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Cost of Living in English Harbour

If you're moving to English Harbour, understanding the the cost of living in English Harbour helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
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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: $2,000 – $3,000
  • Price per square meter outside city center: $1,500 – $2,500
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 – $2.50
  • Bread (500g): $2 – $3
  • Rice (1kg): $2 – $3
  • Eggs (12): $3 – $4
  • Chicken breasts (1kg): $8 – $12
  • Beef round (1kg): $12 – $18
  • Apples (1kg): $3 – $5
  • Tomatoes (1kg): $2 – $4
  • Potatoes (1kg): $2 – $3
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): $1 – $2
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $10 – $20
  • Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: $50 – $100
  • Combo meal at a fast-food restaurant: $7 – $10
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): $3 – $5
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): $4 – $6
  • Cappuccino: $3 – $5
  • Water (0.33-liter bottle): $1 – $2
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment: $150 – $250 per month
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): $60 – $100 per month
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool (or kindergarten) tuition: $3,000 – $6,000 per year
  • Elementary school tuition: $6,000 – $12,000 per year
  • Middle school tuition: $8,000 – $15,000 per year
  • High school tuition: $10,000 – $18,000 per year
Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on individual preferences and lifestyle. It’s also important to consider that prices may change over time due to inflation and other economic factors.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in English Harbour

“The cost of living in English Harbour, Antigua and Barbuda, is considered relatively high compared to other Caribbean islands. This is largely due to the fact that it is a popular tourist destination and a renowned yachting hub. Housing and rental prices can be quite steep, especially in areas close to the harbor or with sea views. However, there are more affordable options available further inland. Groceries and other basic necessities tend to be more expensive than in many other countries, as most goods are imported. Dining out, especially in high-end restaurants, can also be costly. Transportation costs can vary. While owning a car can be expensive due to high import taxes, public transportation and taxis are relatively affordable. Healthcare is of a good standard but can be expensive, particularly for specialized treatment or in private facilities. It is recommended to have comprehensive health insurance. Despite the high cost of living, many people find the lifestyle, climate, and natural beauty of English Harbour to be worth the expense,” said one expat living in English Harbour.

Can I live in English Harbour on $1,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in English Harbour for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s possible to live on $1,500 a month, but you’ll have to make some sacrifices. First, you’ll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. Falmouth is a good option, as it’s close to English Harbour and has more reasonably priced accommodations. You might also consider the All Saints area, which is a bit further away but still within commuting distance.As for the sacrifices, you’ll need to be mindful of your spending on things like dining out and entertainment. Eating at local restaurants and cooking at home will help you save money. You might also need to cut back on some of the more expensive activities, like sailing or scuba diving, and opt for more budget-friendly options like hiking or exploring the island’s beautiful beaches.Another thing to consider is transportation. Owning a car can be expensive, so you might want to rely on public transportation or even consider getting a bicycle to get around. This will not only save you money but also help you stay fit and enjoy the beautiful scenery.In terms of utilities and other monthly expenses, you’ll need to be conscious of your usage. For example, try to limit your air conditioning use and be mindful of your water consumption. This will not only help you save money but also contribute to the island’s sustainability efforts.Lastly, you might need to adjust your expectations when it comes to shopping. Imported goods can be quite expensive, so try to buy local products whenever possible. This will not only help you save money but also support the local economy.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in English Harbour is doable, but it will require some adjustments and sacrifices. By being mindful of your spending and embracing the local lifestyle, you can make it work and enjoy your time in this beautiful Caribbean paradise,” commented an expat living in English Harbour.

Can I live in English Harbour on $3,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in English Harbour 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 dine out at fancy restaurants as often as you’d like, and you’ll probably have to be mindful of your utility usage to keep costs down.When it comes to finding a place to live, I’d recommend looking in the more affordable neighborhoods like Falmouth or Cobbs Cross. These areas are still close to English Harbour, but the cost of living is a bit lower. You can find a decent apartment or small house for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month. On the other hand, I’d avoid the more expensive neighborhoods like Galleon Beach or Nelson’s Dockyard, as the rent prices there can be quite high.Groceries can be a bit pricey on the island, so I’d suggest shopping at local markets for fresh produce and seafood, as it’s usually cheaper and fresher than what you’ll find at the supermarkets. You can also save money by cooking at home more often and limiting how often you eat out.As for transportation, owning a car can be expensive due to import taxes and high gas prices. I’d recommend using public transportation or renting a scooter to get around, as it’s more affordable and convenient.In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy, like hiking, snorkeling, or exploring the island’s beautiful beaches. You might have to cut back on more expensive activities like sailing or scuba diving, but there’s still plenty to do on a budget.Overall, living in English Harbour on $3,000 a month is doable, but you’ll have to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, cooking at home, and enjoying low-cost activities, you can still have a comfortable and enjoyable life as an expat in Antigua & Barbuda,” said one expat living in English Harbour.

Can I live in English Harbour on $5,000 a month?

“I’ve been living in English Harbour 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 can be quite expensive, like Galleon Beach and Shirley Heights, so you might want to avoid those if you’re trying to save money. Instead, look for more affordable areas like Cobbs Cross or Falmouth, where you can still find nice homes or apartments at a more reasonable price.When it comes to utilities and other monthly expenses, you’ll find that they can be a bit higher than what you might be used to, especially for electricity and water. To help offset these costs, you can try to be more conscious of your usage, like turning off lights when you’re not in the room and using energy-efficient appliances.Groceries can also be a bit more expensive here, as many items are imported. To save money, try shopping at local markets for fresh produce and fish, and consider cooking at home more often instead of eating out. There are also some more affordable grocery stores like Epicurean Fine Foods & Pharmacy and First Choice Foods Supermarket that you can check out.As for transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to import taxes and high gas prices. Instead, consider using public transportation or even renting a scooter or bicycle to get around. This will not only save you money but also give you a chance to explore the island and enjoy the beautiful scenery.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options available. You can spend your days at the beautiful beaches, go hiking in the national parks, or explore the historic sites like Nelson’s Dockyard. There are also many local events and festivals throughout the year that you can attend for little to no cost.Overall, living in English Harbour on a $5,000 a month budget is doable, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, being conscious of your utility usage, and taking advantage of the many free or low-cost activities available, you can enjoy a comfortable life in this beautiful Caribbean paradise,” commented an expat living in English Harbour.

Betsy Burlingame 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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