy are around $240 to $375 for a middle-aged expat, including medical evacuation cover.

If you want to keep healthy by exercising in a fitness club, expect a monthly fee of around $68.

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Cost of Living in Antigua vs the US

Though there are other cheap Caribbean islands to live, Antiguan living costs tend to be lower than in many major cities in the United States. Housing costs for retirees in Antigua and Barbuda, including rent and the price of property, are typically more affordable in Antigua.

The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $740 in a central area in Antigua and Barbuda compared to a higher cost of $1,770 in the US. A three-bedroom apartment costs $1,450 compared to $2,960 in the US.

Regarding food expenses, the Antigua cost of living compared to the USA is relatively even, with certain items like milk being more affordable in the US, while beef and chicken tend to be cheaper in Antigua.

A meal at an inexpensive restaurant is cheaper in Antigua, at $9.25 vs $20 in the US; however, upscale restaurants are more affordable in the US, with an average meal for two costing $75 vs $92.51 in Antigua.

Antigua provides more budget-friendly accommodation options per night than famous vacation destinations in the US, such as Miami, whether you’re looking at a double room in a budget hotel or considering one of the island’s luxury resorts.

Utility costs

Basic utilities, including electricity, cooling, water, and garbage collection, are more expensive in Antigua and Barbuda than in the United States. Broadband internet costs about the same per month in both countries, at $70. Mobile data is cheaper in Antigua and Barbuda, with a monthly 10GB plan costing $40 on average versus $60 in the USA.

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Antigua Grocery Costs

As in many Caribbean destinations, expats living in Antigua and Barbuda will find that a food budget for imported goods in Antigua and Barbuda is higher than average; however, the overall cost of groceries and basic necessities in Antigua is relatively cheap. Nevertheless, prices in Antigua may be higher if you have dietary habits. Here is a table showing the average costs of everyday groceries in Antigua and Barbuda versus the United States.

Average Antigua groceries costs

Antigua Real Estate Costs

Renting property

If you are looking to stay in Antigua and Barbuda and rent a property, you’ll find plenty of great options, but rental prices are relatively expensive.

For a nice one-bedroom apartment, you’ll pay around $1,740 per month if located in the city center and around $1,520 if located outside the city center.

Renting a three-bedroom apartment in the city center will cost approximately $2,500, and around $1,480 if it is located outside the city center.

Real estate investment

For foreign investors looking to invest in Antigua and Barbuda without necessarily residing in the country, purchasing Antigua and Barbuda real estate is one of the Caribbean’s best investment opportunities. On average, property prices range between $255,000 and $12 million for properties such as historic colonial houses and luxury beachfront villas.

Additionally, not only is the real estate market dynamic and diverse, but investing in real estate can is also an option to acquire Antigua citizenship. By applying to the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program, investors and their families can get an Antigua and Barbuda passport in exchange for a qualifying investment.

Antigua and Barbuda real estate investment requirements:

• You must buy a property or shares of a property costing at least $300,000.
• The property must come in a ‘pre-approved’ area and be listed under the government’s Antigua Golden Visa approved development projects
• The investment must be held for a minimum of five years

Antigua Residency Cost

Besides approved property purchases, foreign nationals can obtain permanent Antigua residency through the citizenship program. Compared to most other Caribbean destinations, the total cost is more affordable for both a single person and a family of up to four.

The minimum investment for the program starts at $230,000 for the National Development Fund contribution option, and other options include purchasing real estate, establishing a business, or donating to the Antigua and Barbuda University of the West Indies Fund.

Another option includes the Antigua tax residency program, which allows foreigners to establish permanent residency by paying a flat annual tax of $20,000.

Tips for Reducing Your Cost of Living in Antigua

Though Antigua is quite an expensive place to live, you can reduce your cost of living there by making certain adjustments. Vendors at local markets, like Colesme Farmers Market in All Saints, sell affordable, locally harvested food items.

