| Category | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment Rentals | 1-bedroom apartment in city center | $800 – $1,200 per month |
| 1-bedroom apartment outside city center | $600 – $900 per month | |
| Apartment Purchases | Price per square meter in city center | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| Price per square meter outside city center | $1,000 – $1,800 | |
| Transportation | One-way local transport ticket | $1.50 |
| Monthly local transport pass | $50 – $75 | |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | $1.20 – $1.50 | |
| Groceries | Milk (1 liter) | $1.50 – $2.00 |
| Bread (500g) | $2.00 – $3.00 | |
| Rice (1kg) | $2.00 – $3.00 | |
| Chicken breasts (1kg) | $8.00 – $12.00 | |
| Restaurants | Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | $10.00 – $20.00 |
| Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | $60.00 – $100.00 | |
| Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught) | $3.00 – $5.00 | |
| Utilities | Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment | $150.00 – $250.00 per month |
| Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) | $60.00 – $100.00 per month | |
| Mobile call (1 minute, no discounts or plans) | $0.30 – $0.50 | |
| Mobile data (1GB) | $10.00 – $20.00 | |
| Private School Tuition | Preschool (or Kindergarten) | $3,000 – $6,000 per year |
| Elementary School | $4,000 – $8,000 per year | |
| Middle School | $5,000 – $10,000 per year | |
| High School | $6,000 – $12,000 per year |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Bolans
“The cost of living in Bolans is considered to be relatively high compared to other Caribbean islands. This is largely due to the fact that most goods and services have to be imported, which increases their cost. Housing is one of the most significant expenses, with rental prices for apartments and houses being quite high, especially in areas popular with tourists or expatriates. Groceries are also expensive due to import costs, with items such as fresh produce, meat, and dairy products costing more than they would in many other countries. Transportation costs can also add up, whether one is using public transportation or maintaining a private vehicle. Gasoline prices are high, and car maintenance can be costly due to the importation of parts.Eating out, entertainment, and leisure activities can also be quite costly in Bolans, especially in tourist areas. Despite these high costs, healthcare in Antigua & Barbuda is relatively affordable, especially when compared to countries like the United States. Overall, while the cost of living in Bolans can be high, many residents feel that the island’s natural beauty, pleasant climate, and relaxed lifestyle make it worth the expense,” said one expat living in Bolans.
Can I live in Bolans on $1,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Bolans for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you’ll have to make some sacrifices. First, you’ll need to find an affordable place to live. I recommend looking for a small apartment or a shared house in a more local neighborhood, like Jennings or Urlings. These areas are more affordable compared to the more upscale neighborhoods like Jolly Harbour or Ffryes Beach, where rent can be quite high.Next, you’ll need to be mindful of your utility bills. Electricity can be expensive here, so try to use energy-efficient appliances and be conscious of your usage. Also, consider using a prepaid phone plan instead of a postpaid one, as it can help you save money on your monthly bills.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite costly due to high import taxes and gas prices. Instead, consider using public transportation or even renting a scooter to get around. It’s not only more affordable but also a great way to explore the island.For groceries, I recommend shopping at local markets and smaller grocery stores, as they tend to have lower prices compared to the larger supermarkets. Also, try to cook at home as much as possible, as eating out can quickly add up. However, there are some affordable local eateries where you can enjoy a delicious meal without breaking the bank.Finally, you’ll need to be mindful of your entertainment expenses. While there are many beautiful beaches and natural attractions that you can enjoy for free, other activities like dining out, going to bars, or participating in water sports can be quite expensive. To save money, try to find free or low-cost activities and events happening around the island.In conclusion, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Bolans, Antigua & Barbuda is possible, but you’ll need to be mindful of your expenses and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being conscious of your utility usage, using public transportation, shopping smartly, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work and enjoy your time on this beautiful island,” commented an expat living in Bolans.
Can I live in Bolans on $3,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Bolans for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you’ll have to make some sacrifices. For example, you might not be able to afford a luxurious villa in the more upscale neighborhoods like Jolly Harbour or Sugar Ridge, but there are plenty of more affordable options in areas like Jennings, Bolans Village, and Orange Valley.One of the biggest sacrifices you’ll have to make is probably in terms of dining out and entertainment. While there are some great restaurants and bars in the area, they can be quite pricey, so you’ll need to be mindful of your budget and maybe cook at home more often. Groceries can also be a bit expensive, especially if you’re looking for imported products, so you might have to adjust your diet and opt for more local produce.Another thing to consider is transportation. Owning a car can be quite expensive, with high import taxes and insurance costs, so you might want to rely on public transportation or even consider getting a scooter or bicycle to get around. This can be a bit of an adjustment if you’re used to having your own car, but it’s definitely doable.In terms of utilities and internet, you’ll find that they can be a bit more expensive than what you might be used to, but if you’re mindful of your usage and opt for a more basic internet plan, you should be able to make it work within your budget.Overall, living in Bolans on $3,000 a month is possible, but you’ll have to be prepared to make some sacrifices and adjustments to your lifestyle. It’s a beautiful place to live, though, and I think you’ll find that the trade-offs are worth it in the end,” said one expat living in Bolans.
Can I live in Bolans on $5,000 a month?
“I’ve been living in Bolans for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, especially if you’re used to modern amenities. However, there are some sacrifices you might have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you’ll want to avoid the more expensive neighborhoods like Jolly Harbour and Ffryes Beach, as the cost of living there can be quite high. Instead, consider looking for a place to live in more affordable areas like Jennings or Bolans Village. These neighborhoods still offer a good quality of life, but at a more reasonable price.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to import taxes and high gas prices. To save money, you might want to consider using public transportation or even renting a scooter or bicycle for getting around.Eating out can also be pricey, especially at the more touristy spots. To save on food costs, try shopping at local markets and cooking at home more often. You can still enjoy the local cuisine by trying out smaller, local eateries that offer more affordable prices.Another thing to keep in mind is that while most modern amenities are available, they might not be as easily accessible or as high quality as you’re used to. For example, internet service can be slower and more expensive than in other countries, so you might have to adjust your expectations and usage habits.Lastly, while there are plenty of activities and entertainment options available, some can be quite costly. To make the most of your budget, look for free or low-cost activities like hiking, visiting local beaches, or attending community events.Overall, living in Bolans on $5,000 a month is doable, but it will require some adjustments and sacrifices. By being mindful of your spending and prioritizing your needs, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while staying within your budget,” commented an expat living in Bolans.
