Cost of Living in Jamaica

If you've ever considered moving to Jamaica, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Jamaica?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Jamaica and whether the reported $1776 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $555.42.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
Jamaica
restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

5.12 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

45.85 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

6.52 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

1.97 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

3.28 $

Cappuccino (regular)

2.99 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

0.97 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

0.72 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

2.93 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

2.56 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

0.98 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

2.71 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

11.45 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

5.51 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

6.68 $

Apples (1 lb)

4.28 $

Banana (1 lb)

2.66 $

Oranges (1 lb)

2.55 $

Tomato (1 lb)

2.1 $

Potato (1 lb)

2.32 $

Onion (1 lb)

2.36 $

Lettuce (1 head)

1.84 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

1.01 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

9.83 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

2.0 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

2.65 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

9.17 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

0.92 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

32.75 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

1.31 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

3.28 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

9.5 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

1.22 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

38973.53 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

33234.0 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

91.47 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

0.06 $

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

40.53 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

41.98 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

9.54 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

9.83 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

219.18 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

1350.06 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

27.59 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

21.82 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

56.58 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

63.66 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

490.68 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

317.43 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

1041.62 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

664.35 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

3628.82 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

4194.08 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

555.42 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

7.75 %

Jamaica

How Safe Is Jamaica for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in Jamaica

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Jamaica is a country where you should be vigilant and take all possible precaution measures in order to minimize the risk of something going wrong, though it is, overall, somewhat safe to visit it.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Public transportation is not the safest or the most convenient option: it is very dangerous due to high levels of crime. Always call a reliable taxi service instead of hailing a taxi from the streets, since there have been reports of taxi drivers assaulting tourists.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

There is an extreme threat to petty crime. Pickpockets are practically an everyday occurrence in Jamaica. You should be extremely careful when handling your valuables and never carry your money in a purse or a pocket. Never carry all your money in the same place, and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

When it comes to natural disasters, there is a threat from hurricanes in Jamaica. The hurricane season lasts from June to November. You can also expect earthquakes.

MUGGING RISK: HIGH

There is also a high risk of getting mugged. Jamaica has a high level of violent crimes and it has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world; bear in mind that these crimes do not only happen to locals. Attacks occur both during the day and night.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Even though there haven't been any terrorist attacks in Jamaica's recent history, they shouldn't be ruled out. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

There is a medium possibility of getting scammed in Jamaica. Like in every country taxi drivers might try to overcharge you. Apart from that, double-check your change and negotiate everything in advance.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Jamaica isn't the safest place for a woman to be visiting alone. If you do, be sure to avoid remote streets, both during day and night, and do not flash your belongings or handle money in public. Stay out of the streets at night and be vigilant for any possible dangers at all times.

Useful Information & Tips
credit_card

Visas

Most countries do not need a visa in order to enter Jamaica. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 90 days past your date of return from Jamaica. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.

currency_exchange

Currency

The Jamaican dollar is the official currency in Jamaica. ATMs are widely available throughout the country and credit cards are accepted in most establishments, particularly in tourist areas.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

There are two types of climate predominant in Jamaica. There is the upland tropical climate characteristic for the windward side of the mountains, and the semiarid climate characteristic for the leeward side. There is also plenty of rainfall throughout the year, influenced by the warm trade winds from the east and northeast.

flight_takeoff

Airports

Tinson Pen Aerodrome, in Kingston, is the largest of Jamaica's three domestic airports. It is located on a major highway, Marcus Garvey Drive that connects Kingston to the nearby residential community of Portmore.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Jamaica, since it covers not only the costs medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Comparison of the Cost Of Living in Jamaica with other countries

Cost of living in countries