Antigua and Barbuda is a sought-after destination in the Caribbean region that offers numerous cultural events, like the Antigua Sailing Week, awe-inspiring landscapes, year-round warm weather, and a safe and relaxed lifestyle for retirees and other expats.
We’ll discuss life as a retiree in Antigua and Barbuda, the benefits of Antiguan living for Americans, and how to retire in Antigua and Barbuda in 2024.
Why Consider Retiring in Antigua and Barbuda
- A peaceful Caribbean island nation full of lush greenery and spectacular beaches
- Take advantage of lucrative commercial real estate investment opportunities and earn rental income
- English-speaking local population
- Potential tax benefits, including no personal income tax, inheritance, capital gains, or wealth tax
- One of the cheapest Caribbean destinations to retire from the US
- Contribute to Antigua’s economy through one of three investment routes and obtain citizenship
- Direct flights to major US, Canadian, and European cities, with more flight routes being added in 2024
Cost of Living in Antigua and Barbuda for Retirees
Grocery costs
Antigua’s average cost of living is more affordable than that of the USA and the UK. You’ll find local produce like bananas, coconuts, cucumbers, and mangoes at local markets like the Public Market Complex in St John.
Like many Caribbean countries, imported food items are typically more expensive in Antigua and Barbuda than in the US and UK. Here is a comparison of the average cost of groceries in Antigua and Barbuda compared to the US and UK.
Item | Antigua and Barbuda | United States | United Kingdom |
Milk (1 liter) | $2.41 | $1.05 | $1.57 |
White rice 1kg | $3.70 | $24.54 | $2 |
Fresh white bread (500g) | $2.84 | $3.57 | $1.55 |
Oranges | $3.11 | $4.48 | $2.69 |
Eggs (12) | $5.25 | $3.68 | $3.73 |
Onions (1kg) | $2.45 | $3.04 | $1.35 |
Chicken (1kg) | $7.22 | $12.04 | $8.34 |
Bottle of wine (mid-range) | $12.77 | $15 | $10.19 |
Restaurant costs
Antigua and Barbuda is renowned not only for its vibrant culture but also for its delicious local restaurants. You’ll find numerous restaurants in St John’s and other popular towns like Jolly Harbour and Dickenson Bay, from inexpensive eateries to high-end establishments.
Eating out in Antigua and Barbuda can be cheap. An inexpensive meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around $9 on average, compared to $20 in the USA. Domestic beers are also half the price, at $2.96 on average, compared to $6 in the United States.
Utility costs
With electricity primarily generated from petroleum, you may pay more for utilities when moving to Antigua and Barbuda than in many other Caribbean countries. The average monthly expense for essential utilities in Antigua and Barbuda is around $290, which includes electricity, water, and garbage collection. In Puerto Rico, the same utilities cost $260, in the Bahamas $270, and in the US Virgin Islands $345.
Rent in Antigua
For retirees looking to maximize their retirement income, Antigua and Barbuda is the ideal Caribbean country to retire in. Average monthly rent prices for apartments in the city center or outside the center are affordable compared to the US and many other countries, costing as little as $370 on average.
Property Type | Antigua and Barbuda | United States | United Kingdom |
One-bedroom apartment (city center) | $740 | $1,750 | $1,345 |
One-bedroom apartment (outside the center) | $370 | $1,440 | $1.105 |
Three-bedroom apartment (city center) | $1,455 | $2,935 | $2,225 |
Three-bedroom apartment (outside the center) | $1,110 | $2,385 | $1,710 |
Antigua and Barbuda Healthcare
Antigua and Barbuda has a high-quality medical care system. Antigua is home to 25 public health centers. The two main medical facilities in the country are St John’s Medical Hospital and Adelin Private Clinic. Both offer advanced healthcare services and highly qualified medical staff who have received foreign training.
While several hospitals in Antigua provide high-quality healthcare, retired foreigners living in Antigua and Barbuda may need to seek treatment abroad for specific conditions. It is advisable to take out a comprehensive health insurance policy with a reputable healthcare provider like Pacific Prime, Sagicor Life, or MSH International.
Customized to fit your requirements, these companies offer insurance coverage to Antigua residents from $200 to $400 monthly.
Antigua and Barbuda Taxes for Retirees
Antigua and Barbuda offers a more advantageous tax system than most Caribbean island nations, making it an ideal retirement destination. If you have Antigua and Barbuda tax residency, you do not pay local or worldwide income tax, inheritance tax, wealth tax, or capital gains tax.
