Cost of Living in St. Croix
Last Updated: May 29, 2023 • 7 min read
Author: Zach L.
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If you're thinking of moving to the beautiful island of St. Croix, you'll want to be sure to factor in the cost of living. In this blog post, we will break down all of the expenses you can expect to incur while living on the island.
St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John, and Water Island, and approximately 50 other small island-like formations make up the US Virgin Islands. St. Croix falls as the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, while St Thomas boasts the capital city of Charlotte Amalie.
From housing and food to transportation and healthcare, we will cover it all! So whether you're already a resident of St. Croix or are just considering making the move, be sure to read this post!
Cost of Housing in St. Croix
One of the first things you'll need to consider when budgeting for your new life in St Croix is housing. Whether you're looking to rent or buy, the cost of housing on the island can be pretty high. The good news is that there are a variety of options available, so you should be able to find something that fits both your needs and your budget.
The median household income is $36,042 which is well below the national average of close to $68,000. If you're planning on renting, expect to pay the average cost of $700-$1200 monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment. If you're looking for something a bit bigger or would prefer to own your own real estate, housing costs will start at around $200,000 and go up from there. St. Croix has very low property taxes of 0.377%, which is really important when determining the cost of living data. No matter what your budget is, there's sure to be a housing option for you in St. Croix!
Cost of Food in St. Croix
Another important factor to consider when budgeting for your cost of living in St. Croix is food. Luckily, the island has a wide variety of food options available, so you should be able to find something to suit your taste and budget.
If you're planning on cooking most of your meals at home, expect to spend around $200-$300 per month at grocery stores. There are plenty of fresh fruit vendors, and if you've ever traveled there you know those are the best places to buy from. However, if you prefer to eat out or want the convenience of having meals delivered, prices will be higher. A meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost around $30 per person, and delivery fees can range from $0-$15 depending on the restaurant.
Of course, the cost of food will also depend on your dietary preferences and needs. For example, if you require special foods or have specific dietary restrictions, your food costs may be higher than average. Overall, though, the cost of food in St. Croix is relatively reasonable compared to major cities like New York.
Cost of Transportation in St. Croix
Transportation is also an important factor to consider when budgeting for your cost of living in St. Croix. While the island is small, there are still a variety of transportation options available. The cost of transportation score is 9/10, with 10 being the cheapest.
If you plan on using public transportation, a one-way fare will cost you around $0.75-$0.90 depending on your destination. But, if you plan on renting a car, prices start at around $35 per day.
Of course, the most common form of transportation on the island is simply walking or biking. St. Croix is relatively flat, making it a great place to get around on foot or by bike. And, with the breathtaking scenery, it's an enjoyable way to get around as well! Biking is a great option for getting around St. Croix.
There are a few things to keep in mind when budgeting for transportation on St. Croix. First, gas prices are higher than average, so if you're renting a car, be sure to factor that into your budget.
Second, many of the roads on the island are in poor condition, so you'll want to factor in the cost of repairs if you're planning on driving. This can really add up, so it's something to keep in mind!
Lastly, parking can be difficult to find in some areas, so you may want to consider using public transportation or biking instead. If you do need to park, be sure to factor in the cost of parking fees.
Saint Croix Health Care
Healthcare is another important factor to consider when budgeting for your cost of living in St. Croix. There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to healthcare on the island.
First, there is only one hospital on the island, so if you have a serious medical emergency, you'll need to be airlifted to the mainland. This can be costly, so it's something to keep in mind.
Second, many of the doctors on the island are not fluent in English, so if you don't speak Spanish, you may have difficulty communicating with your doctor. They say health is wealth so this is definitely something to consider.
Miscellaneous Costs of Living in St. Croix
There are a few other things to keep in mind when budgeting for your cost of living in St. Croix. First, the island is a popular destination, so prices can be higher than average during peak season. If you're planning on visiting during this time, be sure to factor that into your budget.
Second, the island is prone to hurricanes, so you'll want to factor in the cost of windstorm insurance. This is something that many people don't think about, but it's definitely something to keep in mind. This is especially important if you plan on living there year-round which includes hurricane season.
The island also has a lot of history and culture, so there are many museums and historical sites to visit. If you're interested in learning about the island's history, be sure to factor in the cost of admission to these sites.
St. Croix is a U.S. territory so if you can work in the United States there is no need for a work visa. The minimum wage is $10.50, which is above the U.S. average. The local cost of living isn't super high, but if you can work as a digital nomad you will most likely have a more than modest standard of living.
Lastly, the cost of living in St. Croix will also depend on your lifestyle. If you plan on going out a lot or eating out often, you'll need to factor that into your budget. However, if you're more of a homebody, you can save a lot of money by cooking at home and avoiding the nightlife scene.
The cost of living in St. Croix is worth it with its beautiful beaches, stunning scenery, and rich history, the island has something for everyone. So, whether you're looking for a place to retire or a place to raise a family, St. Croix is a perfect choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Expensive to Live in St. Croix?
The average cost of living in St. Croix is $3,000. With an average cost of living of $3,000 that puts Saint Croix in the top 2% of the most expensive cities in the entire world.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the cost of living in St. Croix is higher than average. The US Virgin Islands has an overall cost of living index of 89.52 as St Croix doesn't have its own score. It can cost about $3,000 per month to live comfortably on the island. Of course, this number can fluctuate depending on your lifestyle and preferences. If you're looking for a beautiful place to retire, St. Croix is definitely worth considering.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when budgeting for your trip. Be sure to factor in the cost of food, transportation, and healthcare. With a little planning, you should be able to enjoy your time on the island without breaking the bank!
