The Cost of Living in Antigua and Barbuda in 2024

Famous for its exclusive lifestyle and stunning beauty, Antigua and Barbuda is attractive for many. If you are looking to invest in the country, relocate or retire, you might be wondering what the cost of living in Antigua and Barbuda is? This guide gives you detailed information and allows you to compare cost of living in this Caribbean country. 

Overview of the Antigua Cost of Living

Antigua and Barbuda is a highly sought after Caribbean island. Indeed, tourists, international families and expats’ demand to come to its shores and live an island life are high. 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% 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 the rent price. And a family of four estimated monthly costs would be $3,900, also without accommodation.

Some facts about Antigua and Barbuda:

• The country’s currency is the East Caribbean Dollar where one dollar is equal to 0,27 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

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 $9, while a three-course meal in a mid-range restaurant amounts to $92.

For those who enjoy coffees and bars, a cappuccino costs around $4.7, while domestic and imported beers amount to $3.

Antigua and Barbuda Transport Costs

With the range of things to do in Antigua, sights to see, and adventures to experience, 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 absolutely possible to import your own — a gallon of gas costs around $5.

For local transport, you’ll also find public buses offering one-way rides for $1. 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 easily cycle anywhere.

If you’d like to travel to Europe, Canada, or the US, just hop on an international flight from V.C Bird International Airport in St John’s capital. You’ll find daily flights to the rest of the world in Antigua and Barbuda.

Healthcare costs

There are 25 health centers and two main hospitals in Antigua and Barbuda —  Mount St. John’s Medical Hospital and the Adelin private clinic. Most of the health care is free thanks to the Medical Benefit Schemes. However, it is always advisable to have private health insurance when moving or traveling to Antigua and Barbuda.

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

If you want to keep healthy by exercising in a fitness club, expect a monthly fee of around $63.

Grocery costs

As in many countries, imported goods in Antigua and Barbuda are more expensive than average. A liter of milk for example costs $2, while imported fruits and vegetables such as apples, oranges, and lettuces cost twice as much as in the US. Fortunately, locally produced fruits, vegetables, cheese, and meat are cheap.  

Cost of Living in Antigua vs the US

Generally, Antiguan living costs tend to be lower than in many major cities in the United States. Housing costs, 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 $1,770 in the US. A three-bedroom apartment costs $1,450 compared to $2,960 in the US.

Regarding food expenses, costs generally balance out, 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.

Real estate

Renting property

If you are looking to stay in Antigua and Barbuda and rent a property, you’ll find plenty of great choices at affordable prices.

For a one bedroom apartment you’ll pay around $1,000 per month if located in the city center, and around $740 if located outside the city center.

Renting a three bedroom apartment in the city center will cost approximately $1,450, and around $1,200 if located outside the city center.

Note: Utilities cost is about the same price as in Europe or the US.

Real estate investment

If you are a foreigner looking to invest in Antigua and Barbuda — without necessarily residing in the country — purchasing Antigua and Barbuda real estate is a fantastic option. On average, property prices range between $255,000 and $12,000,000 with properties such as historic colonial houses to luxury beachfront villas.

In addition, not only is the market dynamic and diverse but investing in real estate can also lead to acquiring 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 four months 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 $200,000. For properties worth more than $400,000, two applicants can make a joint investment.
• The property must come from a ‘pre-approved’ area and be listed under the government’s approved development projects
• The investment must be held for a minimum of five years

Frequently Asked Questions about Living Expenses in Antigua

Is the cost of living in Antigua and Barbuda expensive?

Yes, it is more expensive than in other Caribbean countries, however, it is 20% cheaper than in the US and the UK.

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 more expensive than other Caribbean islands due to a high demand of visitors coming to its shores. Because of its beauty and exclusive services, it is a highly sought after destination by tourists and expats alike.

Is it expensive to rent property in Antigua and Barbuda?

Renting property in the country is relatively affordable. As an example, you’ll pay around $1,000 for a one bedroom condo in the city centre and around $740 if located outside the city centre. A three bed apartment will cost $1,850 monthly in the city centre and $1,200 if located outside the city centre.

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

You can definitely invest in Antigua and Barbuda’s real estate as a foreigner. In fact, investing in a property through the Antigua Citizenship by Investment Program can make you eligible for citizenship. You can also invest in the National Development Fund to obtain citizenship.

Is education expensive in Antigua?

According to Numbeo, you can expect the monthly tuition fee for a Kindergarten to be about $175 and yearly fees for an international primary school to be around $5,550.