The UA Virgin Islands are a group of Caribbean islands that are an unincorporated territory of the United States. The islands are located in the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles, and they form part of the Virgin Islands archipelago. The US Virgin Islands is made up of three large islands – St. Criox, St John and St Thomas – and 50 islets and cays. The islands are surrounded by coral reefs, making them a diver’s paradise.
If you’re considering moving to the U.S. Virgin Islands, there are a few things you should know about the cost of living and the general lifestyle on the islands. Keep reading for more information on what it’s like to live in this part of America.
Quick US Virgin Islands facts:
- Population: 106,778 (2022 estimate)
- Official Language:The official language is English and over two thirds of the population speak English as their first language and 17% of the population speak Spanish as their first language.
- GDP Per Capita:$37,233 USD (2018)
- Left hand side of road: The US Virgin Islands is the only American territory where you drive on the left hand side of the road.
- Currency: US Dollar (US$). As of 2022, £1.04 = $1, €0.93 = $1, $1.37 CAD = $1, $1.54 AUD = $1
1. Moving and Shipping Costs to the US Virgin Islands
Here are some sample container shipping rates to the US Virgin Islands from other countries.
2. US Virgin Islands Housing Costs
Housing costs in the U.S. Virgin Islands are generally expensive, especially on the island of Saint Thomas where the capital city, Charlotte Amalie, is located. On the other islands, housing costs are slightly cheaper but still expensive compared to most places in the United States.
Monthly Rental Prices in US Virgin Islands
- 1 bedroom apartment in City Centre: $1,517+
- 1 bedroom apartment outside the City Centre: $1,417+
- 3 bedroom apartment in City Centre: $3,061+
- 3 bedroom apartment outside the City Centre: $3,178+
- Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: $4,126.17+
- Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City: $4,484.96+
US Virgin Islands Housing Cost Comparison
This is how rents in US Virgin Islands compare with cities around the globe.
London is 57.19% more expensive
New York is 109.89% more expensive
Los Angeles is 46.40% more expensive
Toronto is 11.19% cheaper
Sydney is 9.33% cheaper
Paris is 22.98% cheaper
Dubai is 12.36% cheaper
Source: Numbeo
How to Save on Housing Costs
- Share an apartment or house. Have a look at the following sites to find your perfect room or flat mate: Iroommates, and Craigslist.
- Leasing
3. US Virgin Islands Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs
Food costs in the U.S. Virgin Islands are similar to food costs in the mainland United States. Groceries are typically more expensive than in the States, but restaurant meals are about the same.
There are many grocery stores and supermarkets located throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands, so it’s easy to find what you need. Popular grocery stores include Pueblo Supermarkets and Foodland.
There are also many restaurants on the islands, ranging from casual eateries to fine dining establishments. Popular restaurants include Duffy’s Love Shack on Saint Thomas and Aqua Bistro on Saint John.
Here are some of the prices of common food items.
- Inexpensive Restaurant: $25 – $50
- Takeout Coffee: $6 – $6
- Bottle of Coke: $1.50 – $3.50
- 1L of milk: $4.50 – $6.50
- Loaf of Bread: $4 – $6.50
- 12 Eggs: $3.50 – $3.99
- 1kg Chicken: $9.50– $14
- 1kg Beef: $9.99 – $19.50
- 1kg Apples: $2.20 – $5.30
- 1kg White Rice: $2.75 – $6.80
This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major cities in the world.
- London restaurants are 13.35% cheaper and groceries are 54.48% cheaper than US Virgin Islands
- New York restaurants are 21.61% more expensive and groceries are 4.51% cheaper than US Virgin Islands
- Los Angeles restaurants are 6.84% more expensive and groceries are 28.90% cheaper than US Virgin Islands.
- Toronto restaurants are 8.60% cheaper and groceries are 38.24% cheaper than US Virgin Islands.
- Sydney restaurants are 17.54% cheaper and groceries are 34.45% cheaper than US Virgin Islands.
- Paris restaurants are 21.19% cheaper and groceries are 38.32% cheaper than US Virgin Islands.
- Dubai restaurants are 10.29% cheaper and groceries are 55.02% cheaper than US Virgin Islands.
