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 MealA 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
  • MilkMilk 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 FaresTaxi 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.
  • InternetInternet 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
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
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
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
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)
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
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$125.00
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$12.00
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
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
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
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