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Another concern I've had: the cost of living on island is higher than typical American settings, but salaries are lower than on the mainland. According to the 2000 census, the median household income (families) is $24,704 in the VI, compared to $42,000 or so on the mainland. Per capita income is $13,139 compared to $21,587 in the 50 states. 33% of islanders live in poverty, too, compared to about 15% back here.
This wouldn't be such a big deal to me normally; we're far behind on most economic indicators here in New Orleans, too. But rent is dirt cheap here; everyone says the cost of living on the Virgin Islands is higher. Rent is supposedly $500 to $1000 or more per month, depending on what you're looking for, whereas it's easy to find a nice apartment for $300 a month in New Orleans.
How is this reconciled? Is it reasonable for an unskilled worker to expect to be able to make a living? Is public assistance, ie, food stamps, low-income housing, etc available? Is that how people get by? Because it sounds like there's a gigantic gap between income and cost of living.
-Brendan
Posted : February 17, 2003 11:31 pm
Hello Brendan,
Your observations are correct. There is a high cost of living. Items have to be brought in, adding a cost to what things would normally run for in the mainland. We have no sales tax though which helps. Property is expensive, its US, its Caribbean, its in demand (particularly on St. John). Apartments are pricey.
Yes, food stamps, low-income housing is avialable, WIC, Medical Assistance.... is available. And many people are on these governement assistance programs. And the gap is bridged with these methods.
Unskilled worker - not sure what you mean... People do various jobs, all of which require a little to a lot of skill. Waiters do well, people do ground maintenance at hotels and do well, there are sales people that do very well.... not necessarily college educated jobs, but they require some skill or commitment to doing the job well and yes there are persons in these positions that make a living. And there are very skilled workers as well, doctors, lawyers....
--Islander
Posted : February 18, 2003 2:17 am
Salaries may be lower but then again there are a lot of ' under-the-table' stuff going on so no tax. In other words, not all income is reported and thus, taxed. More so in the so called 'unskilled' market. Cash goes a long way but you lose out on benefits such as health insurance and paid days off and others. It's like the old days... you worked for cash and if something happens to you, you're on your own. You took care of your own problems and did not rely on insurance. I guess you could compare it to what illegal aliens are going through here on the mainland except for the fact that they can avail of 'free' healthcare by going to the local ER.
Rent is up there but then again it depends on the location you are staying. Most of the time the lower the rent..... the lower the.... know what I mean? Cost of living as a whole is higher. But if you are an alcoholic, you will be in heaven as booze is cheap.
Posted : February 18, 2003 6:44 pm
Here is a list of "free" stuff that some people get: breakfast and lunch at public schools, medical care (including hospitalization, medications and long-term care), housing, transportation, funerals and burial, food, clothes...what else? Who pays for this? Guess!!
Posted : February 18, 2003 7:34 pm
To anonymous answer-
How is health insurance "free"? Very curious as this is an issue for me!! Thanks-
Posted : February 19, 2003 8:18 pm
Not free insurance...There is a law in the VI that everyone must receive care from the hospital regardless of ability to pay. There are those who use the hospital emergency rooms for their primary care. There are even people who have health insurance who do this in order to keep from incurring their co-pay.
Posted : February 19, 2003 9:25 pm