Source: Numbeo
Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries
- Know your supermarkets: US Virgin Islands have many independently owned grocery stores and ethnic stores as well as the usual supermarket chains. There are also farmers’ markets and shops which sell health foods and organic foods. Popular supermarkets in US Virgin Islands are Cost U Less, Pueblo Supermarket and Food Center.
- Different restaurants, different prices:When dining out, look for restaurants that offer discounts or special menus. Check out happy hour specials for deals on food and drinks. Have a look at the following suggestions –Blue Eleven, Oceana Restaurant and Bistro and The Twisted Cork Café. Plus search the following sites for alternatives: Trip Advisor, 10 Best and Family Destination Guide.
4. US Virgin Islands Alcohol Costs
Drinking is a popular pastime in US Virgin Islands. Alcohol is expensive in the U.S. Virgin Islands, especially on Saint Thomas. There are heavy fines to be paid if you are found in a public area with an open container containing alcohol which isn’t zoned for alcohol consumption.
- Pint (0.5L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: $4.50 – $7.00
- Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: $6.00 – $9.00
- Pint (0.5L) domestic beer at a supermarket: $4.00 – $4.45
- Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: $3.35 – $6.00
- Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: $7.75 – $9.25
How to drink for less in US Virgin Islands
- Buy alcohol at the duty-free shops located at the airport.
- Purchase alcohol at the local grocery stores, which typically have lower prices than the bars and restaurants.
Have a look at the following sites for more tips on where to go to save money on a night out – Travel Lemming, Trek Locals and Sonic Charters.
5. US Virgin Islands Transportation Fares
Public transportation fares in the U.S. Virgin Islands are relatively inexpensive. The main forms of public transportation on the islands is by bus and taxi. If you’re planning to rent a car, remember to drive on the left side of the road.
Here are some example ticket costs.
- Adult Single – $2.00
- One day ticket – $5.00
- Monthly season ticket, unlimited – $140.00
How to save money on public transport
- Buy a weekly ticket for 7 days of unlimited travel
- Buy a bike. Cycling is popular in US Virgin Islands.
- Many residents in the towns walk to wherever they want to go
6. Cost of Internet in the US Virgin Islands
Broadband in the US Virgin Islands is expensive, with the average price of a package coming in at $115 per month for 60Mbps (unlimited data, cable/fiber). The most popular ISPs in the US Virgin Islands include:
- Viya – $79.99 per month for 50Mbps
- Virgin Plus – $55 per month for 50Mbps
7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure
The climate of the US Virgin Islands is tropical, with warm weather all year round. The average temperature is 27C. The rainy season usually starts in May and continues through to November. Heavy rainfall and tropical storms are common and it can be extremely humid. The dry season is hot and sunny, with little or no rainfall.
Here are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.
- Pair of Jeans: $45
- Summer Dress: $45
- Running Shoes (Trainers): $65
- Business Shoes: $100
- Short Doctor’s visit (15 mins): $123
- Deodorant: $3.50-4.75
- Shampoo: $4.49-6.45
- Toilet Paper (4 rolls): $4.45-$6.55
- Gym membership: $100 per month
- Movie (cinema) ticket: $8
Source: Numbeo and Expatistan
8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in the US Virgin Islands
The cost of owning a car in the U.S. Virgin Islands is high, due to the price of petrol/diesel and car insurance which are high than in the US. If you have an American driving licence, you can happily drive on it throughout your stay. Any other licence requires you to have an International Driving Licence.
Americans can easily ship their cars to the USVI. Foreigners are advised to buy on the island. There are always expats leaving so you can pick up used cars at bargain prices.
Here are some other sample costs of owning and driving a car in US Virgin Islands:
- Volkswagen Golf:$45,000
- 1 litre (¼ gallon) of gas (petrol):$1.33
- Other fees (if any):The average cost of state and local taxes, license, title and registration fees is $695 per annum
Source: Numbeo and Expatistan
Ways to save money driving in US Virgin Islands
The Virgin Islands do not have Uber or Lyft but there are several taxi companies and private drivers on St. Thomas. When arriving at any of the major airports or ferry terminals, it’s typical to share a taxi with strangers. Vans that seat up to eight people are popular among tourists visiting St. Croix.
