Are you considering a move to Kingston, Jamaica, and wondering about the cost of living? Kingston is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Kingston and help you understand whether $2239 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $726.27.
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Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
6.46 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
64.56 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
7.75 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
2.26 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
3.23 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
3.84 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
1.2 $ |
|
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
0.77 $ |
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|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
4.28 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
3.22 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
1.43 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
3.8 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
14.19 $ |
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
7.24 $ |
|
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
8.13 $ |
|
|
Apples (1 lb) |
5.85 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
2.97 $ |
|
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
4.14 $ |
|
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
2.72 $ |
|
|
Potato (1 lb) |
2.52 $ |
|
|
Onion (1 lb) |
2.25 $ |
|
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
2.65 $ |
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
1.54 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
10.65 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
2.57 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
3.36 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
9.04 $ |
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|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
0.97 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
38.73 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
1.45 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
3.23 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
4.67 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.39 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
45189.95 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
34053.85 $ |
|
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
152.67 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
49.15 $ |
|
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
72.62 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
16.14 $ |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
9.68 $ |
|
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
264.68 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
2169.12 $ |
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|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
36.31 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
29.45 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
73.32 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
72.86 $ |
|
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
663.88 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
359.01 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
1372.44 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
961.81 $ |
|
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
2395.12 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
1875.74 $ |
|
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
726.27 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
8.14 % |
|
The monthly expenses for living in Kingston come to a total of approximately $2239. This includes an average monthly rent of around $663 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $177 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $837 per month.
Living in Kingston appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $726.27. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Kingston, you would likely need an income exceeding $726.27.
In Kingston, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $726.27, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Kingston is approximately $663. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $359.01 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Kingston can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $637 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in Jamaica can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout Jamaica.
When the overall crime risk is in question, the crime levels are high in Kingston. Gang violence and shootings are common. Credit card and ATM fraud are increasing in Kingston, so take care when using credit cards and be aware of your surroundings when using ATMs.
You can drive here, but if you do not know the city of Kingston, it is advisable not to drive in the city. You might get in trouble and a real danger if you get lost in the dangerous city areas. Road accidents and fatalities are common due to speeding and drink-driving. Only use Jamaica Tourist Board approved taxis or minibusses with a prominent blue JTB sticker on the front windscreen. You will recognize official taxis if it has red license plates that start with PPV. If you ride a motorcycle, you must wear a helmet.
Pickpockets aim is always a robbery and tourists are frequent targets. There are mobile police patrols everywhere, but you still should not walk alone in isolated areas even during the day. Pickpockets usually operate around ATMs, so be very watchful when taking money from ATMs. Also, avoid using buses at night. Sometimes even hotels and resorts robberies can occur. If you are attacked or robbed, it is better not to resist, since criminals are often armed and you could be seriously injured or even killed.
Kingston’s possible natural risks are hurricanes and tropical storms. Jamaica is also prone to earthquakes.
There have been some reports of violent criminal acts, such as armed robbery, murder, and rape and that is a serious problem in Jamaica, particularly in Kingston. Areas that need to be avoided are Tivoli Gardens, Whitfield Town, Payne Land, West Kingston, Grant’s Pen, August Town, Denham Town and Hannah Town among many other districts. Gang violence and the risk of robbery when traveling to and from Norman Manley International Airport increases at night so be very watchful.
As in any other city, the possibility of attacks cannot be ruled out. There is a heightened threat of terrorism everywhere, but there were no recent reports in Jamaica.
When it comes to scam risk, you should pay attention to the taxi meters to be turned on since taxi drivers might try to take advantage of you as a tourist. The Jamaican lottery scam is one that targets the elderly, because they have a lot of money, and are often lonely. Some victims have lost their life savings or hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Violent crimes which include sexual assault and robbery are frequent here and they often happen after a person has taken 'spiked' food or drink. Friendly strangers are to be avoided and do not accept anything from them. Even the resort staff might be dangerous and try to take advantage of female tourists.
For most travelers, a visa is not required when entering Jamaica and the only necessary documentation is the valid passport. This is only for less than 6 months stay. The date when you must leave Jamaica will be stamped in your passport. For longer stays, you need to contact the Jamaican Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency. Another entry requirement is a yellow fever certificate, as well as arrival and departure taxes, which are usually included in the cost of your ticket.
The official currency in Jamaica is the Jamaican dollar, but the US dollar is widely accepted. ATMs can be found everywhere and credit cards are accepted, too.
When it comes to weather, Jamaica is subject to hurricanes and the hurricane season lasts from June to November. It is a hot country with a tropical climate, specifically a tropical wet-and-dry climate.
Norman Manley International Airport, located on the island, overlooking Kingston Harbour is served by Air Canada, Air Jamaica, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, etc.
Being a country with a lot of risks and criminal, travel insurance should certainly be one of the must obtained thing when coming to Jamaica.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 85°F | 85°F | 85°F | 87°F | 87°F | 89°F | 89°F | 89°F | 89°F | 88°F | 87°F | 86°F |
| Temp | 79°F | 79°F | 80°F | 81°F | 82°F | 84°F | 84°F | 84°F | 83°F | 82°F | 81°F | 80°F |
| Low | 74°F | 74°F | 75°F | 77°F | 78°F | 79°F | 79°F | 79°F | 79°F | 78°F | 77°F | 75°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 29°C | 29°C | 29°C | 30°C | 30°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 30°C | 30°C |
| Temp | 26°C | 26°C | 26°C | 27°C | 27°C | 28°C | 28°C | 28°C | 28°C | 27°C | 27°C | 26°C |
| Low | 23°C | 23°C | 23°C | 25°C | 25°C | 26°C | 26°C | 26°C | 26°C | 25°C | 25°C | 23°C |