Best Cities to Retire in Antigua and Barbuda
The twin islands of Antigua and Barbuda are ideal Caribbean retirement destinations. Both provide a relaxed lifestyle, stunning beaches, and a friendly, inclusive community.
St John’s, the country’s capital city, English Harbour, Falmouth Harbour, Nonsuch Bay, and Dickenson Bay are some of Antigua and Barbuda’s best places for retirement. While some towns are less known, they offer retirees affordable and high-quality lifestyles. Popular destinations like English Harbour and Jolly Harbour are popular among retiring foreigners moving to Antigua and Barbuda and have established retirement communities.
If things to do in Antigua and Barbuda besides strolling along beautiful beaches is a deciding factor for you, English Harbour is the ideal city. It is home to Nelson’s Dockyard National Park, which includes sites like Dow’s Hill Interpretation Centre and the Admiral’s House Museum.
Antigua Immigration Options
American retirees can travel to Antigua and Barbuda for a period of up to three months without needing a residency permit. Retirees contemplating a move to Antigua and Barbuda have several choices for establishing permanent residence.
- Permanent residence permit: You can apply for an Antigua and Barbuda permanent residence permit if you have legally resided in the country for at least four years or have been married to an Antiguan national for one year.
- Citizenship by naturalization: Antigua permanent residents can apply for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by naturalization after seven years of residency (three years for the spouse of an Antiguan citizen).
- Citizenship by investment: Antigua and Barbuda offers a citizenship by investment scheme, allowing foreign retirees to obtain citizenship by making an economic investment through investment options such as donating to the country’s National Development Fund or University of the West Indies Fund, purchasing pre-approved real estate, or investing in approved businesses. The minimum investment to obtain an Antigua passport is $100,000.
Take a look at our Ultimate Guide to the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program
Antigua and Barbuda Expat Communities
Antigua’s economic citizenship program has elevated the country’s profile, with retirees after retirement planning relocating to the island after acquiring citizenship.
The friendliness of both expats and the locals in Antigua and Barbuda makes it easy to feel welcomed and form new connections. Antigua and Barbuda attracts many retirees from North America and other parts of the world, and many US citizens retire in cities like Falmouth Harbour, St John’s, English Harbour, and Nonsuch Bay.
Facebook and TripAdvisor groups provide valuable resources for Antigua’s retirement communities. They help retirees integrate into the community and provide advice regarding the vibrant nightlife and bureaucratic processes of this popular Caribbean retirement destination.
Frequently Asked Questions about Retiring in Antigua and Barbuda
Numbeo’s living cost database estimates that a single retiree’s monthly expenses are around $1,100, not including rent and other costs like health insurance. Antigua’s cost of living compared to other Caribbean islands is relatively affordable.
You can get Antigua and Barbuda permanent residency by legally residing there for four years. This would initially require a valid reason to reside on the islands, such as obtaining a work permit or being the spouse of an Antigua and Barbuda national. Alternatively, you can permanently reside in Antigua through the country’s citizenship by investment program, which offers Antigua and Barbuda citizenship and a second passport to foreigners who buy property such as approved luxury villas or donate to a designated fund.
For those wondering, “Is Antigua and Barbuda safe to live in?” The twin-island nation is known for its low crime rates, making it a secure option for foreigners to retire.
There is no designated Antigua and Barbuda retirement visa. Still, the Antigua economic citizenship program allows foreign nationals to permanently retire in Antigua and Barbuda by contributing to the country’s economy through real estate investment or donating to the country’s national fund.
Many expats and retirees view Antigua and Barbuda as one of the best countries to retire in the Caribbean. The country offers retirees numerous lifestyle and tax benefits, such as affordable living costs and property prices, a tropical climate, an English-speaking population, lush forests, and no income taxes.
The country’s official currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, which is pegged to the US dollar and ensures pricing stability. Beyond advantages like a tropical climate and low cost of living, Antigua’s dual citizenship program makes it easy to retire by the Caribbean Sea.
Before deciding to retire in Antigua and Barbuda, it’s vital to consider a few potential drawbacks. One notable issue is healthcare; although facilities like St John’s Medical Center provide adequate care, they may fall short of the standards familiar to retirees accustomed to more advanced medical services.
Other negatives might include the cumbersome bureaucratic processes and paperwork for banking and other administrative tasks, which can be frustrating for retirees.
Additionally, while VC Bird International Airport offers direct flights to many major cities, the flight options are limited compared to those available in larger cities. This can affect travel convenience and accessibility for retirees wishing to visit family or explore other destinations worldwide.
In 2019, the retirement age in Antigua and Barbuda was set at 62, increasing incrementally by one year every two years until it reaches 65 in 2025.
