Cost of Living Series: The Cost to Live in Jamaica

Wondering what it would be like to live on the tropical island of Jamaica? After dreaming of the relaxing lifestyle, gorgeous views, lively music, and heavenly foods, you're likely on to other realistic factors of moving to the Caribbean.

Have you considered the cost to live in Jamaica? Perhaps you have. Or maybe you've been a little carried away with everything else the island offers.

Whatever the case, this helpful Cost of Living Series blog will guide you through what Jamaica's cost of living looks like. Read on to discover just how affordable this Caribbean Island is.

Why Choose Jamaica?

Without a doubt, the cost to live in Jamaica is significantly lower than in the United States and other countries. But so are other nations. So, why choose Jamaica?

Simply put, Jamaica is a stunning, lively, and culture-rich place to call home. Those who have made the move to Jamaica rave about endless entertainment, irresistible food, friendly neighbors, and dazzling sights. Here are some more specific reasons why Jamaica is a wonderful place to live.

• Affordable
• Warm year-round (71 degrees to 96 degrees)
• Wide range of entertainment, like historical sites, beaches, mountains, nightclubs, and more.
• Diverse culture
• Exciting music
• Laid-back lifestyle
• Excellent location to start a business

What Does it Cost to Live in Jamaica?

Jamaica has a relatively low cost of living compared to many other countries. Including rent, consumer prices are around 40% lower in Jamaica than in the US. Rent alone is 60% lower, a huge incentive for those considering moving to Jamaica.

You'll also enjoy lower living costs than Panama, Cuba, Spain, and Greece. However, Jamaica ranks a little higher in costs than Romania, Vietnam, and Malaysia.

In the following sections, we break down the cost to live in Jamaica by all the essentials:

• Housing
• Food and drink
• Transportation
• Entertainment

Housing

The reduced cost of housing is one of the most attractive qualities of moving to Jamaica. Renting an apartment in a major city, such as Kingston, will cost you around $495 USD ($73,500 JMD) to $1,025 USD ($151,500 JMD). In contrast to the top US cities, like New York, Orlando, and Chicago, these numbers are incredibly enticing.

What's more, renting can be as cheap as $290 USD ($43,000 JMD) for a one-bedroom apartment outside of the big cities. You can also find a house to rent around this same price or up to $5,000 USD per month in prime locations.

As you may assume, buying a luxury home in Jamaica is pricey. However, the cost to live in Jamaica in a humbler dwelling is still remarkable when looking at real estate in the US.

Aside from costs, Jamaican homes are an exciting feature alone. In most American cities, you'll find similar architectural styles and interior designs. However, Jamaican dwellings come in a wide variety of styles, often quirky and far more fascinating in comparison.

Food and Drink

It's no surprise that Jamaican cuisine is adored and appreciated worldwide. The dishes are a beautiful combination of many cultures, like French, Indian, Chinese, Spanish, and, of course, Caribbean. This diverse influence creates unique and delicious flavors that draw in tourists throughout the year from all over the world.

Compared to American restaurants, dining out in Jamaica is very affordable, allowing you to try hundreds of the irresistible flavor combinations that make up Jamaican cuisine. For instance, an average meal from a local joint may cost you just $4 USD ($600 JMD). And indulging in a fancy three-course dinner for two is about $40 USD ($6,000 JMD).

Furthermore, cooking up your own meals is also inexpensive. However, some grocery items are more expensive in Jamaica than in the US, like milk and bread. Otherwise, fresh fruits, veggies, and meats are certainly affordable.

Here are just a few examples:

• Chicken Breasts (2 pounds)- $4.25 USD or $630 JMD
• Eggs (1 dozen)- $2.55 USD or $380 JMD
• White Rice (2 pounds)- $0.90 USD or $140 JMD

Transportation

If you're living in Jamaica, you'll likely purchase a car as your primary mode of transportation. However, they do have public bus systems and taxis. And it's easy to do local errands and visit your favorite spots in town by bike or foot.

Buying a car isn't as affordable as other elements of the cost to live in Jamaica. For instance, a new Toyota Corolla costs about $21,500 USD in the US, while it costs around $26,500 in Jamaica. It's a small price to pay when choosing Jamaica as your new home.

Luckily, there are plenty of used vehicles to pick from, too. Still, they may be a bit pricier than buying a used car in the US.

Other than having your own vehicle to conveniently travel on this lush and vibrant island, there is affordable public transportation:

• Local bus one-way ticket- $0.70 USD or $100 JMD
• Local bus monthly pass- $33 USD or $5,000 JMD

Entertainment

Let's not forget how much there is to do on this thrilling yet relaxed island. Many activities will cost you close to nothing! Explore the remarkable rainforests, hike the mountainsides, or read a book on the beach with the unreal view of jewel-toned waters. A simple stroll through the major cities of Jamaica is also plenty of entertainment with stunning architecture and fascinating people-watching.

As far as the costs for more established activities on the island, they are slightly less than their counterparts in the US:

• Two movie tickets- $18 USD or $2,600 JMD
• One cocktail at a local pub- $5.10 or $755 JMD
• One Hour Rental at the Tennis Courts- $11.70 USD or $1,762.50 JMD

CITED: Numbeo.com, Retirepedia.com, Sailrockliving.com