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AverageCostOfLiving
Average cost of living in Jamaica — 2 cities compared on rent, groceries, transport, and salaries in USD.
Caribbean Updated

Average Cost of Living in Jamaica

The average cost of living in Jamaica ranges from $169 per month in Alexandria-Jamaica to $1,742 per month in Kingston-Jamaica, with a median monthly basket of $1,742 for a single person. We track 2 cities in Jamaica.

Prices in USD, refreshed regularly. Click any city for the full price breakdown.

On this page 3 sections
Section Description
Jamaica at a glance Headline numbers across 2 cities.
Cities in Jamaica Sort by cheapest, most expensive, A–Z, or cost index.
Frequently asked about Jamaica Common questions about prices, salaries, and relocating.
Cities tracked
2
Median monthly · single
$1,742
Average cost index
21.7
NYC = 100
Most / least expensive
Kingston-Jamaica / Alexandria-Jamaica

Browse cities

2 cities shown

About cost of living in Jamaica

How expensive is Jamaica?
Jamaica has 2 cities tracked in our dataset. Costs vary considerably across the country: Alexandria-Jamaica is among the most affordable, while Kingston-Jamaica ranks among the most expensive.
How much money do I need to live in Jamaica?
Budget anywhere from $169 per month in Alexandria-Jamaica (the cheapest tracked city) to $1,742 per month in Kingston-Jamaica (the most expensive). Pick the city that matches your work and lifestyle, then add 15–25% on top of the basket for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending.
What is the cheapest city in Jamaica?
Alexandria-Jamaica typically offers the lowest cost of living in Jamaica, especially on rent and groceries. Salaries are usually lower too — compare both before relocating.
Which city in Jamaica has the best quality of life for expats?
The best fit depends on your work and lifestyle. Capital cities offer the most amenities, English-speaking services, and international communities, while regional cities trade those for affordability and a slower pace.
Is the cost-of-living data for Jamaica up to date?
Prices are normalized to USD and refreshed periodically. Currency fluctuations can shift dollar-denominated costs even when local prices are stable, so use the figures as a relative comparison rather than a precise quote.