Saint John Island, part of the US Virgin Islands, is known for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering a move or extended stay.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, including housing, dining, transportation, and more, to help you plan your budget effectively.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $70 on average.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $150.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $15.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3.75 to $5, imported beer $4.25 to $7, cappuccino $9, and Coke/Pepsi $3 to $3.5.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced at $3.17 per liter.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs $8.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs cost $12.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $22.05 per kg, while oranges are $17.64 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced at $7.72 per kg, and lettuce costs $5 per head.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $7, with a monthly pass priced at $150.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced at $1.59 per liter.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $30, with a cost of $20 to $40 for the initial fare.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $4000.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $3500.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $5000.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $4500.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost $300.
  • Internet - Internet services range from $75 to $130, with an average cost of $102.5.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 3 user contributions, as of the most recent update in September, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$70.00
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$150.00
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$15.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$4.38
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.63
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.25
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.50
Cappuccino (regular)
$9.00
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$3.17
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$8.00
Eggs (regular) (12)
$12.00
Local Cheese (1kg)
$32.00
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$3.50
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$23.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$4.50
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$6.00
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$9.00
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$33.07
Apples (1kg)
$22.05
Oranges (1kg)
$17.64
Potato (1kg)
$7.72
Lettuce (1 head)
$5.00
Rice (white), (1kg)
$12.00
Tomato (1kg)
$12.00
Banana (1kg)
$4.00
Onion (1kg)
$7.72
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$24.00
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$7.00
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$150.00
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.59
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$47,500.00
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$30.00
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$53,000.00
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$4,000.00
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$3,500.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$5,000.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$4,500.00
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$300.00
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$102.50
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$100.00
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$80.00
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$50.00
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$85.00
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$100.00
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$4,500.00
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
7%
Saint John Island Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Saint John Island presents a high cost of living, particularly in housing and dining. Rent prices are significantly high, especially in the city centre.

Dining out can be expensive, with even casual meals costing a premium. Grocery prices are also on the higher side, reflecting the island's remote location.

Transportation costs are moderate, with public transport and fuel prices being relatively reasonable compared to other expenses.

Conclusion

Living in Saint John Island offers a unique lifestyle with beautiful surroundings, but it comes with a high cost of living.

Prospective residents should budget carefully, especially for housing and dining, and consider ways to economize on groceries and utilities.