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For those living on island, what would it cost to live "comfortably" on the island. In comfortably I mean a decent house, with the ability to go out some, own a decent car, have enough to save, and some disposible income for travel, etc... I realize this is not a real good question, but how much higher is the cost of living? If you could live a decent life off of $60,000 in the states, how much more would you need on St. Thomas to live the same life? Thanks.
Posted : May 18, 2005 12:55 am
Where do you live now? Makes a big difference. $60,000/year is not much in San Francisco but probably a lot in Little Rock. Groceries are higher than the states but not a lot higher. You will be surprised by the cost of utilities. I have a three bedroom home with two apartments and swimming pool and no air conditioning and I pay $325/month. There is no sales tax, no state income tax. Car insurance is cheaper than San Francisco (where I am from). Housing is expensive. Price would depend on whether or not you are renting or buying. Movies are cheaper here - $6 but other going out would have to look at your likes and dislikes.
Posted : May 18, 2005 6:35 pm
MY HUSBAND AND I ARE BOTH NURSES. WE SPENT THE LAST 2 YEARS IN ST THOMAS AS TRAVEL NURSES AT THE HOSPITAL. EVERYTHING IS VERY EXPENSIVE. OUR 2 BEDROOM 2 BATH CONDO WAS 1850.00 PER MONTH. ELECTRICITY AND WATER WAS 500.00 -600.00 PER MONTH. THE GROCERY STORES WERE VERY EXPENSIVE. CANNED VEGETABLES ARE ALL OVER 1.00 PER CAN.IT WAS ALWAYS AT LEAST 300.00 FOR A CART FULL OF GROCERIES. BUT IF YOU HAVE AT LEAST 100,000 PER YEAR INCOME IT IS A WONDERFUL PLACE TO LIVE. OF COURSE YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO SAVE ANY OF THAT . GOOD LUCK.
Posted : May 19, 2005 12:52 am
We live on STX. Our 2BR/2B house is $850 a month. Electric and water (cistern) is $70-$80 a month. We spend about $150 a week at the grocery and eat out 3-4 nights a week at a cost of $120 or so. Cable, phone and internet add another $200 a month. Our annual income is right around $60,000 a year and we have plenty of money to save, visit the grandkids, and just have fun.
You really need to visit and see for yourself.
Posted : May 19, 2005 9:43 am
Topic starter
Thanks for the responses. I have been to St. Thomas recently, which is where I would be living. I looked at a couple of 1 bedrooms for around 1000 plus utilities. Groceries also seemed fairly high.
I know my question was poor, it was just to get an idea. For example, if I live in mid-size City X and make 60,000 which allows me to live in a 1 bedroom, plus utilities, internet, car, etc... and am able to save some money on top, that would obviously not be enough if I made the same on St. Thomas. Is St. Thomas 50% more than a mid-size town in the US?
Posted : May 19, 2005 2:19 pm
I wouldn't say 50% more, but more for sure. You have to keep in mind you are in the caribbean - items are shipped in.
Posted : May 19, 2005 2:34 pm