Cost of Living in Carlisle Bay
Summary: If you're moving to Carlisle Bay, understanding the the cost of living in Carlisle Bay helps you know 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) | $2.00 - $3.00 | |
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 - $6,000 per year |
Elementary School | $4,000 - $8,000 per year | |
Middle School | $5,000 - $10,000 per year | |
High School | $6,000 - $12,000 per year |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Carlisle Bay
"The cost of living in Carlisle Bay, Antigua and Barbuda is considered to be high compared to other Caribbean islands. Housing is the most significant expense, with luxury villas and beachfront properties commanding high prices. Rental costs can also be quite steep, especially for properties in desirable locations.Groceries and dining out can also be expensive, as many food items are imported. However, local produce and seafood can be more affordable. Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet are also a significant part of the monthly budget, with costs being higher than in many other countries due to the island's remote location.Transportation costs can vary. Owning a car can be expensive due to the high cost of imported vehicles and fuel. However, public transportation and taxis are relatively affordable.Healthcare is another significant expense. While there is a public healthcare system, many residents opt for private healthcare, which can be costly. Overall, while the cost of living in Carlisle Bay can be high, many residents feel that the island's natural beauty, relaxed lifestyle, and warm climate make it worth the expense," said one expat living in Carlisle Bay.
Can I live in Carlisle Bay on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Carlisle 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 recommend looking for a small apartment or a shared house in the more budget-friendly neighborhoods like All Saints or Liberta. These areas are not as upscale as places like Jolly Harbour or English Harbour, but they're still safe and have a decent quality of life.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 sure to conserve where you can. You might also want to consider getting a prepaid phone plan to save on communication costs.Transportation can be another significant expense, so I suggest using public transportation or carpooling with friends or coworkers. Owning a car can be costly due to insurance, maintenance, and fuel costs. If you do decide to get a car, consider a fuel-efficient model.When it comes to food, eating out can be pricey, especially in the more touristy areas. I recommend cooking at home as much as possible and shopping at local markets for fresh produce. You can also save money by buying in bulk and meal planning.Entertainment and leisure activities can also add up quickly. To save money, take advantage of the beautiful beaches and natural attractions that are free to enjoy. You can also find affordable activities like hiking, snorkeling, or joining a local sports team.In conclusion, living on $1,500 a month in Carlisle Bay is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being conscious of your utility usage, and finding cost-effective ways to enjoy your leisure time, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Carlisle Bay.
Can I live in Carlisle Bay on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Carlisle 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. The cost of living here is relatively high compared to other Caribbean islands, especially when it comes to housing and utilities. To make it work, you'll need to find an affordable neighborhood to live in. I'd recommend looking into areas like Jennings, Bolans, or All Saints. These neighborhoods are a bit further from the touristy areas, but they offer more affordable housing options. You can find a decent 1-2 bedroom apartment for around $800-$1,200 per month. On the other hand, I'd avoid neighborhoods like English Harbour, Falmouth, or Jolly Harbour, as they tend to be more expensive due to their proximity to popular tourist attractions and marinas.Another sacrifice you might have to make is cutting back on dining out and entertainment. Eating out at restaurants can be quite pricey here, so I'd recommend cooking at home more often and taking advantage of the local markets for fresh produce and seafood. You can still enjoy the occasional night out, but you'll need to budget for it.As for transportation, owning a car can be expensive due to import taxes and high gas prices. I'd suggest using public transportation, which is relatively affordable and reliable, or even consider getting a scooter or bicycle for getting around.Lastly, you'll need to be mindful of your utility usage, as electricity and water 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.Overall, living in Carlisle Bay on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing, dining, and transportation. But, in exchange, you'll get to enjoy the beautiful beaches, friendly locals, and laid-back island lifestyle that Antigua & Barbuda has to offer," said one expat living in Carlisle Bay.
Can I live in Carlisle Bay on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Carlisle 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.Firstly, you'll want to consider the area you choose to live in. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods, like Jolly Harbour and English Harbour, might be out of your budget if you're looking to save money. Instead, I'd recommend looking into more affordable areas like St. John's or even some of the smaller villages around the island. You'll still have access to modern amenities, but the cost of living will be lower.When it comes to housing, you might have to settle for a smaller apartment or house than you're used to. While you can find some beautiful, spacious homes in Antigua, they can be quite pricey. By opting for a smaller space, you'll be able to save money on rent and utilities.Another sacrifice you might have to make is cutting back on dining out and entertainment. While there are plenty of great restaurants and bars in Carlisle Bay, eating out regularly can quickly add up. Instead, try cooking at home more often and taking advantage of the local markets for fresh produce and seafood. You can still enjoy the occasional night out, but being mindful of your spending will help you stay within your budget.Lastly, you might have to be more conscious of your transportation costs. While owning a car can be convenient, it can also be expensive, especially when you factor in gas, insurance, and maintenance. Instead, consider using public transportation or even renting a car only when necessary.Overall, living in Carlisle Bay on $5,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing, dining, and transportation. By doing so, you'll be able to enjoy the beautiful island and its modern amenities without breaking the bank," commented an expat living in Carlisle Bay.
About the Author
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.