Cost of St. Croix Living
Groceries, gas, entertainment – all of these things are part of everyday living. They are also a cost of St. Croix living – literally.
When we began our research regarding our upcoming move to St. Croix, we discovered that the cost of living on St. Croix was more expensive than living in American Fork, Utah. We decided that the benefits of living on St. Croix would outweigh the costs associated with living there.
Let’s break it down!
Groceries
Groceries have been the most expensive things (comparatively) since moving here. We are pretty simple when it comes to cooking. While we are not able to get exactly what we were eating back in Utah, we are able to get most things. Here are some items from our most recent grocery trip:
Mozzarella (2lb. bag) – $10.99
Pure Honey (1lb.) – $12.99
4-Pack Kirkland Bacon – $16.99
Nestle Chocolate Chips (2lb. bag) – $7.49
Tillamook Sharp Cheddar (1lb. block) $10.99
Tillamook Salted Butter 1lb. – $4.99
Malt O’ Meal Tootie Fruities – $4.99
1 Gallon Blue Bunny Vanilla Ice Cream – $8.99
Kirkland Organic Tortilla Chips – $8.99
2 – 16oz. Philadelphia Whipped Cream Cheese – $9.99
Generic Boxed Mac & Cheese – $0.69 per box
Dozen XL eggs – 2 for $3.00 (a couple of weeks ago they were 3 dozen for $5.00)
1 Can Campbell’s Cream of Chicken – $2.59
Old Spice Deodorant – $5.19
Frito Lay 50 Count Chips – $12.49
Vlasic Kosher Baby Dill Pickles – $4.99
Prime Whole Mushrooms – $3.69
Braeburn Apples – $1.99 per pound
Hamburger Buns 16 Count – $4.98
3 Heads Romaine Hearts – $4.99
Frozen Chicken Breasts – $21.99
Quaker Quick Oats – $4.48
Gasoline
Current price of gas on
St. Croix is $2.59 per gallon.
Entertainment
This is something we haven’t really experienced first-hand….yet. We have been trying to conserve our funds and when you are doing that, entertainment is typically one of the first things that can be cut from a strict budget.
We are simple people. We spend most of our time entertaining ourselves by playing board games and reading. However, there are certainly other options on the island beyond beaches and outdoor exploration.
Television
We haven’t had “regular” television for more than 10 years. We also haven’t rented a movie for a really long time. We have a Roku player that we can stream Netflix and use our Amazon Prime too. I haven’t seen any options like Redbox on island yet as most people go the route of streaming devices.
Movies
The Caribbean Cinema on St. Croix at Sunny Isle Shopping Center mid-island is a great entertainment option. Prices are comparable to mainland prices; an adult ticket costs $9.50. The cinema has been completely renovated and has a large arcade to also entertain.
Bowling
If bowling is your thing, St. Croix boasts the ONLY bowling alley in the Caribbean. So you can check out Tropical Ten Pins Bowling Center and get a couple of strikes!
Crab Races
In the early evenings (between 5:00 or 5:30pm) on Monday’s, Wednesday’s and Friday’s, crab races with Tito and Sue can be enjoyed at a couple of different locations on the island. We definitely want to check these out!
Library
There are public libraries on King Street in Christiansted and Strand Street in Frederiksted . We have not gotten our library cards yet….but it is just another item on our “to do” list!
Mall
Connected to Kmart West on Queen Mary Highway is Sunshine Mall. It is simple but air conditioned with plenty of space to walk around. You can also wander the shops at The Sunny Isle Shopping Center .
Theater
Of course we can’t leave out the local community theater – Caribbean Community Theater. We haven’t been very involved here yet…but we look forward to making contributions with our time and talents and seeing some great shows.
As you can see, many things are comparable to the cost of items you might find in your own city on the mainland. There are a few things that are a little more expensive but not too bad. There has only been one thing, so far, that I have not been able to find in the grocery stores and that is buttermilk – of all things – random! I just made a substitute and it worked all right. I have learned to be resourceful!
Taking into consideration the price of real estate, we have found it to be much more economical for us to live in St. Croix, regardless of expensive groceries. We love the beauty, simplicity, sense of community, and adventure St. Croix has to offer.
Tell us about the cost of living where
you are in the world in a comment below!
Comments
The movie theater actually has $5 tickets on Tuesdays! It’s a slammin’ deal and much cheaper than Stateside prices. In addition to that, you can get an XL popcorn and drink for under $10, and they have a kids size package I think for $5? I LOVE that our movie theater is so affordable 🙂
Crab races are a MUST DO! You pay $2 per crab, but if it is your birthday, anniversary, or other celebratory event, you get a free crab! The most kid-friendly location is Deep End at Tamarind Reef, and I definitely recommend going 🙂
Check for buttermilk at Seaside Market or Quality Foods (kind of near the bowling alley) next time if you don’t want to sub or use vinegar <3 Hope that helps!
Thank you!!! We definitely appreciate the tips from someone who has been on the island for a bit! You’re awesome!
You two will do just fine because I know you to be resourceful people. Love hearing from you both.
Thanks, Candy! We appreciate your confidence and support!
we are thinking seriously of clearing the clutter and taking the leap to st Croix with the cats and do it…
what are your greatest challenges ? ship a car or buy one there? thinking of a live aboard boat for us- any challenges on that front you know of? locals? crime rate? overall experience?
thx. MJ
It has been some time since I have responded to comments on our blog. Thank you for reaching out. Explore more of our posts and you will be able to find answers to your questions. Thanks for checking out our blog!
Are you still living in St. Croix? If not, why did you leave? I’m thinking of relocating from Southern California to St. Croix, but not sure if the cost of living will be comparable. Thoughts?
Thanks for being patient and waiting for a response!
We are still living on St. Croix and loving it! Cost of living might be comparable to Southern California….from what I know from visiting there. Take the step and create change!