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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Falmouth 2024
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Cost of Living in Falmouth

By Betsy Burlingame

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Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Falmouth 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: $3.50
  • Taxi 1km tariff: $2.50
  • Gasoline (1 liter): $1.20 - $1.50
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 - $15.00
  • 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): $1.50 - $2.50
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): $1.00 - $1.50
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $10 - $20
  • Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: $50 - $80
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): $3.00 - $5.00
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): $4.00 - $6.00
  • Cappuccino: $3.00 - $5.00
  • Coca-Cola/Pepsi (0.33-liter bottle): $1.50 - $2.50
  • 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: $3,000 - $5,000 per year
  • Elementary school tuition: $5,000 - $8,000 per year
  • Middle school tuition: $6,000 - $10,000 per year
  • High school tuition: $7,000 - $12,000 per year
Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on individual preferences and lifestyle. It's also important to consider that prices may change over time due to inflation and other economic factors.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Falmouth

"The cost of living in Falmouth 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 one of the most significant expenses, with rental prices varying greatly depending on the location and size of the property. Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet are also quite expensive. Food and groceries are also costly, especially for imported goods. Eating out at restaurants can be pricey as well, particularly at tourist-oriented establishments. Transportation costs can add up, with fuel prices being high and public transportation being limited. Owning a car can be expensive due to the high cost of import duties. Healthcare is another significant expense, especially for those without insurance. Private healthcare is available but can be costly. Despite the high cost of living, many people are drawn to Falmouth for its beautiful beaches, warm climate, and friendly community," said one expat living in Falmouth.

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

"I've been living in Falmouth 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 more affordable neighborhoods like English Harbour or Cobbs Cross. These areas are still close to the main attractions and amenities, but the rent is more reasonable compared to the more expensive neighborhoods like Turtle Bay or Pigeon Point.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. Also, consider using a prepaid phone plan instead of a postpaid one, as it can help you save on your monthly expenses.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite costly due to high import taxes and gas prices. Instead, consider using public transportation or even renting a bicycle to get around. This will not only save you money but also help you stay fit and explore the island at a slower pace.Eating out can also be expensive, so I'd recommend cooking at home as much as possible. There are local markets where you can buy fresh produce and groceries at a lower cost than in supermarkets. However, you can still treat yourself to a meal out occasionally, just be sure to look for more affordable local eateries instead of the high-end restaurants.Finally, you'll need to be mindful of your entertainment expenses. While there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy, such as hiking, beach days, and local events, you might have to cut back on more expensive hobbies or outings. For example, you might not be able to afford regular trips to the cinema or nights out at fancy bars.Overall, living in Falmouth on $1,500 a month is doable, but you'll need to be prepared to make some sacrifices and be mindful of your spending. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being conscious of your utility usage, using public transportation, cooking at home, and enjoying low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work and still enjoy your time on this beautiful island," commented an expat living in Falmouth.

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

"I've been living in Falmouth 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 place to live. I'd recommend looking for a rental in the more budget-friendly neighborhoods like English Harbour or Cobbs Cross. These areas are still close to the amenities you're used to, but the rent is more reasonable. You might have to settle for a smaller place or one that's not as modern as you'd like, but it's a trade-off for the lower cost. On the other hand, I'd avoid the more expensive neighborhoods like Turtle Bay or Galleon Beach, as the rent there can be quite high, and it might be challenging to find something within your budget. Another sacrifice you might have to make is cutting back on dining out and entertainment. Eating out can be pricey here, so I'd recommend cooking at home more often and taking advantage of the local markets for fresh produce. 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 or even biking if possible. It's not only more affordable but also a great way to explore the island and stay active. Lastly, you might need to be mindful of your utility usage, as electricity and water can be quite expensive. Try to conserve energy by turning off lights and appliances when not in use, and be conscious of your water usage. Overall, living in Falmouth on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be smart about your spending and make some sacrifices. It's a beautiful place to live, and with some adjustments, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle here," said one expat living in Falmouth.

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

"I've been living in Falmouth 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 neighborhood you choose to live in. Some of the more expensive areas, like English Harbour and Galleon Beach, might be out of your budget if you're trying to stick to $5,000 a month. Instead, I'd recommend looking into more affordable neighborhoods like Cobbs Cross or Piccadilly. These areas still offer a good quality of life and are close to amenities, but the cost of living is more reasonable.One of the sacrifices you might have to make is in terms of housing. While you can find some nice apartments and houses in Falmouth, they might not be as luxurious as what you're used to. You'll likely have to settle for a smaller space or a more basic setup, but it's still possible to find a comfortable place to live within your budget.Another thing to consider is transportation. Owning a car can be quite expensive in Antigua & Barbuda, so you might want to rely on public transportation or even consider getting a bicycle to get around. This can help you save money on gas and car maintenance, which can add up quickly.Eating out can also be quite pricey in Falmouth, especially if you're used to dining at high-end restaurants. You might have to adjust your expectations and opt for more affordable dining options, like local eateries and street food. Cooking at home can also help you save money on food expenses.Finally, you might have to cut back on some of the more expensive leisure activities, like golfing or sailing. There are still plenty of affordable things to do in Falmouth, like hiking, snorkeling, and exploring the beautiful beaches, so you won't be bored.Overall, living in Falmouth on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, but you'll have to make some adjustments to your lifestyle and expectations. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, cutting back on transportation and dining expenses, and finding budget-friendly activities, you can enjoy a comfortable life in this beautiful Caribbean destination," commented an expat living in Falmouth.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame 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.


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