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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Five Islands Village 2024
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Cost of Living in Five Islands Village

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Five Islands Village helps a newcomer 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 - $1.40
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
  • Cheese (1kg): $8.00 - $12.00
  • Chicken breasts (1kg): $6.00 - $9.00
  • Beef round (1kg): $10.00 - $14.00
  • Apples (1kg): $3.00 - $5.00
  • Bananas (1kg): $1.50 - $2.50
  • Oranges (1kg): $3.00 - $5.00
  • Tomatoes (1kg): $2.50 - $4.00
  • Potatoes (1kg): $2.00 - $3.50
  • Onions (1kg): $2.00 - $3.00
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): $1.00 - $1.50
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $10 - $20
  • Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: $50 - $80
  • Combo meal at a fast-food restaurant: $7 - $10
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): $3.00 - $5.00
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): $3.50 - $5.00
  • Cappuccino: $3.00 - $4.50
  • Water (0.33-liter bottle): $1.00 - $1.50
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment: $150 - $250 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): $60 - $100 per month
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool (or Kindergarten) tuition, full day, private: $3,000 - $5,000 per year
  • Elementary school tuition, private: $5,000 - $8,000 per year
  • Middle school tuition, private: $6,000 - $9,000 per year
  • High school tuition, private: $7,000 - $10,000 per year
Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on individual preferences and lifestyle. It is always recommended to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Five Islands Village

"The cost of living in Five Islands Village is considered to be relatively high compared to other Caribbean islands. This is largely due to the fact that most goods have to be imported, which increases their price. Housing is also quite expensive, especially for properties with sea views or those located near the beach. Groceries are also more expensive than in many other countries, with prices for items such as meat, dairy products, and fresh produce being particularly high. Eating out at restaurants can also be costly, especially at high-end establishments. Transportation costs can also add up, whether you're using public transportation or maintaining a private vehicle. Gasoline prices are high, and car maintenance can be costly due to the import costs of parts. Healthcare is another significant expense, especially for those who require regular medical attention. While there is a public healthcare system, many residents opt for private healthcare, which can be expensive. Despite these high costs, many residents feel that the high quality of life, beautiful surroundings, and friendly community in Five Islands Village make the cost of living worthwhile," said one expat living in Five Islands Village.

Can I live in Five Islands Village on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Five Islands Village 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 affordable housing. I recommend looking for a small apartment or a shared house in the more local neighborhoods, like Jennings or Bolans, rather than the more expensive areas like Jolly Harbour or English Harbour. You can find a decent place for around $500-$700 a month, but it might not have all the modern amenities you're used to.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 careful not to waste it. You might want to consider getting a prepaid phone plan to save on communication costs as well.Transportation can be another significant expense, so I suggest using public transportation or carpooling with coworkers instead of owning a car. The bus system is pretty reliable, and it's a great way to save money.When it comes to food, eating out can be pricey, especially in the touristy areas. I recommend cooking at home as much as possible and shopping at local markets for fresh produce. You can find some great deals on fruits, vegetables, and fish if you're willing to haggle a bit.Entertainment and leisure activities can also add up quickly. Instead of going to expensive bars or clubs, try to find free or low-cost activities like hiking, going to the beach, or attending local community events. There are plenty of beautiful spots to explore on the island, and you can have a great time without spending a fortune.In conclusion, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Five Islands Village is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing affordable housing, being conscious of utility usage, using public transportation, cooking at home, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work and enjoy your time in this beautiful Caribbean paradise," commented an expat living in Five Islands Village.

Can I live in Five Islands Village on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Five Islands Village for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 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 need to choose a more affordable neighborhood to live in. I'd recommend looking into areas like Jennings, Bolans, or Urlings, as they tend to have more reasonably priced housing options. You might have to settle for a smaller apartment or house, but you'll still be able to find a comfortable place to live.When it comes to utilities, you'll need to be mindful of your usage, especially with electricity and water, as they can be quite expensive here. Make sure to turn off lights and appliances when not in use, and try to conserve water as much as possible.Groceries can also be a bit pricey, so you'll want to shop at local markets and buy in-season produce to save money. Eating out can add up quickly, so try to cook at home as much as possible. If you do want to treat yourself to a meal out, there are plenty of affordable local restaurants to choose from.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Public transportation is relatively cheap, and you can also consider getting a bicycle or scooter for getting around. If you do need a car, consider buying a used one to save on costs.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options available. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches, go hiking, or explore the island's many historical sites. There are also community events and festivals throughout the year that you can attend.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the luxury items or experiences you're used to, like high-end shopping or dining at expensive restaurants. However, I've found that the natural beauty and laid-back lifestyle of Antigua & Barbuda more than make up for these small sacrifices.Overall, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Five Islands Village is definitely achievable, as long as you're willing to make some adjustments and be mindful of your spending," said one expat living in Five Islands Village.

Can I live in Five Islands Village on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Five Islands Village 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 need to be mindful of where you choose to live. Some neighborhoods can be quite expensive, like Jolly Harbour or English Harbour, where you'll find luxurious villas and high-end amenities. I'd recommend looking for more affordable areas like St. John's or even within Five Islands Village itself, where you can find decent apartments or houses at a more reasonable price.When it comes to utilities, you might find that electricity and water can be a bit more expensive than what you're used to, so it's essential to be conscious of your usage. Also, keep in mind that the internet might not be as fast or reliable as you're used to, but it's manageable.Groceries can also be a bit pricey, especially if you're looking for imported goods. To save on groceries, I'd recommend shopping at local markets and buying fresh produce, which is not only more affordable but also healthier. Eating out can be expensive too, so try to cook at home as much as possible.Transportation is relatively affordable, especially if you use public transportation like buses. However, if you prefer to have your own vehicle, be prepared for the high cost of gasoline and maintenance.In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy, like going to the beach, hiking, or exploring the island's natural beauty. However, if you're into nightlife or fine dining, you might have to cut back on those expenses to stay within your budget.Overall, living in Five Islands Village on $5,000 a month is doable, but it requires some adjustments and sacrifices. By being mindful of your spending and choosing more affordable options, you can enjoy a comfortable life in this beautiful Caribbean paradise," commented an expat living in Five Islands Village.

About the Author

Joshua Wood 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.


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Cigna Global Health

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