Cost of living in St Thomas
St Thomas, part of the US Virgin Islands, is a vibrant destination known for its stunning beaches and rich cultural heritage. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both potential residents and visitors.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in St Thomas, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $20 on average, with a range between $10 and $35.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $160, with prices ranging from $100 to $175.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $12, with a range between $9 and $15.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3 to $8, imported beer $7 to $12, cappuccino $1.5 to $9, and Coke/Pepsi $3 to $5.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.32 and $3.98 per liter, averaging $2.51.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $6 and $6.99, with an average price of $6.53.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $5 to $11, averaging $8.9.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $6.33 to $12.13 per kg, while oranges range from $6.99 to $12.13 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced at $1.91 per kg, and lettuce costs $8 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $2, with a monthly pass priced at $60.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.06 and $1.58 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $7, with a cost of $3.11 per km.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1125 to $1800, averaging $1381.25.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1400 to $2200, averaging $1800.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $3000 to $3500, averaging $3166.67.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $3000 to $5500, averaging $4000.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $4305.56 to $7534.74, averaging $5920.15.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $5381.96 to $10763.91, averaging $8072.93.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $250 and $500, averaging $387.24.
- Internet - Internet services range from $90 to $200, with an average cost of $130.
Cost of Living Data
The following pricing data has been gathered from 18 user contributions, as of the most recent update in July, 2024.
Restaurants
Restaurants
Avg
Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$20.00
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$160.00
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$12.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$6.50
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$10.00
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.33
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.37
Cappuccino (regular)
$7.00
Markets
Markets
Avg
Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$2.51
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$6.53
Eggs (regular) (12)
$8.90
Local Cheese (1kg)
$11.32
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$6.00
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$21.50
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$4.29
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$6.00
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$31.97
Apples (1kg)
$9.23
Oranges (1kg)
$9.56
Potato (1kg)
$1.91
Lettuce (1 head)
$8.00
Rice (white), (1kg)
$18.73
Tomato (1kg)
$19.82
Banana (1kg)
$9.08
Onion (1kg)
$8.80
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$39.68
Transportation
Transportation
Avg
Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$2.00
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$60.00
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.44
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$55,000.00
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$20.00
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$3.11
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$38,500.00
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Avg
Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$1,381.25
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$1,800.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$3,166.67
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$4,000.00
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg
Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$387.24
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$130.00
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$100.00
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Avg
Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$125.00
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$12.00
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Avg
Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$102.50
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$137.50
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$140.00
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$120.00
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Avg
Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$5,920.15
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$8,072.93
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Avg
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$2,600.00
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
9.45%
Childcare
Childcare
Avg
Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$1,500.00
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$22,000.00
St Thomas Cost of Living
"Key Takeaways"
St Thomas offers a unique living experience with its beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture. However, the cost of living can be relatively high, especially in terms of dining and housing.
Potential residents should budget carefully for utilities and groceries, which can also be on the higher side compared to mainland US prices.
Transportation costs are moderate, with affordable public transport options, but owning a car can be expensive due to high gasoline prices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, living in St Thomas, US Virgin Islands, presents both opportunities and challenges. The island's natural beauty and cultural richness are major attractions.
However, the cost of living is a significant consideration, particularly for those planning to relocate. Careful financial planning and budgeting are essential to enjoy all that St Thomas has to offer without financial strain.