What to Eat
Food Costs
Many people will say that food is more expensive on St. Croix than the continent. This can be a perspective issue for some foods, depending on your comparison city. Since most food is imported, foods which are heavy, or require refrigeration (especially things which need to be frozen) tend to be proportionally more expensive.
Food prices, compared to the continental states can actually be lower for certain items. At the end of 2023, one website identified food costs as 6% higher in Washington D.C. than Christiansted: https://www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living/comparison/christiansted/washington-d-c
In fact, with the higher cost of housing, Washington D.C. had an overall 21% higher cost of living.
Another cost comparison site (xpatulator.com) estimated that $1,000 of groceries in New York would cost $1,070 in the USVI.
Cost of Living estimates can vary significantly and you may not buy all the same things, so do some research. Many grocery stores have online shopping with pricing, so go click some food for yourself.
Cost Of Living Comparison between St. Croix and Washington D.C. from Expatistan.com
There is a wide range from fine dining to food trucks. Some of the best foods are served in the most rustic surroundings. Saint Croix has some of the best food in the Virgin Islands. Be adventurous and try new things! You can explore some local gems on a walking food tour of Christiansted. If you do the tour early in your visit, you can then dine at your favorites later on.
In some cases the cost of eating out may not be significantly more than making your own food. This value can also be influenced by the environment, because eating isn't just about providing energy for your body. "The 78 Classic" at B.O.B. Restaurant is $17 (Dec. '23) with a beachside view; a similar burger stateside with a view of a parking lot is about $15. Dining on the beach can raise the experience value of the meal... definitely a cheeseburger in paradise.
Check out the most popular stores on St. Croix. Some grocery store websites have full shopping capabilities for pickup or delivery, which means that their websites have pricing you can compare for yourself. With a wide range from fresh farm stands to membership-style stores, there's many ways to find what you're looking for! If your accommodations have a kitchen or even a refrigerator, there are some basics which may be best found at a store or stand. Consider the advantages of food you buy in stores or bring... so that you can better enjoy the food trucks, bars, and restaurants.