Inquiry

Hi everybody am Michael, I live in Texas am looking forward to move to sant Thomas island but I have some questions I wish to find the right answers if that is possible,
I checked the wages and compare it with housing, I am not at management level yet so the wage between 8_10 $ per hour that is about 1400 $ before tax deduction (it's better to calculate the minimum to be in the safe side) if the housing costs about 800 a month I don't know if the utilities included, is it possible to survive in a 500$ a month?
Thank you so much,
Michael.

I don't see how you can.

Most rental properties will not include utilities so trying to make it by with $500/month "spending money" isn't very realistic. How much you'll actually need depends on the type of lifestyle you've become accustom to and what sacrifices you may be willing AND ABLE to make.

As you are probably learning from your research the Catch-22 of life in the Caribbean is that living expenses are high and wages are low.

For planning purposes you can expect that on average your monthly living expenses will be about 30% to 40% higher than they are back in Texas assuming you want to maintain the same life style.

You'd be wise to spend some time gaining more practical work experience back in Texas so that when you do decide to make the move your skills set will make you more marketable and thus be able to achieve a higher salary. Use the time while you are working in Texas to build up a nest egg - the more money you have saved up the easier it will be to make the transition.

Remember, you'll need money for the plane ticket to get to the USVI's, at least 3 months rent (1st, last and security deposit) just to walk in the door, deposits for utility companies, money to stock your home with basic supplies, money to cover your basic living expenses while you search for employment (most people recommend enough for 6 to 9 months), money for a car (you'll need reliable transportation), insurance and money for a host of other "unexpected adventures" that everyday life has in store for your checkbook each month. Don't forget things like a cell phone, internet service, gas, etc.

Quite honestly, people earning $8 to $10/hr either live at home with other family members and/or work two jobs trying to make ends meet.

Also keep in mind that with all the islands being effected by the storms, housing is at a premium so $800.00 may not even be in the ballpark. There are a lot of jobs starting up right now that are related to the storm recovery efforts that are paying more than the 8-10 a hr that you are mentioning...

Thank you so much for this information

Thank you so much for all the valuble information, after this details I think I need more time to move there.

Also keep in mind that with all the islands being effected by the storms, housing is at a premium so $800.00 may not even be in the ballpark. There are a lot of jobs starting up right now that are related to the storm recovery efforts that are paying more than the 8-10 a hr that you are mentioning...

anyone who wants to can go make 20+ an hour with fema right now.

Thank you so much for all the valuble information, after this details I think I need more time to move there.

I would wait at least 6 months (or until power is back and curfew lifted).

Thank you, curfew because of hurricanes right?

The main reasons for the curfew are due to the roads being unsafe to drive in the dark with debris, poles, and cables partially blocking the way, no street lights, no traffic signals, and to cut down on opportunistic theft due to lack of power.

Do you have any experience in construction? Handy with tools? GigaCrete Caribbean on St.Thomas has put out a call for workers. Interest in GigaCrete's revolutionary quickbuild system of constructing disaster-resilient homes using advanced proprietary materials is skyrocketing. Check out these links. Never hurts to ask. Good luck to you!

http://www.businessinsider.com/california-fires-fire-proof-houses-could-help-in-future-disasters-2017-10

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GigaCrete Caribbean
Yesterday at 12:00

GigaCrete Caribbean is looking for help. We are currently accepting applications for helpers and skilled framers. We can also train. Experience preferred. You can come to the GigaCrete office by Cost U Less. Or message me. We will also be needing subcontractors for upcoming projects.

https://www.facebook.com/gigacretecaribbean/
GCC tel. 1-340-690-3316

Thank you

Thank you for responding to my inquiry, I do worked with construction before in my home Land and welling to have an experience in high standards modern construction system, I already texted you this morning.
Thanks again.