Relocating to a peaceful country with a warm climate and natural beauty is growing in appeal among individuals from retirees to digital nomads, and living in Antigua and Barbuda is unparalleled compared to other Caribbean countries when considering the factors above.
Whether you’re a single person spending your golden years under the sun or a family of four looking for an attractive destination with good international schools and a lower cost of living, it is common to seek relocation.
Antigua and Barbuda stands out as an exceptional destination, boasting an outstanding citizenship by investment program that facilitates easy migration for many expats worldwide. Additionally, investors who successfully apply for the program to live in Antigua gain one of the Caribbean’s most powerful passports, providing visa free travel to destinations around the world. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about living in Antigua as an American.
About Antigua and Barbuda
You may have already heard of Antigua and Barbuda’s moniker as the ‘Romantic Island of the Caribbean.’ The lush, tropical island nation is regarded as one of the Caribbean’s most luxurious destinations. The inviting paradise boasts 365 beautiful beaches, a warm year-round climate, and daily direct flights to key destinations, including the United States, Canada, and Europe.
The country comprises two islands — Antigua and Barbuda — and several smaller islands.
Antigua serves as the bustling economic hub of the nation, featuring the Bird International Airport, upscale shopping malls, state-of-the-art health care facilities, a vibrant culture, and an array of tourist hotspots.
In contrast, Barbuda, with its pristine environment and stunning beaches, appeals predominantly to nature enthusiasts who appreciate its unspoiled beauty and tranquil atmosphere despite its lesser development.
It’s easy to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle in cities like St John’s, the country’s capital and largest city, and Jolly Harbour, a resort town with luxury accommodations, attracting tourists worldwide.
Antigua and Barbuda’s social and political stability also makes the country appealing. As a member of the British Commonwealth, its official language is English, the primary language spoken throughout the country. Antigua and Barbuda operates under a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system, closely mirroring the governmental structure of the United Kingdom.
Antigua and Barbuda uses the Eastern Caribbean dollar (ECD) and is one of five Eastern Caribbean countries with a citizenship by investment program, allowing foreign nationals to gain Antigua citizenship by contributing to the country’s economic growth through purchasing approved Antigua and Barbuda hotels and resorts or donating to the government fund.
Benefits of Living in Antigua
- Lucrative investment opportunities in real estate
- A high standard of living in a warm climate by the Caribbean Sea
- A worry-free life in a safe, and stable Caribbean island
- Affordable living costs with a lower average cost of living than the United States
- Avoid paying taxes on worldwide income, inheritance, wealth, and capital gains
- No language barrier, with English being the primary language spoken in the country
- Direct flights to the US, Canada, and Europe
Antigua and Barbuda vs the US Cost of Living
According to Numbeo, the overall cost of living in Antigua and Barbuda is significantly cheaper than in the United States. While the cost of living can be relatively high compared to other Caribbean countries, Antigua offers a diverse range of amenities and services that justify its value, including modern infrastructure, quality healthcare, and educational opportunities.
Renting in Antigua and Barbuda is cheaper than in the US. Here is a comparison of the average cost to rent property in Antigua vs the US:
Property Type | Average Monthly Rent in Antigua | Average Monthly Rent in the US |
One-bedroom apartment in the city center | $740,0 | $1,770 |
One-bedroom apartment outside the city center | $370,0 | $1,450 |
Three-bedroom apartment in the city center | $1,450 | $2,960 |
Three-bedroom apartment outside the city center | $1,110 | $2,400 |
Regarding buying Antigua and Barbuda real estate, the country offers prime residential properties in sought-after locations facing stunning beaches at prices. Properties such as a 240 square-meter beachfront apartment in Nonsuch Bay Resort can be secured for under $400,000.
Antigua and Barbuda imports many of its products; however, foods such as bananas, mangoes, pineapples, and seafood are cultivated in Antigua and Barbuda, allowing residents to save on grocery expenses.
Transportation costs in Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda transportation costs vary depending on the distance traveled and the mode of transportation. Generally, public transportation, such as buses and taxis, is relatively affordable. A bus costs around ECD 2.75 ($1) per trip, and taxis between popular routes such as St John’s and Marina Bay Beach cost around $12.
The cost of car ownership in Antigua is higher than in the US. Car buyers in Antigua should anticipate relatively steep import taxes on vehicles, which will impact the overall car cost. Additionally, the average price per gallon of fuel stands at $3.80.
Living in Antigua as a Retiree
American retirees have turned Antigua and Barbuda into one of the most popular Caribbean islands for retirement. There are numerous things to do in Antigua and Barbuda, from basking in the sun on picturesque beaches like Darkwood Beach and Ffyes Beach to exploring the scenic trails of Shirley Heights Lookout.
