Antigua and Barbuda
Profiled in St. John's · the Caribbean
St. John's is a sun-bleached harbour town where cruise ships, cricket talk and rum punch share the same breezy afternoon.
Cost of living
What a month costs
Antigua imports almost everything, so groceries and power run high. Rents swing hard between town flats and beachfront.
The scores
How it rates for a moving family
See and do
Top 10 in St. John's
- St. John's CathedralBaroque twin-towered Anglican cathedral that crowns the town skyline.
- Heritage QuayDuty-free shopping complex right by the cruise pier.
- Redcliffe QuayRestored 18th-century warehouses now full of shops and cafes.
- Museum of Antigua and BarbudaIsland history housed in the old colonial courthouse.
- St. John's Public MarketLively Friday and Saturday produce market at the south end of town.
- Fort JamesColonial fort guarding the harbour mouth just north of the centre.
- Fort BarringtonHilltop ruin with sweeping views over Deep Bay.
- Dickenson BayPopular calm-water beach a short drive north of the city.
- Antigua Recreation GroundThe old test cricket ground in the heart of town.
Where to go
Weekend escapes
- BarbudaSister island with pink sand and a huge frigate bird colony, a short ferry or hop by air.
- English Harbour and Nelson's DockyardUNESCO-listed Georgian naval yard on the calm south coast.
- Shirley HeightsHilltop lookout known for its Sunday sunset barbecue and steel band.
- Devil's BridgeNatural limestone arch carved by the Atlantic at Indian Town Point.
- Half Moon BayWide crescent of pink-tinged sand on the wild eastern shore.
Coffee
Best cafes
- Hemingway's Caribbean CafeGreen veranda on St. Mary's Street for coffee, rum punch and people-watching.
- Cafe NapoleonCourtyard bistro tucked into Redcliffe Quay, good for a light lunch.
- C&C Wine BarLong-running Redcliffe Quay spot pouring South African wines by the glass.
Restaurants
Where to eat
- Papa ZoukCult fish and rum shack off Hilda Davis Drive, a local institution.
- Hemingway's Caribbean CafeCaribbean classics served on the first-floor balcony.
- Big Banana Pizzas in ParadiseCasual wood-fired pizza at Redcliffe Quay.
- Roti KingNo-frills counter for rotis and hearty local plates.
- Home RestaurantUpscale Caribbean cooking by chef Carl Thomas at Gambles Terrace.
Morning
Best breakfast
- Hemingway's Caribbean CafeBreakfast on the balcony above Heritage Quay.
- Cafe NapoleonCoffee and morning plates in a quiet Redcliffe Quay courtyard.
Residency
Antigua and Barbuda runs a Citizenship by Investment program via a national fund donation or qualifying real estate, with a short stay required across the first five years. Ordinary and tax-residency permits also exist and suit remote earners who want a base.
Tax
There is no personal income tax, no capital gains tax and no inheritance tax. The government funds itself mainly through import duties and a sales tax, so day-to-day prices carry the load.
Curious what you would actually pay? See the Antigua and Barbuda tax profile: income, corporate, VAT and exit rules →
Nearby
More of the Caribbean
Frequently asked
How much does it cost to live in Antigua and Barbuda?
About $2,600 a month for one person and $6,000 for a family. A one-bedroom flat rents for around $1,000, and a casual meal costs about $18. Antigua imports almost everything, so groceries and power run high. Rents swing hard between town flats and beachfront.
Is Antigua and Barbuda safe, and what is healthcare like?
In our index safety scores 7 out of 10 and healthcare 5 out of 10, where 10 is best.
What language and currency are used in Antigua and Barbuda?
English (official); Antiguan Creole widely spoken. The currency is East Caribbean dollar (XCD), pegged at 2.70 to the US dollar.
What is the capital of Antigua and Barbuda?
St. John's.
How can a foreigner get residency in Antigua and Barbuda?
Antigua and Barbuda runs a Citizenship by Investment program via a national fund donation or qualifying real estate, with a short stay required across the first five years. Ordinary and tax-residency permits also exist and suit remote earners who want a base.
What taxes does Antigua and Barbuda charge?
There is no personal income tax, no capital gains tax and no inheritance tax. The government funds itself mainly through import duties and a sales tax, so day-to-day prices carry the load.