Need your car/vehicle moved to US Virgin Islands? Then read our guide to: Car Transport & Vehicle Shipping
9. Taxes in US Virgin Islands
There is no personal income tax in US Virgin Islands. There is also no sales tax in US Virgin Islands, but there is 4% charged on every businesses gross income.
If you own your home, you will be subject to 1.25% property tax based on the area in which you live and the size of the property you live in. Learn more about property tax in US Virgin Islands at Global Property Guide.
Finally, if you decide to an apartment or house in US Virgin Islands, you’ll have to pay real estate transfer tax.
10. Flight Costs from the US Virgin Islands
If you do make the move to US Virgin Islands, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major cities based on lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner.
- London: $331
- New York: $114
- Los Angeles: $193
- Toronto: $331
- Vancouver: $243
- Dubai: $516
- Sydney: $743
- Melbourne: $780
- Cape Town: $820
- Hong Kong: $570
Other US Virgin Islands Relocation Tips
The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in US Virgin Islands but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.
11. Relocating to the US Virgin Islands Alone
The US Virgin Islands are a wonderful place to live, work, and play. With its beautiful beaches, interesting history, and friendly people, there’s something for everyone in the US Virgin Islands. Here are some ways to meet people on US Virgin Islands.
- Meetups:US Virgin Islands has many Meetup groups covering a wide range of activities from surfing to architecture.
- Attend local events: There is always something going on in the US Virgin Islands and many of the activities are free. Have a look at the following sites for inspiration – TripAdvisor, and Expedia.
12. Moving to the US Virgin Islands with a Family
If you’re moving to US Virgin Islands with family, there are a few things you should know. There are several activities and attractions that are family-friendly, and there are many schools to choose from.
- New parents (or parents to be): Check out Course for Parents and Baby’s First Test for advice, courses and ways to meet other parents or parents to be.
- Live in a family friendly area:St Thomas is very popular with families. It’s away from the tourist hub, house prices are lower and it’s a quiet neighbourhood, close to the beach and with parks and green spaces. Have a look at the following sites for information on family friendly areas to live in: VI Moving Hub, Islands and The Family Guide.
- Find things to do with the kids:US Virgin Islands have lots for children to do. Have a look at the following website for inspiration Trip Advisor.
13. Moving to the US Virgin Islands for Work
Moving to a new country for work is one of the most common reasons people choose to move. While it is possible to move without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move. Note that the cost of living in the US Virgin Islands is higher than the States but the salaries are generally lower.
Hospitality and tourism are the major employers but much of this work is seasonal. Jobs are available in education, law, accountancy, medicine and various other professions.
Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:
- Salary:Salaries in US Virgin Islands are not as high as the US. The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea, how much more you’ll want to be making to make the move worthwhile. You can also check salary ranges on sites such as Salary Expert and Glassdoor.
- How to find work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to US Virgin Islands, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: Indeed, Glassdoor, Monsterand LinkedIn. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.
14. Moving to the US Virgin Islands from Australia
If you are thinking of moving from Australia to US Virgin Islands, here are a few things to consider.
- Size comparison:The population of the US Virgin Islands is approximately 106,000, while the population of Australia is over 25 million. Australians may struggle with ‘small island’ living as the land area of the US Virgin Islands is only 346 sq kms.
- Join expat groups:MeetUp, and Internations offer ways of meeting up with other Australians in US Virgin Islands.
15. Moving to the US Virgin Islands from Canada
There are a very small group of Canadians living in US Virgin Islands. If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.
- Size:The US Virgin Islands land mass is only 346 sq kms. Canadians who are used to wide open spaces may battle with the lack of space.
- Expat groups:Meeting up with fellow Canadians helps the moving process. Link up through sites such as Internations and Meetup.
16. Moving to the US Virgin Islands from the United Kingdom
If you’re moving to US Virgin Islands from the UK, there are a few things you should know. The process is relatively simple, but there are a few things you’ll need to do in order to make the transition smoothly.
- Size: The US Virgin Islands land mass covers a mere 346 sq kms which may cause island fever in those not prepared.
- Expat groups:If you want to get together with others from the UK who are enjoying the little bit of paradise, then go to Internations and Meetup.
Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to US Virgin Islands you can start by comparing moving quotes here.
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