While St. Thomas may be a nice place to live, we say “avoid” due to the high cost of living. Apartments rent for about $2,000 a month and buying a two-bedroom house in a good neighborhood will cost about $285,000-plus.

Living in St. Thomas, USVI, in 2026 is generally considered expensive, with a cost of living roughly 33% higher than the U.S. national average. Housing is the most significant hurdle; the average monthly rent for a standard apartment is approximately $1,800 to $2,500, depending on the view and proximity to Charlotte Amalie. Because nearly 90% of all goods are imported, groceries and utilities (especially electricity) are significantly more costly than on the mainland. A single person should budget at least $3,800 per month to live comfortably. While the lack of state income tax is a financial benefit, it is often offset by the high cost of vehicle maintenance and "island pricing" on essential services. For those earning a mainland salary remotely, it can be manageable, but for local wage earners, affordability remains a significant challenge.