I lived in both IAD and STX throughout my career. STX is far more expensive then IAD for example.
It's not only just housing. It's food, clothes, Milk etc etc.
I lasted 4 months before I bugged out.
It is a nice little company, but a nice company that pays crap doesn't change the fact that your broke.
Also just like you said island living is not for everyone. People think oh it's paradise. It's paradise for people on vacation.
Again it's a nice company, but if your tired of living with 3 other guys in a cramped 1 bedroom then it's not for you.
I thought it was awesome for about 2 weeks, then reality set in.