Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Antigua and Barbuda expensive to visit?
Antigua and Barbuda is a somewhat more expensive destination to visit. It is in the top 25% of countries in the world for its overall travel expenses. When visiting, expect to pay fairly high prices for accommodation, food, and things to do.
Within the Caribbean Islands, which is known to be an expensive region, Antigua and Barbuda is very expensive compared to the other countries. It is in the top 10% of countries in the Caribbean Islands for its travel costs. There are only a few countries as expensive or more expensive than Antigua and Barbuda in the region.
Antigua and Barbuda has something for everyone, with a range of sights, activities, and accommodation to fit every budget and travel style. You'll find budget hotels if you're looking to save, but there are also luxurious options for those who want to spend more, plus mid-range hotels for families and couples.
Antigua and Barbuda has a reputation for being expensive, but there are simple ways to make it affordable, like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities.
On average, budget travelers spend $167 (EC$452) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $406 (EC$1,098) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $931 (EC$2,515) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Antigua and Barbuda.
For more details, see Is Antigua and Barbuda Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Antigua and Barbuda?
The average Antigua and Barbuda trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Antigua and Barbuda travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Antigua and Barbuda cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to manage your expectations when it comes to your travel budget. While many people like to see themselves as "budget" travelers on a shoestring budget, most find this type of travel uncomfortable. Think about what you enjoy and how you've traveled previously. Are you drawn to resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or do you prefer hostels, instead? How important is eating out to you? And what type of transportation do you prefer? Your answers to these questions will greatly affect your overall travel budget.
The Truth on Budget Travel
People often say you can visit Antigua and Barbuda for just $167 daily, but unless you're okay with sacrificing many comforts, be ready to shell out a lot more.
Backpackers can typically make that budget work, but it usually requires sleeping in dorm-style hostels, eating at the most affordable restaurants or fast food spots, taking public transit or walking, and sticking to free sights.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
Mid-range hotels, well-known restaurants, and visits to museums and attractions with entry fees are common choices for families or couples traveling on vacation. Most travelers will want to visit the major sights, and landmarks. Most of these activities cost money, after all, so it's wise to plan for a budget closer to $406 per person each day.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
For those seeking an all-inclusive experience with top-tier service, be prepared for a daily price around $931. Staying in luxury hotels, dining at fine restaurants, indulging in high-end excursions, and hiring private drivers will push you into the "luxury" bracket. You'll find yourself vacationing among the elite in destinations like Saint John's.
Accommodation Budget in Antigua and Barbuda
The variety of accommodation prices in Antigua and Barbuda can be surprising. Some areas and hotels are much more expensive than others, and prices soar during peak season. You'll save more if you visit in the off-season or book in advance.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Antigua and Barbuda for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $450 (EC$1,215). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $225 (EC$608) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Antigua and Barbuda? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in Antigua and Barbuda
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $23 (EC$63) per person, per day, on local transportation in Antigua and Barbuda. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Antigua and Barbuda is significantly more than public transportation.
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Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$23
EC$63
If you have a car while staying in a larger city, it's wise to confirm the parking arrangements with your hotel before arrival. You may incur parking fees at the hotel or in a nearby garage. Sometimes, parking further from the city center can be a more cost-effective option.
Some typical prices for transportation in Antigua and Barbuda are shown below. These are actual costs from previous travelers, and are representative of the amount you'll likely spend on transportation in Antigua and Barbuda. Don't forget that your individual costs will vary based on how you get around, because hired cars such as taxis are often much more expensive than local public transportation.
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Taxi From Airport
EC$19
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Taxi From Airport
EC$95
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Local Bus
EC$4.10
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Local Bus
EC$4.10
Food Budget in Antigua and Barbuda
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Antigua and Barbuda can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Antigua and Barbuda is $137 (EC$369) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$137
EC$369
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Antigua and Barbuda is about $137 (EC$369) per person. Previous travelers have typically spent from $57 to $305 per day. Generally, breakfast and lunch will cost less than dinner, but that will vary based on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Antigua and Barbuda are as follows:
- Breakfast: $25 to $41
- Lunch: $21 to $68
- Dinner: $48 to $109
- Coffee: $12
- Fast Food or Street Food: $22
Fungie: Similar to polenta, this is the national dish and comprised mostly of cornmeal.
Ducana: A sweet potato dumpling dish.
Traveling with kids? Look for restaurants that have a dedicated kids menu. This can help you save some cash since those meals are often cheaper. Additionally, some restaurants might not list the childrens' options, so don't forget to ask the waiter first.
Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.
Instead of constantly buying drinks, carry a water bottle with you. It's a good move for the environment too.
Before you set off on a tour, check to see which meals are included. You might need to budget for some meals on your own, which could increase your expenses.
If you want to experience the culture in Antigua and Barbuda, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Private Art Tour or Food Tour for $150 details
- City Lime Food Tour: Taste our culture on Antigua's only food tour in the city! For $105 details
- All About Jerk Cooking Class for $145 details
- Coordinating Curry Cooking Class for $145 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Antigua and Barbuda
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Antigua and Barbuda typically cost an average of $109 (EC$295) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$109
EC$295
A nice way to explore destinations in Antigua and Barbuda is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Exquisite Taxi and Tours Antigua for $135 details
- Turtle Beach Power Snorkeling Adventure Pickup Excluded for $109 details
- Glenmon taxi and tours for $70 details
Outlined below are some typical prices for entry fees and activities in Antigua and Barbuda. They have been reported from the expenses of previous travelers. These costs provide an idea of what you might need to spend, though your individual expenses will depend on the activities you participate in, the places you visit, and how often you choose budget-friendly or free activities.
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Entrance to the Museum of Antigua & Barbu
EC$8.10
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Admission to Nelson's Dockyard National
EC$14
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2 Hour Snorkeling Trip
EC$108
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Windsurfing Equipment Rental for 1 Hr
EC$135
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90 Minute Rainforest Canopy Tour
EC$216
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Two Tank Dive
EC$216
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Catamaran Island Tour
EC$324
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Catamaran Island Tour
EC$324
Antigua & Barbuda
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.