As an indicative guide, a comfortable retirement in Antigua and Barbuda costs roughly £2,700/month for a couple — about £32,400/year (≈ EC$9,720/month). A modest budget is nearer £1,700; a premium one nearer £4,100.
Roughly where a comfortable £2,700/month goes:
Indicative estimates for a couple, general guidance only — real costs vary by location, lifestyle and exchange rates.
Famous for its many beaches, sailing and a warm climate, Antigua and Barbuda offers an English-speaking, low-tax lifestyle that appeals to retirees seeking sun and sea with good flight links.
Foreign buyers can own property freehold, typically after obtaining a Non-Citizen Land Holding Licence, unless purchasing within an approved development. Real estate that qualifies for citizenship (from around USD 300,000) must be held for at least five years. There is no tax on capital gains, inheritance or worldwide income. As a general guide only — always confirm the current rules with a qualified local lawyer. Our free ownership checker and the Overseas Property Playbook walk through how ownership works step by step.
Antigua and Barbuda's Citizenship by Investment programme offers a passport through a National Development Fund donation or an approved real estate purchase; a short in-country stay is required within the first five years. Visa rules change often, so treat this as a starting point and verify the latest requirements before you plan.
Jolly Harbour for its marina and established expat community, English Harbour and Falmouth for yachting and history, and the St John's and Dickenson Bay area for amenities and beaches.
The main public facility is Mount St John's Medical Centre in St John's, with private clinics alongside, and complex treatment is often sought abroad. Expats rely on private or international health insurance, which is worth budgeting for carefully at older ages.
Antigua abolished personal income tax in 2016 and levies no tax on pensions, foreign income, capital gains, inheritance or wealth, so a resident retiree's UK pension is not taxed locally. Government revenue comes mainly from a 15% sales tax and duties instead.
Warm year-round at around 25-31C and among the sunnier, drier Caribbean islands. December to April is the reliable dry season, while June to November is warmer, wetter and the Atlantic hurricane window. Easy-going and generally safe with normal precautions; English is the native language and driving is on the left, so British retirees settle in comfortably.
Non-citizens need a Landholding Licence at about 5% of the price (allow three to six months), plus 2.5% buyer's stamp duty and legal fees of 1-2%, so total one-off costs commonly run near 9-12%.
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