Question About Cost of Living

Depends on the work you do. Lots of waitresses/bartenders, etc. get roommates. They seem to make it by working at more than 1 job which isn't unusual in that industry. Depending on where they work, they can do well.

No, we are not rich islands. But people who have live here for a long time a a support system of family and friends. It is very difficult to come down from the states with just a few dollars in your pocket and find housing, a car and a job. Most people have some savings that they use until they get settled in.

5 grand would be a good start,it gives you a start and a small cushion until you get established

One of the biggest Catch-22's of living in the Caribbean is wages are often lower and living expenses are higher than for comparable jobs and housing "back home". That's why the regular contributors on this board constantly recommend that people do thorough research, including a pre-move visit, before they make any decision about relocating. Also, if you do decide to relocat it is highly recommend you come with a sufficient nest-egg to help cover your expenses for several months while you get settled.

Many people have to work two jobs and or have roommates to make ends meet. Whether you do or not depends on what you do for a living and what type of lifestyle you maintain. Like anywhere in the world, if you have the financial means, living in the USVI's can be easy and a wonderful experience but if you are just eeking out a living than you'll find living here is just as difficult as it is anywhere else. Living in the Caribbean is not all palm trees, sandy beaches and pina colodas. You have to deal with everyday life like pay the rent, buy groceries, pay utility bills, pay for transportation, do the laundry, go to work, etc. In other words, normal life goes on day by day regardless of your surroundings. If you have a hard time making ends meet where you now live you'll probably have the same difficulties in the VI's unless you make major adjustments in your lifestyle.

Are there well paying jobs in the VI's? - the answer is Yes. Are they easy to find? - that depends on your skill set. If you have a profession that is in demand you can do quite well but if you are just an "average worker" then you'll probably just earn an "average salary" and as pointed out earlier that may well be lower than average wages paid for a comparable job "back home".

I meet people everyday that are here on short term contract working in the construction trades. Even laborors, most are receiving housing from their employers. I also talked to one employer recently, he stated he would always pay for housing if he could get good help. Even one of the local restaraunts pays housing for short term help. And if you can find something like that, it will allow you time to make some contacts and eventusally settle in here.

In another post, someone spoke of "just showing up" with $1,000. Unless you are very young and fearless, this is not a good idea.

that would'nt even get you through the first month,5 grand minimum to get started here on the right foot

I would need to do a pre-visit and ALOT of research. I have 3 children so It's not something I could do on a whim. My husband owns his own flooring store. Carpet, Tile, Hardwood. I would think that that's a good trade anywhere but who knows.

Look at it this way, middle class homes Start at about 300k (this is for a fixer in a decent neighborhood, nothing fancy and probably no view). Add to that 3% hurricane insurance. Groceries for a family of four will be about 200 to 300 a week. Electric will be that at least for a 3 bedroom home. IMO someone making about 60k to 80 is just entering middle class here. Everything is realitive though it all depends how much you spend of what you bring in. Don't bring debt to the VI though.

I would say stj is definitely a rich island. But if I was going to be poor somewhere that's where I'd do it.

snjmom - FYI wood flooring and carpeting is the exception rather than the rule in the Caribbean. Floor tiles are the product of choice!!!