Are you considering a move to Montego Bay, Jamaica, and wondering about the cost of living? Montego Bay 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 Montego Bay and help you understand whether $1725 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $494.94.
|
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) |
6.46 $ |
|
|
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 $ |
|
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
2.55 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
2.43 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
1.1 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
2.79 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
14.19 $ |
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
7.09 $ |
|
|
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) |
2.13 $ |
|
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
2.72 $ |
|
|
Potato (1 lb) |
2.52 $ |
|
|
Onion (1 lb) |
2.25 $ |
|
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
1.72 $ |
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
1.24 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
10.33 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
2.24 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
2.71 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
9.04 $ |
|
|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
0.97 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
56.14 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
0.65 $ |
|
|
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) |
32278.53 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
21949.4 $ |
|
|
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) |
35.4 $ |
|
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
38.73 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
6.46 $ |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
6.46 $ |
|
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
76.03 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
1065.19 $ |
|
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
23.67 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
20.44 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
51.65 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
60.25 $ |
|
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
268.99 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
461.39 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
677.85 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
451.9 $ |
|
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
-- |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
-- |
|
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
494.94 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
8.0 % |
|
The monthly expenses for living in Montego Bay come to a total of approximately $1725. This includes an average monthly rent of around $268 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $170 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $778 per month.
Living in Montego Bay appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $494.94. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Montego Bay, you would likely need an income exceeding $494.94.
In Montego Bay, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $494.94, 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 Montego Bay is approximately $268. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $461.39 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Montego Bay can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $574 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.
In general, Montego Bay can be safe if you follow common sense and be careful at night. Central areas may be less secure than the outskirts. Any contact with drug dealers and prostitutes should be avoided.
Public transport is well distributed and reliable. However, it is worth watching your pockets, and things as pickpockets can wield. Taxis are preferred if you return to the hotel late at night. Use only licensed taxi services.
Pickpockets are more common on beaches and in crowded places. At the bazaars, they may also try to distract you and empty your pockets at this time. Always be mindful of your surroundings. Local can be very intrusive if they see you as a tourist. However, if you firmly tell them no, they will lag behind you.
Jamaica is subject to many natural hazards. The island is located in the hurricane belt and has survived many hurricanes. Jamaica also has a history of seismic activity. Strong earthquakes affected Montego Bay and Kingston in 1958. Investigate reliable sources for these risks before you travel here.
Armed robberies also sometimes occur in the region. Most often, this is a showdown between drug dealers. However, tourists can also become an accidental victim of an attack. Avoid walking at Montego Bay late at night and alone. Do not be in the dangerous areas of the city alone.
Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Jamaica, the possibility of attacks cannot be ruled out. Explore the political situation on the island before your trip. It is best to avoid mass crowds, political, and other rallies.
Most Montego Bay scams involve lottery tickets when you are offered to buy them to win. Be sure you will lose. Also, tourists can be deceived with the price of trinkets and taxi rides. Haggle and discuss the cost of the trip in advance.
In Montego Bay, women are better off traveling in the company. If you walk alone, especially at night and in disadvantaged areas, then there is a high probability of becoming a victim of the increased and persistent attention of local men. Use a taxi to return to the hotel late at night, always get behind the driver and close the windows of the car.
Visitors to Jamaica must obtain a visa from one of the Jamaican diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the 116 countries designated as visa-exempt countries or countries whose citizens may obtain a visa on arrival. Most Commonwealth Citizens can visit Jamaica for up to 180 days visa-free. A valid passport is a must.
The Jamaican Dollar is the currency of Jamaica. The currency code for Dollars is JMD, and the currency symbol is J$. It is divided into 100 cents.
The best time to visit Montego Bay, Jamaica, is from November to mid-December when the weather is pleasant, and the room rates are reasonable. Average temperatures in Montego Bay vary very little, and the weather feels hot all year with a low chance of precipitation most of the year.
Sangster International Airport is an international airport located 5 km east of Montego Bay, Jamaica. The airport is capable of handling nine million passengers per year. It serves as the most popular airport for tourists visiting the north coast of Jamaica.
The travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 83°F | 83°F | 84°F | 85°F | 86°F | 88°F | 89°F | 89°F | 88°F | 87°F | 85°F | 84°F |
| Temp | 78°F | 78°F | 79°F | 80°F | 81°F | 83°F | 83°F | 83°F | 82°F | 82°F | 81°F | 79°F |
| Low | 74°F | 73°F | 74°F | 75°F | 77°F | 78°F | 78°F | 78°F | 78°F | 77°F | 76°F | 75°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 28°C | 28°C | 28°C | 29°C | 30°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 30°C | 29°C | 28°C |
| Temp | 25°C | 25°C | 26°C | 26°C | 27°C | 28°C | 28°C | 28°C | 27°C | 27°C | 27°C | 26°C |
| Low | 23°C | 22°C | 23°C | 23°C | 25°C | 25°C | 25°C | 25°C | 25°C | 25°C | 24°C | 23°C |