For those interested in history, iconic sites such as Nelson’s Dockyard and Devil’s Bridge provide captivating insights into the islands’ rich cultural heritage. Sir Vivian Richards Stadium hosts frequent cricket matches, showcasing the excitement and passion surrounding the country’s national sport.
The country’s largest medical facility is John’s Medical Center on Mount St. The medical center underwent recent renovations, enhancing its capacity to deliver state-of-the-art critical care and medical services. These upgrades include expanded facilities for radiology, pathology laboratory services, a fully-equipped pharmacy, and advanced intensive care capabilities.
While Antigua does not provide a dedicated immigration program for retirees, the Antigua citizenship program presents an excellent opportunity for retirees seeking permanent residency in the country, with the added benefit of Caribbean dual citizenship and a second passport.
Moving to Antigua and Barbuda as an Antiguan Citizen
Launched in 2012, the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program (CBI) offers foreign nationals and their families the opportunity to gain citizenship and live in Antigua or abroad as Antiguan citizens in exchange for contributing to the country’s economic growth.
Investors are granted Caribbean citizenship within three to six months, and they can permanently relocate to Antigua and enjoy the island life of the country.
Below are the four investment options in the program:
- Contribute $100,000 to the Antigua and Barbuda National Development Fund.
- Purchase pre-approved real estate for at least $200,000.
- Invest $1.5 million as a sole investor or $400,000 in a joint investment worth at least $5 million to establish a business.
- Donate $150,000 to the University of the West Indies Fund.
The option to donate in the University of the West Indies Fund is ideal for considering the education benefits of living in Antigua, as the required donation grants a year’s free tuition to attend the university for one dependent of the main applicant.
Take a look at our Antigua vs St Kitts Citizenship by Investment Comparison
The Antigua Passport
The Antigua and Barbuda passport passport ranks 59th on the Global Passport Index, making it a fantastic asset for those seeking global mobility. Successful applicants of Antigua’s citizenship program can permanently live in Antigua, as well as enjoy visa free access to over 150 Antigua passport visa free countries, including Hong Kong, Singapore, the UK, and Schengen countries.
Antigua and Barbuda Real Estate
Purchasing property in Antigua and Barbuda is one of the strategic ways to relocate to the country. The Antigua and Barbuda real estate market has numerous pre-approved property options, ranging from modern apartments and luxury homes in towns like English Harbour to beachfront resorts in popular tourist destinations like Dickinson Bay. Depending on the town and the specific location, investors can expect to pay between $200,000 and $12 million for a residential property in Antigua and Barbuda.
The Pros and Cons of Living in Antigua and Barbuda
Pros:
- Tropical climate: Antigua offers year-round sunshine and warm temperatures.
- Affordable cost of living: Living costs in Antigua and Barbuda are cheaper than in the US
- Direct flights: US residents can fly directly to several cities across the US, including Miami, New York, New Jersey, and Atlanta. British expats moving to Antigua from the UK have access to direct from London.
- English speaking: Living in Antigua as an expat American does not require overcoming a language barrier, as English is the country’s official language.
Cons:
- Limited job opportunities: For non-retired expats or those who don’t work online, the job market in Antigua may be limited, particularly in certain industries.
- Reliance on imports: Antigua and Barbuda heavily relies on imported goods, resulting in higher prices for certain products such as electronics and specific food items.
- Hurricane risk: Like many Caribbean countries, Antigua is susceptible to natural disasters caused by hurricanes.
- Healthcare access: Although Antigua offers modern healthcare facilities, its scope may not match the extensive services available in the United States.
Take a look at our Guide on Buying Property in the Caribbean
Frequently Asked Questions about Living in Antigua
Various factors determine the amount needed to live comfortably in Antigua and Barbuda, including lifestyle, residence preferences, and general spending habits. To provide a rough estimate, a single person in Antigua will require a monthly budget of $1,500 to $3,000 to cover basic living expenses such as rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, and entertainment.
Americans can move to Antigua thanks to the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program. The immigration program allows US citizens and other foreign nationals to gain citizenship and permanently move to the country by investing in its economy.
Antigua and Barbuda is a good place to live as an American if you’re looking for an attractive destination with beautiful beaches, a vibrant culture, outdoor activities like hiking and sailing, and a low crime rate.
Antigua and Barbuda is generally known for its low crime rate with residents enjoying a relaxed quality of life. Still, foreigners should exercise caution when walking around at night in Antigua and Barbuda, or any destination.
Antigua and Barbuda provides one of the cheapest Caribbean CBI programs, starting at $100,000 for the government donation option. Americans relocating to Antigua and Barbuda enjoy a lower average cost of living in the USA.
American retirees can relocate to Antigua and Barbuda by participating in the Antigua citizenship program, granting them the chance to become lifetime citizens of the country and acquire an Antigua passport.
