Cost of Living in Dickenson Bay
Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Dickenson Bay helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
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 | $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 | |
Gasoline (1 liter) | $1.20 - $1.50 | |
Taxi (1 km) | $2.50 - $3.50 | |
Groceries | Milk (1 liter) | $1.50 - $2.00 |
Bread (500g) | $2.00 - $3.00 | |
Rice (1 kg) | $2.50 - $4.00 | |
Chicken breasts (1 kg) | $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 | |
Fast food meal | $6.00 - $10.00 | |
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 | |
Private School Tuition | Preschool (or Kindergarten) | $3,000 - $5,000 per year |
Elementary School | $5,000 - $8,000 per year | |
Middle School | $6,000 - $10,000 per year | |
High School | $7,000 - $12,000 per year |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Dickenson Bay
"The cost of living in Dickenson Bay is considered to be relatively high compared to other Caribbean islands. This is due to the fact that most goods and services are imported, which increases their price. Housing and rental prices can vary greatly, but are generally expensive, especially for properties with sea views or those located near the beach. Groceries are also quite costly, with imported goods being significantly more expensive than local products. Eating out, while offering a range of prices depending on the restaurant, is generally considered pricey. Transportation costs can also add up, with both public transportation and private car ownership carrying significant costs. Fuel prices are high due to import costs, and car maintenance can be expensive due to the salty air and rough roads.Healthcare is another major expense, with both public and private healthcare systems available. Private healthcare is expensive, but is often considered to offer a higher standard of care.Despite these high costs, many people find the high quality of life, beautiful surroundings, and friendly community to be worth the expense," said one expat living in Dickenson Bay.
Can I live in Dickenson Bay on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Dickenson Bay 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 an affordable place to live. I'd recommend looking for a small apartment or a shared house in the outskirts of the city, as the prices in the central areas can be quite high. Neighborhoods like Cedar Grove and Bolans are more affordable, while places like Jolly Harbour and Falmouth can be quite expensive.You'll also need to be mindful of your utility bills, as electricity and water can be costly here. Try to use energy-efficient appliances and be conscious of your water usage. Eating out can also be expensive, so you'll want to cook at home as much as possible. Local markets are a great place to find fresh produce at reasonable prices.Transportation can be another significant expense, so consider using public transportation or carpooling with coworkers. Owning a car can be costly, especially when you factor in insurance, maintenance, and fuel costs.Lastly, you'll need to be mindful of your entertainment and leisure expenses. Going out to bars, clubs, or restaurants can quickly add up, so try to find free or low-cost activities to enjoy in your free time. There are plenty of beautiful beaches and hiking trails to explore, and many local events and festivals are free to attend.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Dickenson Bay is doable, but you'll need to be disciplined with your spending and be willing to make some sacrifices," commented an expat living in Dickenson Bay.
Can I live in Dickenson Bay on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Dickenson Bay 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. For example, you might not be able to dine out at fancy restaurants as often as you'd like, and you'll have to be mindful of your utility usage to keep costs down. When it comes to housing, you'll want to avoid the more expensive neighborhoods like Jolly Harbour and English Harbour, as they cater more to tourists and expats with higher budgets. Instead, consider looking for a place in the St. John's area or the villages surrounding Dickenson Bay. These areas tend to have more affordable housing options, and you'll still be close to the beach and other amenities. You'll also want to be mindful of your transportation costs. Owning a car can be expensive, so you might want to consider using public transportation or even biking to get around. This will not only save you money but also give you a chance to explore the island and get to know the local culture better. Groceries can be a bit pricey, especially if you're used to shopping at big chain supermarkets. To save money, try shopping at local markets and buying fresh produce from local farmers. This will not only help you save money but also support the local economy and give you a chance to try some delicious local fruits and vegetables. In terms of entertainment, you might have to cut back on some of the more expensive activities like golfing or going on boat tours. Instead, take advantage of the beautiful beaches and natural attractions that Antigua & Barbuda has to offer. There are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy, like hiking, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on the beach. Overall, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Dickenson Bay is possible, but you'll have to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, being conscious of your transportation and utility costs, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work and enjoy your time in this beautiful island paradise," said one expat living in Dickenson Bay.
Can I live in Dickenson Bay on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Dickenson Bay 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. For instance, you might have to cut back on dining out at high-end restaurants or limit your shopping sprees.When it comes to finding an affordable neighborhood, I'd recommend looking into the areas around St. John's, the capital city. There are some nice residential areas there, like Cedar Valley and Hodges Bay, where you can find reasonably priced apartments or houses. These areas are not too far from Dickenson Bay, so you'll still be able to enjoy the beautiful beaches and other attractions.On the other hand, I'd suggest avoiding the more expensive neighborhoods like Jolly Harbour or Nonsuch Bay. These areas are known for their luxury villas and high-end resorts, so the cost of living there can be quite steep.In terms of transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to import taxes and high gas prices. So, you might want to consider using public transportation or renting a car only when necessary. This will help you save some money on transportation costs.Another thing to keep in mind is that groceries can be a bit pricey, especially if you're looking for imported goods. To save on groceries, try shopping at local markets and buying fresh produce from local farmers. This way, you'll not only save money but also support the local economy.Overall, living in Dickenson Bay 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 an affordable neighborhood, cutting back on luxury expenses, and being smart about your transportation and grocery choices, you can enjoy a comfortable life in this beautiful Caribbean paradise," commented an expat living in Dickenson Bay.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.