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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Half Moon Bay 2024
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Cost of Living in Half Moon Bay

By Betsy Burlingame

SJB Global
SJB Global

Summary: If you're moving to Half Moon Bay, understanding the the cost of living in Half Moon 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 - $1,000 per month
Apartment Purchases Price per square meter in city center $2,000 - $3,500
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
Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught) $3.00 - $5.00
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 tariff (no discounts or plans) with 1GB of data $25.00 - $40.00 per month
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
Please note that the costs provided are approximate and may vary depending on the specific location within Half Moon Bay. Additionally, prices may change over time due to inflation and other economic factors. It is always a good idea to research current prices and consult with locals to get the most accurate and up-to-date information on the cost of living.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Half Moon Bay

"The cost of living in Half Moon Bay is considered to be relatively high compared to other Caribbean islands. This is largely due to the fact that it is a popular tourist destination and a luxury residential area. Housing is the biggest factor in the cost of living, with prices for both rentals and purchases being quite steep. In terms of groceries and dining, prices can also be high, especially for imported goods and dining out at restaurants. However, local produce and seafood can be more affordable. Transportation costs can vary, with owning a car being quite expensive due to high import taxes on vehicles. However, public transportation and taxis are more affordable options. Healthcare in Half Moon Bay is of a high standard but can also be expensive, particularly for specialized treatment or procedures. Overall, while the cost of living in Half Moon Bay is high, it is often considered worth it for the high quality of life, beautiful surroundings, and warm climate," said one expat living in Half Moon Bay.

Can I live in Half Moon Bay on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Half Moon 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 a more affordable neighborhood to live in. The more upscale areas like Jolly Harbour and English Harbour can be quite expensive, so I'd recommend looking for a place in the more local neighborhoods like Bolans or All Saints. You can find a small apartment or a shared house for around $500-$700 a month.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 can expect to spend around $200-$300 a month on utilities.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Owning a car can be expensive due to import taxes and high gas prices. Instead, consider using public transportation or even a bicycle to get around. The bus system is quite reliable and affordable, with fares around $1-$2 per trip.When it comes to groceries, shopping at local markets and buying in-season produce can help you save money. Imported goods can be expensive, so try to stick to local products as much as possible. You can expect to spend around $300-$400 a month on groceries.Eating out and entertainment can also add up quickly, so you'll need to be mindful of your spending in these areas. There are plenty of affordable local restaurants and bars where you can enjoy a meal or a drink without breaking the bank. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive activities like scuba diving or boat tours.Lastly, you'll need to factor in health insurance and any other miscellaneous expenses. Health insurance can range from $50-$150 a month, depending on the coverage you choose. Be sure to also set aside some money for unexpected expenses or emergencies.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Half Moon Bay is doable, but you'll need to be disciplined with your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, being mindful of your utility usage, and cutting back on entertainment expenses, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Half Moon Bay.

Can I live in Half Moon Bay on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Half Moon Bay for a few years 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, mainly due to the fact that it's a popular tourist destination. First, you'll need to find affordable housing. I'd recommend looking for a rental in the Falmouth or English Harbour area, as these neighborhoods tend to be more affordable than others. You can find a decent one or two-bedroom apartment for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month. I'd avoid the more expensive neighborhoods like Jolly Harbour or the St. John's city center, as rents there can be quite high.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your utility bills. Electricity can be 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. I've found that my monthly utility bills usually come to around $300 to $400.Groceries can also be a significant expense, as many items are imported and subject to high import taxes. I've found that shopping at local markets and buying fresh produce can help save money. You can also save by cooking at home more often and limiting dining out, as restaurants can be quite pricey.Transportation is another area where you can save. Owning a car can be expensive due to high import taxes and insurance costs. I've found that using public transportation or even renting a scooter can be a more affordable option. If you do decide to own a car, consider buying a used one to save on costs.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, such as hiking, snorkeling, and exploring the island's beautiful beaches, other activities like golfing, sailing, or dining at high-end restaurants can quickly add up.In conclusion, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Half Moon Bay, Antigua & Barbuda is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your expenses and make some sacrifices. By choosing affordable housing, being conscious of your utility usage, shopping smart for groceries, utilizing public transportation, and enjoying low-cost leisure activities, you can make it work," said one expat living in Half Moon Bay.

Can I live in Half Moon Bay on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Half Moon 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 Falmouth, where you can still find nice accommodations without breaking the bank.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to import taxes and high gas prices. To save money, I'd suggest using public transportation or even renting a scooter or bicycle to get around. This will not only help you save money but also allow you to explore the island more easily.Eating out can also be quite pricey, especially in touristy areas. To save money, I'd recommend cooking at home as much as possible and shopping at local markets for fresh produce. When you do eat out, try to stick to local eateries rather than high-end restaurants, as the prices will be much more reasonable.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy on the island, such as hiking, snorkeling, and exploring the many beautiful beaches. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive activities like scuba diving or boat tours to stay within your budget.Overall, living in Half Moon Bay on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices to ensure you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without overspending," commented an expat living in Half Moon Bay.

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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