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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Jolly Harbour 2024
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Cost of Living in Jolly Harbour

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Jolly Harbour 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: $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
  • Oranges (1kg): $2 - $4
  • 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 - $20,000 per year
Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on individual preferences and lifestyle choices. It's also important to consider that prices may change over time due to inflation and other economic factors.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Jolly Harbour

"The cost of living in Jolly Harbour, Antigua and Barbuda is considered to be relatively high compared to other Caribbean destinations. This is largely due to the fact that it is a popular tourist destination and a luxury residential area. Housing is one of the most significant living costs in Jolly Harbour. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite expensive, while outside the city center, it is slightly less. Buying property in Jolly Harbour is also costly, with prices for a single-family home in a good location being quite high.Groceries in Jolly Harbour can also be expensive as many goods are imported. Items such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy products can cost more than what one might expect to pay in other countries. Eating out at restaurants, particularly those catering to tourists, can also be pricey.Transportation costs in Jolly Harbour are also a factor to consider. While the cost of gasoline is comparable to that in other Caribbean countries, owning and maintaining a vehicle can be expensive. Public transportation is available and is a more affordable option, but it may not be as convenient.Despite the high cost of living, many people choose to live in Jolly Harbour because of its beautiful beaches, pleasant climate, and friendly community. It's important to note that while the cost of living can be high, the quality of life is also considered to be excellent," said one expat living in Jolly Harbour.

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

"I've been living in Jolly Harbour 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 a more affordable neighborhood to live in. Jolly Harbour itself can be quite expensive, especially if you're looking for a place with modern amenities. I'd recommend looking into areas like Bolans, Jennings, or even St. John's, which are a bit more affordable and still relatively close to Jolly Harbour.In terms of housing, you'll likely need to rent a smaller apartment or share a house with roommates to keep costs down. Utilities can also be quite expensive here, so be prepared to cut back on your usage of air conditioning and other high-energy appliances. You might also need to sacrifice some of your favorite modern amenities, like high-speed internet or cable TV, as these can be quite costly on the island.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be expensive due to import taxes and high gas prices. I'd recommend using public transportation or even getting a bicycle to get around. This will not only save you money but also help you stay fit and enjoy the beautiful scenery.Eating out can also be quite pricey in Jolly Harbour, so you'll need to cook most of your meals at home. Groceries can be more expensive than you're used to, especially for imported items, so try to shop at local markets and eat more local produce and seafood to save money.Finally, you'll need to be mindful of your entertainment and leisure expenses. While there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy, like going to the beach or hiking, you'll need to limit your spending on things like dining out, going to bars, or taking part in expensive tourist activities.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Jolly Harbour is doable, but you'll need to be prepared to make some sacrifices and adjust your lifestyle to fit your budget," commented an expat living in Jolly Harbour.

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

"I've been living in Jolly 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. The cost of living here is generally higher than in other countries, especially when it comes to imported goods and utilities. First, you'll want to find an affordable place to live. Jolly Harbour itself can be quite expensive, especially if you're looking for a villa or a house with a pool. However, there are more affordable options in the surrounding areas, such as Bolans, Jennings, and Valley Church. These neighborhoods are still close to Jolly Harbour, but the rent is more reasonable. You can find a decent two-bedroom apartment for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month. Next, you'll need to be mindful of your utility bills. Electricity and water can be quite expensive here, so you'll want to be conservative with your usage. For example, try to use fans instead of air conditioning whenever possible, and be conscious of your water consumption. Groceries can also be pricey, especially if you're used to buying imported goods. To save money, try to shop at local markets and buy fresh produce, fish, and meat. You can also find more affordable grocery stores in St. John's, the capital city, which is about a 20-minute drive from Jolly Harbour. Eating out can be expensive as well, so you'll want to cook at home most of the time. However, there are some affordable local restaurants and food stands where you can enjoy a meal without breaking the bank. Finally, you'll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. Owning a car can be expensive due to import taxes and high gas prices. However, there's a decent public transportation system, and you can also use taxis or rent a car when necessary. In conclusion, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Jolly Harbour is possible, but you'll need to make some sacrifices and be mindful of your spending. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being conservative with utilities, shopping at local markets, cooking at home, and using public transportation, you can make it work," said one expat living in Jolly Harbour.

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

"I've been living in Jolly 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. Jolly Harbour itself is a pretty upscale area, with a lot of luxury villas and high-end properties. If you're looking to save on rent, you might want to consider living in a more affordable neighborhood nearby, like Bolans or Jennings. These areas are still close to Jolly Harbour, but the cost of living is generally lower.Another thing to keep in mind is that the cost of groceries and dining out can be quite high in Antigua & Barbuda, especially in touristy areas like Jolly Harbour. To save on food costs, you might want to shop at local markets and cook at home more often. Additionally, you can try eating at more local, less touristy restaurants to save on dining out expenses.Utilities and internet can also be quite expensive on the island, so you'll want to be mindful of your usage. Consider using energy-efficient appliances and being conscious of your water and electricity consumption to help keep your bills down.Transportation is another expense to consider. Owning a car can be quite costly, 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 active and explore the beautiful island.Lastly, while there are plenty of activities and entertainment options in Jolly Harbour and the surrounding areas, some can be quite pricey. To save on entertainment costs, consider taking advantage of the many free or low-cost activities available, such as hiking, snorkeling, or visiting local beaches.Overall, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Jolly Harbour is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in certain areas. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, being conscious of your utility usage, and taking advantage of low-cost activities, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while staying within your budget," commented an expat living in Jolly Harbour.

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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