Cost of Living

Richard: Did you look at the Moving Guide above? It has some good info on costs associated with living here. Most people don't move here to make money- unless they have already got so much they don't know what to do with it! it is expensive all around, except the rum! 😉 There are residential areas all over the island, it just depends what you want. You would really need to look at the places. The zoning is not like up in the states.

Hello Richard,

East Ender is right - take a look at the moving guide on this site. Under Island Living there is a topic on Cost Of Living it has average cost of power, phone, cable, gas, groceries and then under Housing there is a table with cost of housing. So you can compare using that information.

Not familiar with cost of living in Washington DC - how about you describe what the cost of living is like in Washington DC and then we can tell you if St. Thomas is the same, more, less... and so forth.

Nice neighborhoods... like East Ender said residential areas stretch the lenght and width of the island, scattered here and there and everywhere. I would say though that the quieter areas would be areas of Northside and East End. The West End also but it is much further away from everything and sometimes when I drive out there I think I have entered another place - LOL. The Northside - you pretty much could choose from any of the areas in there. On the East End there are many good spots as well, with a few that are not as inviting. Best idea is to look at 8-12 places, as many as you feel necessary and see which ones you like, which are close to your job maybe, or to the beach or to whatever you like. The apartments here really aren't set up like in the mainland they are more like houses or parts of houses rather then a complex.

--Islander

I have heard that the cost of living on STJ is similar to New York City. I know STT is cheaper to live but I don't think it would be that much cheaper.
Many things have to be flown and shipped in.

I would agree with Chris. I live and work in the NY metro area and found that costs on St John are similar. Food, housing etc. No heat though and no snow removal (!!!#!!!%%!!!) but then water costs on the islands can be very high. I would agree that it's definitely comparable to the cost of living in one of the major east coast cities, NY,Boston, DC etc.

My husband and I moved from SF, and I am originally from NYC.
So in comparison to SF, the rents are cheaper. Our 2bdrm. on the North side in St Thomas is only $995. Our 2 bdrm. in Oakland was $1500.
The food on the other hand is outrageous. The restaurants are way too expensive for simple fare, like chicken breast or salad items. The grocery stores are perhaps 20% more, but if you are splurging on an imported item at Gourmet Gallery or the Health Food Store expect to pay 30-60% more.

Onika, If you don't mind me asking, what is the approximately square footage of you 2 bedroom. We are planning a move from TN with two small children. I am curious as to the size of the housing in VI. Thanks!

Tiffany,

I am sure Onika will answer however the apartments vary greatly. I have been in small 2 bedrooms and I have been in large 2 bedrooms with big living areas. I don't think there is a standard size. Having said that I am certain you can find an apartments with 2 bedrooms that your children can share comfortably. Also some have separate kitchens, large like a room with dining area and then some have small kitchens that only one person could realy move around without bumping the other person. Look around to find what is comfortable to.

Also with two children - be aware of balconies - many island home have a porch or balcony. If your apartment is on the second floor pay attention to any doors that lead outside or to the balcony to insure that they would be safe for children.

--Islander

Tiffany,
Islander is correct--too many variations to rely on an your housing search. I think ours is small in comparison to others I have seen on St. Thomas (with expansive living rooms and kitchens, master bedroom suites, etc.), but bigger than the two-bdrms. in Manhattan or San Francisco.
Also, I have heard that St Croix has a greater availability of housing and that it tends to be cheaper.

Thanks for everyones input. In the end I guess it doesn't matter. Even if the cost of living is higher the opportunity to live on the Virgin Islands is just to wonderful to pass up. Does anyone know a good place on the net to start researching apartments for rent? We have a large dog so that is a consideration.