Cost of Living, STX

I think it depends ... we recently wanted to buy a 'built-in' micro-wave. The exact same model was $180.00 at home Depot in the US and $400.00 here on STX. Some things - mainly groceries are 10-30% more. Overall IMHO, I woould say that figure is still fairly accurate.

I think it's a wash...when you add the sales tax onto that $180.00, and you factor in the other costs such as winter wardrobe and heating/cooling bills, and the cost of commuting now that gas is heading towards $4.00 per gallon, you can't really just look at cost-per-item.

No sales tax here, no State taxes, no winter wardrobe, no heating bills during winter, possibly no cooling bills during summer, shorter commutes, cheaper gas (at the moment, on STX)...it's not like you'll buy a $400.00 microwave every month.

Things may cost more, but you get to keep more of your income too. I have lived on the mainland and this has been my experience.

Just my humble opinion 🙂

I'd say a lot would depend on what region of the mainland you are coming from - we are from the rural south and a year later are still having sticker shock almost daily...

If you transfer here with a stateside pay scale, you are in a different position from someone who is working here on a stx pay scale. Higher level jobs do not get the same level of compensation as in the states, at least no comparison with NY where I also worked.
Prices are more, and I'm not sure if the 15% is right or not. Yes, my gas is a bit cheaper (IMHO not as cheap as it should be, in comparison to the retail cost in NE US), but my electric is lots higher than my NY bill from one of the most expensive utility companies in the states. Real estate is higher or lower depending on your reference point in the states. New cars are more expensive, and the deals on financing are non-existant. Bank fees and account charges are different. Insurance rates are higher on homes. Retail items are higher due to shipping as well as higher wholesale prices to outlets who buy less, but oftentimes the price differential is to me an outrageous percentage difference. Vendors selling things that cannot be obtained easily from off-island sometimes seem to take advantage of their position--ie. the price of cement lately. But, the sun shines, it's 85, the water is great and the people are too, for the most part.

This whole cost of living thing is a bit of a puzzlement to me. Do all Cruzians (those born and lived on island all their lives) make $40,50,80,100k a year? Do they live in Villas or pay $2500 to rent a house or $1500 a month to rent a condo? Do they all drive new cars and pay, as one writer stated $20.00 a head for her families dinner? I think not. I didn't notice any reason why a person couldn't live within their means when I was on my pmv to STX. Yes, if you want to live an up-scale life style you can do that if you have the money to back you up. However if you are an average person who wants to move to the islands and are only of modest means sure you can do it. Thousands of Cruzians do it everyday. you adapt to island life style and that includes how much you realize how much you can live without and, if the cost of a can of beans is too much, you'll learn to buy something in it's stead.

one love ironman

Yes the power is much more per KW/HR than most places in the states. However even with cheaper KW/HR here in AZ, the cost per month, especially in the summer in MUCH HIGHER here in AZ.
Depending on where you live on island you may not need or use A/C. There is usually a nice breeze blowing, and if not a fan will generally do the job. Yes some people use the A/C all the time, and their power bill is high, but still cheaper than here in AZ.
Food seems to be higher, especially if you buy the name brands. A little substitution can help the cost.
In our figuring, we can live a little cheaper in STX than in AZ, when my wife retires.

To Gotoguy

You have received some very interesting answers. Ironman's comments about "level of living" points to how much it will cost to live in the Virgin Islands. The key words in your question are "work and live". If you intend to transfer your needs and expectations intact from the states you will face severe sticker shock.

Others have made it clear that WAPA overcharges everyone for their electricity. But it is hotter in Arizona and colder in New York.

Housing is much higher than rural states, but much lower than California and the northeast.

Shipped items always carry an unwritten surcharge. Native Son is right about lower taxes paid.

Billd and others -

Having re-read this thread several times, let me just make one comment to the newbies which has become almost everyone's mantra who has made the transition here - DO A PMV. And do it the way so many have suggested - try to find a place to live, and live like an islander. If you come down with anticipated employment, try to work a deal where you can have a 90 day trial or a 6 month contract, pack a suitcase, and come on. You aren't gonna die if you don't own a house right away. A one week PMV will rarely tell you what you need to know. A year later I can tell you we took a nice vacation. We learned a lot, but some things didn't sink in too well (and yes, you can call us "dumber than dirt" on that one -we got dazzled by the sand and sun). Take into consideraton any special needs/requirements/wish list you have and balance it carefully against your current life. Unless you are one of the privileged few, the money WILL matter. Most of us are regular Joes.

