Cost of living in St John
St John, located in 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 $17.5 on average, with a range between $15 and $20.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $162.5, with prices ranging from $150 to $175.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $8.39.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $5 to $8, imported beer $6 to $8, cappuccino $6 to $7, and Coke/Pepsi is consistently priced at $3.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $2.64 and $3 per liter, averaging $2.82.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $5.51 and $6, with an average price of $5.76.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $5 to $7.8, averaging $6.4.
- Fruits (e.g., Bananas) - Bananas cost between $3.51 and $6.61 per kg, averaging $5.06.
- Vegetables (e.g., Tomatoes, Onions) - Tomatoes average $8.82 per kg, while onions are priced at $4.41 per kg.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $6.
- Monthly Pass - A monthly pass for public transport is priced at $140.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced at $1.59 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares are approximately $3.11 per km.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $2200.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $1800.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment outside the centre ranges from $1000 to $5000, averaging $3000.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment average $245.56.
- Internet - Internet services average $60.
Cost of Living Data
The following pricing data has been gathered from 12 user contributions, as of the most recent update in October, 2024.
Restaurants
Restaurants
Avg
Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$17.50
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$162.50
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$8.39
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$6.50
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$7.00
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.00
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.00
Cappuccino (regular)
$6.50
Markets
Markets
Avg
Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$2.82
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$5.76
Eggs (regular) (12)
$6.40
Local Cheese (1kg)
$17.64
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$20.00
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$6.00
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$26.46
Lettuce (1 head)
$5.00
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.49
Tomato (1kg)
$8.82
Banana (1kg)
$5.06
Onion (1kg)
$4.41
Transportation
Transportation
Avg
Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$6.00
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$140.00
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.59
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$3.11
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$22,810.00
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Avg
Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$2,200.00
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$1,800.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$3,000.00
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg
Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$245.56
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$60.00
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Avg
Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$100.00
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$60.00
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$50.00
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$50.00
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Avg
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$4,055.56
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
7.05%
Childcare
Childcare
Avg
Range
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$13,500.00
St John Cost of Living
"Key Takeaways"
St John offers a unique living experience with its beautiful landscapes and cultural richness. However, the cost of living can be high, particularly in terms of dining and housing.
To manage expenses, consider dining at local eateries and exploring housing options outside the city centre.
Conclusion
In conclusion, living in St John, US Virgin Islands, presents both opportunities and challenges. While the natural beauty and lifestyle are appealing, the cost of living requires careful budgeting.
Prospective residents should weigh the high costs of housing and dining against the benefits of living in such a picturesque location.