Cost of living in Saint John's
Saint John's, the vibrant capital of Antigua and Barbuda, offers a unique blend of Caribbean charm and modern amenities. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocation or extended stay.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $13.88 on average, with a range between $5.55 and $22.2.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $83.25, with prices ranging from $74 to $92.51.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $11.1.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer averages $1.85, imported beer $4.44, cappuccino $4.07, and Coke/Pepsi $2.04.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced at $2.22 per liter.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs $2.78.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $4.07 to $6.66, averaging $5.37.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $6.53 per kg, while oranges are priced at $8.16 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced at $2.86 per kg, and lettuce costs $2.59 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.93 and $1.11.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced at $1.71 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $5.55, with a cost of $5.75 per km and $19.98 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $740.04 to $1480.08, averaging $1110.06.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $370.02 to $1110.06, averaging $740.04.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1110.06 to $2220.13, averaging $1665.09.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1110.06 to $1850.1, averaging $1480.08.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost $129.51 on average.
- Internet - Internet services range from $69.93 to $74, with an average cost of $71.97.
Cost of Living Data
The following pricing data has been gathered from 6 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2024.
Restaurants
Restaurants
Avg
Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$13.88
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$83.25
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$11.10
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.85
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.44
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.04
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.93
Cappuccino (regular)
$4.07
Markets
Markets
Avg
Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$2.22
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$2.78
Eggs (regular) (12)
$5.37
Local Cheese (1kg)
$8.14
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.85
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$9.07
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.72
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.70
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$8.14
Apples (1kg)
$6.53
Oranges (1kg)
$8.16
Potato (1kg)
$2.86
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.59
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.85
Tomato (1kg)
$8.16
Banana (1kg)
$2.45
Onion (1kg)
$2.86
Transportation
Transportation
Avg
Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$1.02
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.71
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$23,681.34
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$5.55
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$5.75
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$19.98
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$20,721.17
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Avg
Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$1,110.06
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$740.04
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$1,665.09
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$1,480.08
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg
Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$129.51
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$71.97
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$40.70
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Avg
Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$64.75
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$37.00
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$6.11
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Avg
Range
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$74.00
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Avg
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,369.08
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
5.5%
Childcare
Childcare
Avg
Range
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$1,850.10
Saint John's Cost of Living
"Key Takeaways"
Saint John's offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many other Caribbean capitals, especially in terms of dining and transportation.
Housing costs can vary significantly depending on location, with city centre apartments being more expensive.
Grocery prices are moderate, with some variation in the cost of imported goods.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Saint John's presents a balanced cost of living, making it an attractive option for those seeking a Caribbean lifestyle without the high price tag.
Potential residents should consider their housing preferences and transportation needs when planning their budget, as these can significantly impact overall expenses.
Saint John's