Beaches has made an excellent point - the pay scale we transferred under was absolutely HUGE in the rural south and not-so-huge here...but it was a standard pay scale and we didn't negotiate out a few things that we really should have. Hindsight being 20/20, this was a big oopsy on our part.

We've seen too many people come and go and many did not make it because of the all important mantra #2 - if you don't have a job lined up and are not in the hospitality industry and are not willing to settle for less than what you think you deserve job-wise, then you'd better bring a big old stack of folding money to see you through. No, I doubt that the majority of Crucians are making $100K a year - many also have owned their own homes for quite some time, and STX is the gold rush on real estate right now. If you can't afford to buy your own home and need to rent, there are some nice places that are deals from time to time...but you have to work at it, they won't fall into your lap. Otherwise, you might plan on having to pay the higher price for a while.

This board is wonderful, and the opening page mentions consideration of jobs, transportation, baby-sitters, schools, etc. Take these things to heart and look carefully. You may be better off taking a fabulous vacation once a year.

We could not be happier. We don't have AC, our power bill is high but there's no charge for water and no gas bill to speak of, there's no wardrobe change, and there's no snow. The beach is free entertainment all the time and there are a lot of low or no cost activities - parades, artist days, Sunset Jazz, etc. We don't "eat fancy", but we do eat out...you will find the less tourist-y spots as you go. It CAN be done, the transition can be made...but I am always sad to see someone who came down with high hopes and dreams leave because they just didn't think it through all the way.

I guess a good rule of thumb would be to take your current income and expense budget and review it carefully - add 33% to all expenses (just to be safe) and see if your income or anticipated/negotiated income will cover the adjusted amount. If so, good for you! If not, decide where you can compromise on your expectations, but be very honest with yourself...don't do the "my family and I can live in a tent in the Rain Forest and I will hike to work every day" thing in your head. You can't, it's not realistic, and will be your downfall, unless you live in a tent now and hike to work and find this to your liking. The dream is wonderful and life here is wonderful, but keep a reality check going at all times if you are considering a permanent move.

Well, that sounds like a downer, LOL! If you can embrace the island and all of its eccentricities, and not fight to make it "like we did it back home", you will be fine - but search your heart and use your head. And next year you will have your own story to tell! Everyone has a story...some are just funnier than other based on the Dumb Quotient!

Excellent post, BeckyR.

Although we may have been in touch, and I just don't know your bulletin board name, I did want to let you know that I regularly rent out a large and private (separate from the rest of the house) room for PMV'ers. As Becky R stated, to get started here you will need cash, especially if you are going to 'hold out' for 'THAT' job. As this is more of a bed without breakfast situation, it is an economical way to spend more time for less money and really get a sense of
Cost of living
Cost of housing
Job Market in your field.

I am very grateful that I took the time to come, experience, ask questions and come again before taking the plunge. As such, I have been extremely happy with nearly everything, as I knew what to expect.

If you decide to come and visit and do a face-to-face with the items listed above, and if renting a room would help you to make this transition step viable, please just let me know. My email address is Affiliationllc@aol.com. I do have people coming to do the same straight up until October, but there are breaks in almost every month, so if you make this a necessity, I'm sure we would be able to work something out.

In any event, best wishes to you, and there is some great advice above. Never worry about posting too many questions, and don't forget to do searches on this board. Many topics that you may be concerned about have been discussed in length, and you can pull up these discussions to learn about what feedback has already been provided.

Warmest regards,

Dan

I am in serious admiration for a life in the islands. STX has really captured my attention. However, I am unsure how quickly I can do it, but know that I definately want to and ASAP. I grew up in the country in southern Missouri and then spent some time in southern CA with the usmc. Now I'm living in Kansas City and I gotta tell ya...If I wasn't so head over heels in love I would have been gone a long time ago. On the other hand, I am seriously at my breaking point and ready to load'em up and head'em out. The city life was and never will be for me. If anyone has actually taken time to read my desperation of obtaining any help for reloaction (job, place to live, how much$$ to get it all in play) I would deeply appreciate anyone and everyone's help. Thank ya'll and hope to here something as soon as possible. I'm not sure how all this works but would like to leave my email address just in case somone wants to send something that way. It would probablly be easier for me. Alright then, enough of the ramblin' thank ya
respectfully,
joshua
jpende56@yahoo.com