Like most places, cooking at home rather than eating out will cut food expenses, especially in Antigua, where high-end restaurants are typical. For eating out, local eateries or “snackettes” offer affordable local cuisine.

Owning a vehicle is expensive in Antigua, especially with import taxes and fuel prices. Public transport in Antigua mostly consists of privately owned 15-passenger minibuses, known as “jitneys” or “bus taxis” by locals, that operate on set routes.

Frequently Asked Questions about Living Expenses in Antigua

Is the cost of living in Antigua and Barbuda expensive?

Living expenses in Antigua and Barbuda come at a high cost compared to many other Caribbean countries. However, the cost of living in Antigua compared to the UK and USA is around 20 percent cheaper.

Is Antigua cheap?

No, Antigua is not a cheap island to visit or live in, especially compared to other Caribbean islands. While you can cut living costs in certain areas, the country is generally more expensive than budget-friendly destinations like the Dominican Republic.

Why is the cost of living in Antigua and Barbuda more expensive than the average cost of living in the Caribbean?

Antigua’s cost of living is higher than that of other Caribbean islands due to its popularity as a Caribbean tourist destination, limited resources, and attractive investment opportunities. Because of its beauty and exclusive services, it is a highly sought-after destination by affluent travelers and expats, requiring a higher overall budget to live there.

Is it expensive to rent property in Antigua and Barbuda?

Renting property in the country is relatively expensive. For example, you’ll pay around $1,740 for a one-bedroom condo in the city center and around $1,520 if it is located outside the city center. A three-bedroom apartment will cost $2,500 monthly in the city center and $1,480 if located outside the city center.

Can I invest in Antigua and Barbuda’s real estate as a foreigner?

You can invest in Antigua and Barbuda real estate as a foreigner by obtaining an Alien Landholding License (ALHL). Investing in a property through the Antigua citizenship by investment program is also an option.

Is education expensive in Antigua?

According to Numbeo, a monthly tuition fee for a Kindergarten in Antigua is about $185, and yearly fees for an international primary school are around $1,850.

What are the utility expenses like in Antigua and Barbuda?

Utility prices in Antigua and Barbuda are relatively affordable compared to the average cost in the Caribbean. For basic utilities, including garbage collection, expats living in Antigua and Barbuda can expect to pay around $290 monthly, but can save money living in airy apartments or properties by the sea that don’t need air conditioning. A monthly plan for high-speed broadband in Antigua and Barbuda is similar to that in the US, at about $70.

What is the cost of entertainment and leisure activities in Antigua and Barbuda?

The cost of many leisure activities in Antigua is cheap. A cinema ticket costs around $11.38 compared to $14 in the United States. Unique activities like a visit to Stingray City cost $50 per person.

Is Antigua expensive?

Yes, Antigua can be more expensive than other Caribbean destinations like Cancun and the Dominican Republic, and living a high-quality lifestyle is costly. This is due to the high cost of imported goods and its reputation as a luxury travel destination. However, using our local knowledge and guidance, we believe you can visit or live in Antigua on a smaller budget if you plan carefully.

How much does it cost to go to Antigua?

How much it costs to go to Antigua depends on where you’re traveling from and the type of visit you want. Flights from hubs in the US, like Miami International Airport, cost about $400 to $500 return. Accommodation is relatively expensive, and you should budget at least $150 per night for a basic hotel.

What is the cheapest month to go to Antigua?

The cheapest time to visit Antigua is during the off-season months, such as May, October, and November.

Is Antigua expensive to eat out?

With its focus on upscale tourism, eating out in Antigua can be expensive. Snackettes, as they’re known in Antigua, serve cheaper meals and are popular among locals.

Is Antigua or Barbados cheaper?

Barbados is generally more expensive than Antigua in terms of eating, basic necessities, travel, and utilities. However, as one of the Caribbean’s top tourist destinations, Barbados offers more travel options and cheaper flights.