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Is Antigua and Barbuda expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Yes, Antigua and Barbuda is one of the pricier Caribbean destinations. A careful traveller needs about EC$260 (roughly US$95) per person per day, mid-range is about EC$670 and comfort about EC$1,600. Most of the money goes on rooms, imported food and boat trips. Local buses, rum shops and the beaches themselves cost very little.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | EC$150 | EC$320 | EC$900 |
| Food & drink | EC$70 | EC$150 | EC$300 |
| Sights & tickets | EC$25 | EC$120 | EC$250 |
| Local transport | EC$15 | EC$80 | EC$150 |
| Per person, per day | EC$260 | EC$670 | EC$1,600 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Antigua and Barbuda day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Minibus ride (St John's to the beaches) | about EC$3-5 |
| Two beach loungers for the day | EC$25-50 |
| Snorkel gear rental, per day | about EC$30 |
| Nelson's Dockyard national park ticket | about EC$22 (US$8) |
| Shirley Heights Sunday party entry | about EC$40-55 |
| Beach bar fish or lobster main | EC$60-120 |
| Catamaran day sail with lunch | EC$350-450 |
| Guesthouse double, St John's area | EC$250-400 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Rooms are the biggest cost: even simple guesthouses near St John's run EC$250-400 a night, and the west-coast resorts often charge EC$1,400-3,500, before the 12.5% government tax and the usual 10% service charge. Most food is imported, so supermarket and restaurant prices are well above European or North American levels. Taxis use fixed zone fares rather than meters and add up quickly, and day trips by boat (Barbuda, catamaran sails, Stingray City) cost EC$200-650 each. Sights on land, by contrast, are cheap.
When it is cheaper
From June to November, the hurricane season, many hotels cut rates, often by roughly 20-40%, and some small places close for part of it. Late April to June, after the winter peak but before the wettest months, is usually a good-value compromise.
How to spend less
- Use the minibuses from St John's West Bus Station instead of taxis; a ride costs a few EC dollars.
- Agree every taxi fare before getting in; fares are set by zone, not by meter.
- Shop at the supermarket in Jolly Harbour or St John's for breakfasts, water and drinks.
- All beaches are public by law, so you can use the sand in front of resorts without paying.
- Rent a car for just one day to cover Fig Tree Drive, Betty's Hope and Devil's Bridge together.
- Pay in EC dollars where you can; prices quoted in US dollars are often rounded up.
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Common questions
How much money do I need per day in Antigua?
About EC$260 (roughly US$95) per person on a budget, about EC$670 mid-range and around EC$1,600 for comfort, including a shared room.
Can I pay in US dollars in Antigua?
Yes, US dollars are accepted almost everywhere at about EC$2.70 to US$1, but change is often given in EC dollars and paying in local currency is usually cheaper.
Are hotel prices in Antigua quoted with tax?
Often not. Hotels add a 12.5% government tax and usually a 10% service charge, so check the final price.