Barbuda's Cost Of Living: Expensive Paradise?

Antigua and Barbuda is a moderately priced country for travellers, with the cost of living considered more expensive than in most Caribbean islands. However, it is about 20% cheaper than in the US and the UK. The local currency is the East Caribbean Dollar (XCD), where 1 USD is approximately 2.70 XCD.

The average daily price for travellers is $352 per day, with hotel prices averaging $344 per night. A basic meal in an inexpensive restaurant costs around $9, while a three-course meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant costs $92. Local transportation costs $23 per person per day, with taxis being more expensive.

Eating out

The cost of eating out in Antigua and Barbuda varies depending on the type of restaurant and food options available. Eating out can be expensive, especially at luxury restaurants. A three-course meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant costs around $92, while a basic meal in an inexpensive restaurant is about $9. Street food is also available for just a few dollars.

For those who enjoy cafes, a cappuccino costs around $5, while domestic beers cost $3 and imported beers are $3.70.

If you're looking to save money, it's best to eat at less expensive restaurants, try street food, or cook your own meals. On average, travellers spend around $83 per day on food, per person.

There is a wide range of restaurants in Antigua and Barbuda, from local spots to upscale dining. A chicken burger at a local restaurant costs around $5, while a similar meal at a river-view restaurant is about $20-$21. Fine dining establishments can charge around $95 per person for a three-course meal, excluding drinks.

Sample Food Costs in Antigua and Barbuda

To give you an idea of food costs, here are some average prices for common items:

• Lunch at a local bakery or small eatery: $9.30
• Dinner: rice, pasta, meat, and vegetables: $47
• Local beer (Wadadli): $3
• Imported beer: $3.70

Saving Money on Food

If you're on a budget, here are some tips to save money on food:

• Eat at local restaurants or try street food.
• Cook your own meals, especially if you're staying in accommodation with a kitchen.
• Look for drive-by barbecues on Saturdays near major road crossings.
• Bring your own snacks or non-perishable food items from home, especially if you have specific dietary needs or preferences.

Transport

The cost of transport in Antigua and Barbuda can vary depending on the type of transit used. Generally, travellers spend around $23 on local transportation per person per day. To save money, it is recommended to take public transportation when possible, as it is usually cheaper than taxis or private drivers.

The public transport system in Antigua and Barbuda includes both public and privately run services. The roads are paved and connect parishes to villages and communities. Driving is on the left-hand side, and the speed limit is set at 40 mph. Traffic signs and GPS coordinates make navigation relatively easy. Buses are available on both Antigua and Barbuda, with daily services operating on Antigua between the capital city, St. John's, and various villages from 5:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. However, buses do not stop at the airport or the northern tourist area, and departure times can vary. Taxis are also readily available, particularly at the airport and major hotels, and fares are fixed by the government.

For intercity transportation within Antigua and Barbuda, expenses can vary based on the mode of transportation and distance travelled. On average, travellers spend around $58 per person per day for intercity transit. Long-distance buses or trains are usually more cost-effective than air travel, despite the longer travel time.

Renting a car is a popular option for visitors, with rates ranging from US$40 to $50 per day, and a temporary local driver's license costing around $20. However, importing your own vehicle can be expensive due to high import taxes, VAT, and customs duty.

For international travel, the V. C. Bird International Airport in St. John's offers direct and connecting flights to various destinations, including Miami, New York, London, and Frankfurt.

Accommodation

Antigua and Barbuda is an upmarket destination, with a reputation for luxury. It is an expensive island to stay on, so it is not ideal for budget travellers. However, compared to the US and the UK, the cost of living is around 20% cheaper.

There are around 40 hotels and resorts on Antigua and Barbuda, most of which are on the west coast of Antigua. The all-inclusive resorts tend to be mid to high range, but they do offer good value when booked as a package.

The best time of year to visit is between mid-December and mid-April, when the weather is dry and sunny. However, this is also the most expensive time to visit, as hotel prices increase significantly and there are more tourists. If you want to find cheaper accommodation, it is best to visit during the shoulder seasons (May and early December) or the low season.

