Cost of Living in Jamaica

Updated: January 01, 2025

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 %

Dining Out

The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 5.12 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 45.85 USD.

Groceries

Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 2.93 USD, a loaf of bread 2.56 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 2.71 USD.

Transportation

Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 0.92 USD and a monthly pass around 32.75 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.

Utilities

For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 91.47 USD.

Sports and Recreation

For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 41.98 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 9.54 USD.

Childcare and Education

Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 219.18 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 1350.06 USD.

Clothing and Footwear

Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 27.59 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 56.58 USD.

Apartment Rentals

Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 490.68 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 317.43 USD.

Real Estate for Purchase

If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 3628.82 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 4194.08 USD.

Average Salary and Mortgage Rates

The average monthly net salary here is about 555.42 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 7.75% annually.

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.

Cost of Living in Jamaica

Jamaica

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Utilities (Monthly)

Sports And Leisure

Childcare

Clothing And Shoes

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment Price

Salaries And Financing