Cost of Living in Cedar Grove

Betsy Burlingame

If you're moving to Cedar Grove, understanding the the cost of living in Cedar Grove helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Category	Cost
Apartment Rentals	1-bedroom apartment in city center: $800 – $1,200 per month 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: $600 – $900 per month 3-bedroom apartment in city center: $1,500 – $2,500 per month 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: $1,200 – $1,800 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 Taxi starting tariff: $5, plus $2 per km 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 Eggs (12): $3.00 – $4.00 Chicken breasts (1kg): $8.00 – $12.00 Beef round (1kg): $12.00 – $18.00 Apples (1kg): $3.00 – $5.00 Oranges (1kg): $2.00 – $4.00 Tomatoes (1kg): $2.00 – $4.00 Potatoes (1kg): $1.50 – $3.00 Water (1.5-liter bottle): $1.00 – $2.00 Bottle of wine (mid-range): $10.00 – $15.00 Domestic beer (0.5-liter bottle): $2.00 – $3.00 Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): $2.50 – $4.00
Restaurants	Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $10.00 – $20.00 Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant (three courses): $50.00 – $100.00 Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): $2.00 – $3.00 Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): $3.00 – $5.00 Cappuccino: $3.00 – $5.00 Coke/Pepsi (0.33-liter bottle): $1.00 – $2.00 Water (0.33-liter bottle): $1.00 – $2.00
Utilities	Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment: $100.00 – $200.00 per month 1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans): $0.30 – $0.50 Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): $50.00 – $100.00 per month
Private School Tuition	Preschool (or kindergarten) tuition, full day, private: $3,000 – $6,000 per year Elementary school tuition, private: $4,000 – $8,000 per year Middle school tuition, private: $5,000 – $10,000 per year High school tuition, private: $6,000 – $12,000 per year

Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on various factors such as location, time of year, and individual preferences. It is always a good idea to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Cedar Grove

“The cost of living in Cedar Grove is considered to be relatively high compared to other Caribbean islands. Housing is one of the most significant living costs, with prices for both rentals and property purchases being quite steep, especially for properties with sea views or those located near the beach. Groceries and dining out can also be expensive due to the fact that most food items are imported. However, local produce and seafood can be more affordable. Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet are also a considerable part of the monthly budget. The cost of these services is relatively high due to the island’s remote location and the infrastructure needed to provide them. Transportation costs can vary. While owning a car can be expensive due to high import taxes on vehicles, public transportation and taxis are relatively affordable. Healthcare is another significant expense. While there is a public healthcare system, many residents opt for private healthcare services, which can be costly. Despite the high cost of living, many residents feel that the island’s natural beauty, relaxed lifestyle, and friendly community make the expenses worthwhile,” said one expat living in Cedar Grove.

Can I live in Cedar Grove on $1,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Cedar Grove 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’d recommend looking for a small apartment or a shared house in the more budget-friendly neighborhoods like Paynters, Yorks, or Potters. These areas are still close to the main town, St. John’s, and have decent amenities, but the rent is more affordable compared to the more upscale neighborhoods like Hodges Bay or Jolly Harbour.Next, you’ll need to be mindful of your utility bills. Electricity can be quite expensive here, so try to use energy-efficient appliances and be conscious of your usage. Water is also costly, so be sure to conserve water whenever possible. You might also want to consider getting a prepaid phone plan to save on communication costs.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be expensive due to the high cost of gas and maintenance. I’d recommend using public transportation, which is relatively cheap and reliable. You can also save money by walking or biking to nearby places.Groceries can be a bit pricey, especially for imported items. To save money, try to shop at local markets and buy fresh produce, fish, and meat. You can also save by cooking at home instead of eating out, as restaurants can be quite expensive.For entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy, like going to the beach, hiking, or exploring the island’s many historical sites. You might have to cut back on more expensive activities like going to bars, clubs, or taking part in water sports.In summary, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Cedar Grove, Antigua & Barbuda is possible, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being conscious of your utility usage, using public transportation, shopping smartly, and enjoying low-cost entertainment, you can make it work,” commented an expat living in Cedar Grove.

Can I live in Cedar Grove on $3,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Cedar Grove for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you’ll have to make some sacrifices. First, you’ll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. I’d recommend looking into areas like Paynters, Barnes Hill, or even Cassada Gardens. These neighborhoods are more budget-friendly and still offer decent amenities.On the other hand, you should avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Hodges Bay, Blue Waters, or Tamarind Hills. These areas are known for their luxury villas and high-end amenities, which will definitely be out of your budget.As for sacrifices, you’ll need to be mindful of your spending on things like dining out, entertainment, and transportation. Eating at local restaurants and cooking at home more often can help you save money. You might also want to consider using public transportation or carpooling instead of owning a car, as gas prices and car maintenance can add up quickly.Another thing to consider is that while Antigua & Barbuda has modern amenities, they might not be as readily available or as high-quality as you’re used to. For example, internet service can be slower and more expensive than in other countries, and you might not have access to the same variety of products at grocery stores.Overall, living in Cedar Grove on $3,000 a month is doable, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and be willing to make some sacrifices in terms of your lifestyle and the amenities you’re used to,” said one expat living in Cedar Grove.

Can I live in Cedar Grove on $5,000 a month?

“I’ve been living in Cedar Grove 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 might be some sacrifices you’ll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you’ll want to consider the area you choose to live in. Some neighborhoods are more expensive than others, so you’ll want to avoid the pricier areas like Hodges Bay, Blue Waters, and Jolly Harbour. Instead, look for more affordable neighborhoods like Cedar Valley, Gambles, and McKinnons. These areas still offer a good quality of life, but at a more reasonable cost.When it comes to housing, you’ll likely need to downsize a bit. A smaller apartment or house will be more affordable, and you might have to compromise on certain amenities like a pool or a large yard. However, you can still find nice places with modern features and appliances within your budget.As for transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to import taxes and high gas prices. You might want to consider using public transportation or renting a car when needed. This will help you save money on transportation costs.Eating out can also be pricey, especially at the more upscale restaurants. To save money, try cooking at home more often and exploring the local markets for fresh produce. When you do eat out, opt for more affordable local eateries instead of the high-end tourist spots.Finally, you’ll want to be mindful of your entertainment and leisure expenses. While there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy, like hiking, beach days, and exploring the island, you might have to cut back on more expensive pursuits like golfing, scuba diving, or frequent trips off the island.Overall, living in Cedar Grove, Antigua & Barbuda on $5,000 a month is doable, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some compromises to ensure you stay within your budget,” commented an expat living in Cedar Grove.

Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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