The average price of a hotel room in Antigua and Barbuda is $172 per night, but this can vary from $44 to $1022. A three-bedroom apartment in the city centre will cost approximately $1,450 per month, whereas outside the city centre, it will be around $1,110.

If you are looking for a more affordable option, you can find hotel rooms for around $630 per week, or you could stay in an apartment or small house, which will give you the option to cook your own meals. Apartments typically cost around $630 per week, and you can often get a better deal by contacting the owner directly rather than booking through a platform like Airbnb.

For those on a very tight budget, there are limited hostels available, and couch surfing is another option.

Leisure activities

Barbuda has plenty of leisure activities to offer, especially for those who love nature and the outdoors. Here are some of the top leisure activities to enjoy on the island:

• Visit the Frigate Bird Sanctuary: Codrington Lagoon is home to one of the largest frigate bird colonies in the world, with up to 10,000 of these magnificent birds. The best time to visit is between October and December when the birds are mating, and the males inflate their bright red gullets to attract females.
• Stroll along Princess Diana Beach: This beach was famously Princess Diana's favourite place to holiday. It is regarded as one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches in the Caribbean, offering peace and stunning views.
• Explore Indian Cave at Two Foot Bay: This Neolithic cave has spectacular views and features two Arawak Indian rock-carved petroglyphs. There are three chambers, including one filled with thousands of bats.
• Conquer Martello Tower: Martello Tower is the most intact historic site on Barbuda and the tallest building on the island. It was built in the 19th century to protect Barbuda's first harbour, River Landing. It is now a popular site for destination weddings.
• Visit the Highlands: The highlands are the wildest and least developed part of the island, where you can find fallow deer, wild boars, red-footed tortoises, and endangered whistling ducks. The ruins of Highland House, or 'Willybob', mark the highest point on the island.
• Go Horseback Riding: There are opportunities for horseback riding on the beach at Lighthouse Bay Resort, with segments of the trail running along beautiful beaches.
• Snorkelling: Palaster Reef, a stunning underwater attraction off the southernmost point of Barbuda, is a great spot for snorkelling. You might even encounter friendly sea turtles and some old shipwrecks.
• Sailing: Barbuda is considered one of the best spots in the Caribbean for sailing. You can charter a vessel to explore the island's mostly undeveloped eastern shore and enjoy romantic sunsets.
• Visit the Caves: Barbuda has several underground caves that showcase the island's unique geology. Two Foot Bay Cave, Darby's Cave, and Harrison Caves are all worth exploring, preferably with an organised group for safety.

Shopping

Antigua and Barbuda is known as an upmarket destination, with luxury resorts and some of the Caribbean's finest beaches. Shopping in Antigua and Barbuda can be expensive, especially for imported goods, but there are ways to save money.

Groceries

The cost of groceries in Antigua and Barbuda is generally higher than in the United States, with prices for supermarket food being about 25% more expensive. Imported goods, in particular, can be very costly. However, basic necessities and locally grown produce are relatively cheap.

Local Markets

For a more affordable option, head to the local markets and bakeries. On Saturdays, you can find little drive-by barbecues near major road crossings, offering tasty meals at reasonable prices.

Restaurants

Eating out can be expensive, especially at the luxury restaurants, with a three-course meal for two costing around $92. However, there are also affordable options, such as local spots serving simple meals for as little as $5. Street food is also available for just a few dollars.

Alcohol

Local beer, known as Wadadli, is widely available and affordable. However, imported varieties will cost you more.

Duty-Free Shopping

If you're looking for duty-free shopping, head to the V.C. Bird International Airport, which offers a range of duty-free shops.

Seasonal Prices

Prices tend to fluctuate depending on the season. During the high season, from mid-December to mid-April, prices increase significantly due to higher demand. The shoulder seasons (May and early December) offer more reasonable prices, while the low season is the most budget-friendly time to visit, with lower hotel prices and flight costs.

Frequently asked questions