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I am looking at a possible job in st thomas that would be about 58k for a 9 month contract. I realize there is some information regarding cost of living on the site but can anyone give me real life comparisons to the states? I have other job offers on the mainland for a few thousand less but a lot of people on this board seem to say that island living is more expensive in general. Also- Im a mid 20s female i would be coming down alone so I am looking to stay in a condo complex or somewhere gated so Ill probably be looking at at least 1,000 monthly in rent. Thank you!!
Posted : May 28, 2015 9:15 pm
Topic starter
I am also worried about how much the move will cost... a lot of people said come down with 10k, but if I have a job lined up will that much really be necessary? I;m a recent grad and definitely dont have 10k lol!
Posted : May 28, 2015 9:40 pm
I doubt you need 10k that number seems insane to me. everyone is going to suggest you sell everything and get what you need as you need if you have a job already set up. Might as well try the island life while young and have nothing holding you back! Thats what im doing but im pretty sure ill be in for the long run.
Posted : May 28, 2015 10:03 pm
are you only coming down for 9 months? if so rent out your place back home or store your stuff and rent a furnished place on stt. buy a cheap car here.
our electric this month was 147.00
gas is 3.39 a gal for car
we bought 3 bags of fruit/vegis/ a few other misc items came to 101.00-no meat ( will last a week )
some food prices are comparable to the states, some are not
what other pricing info do you need?
Posted : May 28, 2015 10:48 pm
If you have a job firmly lined up then obviously you're in a better position than someone coming down "blind". Your rent is likely to be a little higher than $1K/month if you're thinking condo/gated community and you'll need at least first month and security (some also require last month), plus deposits for power (if not included in the rent) and for internet, cable, etc. if also not provided. Most leases are for one year but you can probably easily negotiate for one of 9 months. So your initial outlay, although not $10K, is still going to be a few thousand.
Your major expense apart from that will be transportation. If you're only planning to be here for 9 months it's probably not feasible to buy a car as then you'll have to go through the hassle of re-selling it, but you can look into a long term rental through one of the many auto rental agencies here.
It's none of my business what job you're coming down here for but read your contract very carefully and make sure you completely understand its terms and conditions. It's unusual for someone to be hired from off island and particularly a recent graduate.
Aside from that, your salary is more than enough to live on very comfortably. Good luck!
Posted : May 28, 2015 11:01 pm
Depending on what kind of job/position you are coming down to do make sure that you understand and have in writing when your pay checks will start. I have known more than a few people who waited months for the checks to be issued waiting for their NOPA* to be processed and approved.
*** Notice of Personnel action
Posted : May 28, 2015 11:45 pm
Since prices vary from state to state and city to city within states, it's impossible to compare cost of living. There are some cities in the States where costs are probably higher than here, and many where costs are less. Living costs vary depending on your dietary preferences, acclimation to heat (some people really need air conditioning in summer), transportation, medical costs if any, etc.
If you really want to live here, you learn to live on your salary or get a second job. You may have to make sacrifices.
Check Craigslist for potential rental options and pricing.
Posted : May 29, 2015 12:38 am
If you really want to live here, you learn to live on your salary or get a second job. You may have to make sacrifices.
If that figure of $58K for 9 months isn't a typo, that's plenty for a single person to get by on VERY comfortably without making any sacrifices! 😀
Posted : May 29, 2015 12:50 am
Topic starter
Thank you so much everyone! Air conditioning is a non-negotiable for me on hotter days. But I'm willing to pay for it haha
Posted : May 29, 2015 12:13 pm
luckily the cost of electric is going down.
Posted : May 29, 2015 2:14 pm
How much is it now? I thought I heard someone say it was .37 per kw. This was a conversations that I heard at lunch one day. Were they correct? That price shocked me. Of course it could go up at anytime.
Posted : May 29, 2015 4:50 pm
How much is it now? I thought I heard someone say it was .37 per kw. This was a conversations that I heard at lunch one day. Were they correct? That price shocked me. Of course it could go up at anytime.
The current rate is 39.2/kWh and it is NOT going to "go up at any time" but will continue to decrease as the propane conversion comes online.
Posted : May 29, 2015 5:55 pm
That is great news. That will help many people out.
Posted : May 30, 2015 4:09 pm
