The cost of living in Antigua and Barbuda

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

Overview of the cost of living in Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda is a highly sought after Caribbean island. Indeed, tourists, international families and expats’ demand to come to its shores 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 in Antigua and Barbuda is considered more expensive than in the majority of the Caribbean countries. Having said that, the cost of living in Antigua and Barbuda is about 20% cheaper than in the US and the UK.

Some facts about Antigua and Barbuda:

The Antigua and Barbuda currency is the East Caribbean Dollar where one dollar is equal to 0,37 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 $10, while a three-course meal in a mid-range restaurant amounts to $75.

For those who enjoy coffees and bars, a cup of coffee costs around $5, while domestic and imported beers amount to $3.

Transport cost in Antigua and Barbuda

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 $1.22 in Antigua and Barbuda.

You’ll also find public buses offering one-way rides for $0.83. 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 cost in Antigua and Barbuda

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.

Grocery costs in Antigua and Barbuda

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.

Real estate in Antigua and Barbuda

Renting property in Antigua and Barbuda

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 if located in the city center, and around $700 if located outside the city center.

Renting a three-bedroom apartment in the city center will cost approximately $1,850, and around $1,200 if located outside the city center.

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

Antigua and Barbuda 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 Antigua and Barbuda real estate can also lead to acquiring Antigua and Barbuda 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 costing at least $400K. Two applicants can make a joint investment, as long as each investor pays at minimum, $200K each.
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 the cost of living in Antigua and Barbuda

Is the cost of living in Antigua and Barbuda expensive?

The cost of living in Antigua and Barbuda 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 and Barbuda’s cost of living is more expensive than other Caribbean countries due to a high demand of visitors coming to its shores. Because of its beauty and exclusive services, Antigua and Barbuda is a highly sought after destination by tourists and expats alike.

Is it expensive to rent property in Antigua and Barbuda?

Renting property in Antigua and Barbuda is affordable. As an example, you’ll pay around USD$1,000 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center and around USD$700 if located outside the city center.

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 and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program can make you eligible for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship.